Published on June 26, 2018 | SI Live | Written by Gracelyn Santos
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — As part of June’s Gun Violence Awareness Month, Sundog Theatre recently presented Art Heals, Violence Hurts, a free event for families and teens at the St. George Theatre.
“No one has provided an effective solution to violent incidents perpetrated by young people who feel isolated or bullied,” said Sundog’s Executive Director Susan Fenley. “We propose a credible answer by encouraging young people to unite with a supportive community through the arts to end isolation and victimization.”
Present at Art Heals, Violence Hurts were Councilwoman Debi Rose (D-North Shore), Deputy Borough President Ed Burke, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, and Assemblyman Matthew Titone (D-North Shore), all of whom spoke in support of this innovative use of the arts to resolve conflict.
Art Heals, Violence Hurts was sponsored by Council Majority Leader Laurie A. Cumbo and funded by Councilwoman Rose.
This free event had a live DJ, pop-up recording booth, free giveaways, performances, speakers, healthy snacks, and community service organizations with information and engagement activities for children.
“It works,” added Fenley. “These teens are speaking out through the arts. By doing so, they discover talents, gain support, and make healthier decisions.”
As the only S.I. recipient of the citywide Anti-Gun Violence/Art as a Catalyst for Change initiative, Sundog is among only 18 NYC arts organizations chosen for this award.
Sundog has been presenting original and contemporary theatre for 16 years. The company is unique to the borough in that it also presents in-school programming rooted in theatre, visual arts, dance, music, and literacy.
Councilwoman Rose is a proponent of the program, saying, “Our Arts as a Catalyst for Change initiative engages young people so they can explore their creativity while affecting positive change in their communities.
Joining Sundog in using the arts as a springboard to further dialogue and resolutions: Reps from Art Lab, True 2 Life, S.I. Youth Justice, S.I. Partnership for Community Wellness, Projectivity, Illuminart, and Pride Center of S.I.
Conversations ensued among the groups, parents, and young people about the arts, activities, support, and jobs. Local grocery stores ShopRite and Top Tomato donated healthy snacks for the event.
In addition to the speakers, the program included student participants from Curtis, McKee, and Wagner High Schools to perform their original songs and spoken word.
Students, under the guidance of Stefan Barone, Poet Gold, David Nudelman and William “Starda” Perry performed to the delight of those present, under the guidance of Sundog teaching artist Jeannine Otis.
Sundog has been presenting original and contemporary theatre for 16 years. The company is unique to the borough in that it also presents in-school programming rooted in theatre, visual arts, dance, music, and literacy.
Fenley’s bottom line: “Sundog and Staten Island share the same goal — keeping citizens and their communities safe.”
For more information, visit SundogTheatre.org or call 718-816-5453.
