SLUT: The Play

By Katie Cappiello

Directed by Katie Cappiello & Meg McInerney

Developed in collaboration with The Arts Effect All-Girl Theater Company

Brittany Adebumola, Zora Casebere, Willa Cuthrell, Stella Fitzgerald, Lexa Krebs, Amari Rose Leigh, Mary Miller, Jasmine Niang, Casey Odesser, Katie Prael, Eliza Price, Darci Siegel & Alice Stewart

Associate Producer, Charlotte Arnoux

Technical Director, Daniel Melnick

Stage Manager and Lighting Designer, Lauren Bremen

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DIRECTORS’ NOTE, CAST BIOS & MORE – SCROLL.

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DON’T MISS NOW THAT WE’RE MEN!

February 6 @ 1pm & 9 @ 7pm. Dixon Place.

Check out the NOW THAT WE’RE MEN & SLUT double-header! TIX HERE

From the writer and director of SLUT, comes a new play exploring the impact of rape culture and masculinity standards on the lives of young men. In the weeks leading up to prom, friendships will be put to the test…because Andrew must be gay, Marcus knocked-up his girl, Nick’s a little too addicted to fetish porn, Derek’s falling in love with Kelsey, and Evan downed a handful of pills and pushed a hook-up too far. It’s high school. Time to “man-up,” right?  Written & directed by Katie Cappiello. Developed in collaboration with and starring Jordan Eliot, Caleb Grandiot, Fred Hechinger, Alphonso Jones and Rayshawn Richardson. 

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DIRECTORS’ NOTE:

We began developing SLUT in January 2012 in New York City through weekly creative sessions with teen members of The Arts Effect All-Girl Theater Company, an activist performing arts program we founded over 8 years. During these sessions, the girls– twenty high school students– talked about the usual: dynamics at school, people they hooked up with at last weekend’s parties, friendships on the rocks, pressure from teachers, aggressive boyfriends, and judgmental grandmothers. In the midst of these conversations, one word popped up again and again: slut.

The girls delved into heated discussions about how often (daily) and why the word slut was used to describe themselves and others (flirting with upperclassmen or anyone; having large breasts; coming out as lesbian, bisexual, or transgender; being poor; being rich; being black; being Latina; being Asian; being white; kissing; liking sex; eating a popsicle; donning cutoff shorts; saying “vagina”; buying condoms…). They determined that the word slut served as the barometer of female sexuality—the measurement of female status and self-worth. What stood out most: the girls revealed they’d been “slutted” after both consensual sexual experiences and experiences of sexual violence. At the time, one third of the girls in our ensemble had experienced sexual violence including rape.

Then Georgetown student Sandra Fluke was called a slut by Rush Limbaugh for her support of women’s access to birth control. Steubenville happened. Dominique Strauss-Kahn was arrested for sexually assaulting a female hotel-room attendant while visiting our city—she was subsequently attacked and called a “hooker” by the New York Post. Torrington, Connecticut happened. The brutal rapes in India and Cairo were all over the news, along with the gang rape of an 11-year-old girl in Texas– the defense attorney accused this child of “seducing” the twenty-one boys and young men who brutalized her. The tragic suicides of Audrie Pott and Rehtaeh Parsons—teenage girls who had been raped, then slut shamed by their communities. The devastating impact of slut culture was on full display and it felt more necessary than ever to give voice to those living this reality every day, those we often don’t hear from: the girls.

After of year of intensive improvisation, reflective writing, and character development, we had a script! Our intention with creating and producing SLUT is to tell the truth. Brought to life by real girls, this play exposes the damaging language, shame, and deep-rooted sexism that fuel rape. By “holding a mirror up to nature” and creating a live communal experience, something you can’t turn off, log out of, minimize, or mute, we are determined to artistically ignite serious conversations about the effects of slutting on the lives of young people, the ways we all contribute, and what we can do to transform rape culture into a culture of CARE– communication, accountability, respect and empathy.

People often ask why we “allowed” young girls take on such an intense issue. What’s there to say beyond this: one in four girls will be sexually assaulted by the age of eighteen. One in five college women will experience completed or attempted rape while in college. Eighty-one percent of kids and teens experience sexual harassment during their middle school or high school years. Young people are the ones living it. They are the experts. They have something to say and the stage gives them a place to healthfully speak their truths with no censor and no apology.

Since its debut at the New York International Fringe Festival, SLUT has reached thousands across the country, the play and the team have visited The White House and the US State Department, and the piece is currently being produced in Australia, Canada and Mexico. We’re grateful to the lawmakers, educators, parents, and young people who have supported this play and conversation in their communities worldwide. We are proud of all out girls who have been a part of the SLUT cast from 2012-2016, and the impact they’ve made by telling their truths and catapulting this much-needed dialogue to the forefront. Finally, thank you for being here today. We hope you enjoy the show, and even more, we hope it makes you think.

