PORT ANGELES — “From the Ashes V,” a production to raise awareness about domestic violence, is set for 8 p.m. Saturday at Studio Bob.
Doors will open at 7 p.m. with the show at 8 p.m. at Studio Bob, 118½ E. Front St., Port Angeles.
Tickets are $20 at the door and through https://checkout.square.site/buy/ RCDUDRQGFN3YAD 7GCN2LV5GK or www.studiobob.art.
All proceeds from ticket sales of the production, spearheaded by Merryn Welch, will go to Healthy Families of Clallam County, a nonprofit organization that helps victims of domestic violence rebuild their lives.
The two-hour show, which is recommended for those 14 and older, will offer a variety of acts. Live music, dance, performance art by artists Improv Without A Net Troupe (IWANT), Kylie, Sarah Tucker, Craig Logue, Preston Hughes, Wyk Dreamcaster, Transcend, Morgan Bartholick-LeMaire and the belly dance troupe, Shula Azhar.
Welch, a survivor herself who noted that October has been designated national Domestic Violence Awareness Month, said the production is very personal to her, “as well as to the performers who will take the stage with me, as most have had their lives or the lives of loved ones affected by domestic violence themselves.
“Violence by an intimate partner happens more than people realize,” she said. “Statistics show one in four women and one in seven men are or will be victims, and Washington state ranks eighth in states with the highest rates of domestic violence. It’s important that we talk about it and do what we can as a community, to raise awareness and help victims.”
Richard Stephens, longtime theater director and costumer, will act as the emcee as well as perform in the production. He has been involved in “From the Ashes” for several years, organizers said, serving as an advocate for women’s rights and speaking against abuse of all kinds.
Shula Azhar (which means Flaming Flowers in Arabic) is a multiple award-winning professional Middle Eastern dance troupe based in Port Angeles that has been entertaining audiences in the Pacific Northwest for more than 20 years, organizers said.
The group is known for dynamic choreography and ornate costumes and dance a variety of Middle Eastern styles including Egyptian Cabaret, Saidi, American Cabaret, Lebanese, Turkish Rom and Cabaret, Persian, Bollywood, Khaleeji and fusion. Directors Talia and Ajaya teach classes in both Sequim and Port Angeles.
Logue, a singer and guitarist, has been involved in the local music scene for nearly 40 years, organizers said.
He began his musical journey in the mid-1980s as the vocalist for a punk rock band called “Lies Of Liberty.” Other projects have included Lovebeads, Mugwump, Carpe Diem, Stormbringer and Mad Bombers throughout the ’90s.
He is currently involved in MCFD and a reggae band called DUBble Standard.
IWANT performs regularly at Studio Bob.
Sarah Tucker will be doing a performance piece with photographer Zoe Omega as the other actor using projection, based around the theme of Escape.
For more information about Healthy Families Victim Advocacy Center, see https://www.healthyfam.org.
