The Intersection of Arts and Activism

The Prometheus Project focuses on the intersection of arts and human rights, in collaboration with the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.)’s production of Prometheus Bound and Amnesty International. The Prometheus Project team really wanted to change the idea of the audience being unengaged and just leaving after the performance.

Prometheus Bound was adapted from Aeschylus' 2500 year old Greek play. Writer and Lyricist, Steven Sater (Spring Awakening) translated the play and transformed it into a new rock musical, with music written by Serj Tankian (System of a Down), and directed by Diane Paulus.

After the performance, the actors bow and a curtain speech was read. During the curtain speech, the actor describes what the Prometheus Project is and about the collaboration with Amnesty International. During this time, the space turns into “The Happening.” The Happening, or Act II, is when the Amnesty case is discussed. The actor briefly describes what the case is about and directs the audience to the Amnesty volunteers, around the room holding up case posters. After the closing speech, Amnesty volunteers discuss the case and get the audience to sign postcards urging for action on that week’s case.  I have been a member of Amnesty International for the past few years and I volunteered with the Prometheus Project for seventeen shows.

The collaboration with Amnesty and the A.R.T is a beautiful way to shine a light on those suffering from injustice. The eight Amnesty cases represent a modern day Prometheus. The story of Prometheus reflects the injustice that is so relatable with an unfortunately large number of cases. 

This project indirectly relates to the portraits I am working on now. I am working on craft, so that I can draw more realistic portraits. I would like to transfer the craft of portrait drawings to depict a strong message. This relates more to work I have done in the past. Below are a few pieces that have done relating to my work with Amnesty International.

Aung San Suu Kyi is an active member of the pro-democracy political party in Myanmar. Aung San Suu Kyi was detained for 15 of the last 21 years. This portrait of Suu Kyi was done for my Conceptual drawing class last year. The shading is done with quotes from Suu Kyi. Aung San Suu Kyi was released on November 13, 2010.

Tissa is a well known Sri Lankan Journalist. He was detained on March 7, 2008. The Sri Lankan government is very repressive regarding freedom of speech. These two paintings were for my Conceptual Drawing final, last year. The focus is on the difference of freedom of speech in Sri Lanka and the United States. He was released in June 2010. I met Tissa on November 13, 2010 at an Amnesty International conference at Boston University.

For more information about the Prometheus Bound production or Amnesty International:

http://meghan-robbins.blogspot.com/2011/03/prometheus-bound.html

http://www.americanrepertorytheater.org/events/show/prometheus-bound

http://www.amnestyusa.org/