This past Monday, Anaheim Public Library and Chance Theater partnered up for a special presentation of our Veterans Speak Up program. Three of our past participants — Frank Barry, David Lopez, and Martin Ventress — shared some of their stories and then engaged in a special discussion with those in attendance. We can never thank them enough for their service to this country, fighting for our rights and freedoms (and paying a price to do so).
And we wouldn’t be able to help them share their stories if it wasn’t for the support of some incredible sponsors — California Arts Council, Roger Friedman, Katheryn Baker & Brad Feldman, Anaheim Community Foundation, Carol and Lee Oldham, Anaheim Hills Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club of Greater Anaheim, and the Employees Community Fund of Boeing.
Thank you to everyone involved in the seventh year of this important program!
Frank Barry, David Lopez, and Martin Ventress perform special excerpts from an original Veterans Speak Up show at Anaheim Central Library on December 19, 2022.
Frank Barry performs special excerpts from an original Veterans Speak Up show at Anaheim Central Library on December 19, 2022.
Martin Ventress performs special excerpts from an original Veterans Speak Up show at Anaheim Central Library on December 19, 2022.
David Lopez performs special excerpts from an original Veterans Speak Up show at Anaheim Central Library on December 19, 2022.
Darryl B. Hovis introduces Frank Barry, David Lopez, and Martin Ventress before they performed special excerpts from an original Veterans Speak Up show at Anaheim Central Library on December 19, 2022.
Frank Barry and David Lopez perform special excerpts from an original Veterans Speak Up show at Anaheim Central Library on December 19, 2022.
Martin Ventress performs special excerpts from an original Veterans Speak Up show at Anaheim Central Library on December 19, 2022.
David Lopez performs special excerpts from an original Veterans Speak Up show at Anaheim Central Library on December 19, 2022.
A list of our generous sponsors of Chance Theater’s Veterans Speak Up program on display at Anaheim Central Library on December 19, 2022.
One Response to “[PHOTOS] Veterans Speak Up at Anaheim Central Library”
Dave Sims
I’m thrilled to see OC arts institutions like Chance Theater and Anaheim Public Library collaborating to uplift marginalized local voices through empowering creative platforms like this “Veterans Speak Up” showcase. Offering space for open dialogue and understanding breaks stereotypes.
And spotlighting veterans specifically seems so important when this complex community gets flattened into polarizing hero/victim caricatures ignoring individual realites. Providing a mic for honest expression rehumanizes those often boxing afterthoughts post-service struggling to process trauma or access adequate care. Their insights enlighten around forging civilian empathy.
I hope artists and writers continue carving out welcoming venues for veterans and other misunderstood groups to safely share truth, humor, grief – everything informing their multidimensional journeys. And bravo showcasing forum accessibility right from Anaheim Central Library at the grassroots!
This is how positive change germinates – by simply listening first. Thanks Chance Theater for setting that precedent of inclusive storytelling signaling every human perspective warrants value in Orange County’s colorful tapestry. Can’t wait to experience more!