Aquinas | The University of Scranton

One-man show raises questions about discrimination, prevention
BY GERARD NOLAN
NEWS EDITOR
November 20, 2008 issue

Dr. Michael Fowlin will address worldwide inclusion in a performance titled “You Don’t Know Me … Until You Know Me,” to be held 7:30 p.m. Friday in the theater on fourth floor DeNaples.

A psychologist, poet and actor, Fowlin has put together a one-man theatrical performance designed to promote inclusion of all people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientations, etc. During the performance, Fowler plays the part of nine characters in what his Web site bills as a “gripping, fast paced, 75-minute performance.”

Tatiana Person, president of United Colors, watched Fowlin perform when she was in junior high.
“I saw Dr. Fowlin perform when I was in 8th grade and it left a lasting impression on me. His performance was eye-opening and inspirational,” Person said.

Fowlin’s performance deals with “race, discrimination, violence prevention, personal identity, suicide, gender equity, homophobia and the emotional pain felt by special education children,” according to his Web site.
Fowlin got his start acting since he was 11. He holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from Rutgers University.
He combines his educational background with his acting skills to put together shows that he hopes will change people’s minds about those different from them.

Person explained that the United Colors Club decided to sponsor Fowlin because they believe he best can address the University community.

“Dr. Fowlin’s performance brings up issues that we have to face and proposes solutions that will help us to remain a respectful community,” Person said.

Person also noted that the notion of inclusion is especially important for those at a Catholic Jesuit University.
“I think it is important for students of a Jesuit University, where values such as respect, love, acceptance, and virtue are taught every day, to understand and embrace diversity,” Person said.

Fowlin has put on shows in the United States and abroad. He hopes to promote “worldwide inclusion” for everyone. In addition to his theatrical performances, which include a few other shows, Fowler has worked in the areas of peer mediation, diversity training, gender equality and violence prevention, according to his Web site.
Person said Fowler’s presentation was particularly appropriate in light of some recent incidents on campus involving intolerance.

“I felt that The University should experience this especially because of recent events on campus where inappropriate language and actions have been used to describe people of different races, genders, and sexual orientations,” Person said. “Dr. Fowlin’s performance brings up issues that we have to face and proposes solutions that will help us to remain a respectful community.”

Person said Fowler’s show is more than a traditional pro-diversity presentation.

“It’s more than about just being sensitive to diversity,” Person said.

“It is about realizing that our world is a diverse world and the power to embracing diversity starts here. It is important for the University of Scranton to remain a respectful and accepting community.”

Fowlin’s Web site states that when people walk away from the show, they will leave with a “feeling of beauty … within one’s self and the beauty within others.”

“Dr. Fowlin will put on an awesome show and his performance will truly change lives,” Person said.

Fowlin’s performance is sponsored by the University’s United Colors Club, Jane Kopas Women’s Center, Residence Life, Multicultural Affairs and the Office of Equity and Diversity.