Jessica’s Story is a six scene play that explores a woman’ journey from “rape victim” to “rape survivor”. The production pairs jazz, modern, and hip hop dance techniques with the black light magic of ArcheDream.
Jessica’s Story, a dance theater composition addressing the recovery of victimized women, is seeking community support in sharing the production in order to educate audience members of the subject matter through entertainment. Writer, director, and choreographer of Jessica’s Story, Jessica Kroboth, was violently assaulted and raped in center city Philadelphia and has created a show based on her trauma and its aftermath. There is no small amount of women who have had experiences of assault, sexual or otherwise. Rape is a taboo subject and many women of all nationalities suffer this traumatic event. The problem is, that when they speak of it, if they dared to speak of it, they are almost accused of provoking it. Hence the silence, which must be broken or these women cannot be healed. Translating the real life event into a dance platform will provide an opening for victims to come to terms with it among each other. This art project is designed to encourage women to voice their stories creating a starting point for re entering the real world. Jessica’s Story will inspire all audience members to look to art as a means of emotional expression and recovery.
The goal of this production is to perform the show in various theater environments where a variety of people can witness and gain insight to the experiences of a woman’s journey through rape and its consequences. There is a wish to give back to the community that not only hosted Jessica’s assault, but has also provided her inspiration to learn and grow personally and artistically by creating art in reaction to tragedy. Performing for fellow women who have experiences of assault, to send the message “You aren’t alone”, is one more specific priority. Also performing for the youth would help the next generation feel free to share stories and deal with hardships through artistic outlets.
This show will initiate conversations on the subject of rape bringing the issue to the surface and inspiring the audience to take a closer look at themselves and others when facing a trauma.
Jessica’s Story is a six scene play that explores a woman’ journey from “rape victim” to “rape survivor”. The production pairs jazz, modern, and hip hop dance techniques with the black light magic of ADHK. The main character will be confronted by her emotions facing archetypal characters such as Death, Healthy Denial, Anger, and Grief. Although the show deals with a serious issue, Jessica uses her natural wit and humor to portray the complications experienced in re entering everyday life after her assault. Using the magic of ADHK’s vivid hand-painted masks and costumes as well as irony to contradict the expected heavy tone, Jessica’s Story beautifully addresses the healing process of a traumatic event.The show will leave the audience with a feeling of joy, as Jessica’s Story is a unique example of a woman’s effort to triumph over obstacles.