WWU to play part in One Billion Rising event Feb. 14

As part of a global effort to draw awareness to and end violence
against women and girls, award-winning playwright Eve Ensler (think Vagina Monologues) has launched a dance strike event.

Drue Robinson, an adjunct instructor of performance studies at Western Washington University, is coordinating students, faculty,
local city officials and community members to contribute locally to the demonstration.

Bellingham Mayor Kelli Linville will speak alongside WWU MOVE (Masculine Outreach and Violence Education) coordinator Jason Fernandez. Fairhaven College spoken word poets and performers Gray Newlin, Daniel Espinoza-Gonzalez and Brenda McGarrity will perform. Jenn Mason of Bellingham Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services and representatives from Womencare, YWCA and other advocacy groups will be speaking as well.

GIRLS INC, Robinson's performance group that empowers girls through theater, will be performing original work and joining 100 dancers of all ages and abilities in a piece that has been created and choreographed to be danced around the world in celebration of femininity and in protest of the violence that continues to escalate against women and girls around the globe.

Charlene Casimir-Goerge of the Lummi Nation will be offering a healing and prayer.

Bellingham Rising! takes place at 7 p.m. on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, at Bellingham High School. It is free and open to the general public.

More information can be found online or by calling Robinson at 360-734-9999.