An original play performed with professional actors tells the stories of actual homicides and what follows with the victims’ loved ones. “Call this Number” is based on interviews with more than 50 family members of murder victims compiled by Dr. Lemuel “Ed” Day, associate professor at Chapman University, and coauthor of the play.
“Those left behind by homicide not only grieve but search for justice in a system that is designed to punish the guilty, not aid the victims—a system that often treats these secondary victims as afterthoughts,” said Dr. Day, also Chair of Chapman’s Sociology Department. “In this performance, their stories and their interactions with the criminal justice system are shared with the hope that others may learn how to help these families cope with their loss.”
Based on actual events and set in a church basement support group meeting, the play explores the role of social justice. Additional authors include Chapman student Noreen Raja and Professor Michelle Miller-Day, Ph.D.,– both of the communications department. The performance at Chapman University is the world premiere of this work.
“We are committed to social justice and to the mental well-being of families said Dr. Miller-Day. “This free event reaches out to the public to communicate this commitment.”
The title – Call This Number – is a line in the show that comes up in several of the stories told by victims’ family members. It refers to the way some families learned of their loved one’s demise.
“When these people are at their most vulnerable, when they’ve had their lives ripped apart, they look for justice from a system that is almost wholly concerned with offenders, not the victims, said Dr. Day. “There are times when the treatment they receive makes them victims in a new way. We felt these stories needed to be told.”
“Call This Number” is under the direction of Jed Alexander, a Los Angeles based actor and director, with Ms. Raja as assistant director. The set is designed by Vonzell Scott using set materials donated by the South Coast Repertory Theatre. Each performance will be followed with a question and answer period with the director, writers and actors.
More information about the event can be found at:
http://www.chapman.edu/callthisnumber
The Facebook Page for “Call This Number” can be found at:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Call-this-Number-A-Play-about-Social-Justice/176461352548416
Performance dates:
January 30 – Feb. 1 (Thurs – Sat: 8:00 pm)
Saturday, Feb. 1: 2 p.m. matinee
Chapman University, Memorial Hall Theatre
ALL PERFORMANCES ARE FREE
About Chapman University
Consistently ranked among the top universities in the West, Chapman University provides a uniquely personalized and interdisciplinary educational experience to highly qualified students. Our programs encourage innovation, creativity and collaboration, and focus on developing global citizen-leaders who are distinctively prepared to improve their community and their world.
Follow us on Facebook at:
Chapman University Facebook
On Twitter at:
@ChapmanU
On YouTube at:
Chapman University YouTube Channel
###
