'SEX SIGNALS' Set for Georgia Highlands

Colleges and universities have long grappled with providing effective sexual assault prevention programming. It’s a controversial, highly-charged subject, packed with emotion and misunderstanding.

Contrary to the common myth that rape is committed by strangers jumping out of dark alleys, the reality is that rape is usually committed by someone the victim knows. Also, any discussion about sexual assault can make men feel implicated simply because they are men, and women feel uncomfortable when they recognize their own potential victimization.

To reach the college population effectively, Catharsis Productions treats the subject innovatively through a two-actor play. The presentation distinguishes itself by mixing improvisational comedy, education and audience interaction. SEX SIGNALS provokes discussions about dating, sex and the issue of consent.

The 75-minute, two-person play begins with an irreverent and funny look at the awkwardness of dating with each actor representing their gender’s perspective. The show explores how social pressures, gender role stereotypes and unrealistic fantasies can make social interaction a challenge.

Worse still, these factors enable some to view date rape as simple seduction and for victims of date rape to blame themselves for their own vulnerability. Although the message is a serious one, the show uses humor, engaging audiences in candid discussions about their beliefs and experiences.

Seasoned educators and facilitators, the presenters strike a balance between laughing about the differences between men and women and clearly communicating some serious messages about how we all should treat each other.  

The program reaches out to students who have mislabeled coercion as consent with the hope that once they realize the brutal impact of rape, that they will change their behavior.

Georgia Highlands College is hosting the play as the first in its spring semester speaker series. It's set for Thursday at 7 p.m. in the library on the Cartersville campus and is free and open to the public.