In 2011, Everett created their Brain Café series as a way to test ideas and generate material for new Company work through detailed examination and vigorous discussion on important topics ranging from the latest neuroscience research to public education. Each Brain Café brings community members together to engage with scientists, humanities scholars, clinicians and artists in a dialogue at the intersections of science, medicine, social justince and the arts. It is a unique model of public engagement that brings fact and human story together for a moving hour of sharing and learning. Below are previous Brain Café events including descriptions and video.
Brain Café: Alleviating Trauma in our Schools
April 12, 2018
This Brain Café includes a presentation by Vanna Phrommavanh, a school-based clinician at the Providence Center. Vanna grew up in war-torn Laos, escaping to a Thai refugee camp before coming to America. Drawing on these experiences, she now helps trauma-impacted youth in Providence’s most challenged schools. In addition to Vanna’s presentation, Everett artists will perform personal stories of their own trauma. These stories help youth in schools gain the courage to share their experiences. These short presentations will be followed by a dialogue with the audience around the issue of trauma in schools.
The evening shares the work of the Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools initiative (BTSS). A partnership between the Providence Children and Youth Cabinet, the Providence School District, the Providence Center, RI Student Assistant Services, and Everett, the initiative is designed to improve outcomes for trauma-impacted youth in our schools. Clinicians and artists work together, incorporating theater into an evidenced-based clinical trauma program.
Videos of work:
Brain Café: Alleviating Trauma Part 1
Brain Café: Secrets & Silence
May 10, 2018
One out of four girls and one out of six boys in the US will be sexually abused before they turn eighteen. 90% of the victims will know their abuser. The topic of child sexual abuse is fraught with taboos in our society and the fear of addressing the subject is part of the problem. In this Brain Café, two women will share their stories of overcoming these experiences. Angelique Webster, a filmmaker and educator, will share her short film Respect and Love, in which a survivor of childhood trauma sits down with her mother 30 years later to gain insight on how those experiences have shaped her mother’s life. Kiara Butler, the Chief Executive Officer of Diversity Talks, will share her inspiring story of overcoming childhood abuse and how her experiences as a survivor have led her to become a role model for others.
Videos of work:
Brain Café: Loss & Grief
May 17, 2018
Two films by Everett youths will be shown at this Brain Café: Sidetrack and Dear Mom, both of which are about two youths who have struggled with loss and grief throughout their life. This Brain Café series is part of Everett Company’s research and development process in creating a new work, entitled Good Grief. The films and short presentation will be followed by a dialogue with the audience around the issue of trauma.
Our presenter will be Oreoluwa Lipede. Ore has worked in the mental health field for over 15 years. She has a CAGS in Counseling, MA in Rehabilitation Counseling, and a BA in Psychology. She uses an individualized approach to counseling. Her background, experience, and faith allow her to help families across generations.
Videos of work:
Brain Café: My Truth
May 24, 2018
This Brain Café will feature three films by Everett youth, Pink Matter, What Is Love, and Line of Scrimmage, which are about the daily struggles youth face with friends and family regarding their sexuality. This Brain Café series is part of Everett Company’s research and development process in creating a new work, entitled Good Grief. The films and short presentation will be followed by a dialogue with the audience around the issue of trauma.
Our presenter will be David Medeiros. David received his bachelor’s degree (cum laude) in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island and his master’s degree from Rhode Island College in Social Work.
Video of work: