FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Denise Leslie, Marketing & Public Relations | 970-903-6417 or durangoconcerts@gmail.com
Fort Lewis College Alumnus Brings The Survivors’ Way Home in Multi-Event Experience at Community Concert Hall
Durango, CO — The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, in collaboration with Fort Lewis College Theatre, presents The Survivors’ Way, a visually innovative performance created by Fort Lewis College alumnus Alex Oliszewski, Associate Professor of Media Design at The Ohio State University. Serving as narrator and co–media designer, Oliszewski brings together personal storytelling and inventive media design to shape this moving exploration of resilience, memory, and healing.
The performance takes place Tuesday, February 17, at 7:30pm at the Community Concert Hall, with related workshops and a public lecture offered as part of the surrounding series.
Blending film, storytelling, animation, and visual art, The Survivors’ Way unfolds as a real-time cinematic journey shared between performers and audience. The work tells one family’s story, following a young man’s path through memory, loss, and transformation as he confronts inherited trauma and seeks connection with his past. Poetic in imagery and rich in atmosphere, the performance invites reflection on time, connection, and finding beauty even in the midst of grief and uncertainty.
Content Advisory: This performance includes images and descriptions of weapons, violence, and its impacts.
Creating Resilience Through Art: A Survivors’ Way Workshop Series
Led by artist and licensed art therapist Dana Keeton, this three-part workshop series offers a supportive, creative space to explore resilience, emotional expression, and connection through art-making and mindfulness practices inspired by The Survivors’ Way. Participants will attend the February 17 performance together and engage in guided creative reflection before and after the show. No prior art experience is required.
Workshop & Performance Schedule:
Workshop 1: Sunday, February 15, 3:30–5:30pm
Fort Lewis College, Theatre Building-Gallery | Free
Workshop 2 / Performance: Tuesday, February 17, 7:30pm
Community Concert Hall | $25 – see ticket information below
Workshop 3: Wednesday, February 18, 10:00–11:30am
Community Concert Hall | Free
The art therapy workshops are free to attend; however, participants must purchase a ticket to the February 17 performance of The Survivors’ Way as part of the workshop experience. Advance registration is required. Register online at DurangoConcerts.com.
Restoring Relationships, Transforming Culture: Justice Beyond Punishment
Sunday, February 15 | 1:00pm
Fort Lewis College, Center of Southwest Studies, Lyceum Room | Free
Presented as part of The Survivors’ Way experience, this interactive lecture by theatre artist and restorative justice practitioner Julie Rada explores restorative and transformative justice as alternatives to punishment-based systems. Drawing on personal narrative and themes from The Survivors’ Way, the lecture examines how accountability, repair, and community-based practices can foster healing across personal, professional, and social relationships.
The Survivors’ Way performance tickets are $25 and may be purchased exclusively through DurangoConcerts.com to ensure authentic tickets and fair pricing. Please be aware that third-party resellers may overcharge or sell invalid tickets.
For assistance, contact the Community Concert Hall Box Office, Monday through Friday, 12:00–5:00pm, at 970-247-7657.
The Community Concert Hall is a not-for-profit, multi-use performance venue located on the campus of Fort Lewis College. Its ability to bring a diverse spectrum of shows to Southwest Colorado is made possible through a partnership with the college, a state-supported, independent institution of higher education, and financial and in-kind contributions from generous community members.