Stories and poems from those who live in poverty will be heard Friday night in Burris Auditorium.
Ball State's theater education students will perform dramatic readings from "Facing Poverty: Bridging the Poverty Divide One Story at a Time" tonight from 6-7:15 p.m. at Burris Auditorium.
"Facing Poverty: Bridging the Poverty Divide One Story at a Time" includes 21 stories and poems, but Ball State's theater education presentation will perform 10 of the 21 works, according to TEAMwork for Quality Living executive director Molly Flodder. TEAMwork for Quality Living is one of 17 sponsoring agencies.
The performance will reveal a personal view on what it's like to live in poverty.
"Some stories are very personal and some people wouldn't be comfortable sharing their stories, but this is done in an anonymous way," Flodder said. "Sometimes when you know you don't have to share your name, you can be a lot more open."
The goal of "Facing Poverty" is to make students better contributors to the world.
"Every community has neighbors and associates who have similar stories, and if we can expand our focus on human need and strengthen our awareness of social justice," Flodder said, "I think we can be better contributors to solving the world's problems."
At the conclusion of the dramatic readings, a reflection session will occur. During that time, students will be able to voice their feelings and opinions about the event. Additionally, everyone will receive a copy of the 72-page book, according to Flodder.
"Facing Poverty: Bridging the Poverty Divide One Story at a Time" was the idea of Kelsey Timmerman, author of "Where am I Wearing: A Global Tour to the Countries, Factories, and
People that Make our Clothes." Timmerman gathered a team of 23 local authors to tell the stories of people living in poverty. The team used organizations to locate clients who were willing to tell their stories, Flodder said.
The event is a part of a nine-day poverty awareness week, including 30 events. The series is "designed to help the residents of Delaware County understand the problem and pervasiveness of poverty and the issues it creates for our community," according to TEAMwork for Quality Living's website.
In addition to the "Facing Poverty" event, Friday will include two other events: Understanding Poverty and Food Stamp Challenge. Understanding Poverty will look into the cultural patterns of people living and working in poverty. The event is from 2-4 p.m. at Whitinger & Co., 1100 W. White River Blvd.
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