Warmly,

Katie & Meg

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CAST & CREW:

BRITTANY ADEBUMOLA (Julie) is 17 years old and a senior at Clara Barton High School in
Brooklyn. She developed a passion for singing, dancing, and acting at a young age. She is a proud member of The Arts Effect All-Girl Theater Company and thrilled to be in the cast of both SLUT and A DAY IN THE LIFE. Brittany has performed at the HBO Studios, Packer Collegiate Institute, the Tango House, Paley Media Center, and the Signature Theater. She had the opportunity to work with director Kwami Kwei-Armah and perform alongside Uzo Aduba, Courtney Vance, and Lillias B. White in Marcus Gardley’s DANCE OF THE HOLY GHOST: A PLAY ON MEMORY on Broadway at the Samuel J. Friedman Theater. Brittany participated in the Opening Act Summer Conservatory (2013) and is a current member of Opening Act’s Student Leadership Council. Outside of acting, Brittany enjoys playing volleyball, reading, dancing, and singing.

ZORA CASEBERE (Christina) is a 17 year old senior who attends Saint Ann’s School in Brooklyn, NY, and is proud to be a new member of The Arts Effect All-Girl Theater Company. She attended Lee Strasberg Acting Program for Young Actors for four years, and the National High School Institute Cherub Theatre Arts Program, Evanston IL. Zora has also participated in a workshop and held by artist Jonas, in which Zora performed in the video installation THEY COME TO US WITHOUT A WORD, presented at the 56th International Art Exhibition Biennale di Venezia Italy. A live performance of this work by Jonas will be presented in New York this coming April 2016. Acting has always been an art that she has loved, as well as going to museums and art exhibitions. She is inspired by the history of feminism, civil rights, creative writing and poetry, which are all part of her academic passion.

WILLA CUTHRELL (Leila/Dominique) Willa is 17 years old, attends Friends Seminary in NYC, and a member of The Arts Effect All-Girl Theater Company. Her feature film credits include THE SISTERHOOD OF NIGHT, recently released, as well as Woody Allen’s WHATEVER WORKS, opposite Larry David, and a featured role in Peter Hedges’ DAN IN REAL LIFE, alongside Steve Carell and Juliette Binoche. Willa made her early debut at three years old in an award winning public service announcement called STOP THE HATE, which raised awareness about racial profiling after 9/11. The star studded cast included Mary-Louise Parker and Denis Quaid. Willa’s stage credits include ANYTHING GOES, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, and GUYS AND DOLLS. She is also a visual artist, and her work has been presented yearly in New York City young artists shows since the age of four. Her drawings are featured in THE SISTERHOOD OF NIGHT, and she recently won a Scholastic Young Artist Prize for her painting “Eggplants.”

STELLA FITZGERALD (Danielle) is 15 years old and a sophomore at Millennium High School. She is a dedicated member of The Arts Effect All-Girl Company and has been apart of it since it began in 2007. Stella is excited and proud to be involved in SLUT, behind the scenes and on stage. When not performing, Stella is an active feminist and strives to inspire those around her and stand up for women’s rights.

LEXA KREBS (Joey) is 16 years old and a junior at the Packer Collegiate Institute in Brooklyn. She began acting at the age of 9 and studied dance at the Creative Arts Studio and Capezio Center and was also a competitive gymnast for 8 years. Lexa has been a member of the Arts Effect Theater Company for the past 3 years. In addition to performing, Lexa’s favorite activities include writing and spending time with friends and family.

AMARI ROSE LEIGH (Dominique/Jane) is a senior at Hunter College High School. She has been performing professionally since the age of 5, appearing in Tony Award® winning Broadway and Off Broadway productions, television and film. She has been a member of The Arts Effect All-Girl Theater Company for 6 years, most recently appearing in the national tour of SLUT: THE PLAY. Amari is also a passionate student of Shakespeare, having studied Shakespeare with the Public Theatre, in school productions and placing third in the New York Branch of the English-Speaking Union’s National Shakespeare Monologue Competition. Outside of performing, Amari enjoys studying languages, history and is co-founder/president of her school’s feminist club, Feminist Future.

MARY MILLER (Sylvie) is 17 years old and attends the Saint Ann’s School in Brooklyn, NY. She is excited to be in The Arts Effect All-Girl Theater Company and the cast of SLUT. Mary is also a singer, having been in the Brooklyn Youth Chorus for seven years and now training classically. When she is not performing, Mary takes great pride in being a part of the StopSlut Coalition and bringing feminism into her school community.

