In Celebration of National Women’s Health Week
A Special Mother’s Day Luncheon and Dramatic Performance, “Why Won’t She Leave?”
May 13, 2007
Presented by Healing Waters Productions
and
The Black Church and Domestic Violence Institute
Co-Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health Nd Human Services
Nashville, TN – Healing Waters Productions, an Atlanta-based educational theater collective, will present “Why Won’t She Leave?” an original work that explores the impact of domestic violence on victims and their families. The May 13th performance will take place at 2:30 p.m. at the Musician’s Hall of Fame, located at 301 6th Avenue South. This event is open to the public; and is recommended for mature audiences due to strong language and content. Event organizers are particularly focused on introducing the work to local organizations that provide counseling and other services to women.
“I am a native Nashvillian, and I’m very proud to be here doing my life’s work. In this symbolic homecoming, we are looking forward to partnering with local domestic violence and women’s health organizations and allies to build a network for training, education, and social change.” – Cynthia C. Harris.
“Why Won’t She Leave?” (WWSL) has been presented to diverse audiences around the United States for more than two years. The May 13 production is in collaboration with The Black Church and Domestic Violence Institute (BCDVI).
“We intend to engage communities, leaders, service providers and public servants with fresh conversations about domestic violence using the piece [WWSL] as an applied theatre educational tool. BCDVI is an integral part of this process—through our partnership we are able to develop, organize and implement trainings that are sensitive and specific to the needs and goals of each audience. One important lesson that we have learned through our organizational development is that successful collaborations are instrumental in creating appropriate and sustainable responses to violence against women.” – Cynthia C. Harris.
General admission tickets for this event are $20. Student and Senior tickets are $15. RSVP and advance ticket reservation are strongly encouraged.
About Healing Waters Productions
Healing Waters Productions is a collective of African heritage women sharing and theorizing about the very specific position of being socialized as women in the United States. As a production company offering arts-based education and training for social change, Healing Waters provides opportunities for women to notice, name, and voice their authentic experiences. The mission of Healing Waters Productions is to merge public health theory and practice with the creative arts for the purpose of liberating the voices, bodies and spirits of all women.
About Cynthia C. Harris, Founding Playwright & Visionary
Ms. Harris is a Writer/ Performance Artist/ Dancer/ Activist/Health Educator/ and proud southerner. Her work in the field of women’s reproductive health research has fed an appreciation for the analytical and provided her with the opportunity to study human behavior. These experiences and her artistic talents that range from creative writing to international dance, have combined to create an informed, vocal advocate for women’s health issues. Her first performance piece, “Phrases of Womanhood”, has been performed since 2002 in Tennessee and Georgia by the Phoenix Ensemble. Her performance piece, “Why Won’t She Leave?” has been presented nationally since its debut in 2005.
About The Black Church and Domestic Violence Institute
The Black Church and Domestic Violence Institute (BCDVI) founded by the Rev. Aubra Love, trains faith-based leaders in the appropriate response to domestic violence. Incorporated in 1998, The Institute supports a network of clergy, lay leaders and agencies committed to ending domestic violence among women of faith within the continental United States and Caribbean. Headquarters of the National Clergywomen’s Alliance, BCDVI provides organizational development to women’s ministry efforts that promotes communities organizing and local responses to domestic violence.
Contact: Dia S. Hodnett, Director of Training and Special Events, Healing Waters Productions and National Board member of The Black Church and Domestic Violence Institute. Email: diahodnett@gmail.com
Healing Waters Productions 
