The Partnership at Drugfree.org, Outside The Wire and Phoenix House Examine Substance Abuse and Creativity Through Innovative Public Health Project

Adam Driver (HBO's "Girls") and Keith David ("Crash," "Requiem for a Dream") Perform Readings at Theatrical Event at UCLA

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Social impact company Outside the Wire, along with national nonprofit The Partnership at Drugfree.org and leading nonprofit substance abuse treatment and prevention provider Phoenix House, will present "The Dionysus Project" – readings of Euripides' Bacchae featuring acclaimed film, television and Broadway actors. It debuts on the West Coast at the Little Theater at UCLA and is designed to examine the connection between intoxication and creativity.

Supported by a generous grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the readings will feature Adam Driver (HBO's "Girls") and Keith David ("Crash," "Requiem for a Dream"), and will be translated, directed and facilitated by Bryan Doerries and produced by Phyllis Kaufman of Outside the Wire. The presentations and facilitated town hall discussions that follow will focus heavily on the connection between intoxication and creativity, as well as the timeless struggle with addiction.

The performances will take place on September 6, 2012 at the Little Theater at UCLA from 1:30 – 3:30pm, with a second performance from 6:30 – 8:30pm. The event is free and open to the public.

The reading/discussion format is intended to break down the stigma associated with substance abuse and addiction and promote healthy dialogue among diverse communities – public and professional – fostering compassion, cooperation and understanding.

"The goal of 'The Dionysus Project' is to educate and engage participants so that they can examine their own attitudes, or even biases, toward people struggling with addiction," says Steve Pasierb, President and CEO of The Partnership at Drugfree.org. "We are confident that this event, part of our community education efforts, will facilitate much-needed conversation around the issue of substance abuse and creativity, in one of the country's most artistic communities."

"This ancient classic provides the perfect opportunity to discuss the public perception of substance abuse," says Howard Meitiner, President and CEO of Phoenix House. "We look forward to being part of this important performance and dialogue, which will support our goal to dismantle the stigma surrounding addiction."

About The Dionysus Project

"The Dionysus Project" is an innovative public health event that presents readings of scenes from Euripides' Bacchae, an ancient Greek play about the destructive power of intoxication. The project uses ancient Greek tragedy, written nearly 2,500 years ago, to engage audiences in crucial discussions about the timelessness of the human struggle with substance abuse and addiction, as well as resources and solutions that communities can utilize today. Euripides' Bacchae explores the allure and the destructive power of drugs and alcohol through the tragic downfall of a single family over the course of one day, revealing how family members play a critical role in modeling attitudes and behaviors for children regarding alcohol and drugs, and exposing how the introduction of a new drug can annihilate a community.

"We are thrilled to be collaborating with The Partnership at Drugfree.org and Phoenix House on this groundbreaking effort to engage communities across the United States in crucial dialogue about substance abuse and addiction," says Bryan Doerries, Outside the Wire's Artistic Director. "By presenting scenes from a nearly 2500-year-old play about Dionysus, the ancient Greek god of intoxication, our hope is to create a safe space for open discussions about these timeless issues, while connecting audiences with available resources and action steps toward prevention, treatment, and healing. The core message of 'The Dionysus Project' is: You are not alone in your community. You are not alone across the country and the world. You are not alone across time."

To learn more about The Dionysus Project, contact mailto:[email protected], call 212-973-3546 or visit The Partnership at Drugfree.org's "Events" page.

About The Partnership at Drugfree.org

Ninety percent of addictions start in the teenage years. The Partnership at Drugfree.org is dedicated to solving the problem of teen substance abuse. Together with experts in science, parenting and communications, the nonprofit translates research on teen behavior, addiction and treatment into useful and effective resources for both individuals and communities. Working toward a vision where all young people will be able to live their lives free of drug and alcohol abuse, The Partnership at Drugfree.org works with parents and other influencers to help them prevent and get help for drug and alcohol abuse by teens and young adults. The organization depends on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and the public sector and is thankful to SAG-AFTRA and the advertising and media industries for their ongoing generosity.

About Outside the Wire

Outside the Wire (OTW) is a social impact company that uses theater and a variety of other media to address pressing public health and social issues, such as combat-related psychological injury, end of life care, prison reform, political violence and torture, and the de-stigmatization of the treatment of substance abuse and addiction. For more information about OTW's projects, please visit www.outsidethewirellc.com or email [email protected]. 

About Phoenix House

Substance abuse is a growing epidemic in our society, and addiction doesn't discriminate; it affects people from all walks of life. As a leading nonprofit provider of substance abuse treatment and prevention services since 1967, Phoenix House helps more than 7,000 men, women and teens each day as they overcome addiction and begin new lives in recovery. Phoenix House programs meet the needs of each individual client, and we are known for a willingness to embrace new research-tested treatment methods and practices. Our nearly 150 programs in California, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, and Virginia/Metro D.C. lead individuals and families affected by addiction from disruptive to productive lives. We welcome clients from every level of society and address an array of problems. We work with kids at risk, support clients in recovery, and offer a wide range of treatment options for adults and teens, as well as additional services such as vocational training and expressive arts therapy.

About the Stavros Niarchos Foundation

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (www.SNF.org), an international philanthropic organization, makes grants in the areas of arts and culture, education, health and medicine, and social welfare. While prominent in its support of Greek-related initiatives, the Foundation's activities are worldwide in scope. Since the beginning of its grantmaking efforts in 1996, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation has provided total grant commitments of $1,165,000,000 through more than 1,800 grants to nonprofit organizations in 90 nations around the world.

SOURCE The Partnership at Drugfree.org