JASMINE NIANG (Leila)  is a 14-year-old student at Beacon High sSchool in Manhattan. Jasmine has been in number of Arts Effect performances, including performances for the Feminist Press, and performances for the UN combatting FGM. In her free time, Jasmine is a member of the Beacon Freshmen Dance Ensemble.Jasmine is excited to be in her first performance of SLUT.

CASEY ODESSER (Jane/Grace) is thrilled to be performing in SLUT: THE PLAY for her third year. She has been acting, singing, and playing piano and guitar for as long as she can remember. Aside from theater and playing music, she loves spending time with her family and friends, running, and reading old issues of i-D magazine. She looks up to Gloria Steinem, Rosalind Franklin, Virginia Woolf, and Anja Rubik. She would like to thank Katie, Meg, and the entire Arts Effect team both for their constant support, and for giving her an opportunity to help open conversations about feminist issues across the country and world.

KATIE PRAEL (Grace/Joey) is 16 years old. She attends Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Manhattan, where she enjoys English class as she is a passionate writer. She also has a love for X-Country and Track & Field. She has an affinity for politics and debates; through this she has been able to travel across the country for Model United Nations conferences. She has also worked in New York as a Wilhelmina model. When Katie is not acting, playing guitar or running she is an intern for The Funding Network. She is thrilled to be apart of the new cast of SLUT and cannot wait for the play to start running!

ELIZA PRICE (Anna) is 18 and lives in Brooklyn, NY. She attends Saint Ann’s School, where she particularly enjoys writing, directing, and producing student films. Eliza has been a member of The Arts Effect All-Girl Theater Company since 2010. She appeared in the Off-Broadway production of FACEBOOK ME. Eliza is involved in the StopSlut Coalition and is a founding member of her school’s Gender Equality Coalition. Eleanor Roosevelt, Tina Fey, and Mindy Kaling are just a few of the strong and outspoken women who inspire Eliza.

DARCI SIEGEL (Natalie) is 17 years old and a senior at The Beacon School. She started out with Katie and Meg in elementary school as a part of “I Can Act,” and is excited to be in her third year with The Arts Effect All Girl Company. Darci has appeared in previous Arts Effect performances of A DAY IN THE LIFE and traveled to Fargo, ND with the cast of SLUT. She is continuously inspired by the people around her and is dedicated to empowering girls worldwide.

ALICE STEWART (Danielle) is a 17-year-old high school senior. She joined The Arts Effect All-Girl Theater Company in 2011. When she is not acting, Alice can be found writing or relaxing with her head in a good book. She is passionate about the human rights of women and girls, and universal access to education without discrimination or danger. She wants to study International Relations in college, with a longterm goal of advocating for those who can¹t speak for themselves. She came to The Arts Effect with aspirations of becoming a documentary filmmaker and storytelling through film,but she is now also fascinated by live performance as an advocacy tool. She is co-president of her high school¹s feminist club, and continues to be an ambassador of the StopSlut Coalition. Women who inspire her, apart from Katie and Meg, include Elizabeth Warren, Malala Yousafzai and Aung San Suu Kyi.

KATIE CAPPIELLO (Writer, Director, Producer) is the Founding Artist Director of The Arts Effect, and the writer and director of SLUT: THE PLAY. She is also the writer/director of the original plays KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN, FACEBOOK ME, and A DAY IN THE LIFE. Her works have reached audiences across the country and are currently being produced in Mexico, Indonesia, Canada and Australia. Katie also developed Project Impact and Generation FREE, anti-trafficking arts and advocacy programming for teen survivors and NYC high school students. This year, Katie published her first book, SLUT: A Play and Guidebook for Combatting Sexism and Sexual Violence. Her latest plays HER STORY, UNCUT and NOW THAT WE’RE MEN will debut this winter in NYC and DC, and examine female genital mutilation (FGM) and the impact of rape culture on young men, respectively. Katie has been honored by The National Women’s Hall of Fame for her work with young people. Katie is one of New York’s New Abolitionists.

MEG MCINERNEY (Director, Producer) is the Founder and Managing Director of The Arts Effect, a youth arts and advocacy project based in NYC. Over the past 8 years, she has co-directed four original plays including A DAY IN THE LIFE, FACEBOOK ME and KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN. She worked to develop Project Impact and Generation FREE, teen-focused anti-trafficking initiatives designed to educate communities and unite survivors and activists. In early 2015, Meg published her first book, SLUT: A Play and Guidebook for Combatting Sexism and Sexual Violence. She has been recognized by the United States Congress and Department of State for her dedication to bettering the lives of girls and women. Meg is one of New York’s New Abolitionists.

