February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and in recognition of this, SOS Inc. and Emporia High School Theatre are teaming up to present a powerful production aimed at educating residents of all ages about the “red and green flags” of relationships.
Danielle Armitage of SOS, a guest of KVOE’s Talk of Emporia on Friday, says sometimes just being aware of these different traits can make all the difference for youth.
The production, Don’t U Love Me, is a one-act performance that tells the story of Angela, who finds herself in the midst of an abusive relationship and the road navigated by herself and others seeking to help her. Playing the lead role of Angela is EHS senior Lexie Eubanks, who says being a part of the production has been an emotional and eye-opening experience.
Playing the role of Erika, Angela’s best friend, is senior Maggie Anderson, who says she believes being part of the cast has given her more confidence in the event she ever comes face-to-face with such a situation in her real life.
Confidence was another key message from Armitage, who says abusive relationships often include a great deal of negativity and manipulation, noting abusers will often use negative statements or prey upon low self-confidence to make their victims dependent on them.
Armitage says positive messaging and affirmation among friends can help to counteract these actions.
The production of Don’t U Love Me will take place Saturday, February 28th at 7 pm at the Emporia Granada Theatre and is being underwritten by Newman Regional Health. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for youth, with all proceeds going to support SOS.
This is the second time Emporia High Theatre has performed Don’t U Love Me after putting on the show, also at the Granada, back in 2009.
