Local Playwright Sparks Discussion on Healthcare Inequalities
Friday, April 23, 2010
”Plight” presented in conjunction with National Nurse’s Week and the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle University College of Nursing.
On Friday, May 7th, the Seattle University College of Nursing and Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Organization will be co-sponsoring a production of “Plight” at Swedish Hospital in the Glaser Auditorium. The performance begins at 6:30pm and will be followed by a panel discussion titled “Healthcare for Vulnerable Populations.”
“The mission of Plight is to motivate, provoke thought and discussion and shed light on issues regarding African American men that affect all of us,” says local playwright Sharon Nyree Williams, who also stars in the one-woman show. “I pray that the hearts of those who experience this piece will put better value on life and no longer ignore the issues that have long reaching effects on communities everywhere.”
Plight was created by Sharon N. Williams, playwright, actress and producer of this dynamic one-woman show. Taking the audience through an unforgettable journey, Plight is the story of an African American woman who returns to her childhood home determined to find a research paper she wrote while in high school, The Plight of the African American Man. While searching for her paper, Sharon shares personal stories of love, laughter, and tragedy of African American men who have touched her life.
The evening is open to the general public, although parents should be aware that Plight is recommended for audiences aged 12 and up due to subject matter and strong language. Tickets will be available at the door for a $5 suggested donation and refreshments will be served after the performance. Guests are encouraged to attend the panel discussion immediately following “Plight” to chat about reactions to the play with a panel of healthcare experts.
The theme of this year’s Nurse’s Week is “Nurses: Caring Today for a Healthier Tomorrow.” For more information about “Plight” or other events occurring during National Nurse’s Week, May 6th-12th, contact Beth Branchaw or visit us online at http://www.seattleu.edu/nursing/75th-Events.aspx.
Seattle University College of Nursing celebrates its 75th Anniversary in 2010. The College of Nursing embraces the Jesuit tradition of developing the whole person and focuses on the connections between the practical, academic, spiritual, and humane needs of people. Since its establishment in 1935, the college has graduated many nurses and nursing leaders who are held in high regard by their communities, employers, and professional colleagues. For a list of Anniversary Events, visit us online at www.seattleu.edu/nursing.
The primary mission of the Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Organization is to provide financial aid and scholarships to students of African heritage who pursue studies leading to careers in professional nursing. The organization was founded in 1949 by Ann Foy Baker. It began with 13 Registered Nurses who wanted to provide support for other black nurses who were struggling with racial inequality in the workplace. For more information, visit us online at www.marymahoney.org/index.html.
Media contact: Beth Branchaw, 206-296-2168, branchb@seattleu.edu
###
Seattle University, founded in 1891, is a Jesuit Catholic university located on 48 acres on Seattle's Capitol Hill. More than 7,500 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs within eight schools. U.S. News and World Report's "Best Colleges 2008" ranks Seattle University among the top 10 universities in the West that offer a full range of masters and undergraduate programs.