In response to the recent #metoo movement as well as a reflection of scenes in West Side Story, the producers of this important musical, The Norwalk Symphony Orchestra and New Paradigm Theatre, have organized a free two-hour self-defense workshop.

Attendees will participate in short sessions that include:

• “Be an Upstander” - led by stage director of West Side Story, Claire Kelley (artistic director of Shakespeare on the Sound)

• RAD (rape, aggression, defense system) taught by the Norwalk PD (self-defense techniques)

• “Our Voices All Matter” led by Catlina Horak, Michelle Saldivar from partner nonprofit Building One Community. (B1C) dealing with immigration issues.

NPT’s Artist Director and Broadway veteran, Kristin Huffman (Milford CT) says, “New Paradigm is happy that we have found a simpatico alliance with another arts nonprofit like the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra who believes that we can produce shows and display a social justice conscience. These shows not only entertain with Broadway pros on stage, but they also connect directly to our community. We felt that this free workshop tied in to the scene in West Side Story where “Anita” is attacked as well as to the bullying that happens throughout the show.”

Building One Community - The Center for Immigrant Opportunity (B1C) was chosen by the producers as the perfect partner non profit for this show. “As a center for immigrant opportunities, the themes presented in West Side Story resonate with our mission to support the most vulnerable. Although our clients are immigrants from over 87 countries, the majority of our clients are of Hispanic origin, who are trying to find solace for themselves, friends and family members, while being persecuted and targeted by the negative rhetoric surrounding immigration in our current political climate.” says Michelle Saldivar, Special Project Advisor for B1C.