In recognition of the 30th anniversary of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the University of Arkansas has partnered with TheatreSquared to present a special evening, "Champion a Violence-Free Society," designed to build awareness of domestic violence in the U of A and NWA communities.

The event will be from 5-9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, at TheatreSquared, Walton Arts Center's Nadine Baum Studios, 505 W. Spring St., Fayetteville.

The evening features a community, soul-food inspired dinner catered by Kinley's, and a special twilight performance of The Champion, a new play by Amy Evans. The play, inspired by the life of legendary musician Nina Simone, tells the story of how a group of artists rely on the extraordinary music they make together to heal the scars of violence and provides a vital framework to analyze the destructive impact of cycles of violence on individuals, families, communities and, ultimately, the nation.

After the play, there will be an interactive public forum designed to create a space for dialogue with community members, the playwright, cast members, scholars, activists, and audience that aims to amplify the voices of survivors of domestic and sexual abuse and explore the role of storytelling and art to help confront and heal trauma. The evening culminates with dessert and more free-flowing discussion. This event is free to all students, faculty, staff and SNAP recipients.

Schedule:

• 5 p.m.: Reception and free community dinner
• 6: Free twilight performance of The Champion
• 7:30: interactive community forum
• 8:15: Free dessert and free-flowing discussion

To make a reservation, go to the Online Reservation Form.

Please note that reservations are appreciated, but not required. Doors will open at 5 p.m. to begin ticketing. If you do not have a reservation, free tickets will be on a first come, first served basis. Pending availability, free standby tickets will be made available to the general public at 5:15 p.m.

This event is sponsored by the University of Arkansas — including the J William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, African and African American Studies Program, Department of Theatre, Department of Housing, School of Social Work— Block Street Records, African American Business Resource Group–Walmart, and TheatreSquared's Lights Up! for Access and the Walmart Foundation.

Community Partners: NWA Center for Sexual Assault, Let's Talk NWA, Magdalene Serenity House, Northwest Arkansas Women's Shelter, and No Woman Left Behind, and Peace at Home Family Shelter.