March 31 at Lincoln South Rotary - BLIXT

During her introduction, we learned that the mission of BLIXT is "to continue the tradition of collaborative theatre that connects people, sparks meaningful conversations, and inspires community action."

 

Reanna started by sharing some of the current projects of BLIXT.

 

Not Too Far Distrant is a play by Becky Boesen, It was inspired by the true story of Sgt. Clarence Williams. The work was commissioned by History Nebraska Foundation. Staff Sergeant Clarence Williams, a member of the 42nd Infantry who during WWII, helped liberate Dachau. He wrote a letter almost daily to his wife Gretchen.

 

From the BLIXT website: " Centered around his personal letters home, we learn that sometimes what seems so far away is much closer than we think. Filled with hope and heart, Not Too Far Distant honors the experience of the American soldier and reminds us that we all have the power - and the responsibility - to help create a brighter future.  "

 

Reanna shared that they don't often look for projects - but that projects find them. With this particular project, the History Nebraska Foundation had letters from St. Williams to his wife and wanted to find a way to preserve the stories.

 

They have an educational project that is currently touring - Puddin' and the Grumble. It addresses childhood hunger. It first premiered at The Lied in 2016 in cooperation with the food bank. Reanna shared that this is more than just a performance. Their activity provides continuing education credits for teachers as they learn how to identify kids with food insecurities and how to help serve those in need.

 

This year Puddin' and the Grumble received a National Endowment of the Arts grant.

 

Much of what Reanna shared was about being weird - feeling weird.

 

She shared her personal experience of having a daily struggle - being constantly at war with herself. It was a struggle to conform but she felt that she was not accepted the way she was.

 

Her experience with instructor Becky Boesen changed all of that. Becky provided an outlet for creativity. It was a refreshing change as she thought she could now be herself. She realized that weirdness could be a source of goodness rather than a source of shame.

 

She said that BLIXT was developed to be a welcoming environment where everyone can feel welcome. Many that were often overlooked included those that were weird, strange, or simply artists. BLIXT helps people come together to grow the goodness of a team.

 

She said that on one of the windows they painted Weirdos Welcome so that anyone - everyone would feel they could come through the doors. They did need to have a reason to visit.

 

From her personal experience growing up in the Midwest she said there was not a wide-spread understanding of acceptance. She was frequently asked "why are you so weird". Luckily schools have changed and there is more acceptance and understanding.

 

Often people became weird after years of being overlooked. They all will come to the crossroads - try to conform or celebrate the uniqueness that they offer.

 

BLIXT is a perfect place for them.

 

 

Everyone is a bit weird if invited to be weird. "Weirdos Welcome" is an invitation. They found that there are many mainstream individuals that also felt weird. she invited us to all embrace our weirdness.

 

Their funding comes mostly from grants and some commissioned projects.

 

They have partnered with Lincoln Public Schools. They recently held camp with LPS students using the Puddin' and the Grumble materials project. They had 10 different teaching artists and 20 different schools set up at 5 different locations. It was a week long camp and the participants learned part of the production. They were able to then perform back at the schools.

 

They also have after-school programs to continue to support kids. But, BLIXT is not just for kids.

 

They believe that performance art has a stronger impact on learning. If we see action in front of us - such as in a play - we will understand it better than if we just talk about it or read about it.

 

https://www.blixt.info/

 

 

BIO:
Reanna Rohrer, the Director of Education at BLIXT, a non-profit theatre company based in Lincoln, Nebraska, has joined us today to represent her organization. BLIXT was founded by the visionary duo of Becky Boesen and Petra Wahlqvist and is dedicated to the development of new works, innovative education and engagement, and creativity-based community development. Above all, their mission is to continue the tradition of collaborative theatre that connects people, sparks meaningful conversations, and inspires community action.