Darwin Turner Action Theatre

Darwin Turner Action Theatre, the social outreach component for The UI Theatre Arts Department, presents dynamic, thought-provoking pieces of theatre for social and cultural awareness. The presentations include

• interactive folk tales
• 10-minute and one-act plays
• developmental scenes based on requested issues.

Previous topics include (but are not limited to):

• race/cultural identity
• gender
• racial/age/sexual discrimination
• historical biographies and events

With offerings for all ages, DTAT's performances and workshops are interactive and aimed to provoke awareness and discussion.

Since its founding as Black Action Theatre in the late 1960’s, the group has exposed Iowa audiences to African-American culture, thus promoting knowledge and understanding to people of different backgrounds. DTAT is now more culturally and socially inclusive, reflecting the growing diversity of our state and country.

Participation

Students may participate in the Darwin Turner Action Theatre in several ways. Each fall a course is offered (Theatre for Social Outreach) in the Theatre Arts Department, taught by Professor Tisch Jones. Students may take the course for credit or may audit it. During the semester they study the philosophy and methods related to Theatre for Social Outreach, and begin to create plays that will be presented in schools and civic organizations during the spring term. In the spring another course is offered for those who would like to perform the plays around the state. One does not need to enroll in the course, or even be a student, to participate.

For further information, contact Tisch Jones (tisch-jones@uiowa.edu).

Performances

If your school or organization is interested in presenting work by the Darwin Turner Action Theatre, contact the Art Share office.