The Saartjie Project Uses Community Theatre to Explore Politics Around The Black Female Body

PRLog (Press Release) – Jun 25, 2008 – Saartjie (Sara) Baartman was a South African woman exhibited throughout Britain and Paris, showing what to Europeans were highly unusual bodily features – her buttocks, breasts and vagina. From 1810 to 1815 she became an object, used at will and freely disposed of by those who robbed her of her identity.

This summer we bring her story to life through song, dance and spoken word. Jasmine Coles, Creative Advisor to The Saartjie Project said, “We are extremely excited about the production and are committed to using art as a catalyst of self-expression, self-definition and healing. Join us!” Performances will be held at the DC Arts Center, 2438 18th Street, NW on August 22nd and August 23rd. The show begins at 7:30pm nightly. A portion of the proceeds will go to HIPS, a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt community based organization in Washington DC.

For additional information on The Saartje Project or ticket sales, contact Jessica Solomon or visit The Saartjie Project official website, www.thesaartjieproject.org.

ABOUT THE SAARTJIE PROJECT
The Saartjie Project is a community-based organization that uses theatre, coalition building and art as catalysts for self-expression, self-definition and healing. The Saartjie Project will perform in Washington DC at the DC Arts Center on August 22nd and 23rd at 7:30pm.

ABOUT HIPS
HIPS mission is to assist female, male, and transgendered individuals engaging in sex work in Washington, DC in leading healthy lives. Using a harm reduction model, HIPS’ programs strive to address the impact that HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, discrimination, poverty, violence and drug use have on the lives of individuals engaging in sex work.