How to Defend Yourself
By Liliana Padilla
Directed by Meredith G. Healy

David Thayer Theatre | UI Theatre Building

Approximate run time is 1 hour and 40 minutes, with no intermission.

How to Defend Yourself takes place after a sexual assault. It discusses, but does not depict sexual violence. Please be advised that this production includes other mature themes, loud sudden music, and flashing lights. This production is not recommended for those under the age of 16. For a detailed content advisory, please click here.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you are not alone. Local, free, confidential support is available 24/7 through the hotline operated by DVIP&RVAP at (800) 228-1625. 

This is something that is collectively held and therefore can be collectively transformed. 
-Playwright Liliana Padilla

In the immediate aftermath of an assault, a group of college students gather for a DIY self-defense class. This setting quickly becomes a space for channeling their anger, anxiety, trauma, confusion, and desire. In navigating these feelings, the group of strangers unites as a community and works to move forward together. Using humor and candor, Liliana Padilla’s How to Defend Yourself asks us to look beyond the labels of 'perpetrator' and 'survivor,' and to examine the complexities that exist in each of us.

Special thanks to Sydney Becker, Kyleigh Clampitt, Emily Hurst, Linda Kroon, Alton Poole for your support to this production and our community; to Millie Kelchen and Clara Kelchen for their invaluable research assistance and generous loan of select costume pieces.

Performances:
Friday, February 6 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, February 7 at 8 p.m.
Sunday, February 8 at 2 p.m.
Wednesday, February 11 at 8 p.m.
Thursday, February 12 at 8 p.m.
Friday, February 13 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, February 14 at 8 p.m.  

Tickets:
Purchase your tickets in advance through Hancher Box Office by calling 319-335-1160 or online through their website.

The Box Office at the Theatre Building opens one hour prior to the performance, with tickets on an as-available basis, unless the production is sold out.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact the Department of Theatre Arts at 319-335-2700 in advance of the event.

“How to Defend Yourself” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

How To Defend Yourself had its Off-Broadway Premiere at New York Theatre Workshop
Patricia McGregor, Artistic Director | Jeremy Blocker, Executive Director

How To Defend Yourself
World Premiere Production at the 2019 Humana Festival of New American Plays At Actors Theatre of Louisville and at Victory Gardens Theater

Developed by:
UC San Diego, Wagner New Play Festival 2018 Production directed by Kim Rubinstein
Mentored by Naomi Izuka, Kim Rubinstein, Deborah Stein, Allan Havis, Dramaturgy: Gabe Greene, Dylan Key; Script Consultants: Ali Viterbi

Victory Gardens Theater, Chicago, Illinois
Chay Yew, Artistic Director, Erica Daniels, Managing Director
IGNITION Festival of New Plays 2018
Workshop and productions at Victory Gardens and Actors Theatre directed by Marti Lyons

Developed at the Ojai Playwrights Conference
Robert Egan, Artistic Director/Producer
Workshop directed by Danya Taymor
Dramaturgy: Sasha Emerson

How To Defend Yourself was supported by residencies at the Blue Mountain
Center and the Anderson Center at Tower View

THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHOR(S)’S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:
https://concordtheatricals.com/resources/protecting-artists 

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