Documentary follows LGBT theater troupe

Cal Lutheran to present free screening on Feb. 15

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With wit, grace and attitude, the diverse troupe transforms their personal struggles into theater for social change.

(THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Jan. 25, 2017) California Lutheran University will present a free screening of a documentary about a LGBT theater troupe and their stories of love on Wednesday, Feb. 15.

“The Year We Thought About Love” will be shown at 7 p.m. in Lundring Events Center on the Thousand Oaks campus.

In a twist on the common image of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth as victims, the 68-minute documentary celebrates the powerful work of Boston-based True Colors: OUT Youth Theater, as they write and produce a play about love. With wit, grace and attitude, the diverse troupe transforms their personal struggles into theater for social change – starting with a simple and surprising kiss in the first act.

Released in 2015, “The Year We Thought About Love” goes behind the scenes of the oldest queer youth theater in America. The camera crew slips into rehearsal rooms, kitchens, classrooms and subways capturing the wit, candor and attitude of these young people. Together they explore love – romantic, familial, and religious – as they write scripts based on their lives. The film reveals the troupe members as artists and activists, celebrating the fullness of their lives in both thoughtful and hilarious ways.

As the play takes shape, viewers learn more about the lives of several troupe members, highlighting both the unique and universal struggles of LGBT adolescence. A transgender teen is kicked out of her house; a devout Christian wrestles with his church’s homophobia; and a girl dares to wear boys’ clothing at school even as she models dresses on the runway on weekends. When the Boston Marathon bombs explode outside their building, the troupe becomes even more determined to share their stories of love to help heal their city.

During the play’s tour, student audiences are surprised to hear such revealing stories shared in school settings. Audiences cheer, gasp, laugh and grow silent as they consider the courage and strength these young people must have to be out and true to themselves.

First Lady Michelle Obama presented the National Arts and Humanities Youth Award to the troupe in December.

Lundring Events Center is inside the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center, which is located north of Olsen Road near Mountclef Boulevard.

Cal Lutheran’s Gender and Women’s Studies Program, People Respecting Individuality, Diversity and Equality (PRIDE) club, Office of Student Life, and Office of Mission and Identity are sponsoring the event. For more information, contact Melissa Maxwell-Doherty at 805-493-3589 or revmmmd@callutheran.edu.

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