Anti-Hate Week features courtroom drama “Defamation” on Oct. 28

Among several events during North Central College’s 2013 Anti-Hate Week, Oct. 28-Nov. 2, is the touring production of “Defamation,” written by Todd Logan and presented on Oct. 28.

A free event, “Defamation” begins at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28, in North Central’s Wentz Concert Hall. The play presents a dilemma that leads to a riveting courtroom encounter with audience members as jurors and challenges our preconceived notions about race, color, religion and even the law.

“Whether we like it or not, we still have major divides in this country,” said Logan. “I wanted to write a play that encourages greater tolerance and understanding by spurring self-examination and promoting compelling civil discourse.”

The play is about a professional African-American woman who’s invited to the home of a successful Jewish man to discuss a potential business project. Once the woman leaves, the man finds his family heirloom watch is missing and accuses her of theft. Audience members take part in the courtroom trial as jurors. Once all discussion has taken place about the trial, the audience takes several minutes for deliberation. The jurors’ final vote is the deciding factor for the trial.

A playwright, filmmaker and humorist, Logan has created other works, including “Botanic Garden,” “Tops or Bottoms,” “Persistence of Vision” and “The Playwright and All That Crap.” His work has been published in The New York Times, The Boston Globe and The San Francisco Chronicle. He is founder of Sportscape, Inc., a Boston publishing and trade show company.

Other Anti-Hate Week events
Tuesday, Oct. 29
•    Noon-2 p.m., Harold and Eva White Activities Center (WAC) main floor: Wall of Hate. Students will have a chance to write down all the derogatory words that have been said to them and others close to them on the Wall of Hate.
•    5 p.m., WAC upstairs: Panel Discussion. OUTreach hosts a discussion panel of North Central faculty on the topic of hate speech and discrimination on the college campus
 
Wednesday, Oct. 30
•    6 p.m., WAC upstairs: Oxfam America Hunger Banquet, with Office of International Programs
 
Thursday, October 31
•    Noon-2 p.m., WAC main floor: Wall of Hate. Students will have a chance to write down all the derogatory words that have been said to them and others close to them on the Wall of Hate.
 
Friday, Nov. 1
•    7 p.m., The Union, 129 W. Benton Ave.: The Union presents Neulore, a modern folk band that’s firmly rooted in the tradition of community, the pursuit of wisdom, and the telling of timeless stories from a fresh perspective. Free with student ID
•    9 p.m., WAC upstairs: Halloween Dance. Annual dance celebrating Halloween with prizes for best costume, sponsored by Black Student Association, Raza Unida, Residence Hall Association

Saturday, Nov. 2
•    9 p.m., WAC main floor: Poetry Slam Contest. Enjoy a night of student talent, featuring pieces that address cultural awareness. Prizes include $100 for first place, $50 for second, $25 for third, sponsored by Multicultural Planning Group and Student Involvement

North Central’s annual Anti-Hate Week is sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs. For more information contact Dorothy Pleas, director of multicultural affairs, at 630-637-5156.