"Speak now or forever hold your peace" took on a new meaning at a theatrical gay marriage in Newcomb Hall yesterday.
Last spring, the University's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center came up with the idea of holding a gay marriage presentation followed by a discussion, Center Director Emily West said.
Students performed the marriage last night under the direction of Atlanta performer Turner Schofield. During the ceremony, actors took turns reading poetry, quoting from the Bible and referencing Virginia laws.
"The performance pointed out major legal inequalities and importantly challenged our conventional thinking," said Shamim Sisson, senior associate dean of students.
"We address different common opinions about gay marriage and what it means to the institution of marriage and society," West said. "Our presentation is very equal. We give equal time to both sides of the argument."
The presentation highlighted popular views as well as typically unacknowledged opinions.
"We did our best to represent all sides, including the anti-gay marriage from the gay community, which usually doesn't get discussed," performer Demere Woolway said.
An open discussion followed the ceremony and addressed a range of opinions concerning the institution of marriage.
"This is clearly a friendly space," Schofield said.
Audience members offered a range of reasons for attending the performance. Many said they were trying to get a better understanding of the political and religious implications of gay marriage.
"It's a chance for a lot of people to bring all of their opinions," West said. "It's a really great opportunity for people to get together and really talk about this."
The performers and presentation organizers were pleased with the event.
"I was very pleased with the turnout," Schofield said. "It was so warmly received, which is important for a university in the South."
Community members who attended the event also said they were pleased with its message.
"I thought it was terrific," Sisson said. "It was very thoroughly prepared. The performance captured all the complexities of this issue."
A wedding reception followed the marriage ceremony and discussion.
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