Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany will provide an alternative way to address sexual assault concerns with a full-on theatrical production. For the first time ever, internationally distinguished group, Pure Praxis, will be performing two improv shows that raise awareness of sexual assault and prevention during the observance month of April. This year’s theme: “protecting our people, protects our mission.”
Sexual Assault Response Program Coordinator, Marcus White, MCLB Albany, said the interactive shows resonate more with active-duty personnel and civilian-Marines versus the typical annual training.
“It offers a fresh approach to sexual assault awareness, like audience participation. Reviews and responses have been remarkable, people love it,” White explained.
Based out of Long Beach, California, Pure Praxis is a social education performance group financially backed by the Department of the Navy that uses interactive improvisation theatrical workshops to confront social issues like sexual assault, bystander intervention, proactive prevention, victimization, retaliation and awareness.
“The entire show is guided by the audience's participation which makes every performance unique,” White said.
The group has showcased various training productions to more than 350,000 service members since their inception in 2015.
White added Pure Praxis has openly tackled the issue of male victims not reporting sexual assault incidents.
“The number of male sexual assault victim reports are on the rise (as more male victims feel more comfortable) discussing the issues,” White remarked.
Pure Praxis is set to perform two shows at MCLB Albany Base Theater on April 16, 2019, at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Service members, Department of Defense personnel and military families are welcome to attend.