THE ARTS EFFECT (Producer), founded in 2007 by Katie Cappiello & Meg McInerney, is an award-winning youth arts and activism program based in NYC that utilizes theater to ignite conversations and motivate change around the challenges facing girls and young women globally such as body image, cyberbullying, slut shaming, rape, child marriage, FGM, human trafficking and more. Arts Effect programming has reached thousands worldwide and has been hailed by Gloria Steinem, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Monica Lewinsky, Beau Willimon (Creator of HOUSE OF CARDS), Eve Ensler, Emily Mortimer and Amy Poehler. www.TheArtsEffectNYC.com

DANIEL MELNICK (Technical Director) is a director, composer, and media designer. Recent composing and design credits include the score to the upcoming film When the Night Falls, Singles in Agriculture (The Brick), Blogologues (The Cow Theatre and The PIT), F*It Club’s Spring Fling 2015 (IRT), and Uncool: The Party (Musical Theatre Factory). Recent directing credits include Halfway, Nebraska (Winner Best New Play, NYC International Fringe Festival), Sunset (The Secret Theatre), With Apologies for Formating (|the claque|), Shida (Ars Nova, assisting director Andy Sandberg), and Women the War Within (Baryshnikov Arts Center, assisting director Paul Warner). He is the associate director of the upcoming musical Damascus Square. Daniel is also a proud member of the producing team behind Running Interference, winner of Fringe NYC’s Overall Excellence Award for 2015.

LAUREN BREMEN (Stage Manager/Lighting Designer) Stage Management/Lighting Design: Halfway Nebraska (FringeNYC), The Whaleship Essex, Pagliacci (Amore Opera),  Lighting Design: Rime of the Ancient Mariner (VA Arts Festival), Uncool: the party, Madama Butterfly (Amore Opera), Faust (Amore Opera), The Drowsy Chaperone (Blue Hill Troupe), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Blue Hill Troupe).www.laurenbremen.net

CHARLOTTE ARNOUX (Associate Producer) is an actress, educator and activist who has had the pleasure to work with Katie and Meg since 2010. Charlotte pursues acting on stage and screen and teaches the All-Girl Junior Company with The Arts Effect, whose latest play THOT On The Playground exposed rape culture and slut-shaming at the middle school level. She is incredibly proud of the SLUT cast as they continue to astonish audiences across the nation with their talent and strength.

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THANK YOU

Ellie Covan, Katy Einerson, Matthew Dicken, Benjamin Soencksen, Rob Lariviere, Aurora Duiguo, Mike Griffiths, and the team at Dixon Place, Rich Bart and AJ Bart, Inc. Printing, The Barry Family, The Bonjean-Alpart Family, Michele Farinet and the PS 41 community, Rachel Foster, Kim and Sammy Konigsberg, Kim Soule, The Stefania Family, Jennifer Baumgardner and the Feminist Press, Taryn Mann, Joe Kunka, Justin Duplantis, Evenstar Films, Nikki and Josh Donen, Cathryn Collins, Scott Yoselow, Sue Smalley, Kevin Wall, Karen Stoker, Jim and Mariko Cappiello, Beau Willimon, Jamison Tilsner, Jason Kunka, The McInerney Family, The Kunka Family, The Cappiello Family, The Tilsner Family, the staff at 440 Studios, Dan Fortune, and Bill Coyle.

The SLUT cast members and families: The Adebumola Family, The Bongiorno-Price Family, The Cuthrell-Tuttleman Family,  The Etkin-Fitzgerald Family, The Gulotta-Siegal Family, The Koplovitz-Niang Family, The Krebs Family, The Leigh-O’Connell Family, The Marshall-Miller Family, The Odesser Family, The Prael Family, The Simpson-Casebere Family, The Stewart Family.

The Indiegogo Contributors: Aimee Beyda, James Casebere, The Cogan Family, Vanessa Dine, Laura Draper, Nelson Farber, Deirdre Fitzgerald Fabbro, Vincent Fremont, Judith Garson, Lisa Goldfarb MD, Rachel Goldstein, Kimberly Konigsberg, Michael Konigsberg, Mary, Matt and Carol Kunka, Caroline Marshall, Jennifer Murray, Mary Myers, Caroline Petersen, Jack Ramsey, Sarah Rozen, Sara Selldorf, Shirin Shabdin, Ed and Kathi Siegel, Lorna Simpson, Jerry Singer, Richard Steinmetz, Laura Sweet, Dana Villarreal, Joe Willsen, and Beth Zucker.

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BRING SLUT TO YOUR COMMUNITY:

Learn how. Click here.

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SLUT: A Play and Guidebook ON SALE NOW:

#1 New Release. Available @ www.FeministPress.org

“Hot Type” Pick – Vanity Fair

“A riveting read” – Nylon.com

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JOIN THE ARTS EFFECT!

The award-winning Arts Effect offers a wide variety of acting training for young people ages 7-20. Students engage in technique strengthening, improvisation, scene and character study as they prepare original and scripted material over the course of 8-15 week sessions. Learn more: www.TheArtsEffectNYC.com