HCC Profiles: The Warriors Advocate on Behalf of Human Rights

"All right, how many of you remembered to write your papers?" Lindsey Gardiner said from the front of the room, hands on hips.

An uncomfortable silence followed and Gardiner sent those who didn't complete their assignments to stand on the side. Then she walked over and slapped the tops of their hands playfully as punishment.

Such light-heartedness and camaraderie during The Warriors' rehearsal session belies the depth and gravity of the club's mission as a young and growing student club at .

 is currently directing a play for The Warriors that is representative of the group's goal, which is to advocate on behalf of human rights.

The club originally was called The Vagina Warriors, a reference to The Vagina Monologues, a play that explored various aspects of the female experience.

"The Vagina Warriors spoke out against domestic violence, particularly towards women," club president Allison Skovira said. "However, we wanted to include men, so we dropped the name to just the 'Warriors' and now we focus more on human rights in general."

Skovira said the group is special because of its inclusiveness. The Warriors welcome victims of domestic abuse, gays and lesbians, and those who are confused about their gender into a "close-knit group who are able to get involved and open up a bit."

Their upcoming project, a production of The Laramie Project, is the true story of the 1998 torture and killing of a gay man from Laramie, WY.

"This show is important, and our first little adventure into human rights," play director Gardiner said. "It's kind of the reason there are anti-discriminatory laws in other states. I want to show that crimes like this could happen here."

Cast members are just as excited to be a part of the production. Performing Arts major Jackie Cast expressed an interest in social commentary and activism theater and the creativity it allows.

"It's exciting to play five different characters," Cast said. "My favorite character is Zubaida Ula, a feminist Muslim woman in her 20s who wears a head scarf."

Accounting major Jeremy Ross, not an official member of the group, jumped at the chance to be a part of this project when he discovered Gardiner would be directing.

"It's a powerful piece and I find it deeply moving," Ross stated. "I would gladly join The Warriors if this is the kind of project they associate themselves with."

The Laramie Project will be presented 6 p.m., July 29; at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., July 30, and 6 p.m., July 31. Admission is free and the production will be held on the Student Center patio. In case of inclement weather, the performance will be held in Edgewood Hall, room 132.