Here is a preview of Diversity Statements…Hear Us.

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Students tell their stories regarding the intent of University of California Diversity Statement policy in Diversity Statements…Hear Us, an original choral documentary drama. The work will be presented by the UC Davis Department of Theatre and Dance on April 28 and 30 in the Arena Theatre, Wright Hall.

Conceived and directed by Professor Margaret Laurena Kemp, theatre and dance department chair, and written in collaboration with students in her class DRA 199: “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statements: A Theatre for Social Change / Film Project,” the work is composed of interviews, conversations and material developed by students in which interwoven narratives expose the complexity of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies.

The performance is the culmination of students, faculty and staff who have had a year-long engagement with acclaimed New York-based Ping Chong and Company (PCC) to create a fact-based performance and film about the issues and impact of DEI statements on students.  

The format of the presentation is inspired by PCC’s Undesirable Elements series. Kemp participated in training with PCC in 2018, and company artists Sara Zatz, Christina Bixland and Jesca Prudencio led multiple workshops with the students in fall 2022 and winter 2023 as well as serving in an advisory role and as creative consultants on the project’s development. 

Additional creative collaborators on the project included Joyce Lu, associate professor, Pomona College of Theatre and Asian American Studies and founder of Playback Theatre Company; and Oona Hatton, associate professor of performance studies in the Department of Communication Studies at San José State University and co-artistic director of Davis Repertory Theatre.

PCC creates theatre and art that reveal beauty, invention, precision and a commitment to social justice. Founded in New York City in 1975 by theatrical innovator Ping Chong, the company is a highly adaptive and supportive home base for multigenerational, interdisciplinary artists with generative theater practices. PPC’s work is centered on innovation, collaboration and community engagement. 

Performances are at 7 p.m. and are free and open to all.

The Department of Theatre and Dance is part of the UC Davis College of Letters and Science. For information about other department productions, visit theatredance.ucdavis.edu.