Trinity Rep to Support SOAR & Sojourner House During A LIE OF THE MIND Run

As Trinity Rep concludes its landmark 50th anniversary season with Sam Shepard's A Lie of the Mind, the company announces two community initiatives inspired by the themes and events of the play. In tandem with SOAR (Sisters Overcoming Abusive Relationships), Trinity Rep has spearheaded a campaign to raise awareness about the partner organization and its services, while a used cell phone drive in Trinity Rep's lobby raises funds for Sojourner House, which provides comprehensive services to victims of abuse. Patrons are encouraged to bring used cell phones of any condition to donate when they attend the theater. The theater lobby will also be open for donations during regular business hours. A Lie of the Mind runs May 29-June 29, 2014, in Trinity Rep's Dowling Theater. Tickets are available at www.trinityrep.com, by calling 401-351-4242 or at the theater's box office at 201 Washington St., downtown Providence.

"These endeavors truly exemplify what Trinity Rep is about," states Trinity Rep artistic director Curt Columbus, "We're taking issues being discussed on the stage and creating action in the community. A Lie of the Mind follows the story of Beth, a survivor of domestic abuse, and we knew we wanted to take the conversation a step further by connecting with local organizations. We're thrilled to work again with SOAR, with whom we created the award-winning original play Behind Closed Doors, and for the opportunity to partner with Sojourner House for the first time."

SOAR is a grassroots taskforce of domestic violence survivors dedicated to lending their voices to change the systems that oppress women, while educating the community about the dynamics of domestic violence. SOAR was founded in 1989 by a group of domestic violence survivors to address the root causes of domestic violence and the solutions necessary for change. Since 1989, SOAR has grown to more than 100 members. Members have worked on a variety of projects that enable the voices of domestic violence victims to be widely heard. SOAR has worked on everything from public media campaigns to changing legislation, not only for survivors but also for their children who are affected by domestic violence.

Sojourner House is a nonprofit organization founded in 1976 by Brown University students concerned about what was then a silent epidemic, domestic violence. The students' actions were timely, since the first few domestic violence shelters opened in the United States in the early 1970s. Thanks to the efforts of many supporters, during the past 35 years Sojourner House has grown from a part-time, all-volunteer hotline into a provider of comprehensive services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to victims of abuse. Throughout the years, Sojourner House's Board, staff, volunteers, and other supporters have consistently worked to strengthen current agency programs while diligently planning for the future. Sojourner House has taken steps to determine how best to prioritize our future efforts to help those who are most isolated due to abuse, as well as efforts to improve systemic and institutional responses to people in abusive relationships.

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