CU Boulder violence prevention program featured in Human Kindness Initiative

On Nov. 12, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival joined forces with the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence to participate in the Human Kindness Initiative, organized by the Parent Engagement Network. This free event, held at New Vista High School, combined the power of art and connection to address building safer, healthier communities.

Professional actors from the Colorado Shakespeare Festival performed an abridged version of "Much Ado About Nothing," a play that addresses rumors, gossip and misinformation. This 45-minute adaptation was directed by Professor Kevin Rich of CU Boulder's Department of Theatre & Dance. The performance was followed by a dynamic conversation featuring violence prevention experts from CU Boulder and "Much Ado" actors, who discussed how the arts can foster empathy, strengthen relationships and encourage "upstander" behavior (taking action to help prevent mistreatment).

Beverly Kingston, director of CU Boulder's Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, who appeared on the panel, encouraged community members to learn more about how to prevent violence: "Parents and community members are on the front lines of shaping the culture around young people," said Kingston. "When we come together to normalize and practice upstander behavior, we're giving the next generation the tools they need to handle conflicts in healthier, more constructive ways."

"Shakespeare's work is shockingly relevant today," said Amanda Giguere, director of outreach for the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. "Shakespeare understood a lot about violence and mistreatment, and 'Much Ado About Nothing' gives us the opportunity to think about the harmful impacts of rumors and the role we all play in preventing violence."

Community and parent engagement were emphasized throughout the evening as vital components in spreading messages about violence prevention. Experts highlighted how families can pay attention to red flags and warning signs that people may be struggling with, and shared some resources, including Colorado's Safe2Tell program, a tool to anonymously report dangerous behavior.

The event is part of the ongoing Shakespeare & Violence Prevention Program, an initiative that has reached more than 140,000 students across Colorado since its 2011 launch, combining live theater with practical strategies to prevent harm. This program is the subject of a forthcoming handbook for educators, which will help teachers implement these lessons in the classroom. "Shakespeare & Violence Prevention: A Practical Handbook for Educators," written by Giguere, will be published in 2025 by University Press of Colorado.

Organizers encouraged attendees to continue the conversation at home, with friends, and within their broader communities to ensure the messages shared during the event extend beyond the stage.

Find more information about sending the Shakespeare & Violence Prevention Program to a school near you.

The Shakespeare & Violence Prevention production of "Much Ado About Nothing" is funded in part by Shakespeare in American Communities, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest, and by individual donors. Make a gift to this program.