“Sex Signals” educate Airmen

Published May 14, 2009
By Airman 1st Class Marissa Tucker
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office sponsored a visit from an unorthodox theater group here as part of Wingman Warrior Day May 8.

The theater group's program "Sex Signals," questions and explores society's standards of conduct, dating and rape, said Amber Kelly, an actress in the play. To keep Airmen engaged, the play takes a somewhat comical stance on a serious subject.

"It's really important that people talk about these sensitive subjects," Ms. Kelly said. "In the military, people are held to a higher standard, so they really need to be clear on appropriate sexual behavior."

Ms. Kelly and George Giannapolis spoke about how people's actions can be taken out of context or misconstrued, causing a situation to escalate. The actors use comedy to lighten a sensitive subject and convey an important message.

"In situations where sex is involved, some people are afraid to ask questions because they don't want to seem strange, but you have to," Mr. Giannapolis said. "They might be surprised to know the other person is thinking the exact same thing."

The skit moved to a more serious note when the topic switched to rape. In the show, a male Airman was accused of raping a female Airman, and he tried to convince the crowd of his innocence.

His story began with the Airmen playing video games in her room, when she began flirting with him. They both had been drinking, and the situation progressed. The male admitted that she told him to stop, but only once, and she whispered it.

The actors asked the audience if they felt he was guilty of rape, and most people raised their hand. Mr. Giannapolis found it interesting that some didn't think he was guilty.

"Since we do so many shows, crowd reaction never really surprises us, but it is always interesting to see how people think," he said. "Now, I'm really glad we came here because we could be saving someone from one of these situations."

The play has received rave reviews, including a standing invitation with several Army bases who implemented the play into their programs to combat sexual assault among the ranks.

The National College Athletic Association also provides a grant for actors to perform for audiences that include student athletes.

For more information on the program, Airmen can call the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office at (919) 722-7272.