Prescott Peacebuilders Use Theater To Teach Anti-Nuke Legacy for Action Week
Impersonating renowned anti-nuclear activists like Jane Addams, Ava Helen Pauling, Joan Baez and activists at Greenham Commons Anti-Nuke Camp, the Prescott Peacebuilders theatrically and creatively taught about the decades of anti-nuke organizing since the inception of the atomic bomb. Their presentation also raises awareness about the International Treaty On the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and the US' refusal to sign it. The Prescott Peacebuilders are located in Prescott, AZ, and are part of the Nonviolent Cities Project.
As we seek our country's entry into the United Nations' The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, we stand on the shoulders of the countless dedicated people who have led the way. This program honors those who suffered (and continue to suffer) the effects of nuclear weapons dropped 76 years ago. We look back at some of those courageous lives. There were 7 people who took on the role of prominent activists on this topic. They dressed in period costume and "became" and spoke as if they were that person. Program was so wonderful, we are planning on presenting it to more groups in our area.
Most people know very little about the history of nuclear weapons or the activists who have spent lifetimes campaigning against them. We hope our program will educate people and inspire them to stand up against nuclear weapons and continue to urge our government to join the UN Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
On the International Day of Peace there was a nice write up with picture in the newspaper a few days before the event. A member from City Council read the proclamation signed by the mayor. We had speakers, music from several different groups, and a peace formation candle light time of silence. The highlight of our event was having 4 elementary/middle school students talk about what peace means to them. Just beautiful. We have gotten many comments about how special our event was. Everyone involved was glad they participated! We look forward to this event every year.
Having a presence of peaceful, non-violent programs and events demonstrates how things can be if we all put forth the effort and help build a culture of nonviolence.
