Parents and Teens Talk about Sex
Thursday, October 11, 2007

PPNNE -- Planned Parenthood Brings Groundbreaking Play to Burlington, VT.

Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE) is hosting the Vermont premiere of When Turtles Make Love: Real Talk Between Parents and Teens on Wednesday, November 14 at Burlington’s Waterfront Theatre.

Written and directed by Cathy Plourde and Chiara Liberatore of Add Verb Productions, When Turtles Make Love features adult and teen actors in an honest look at the difficulties and commonalities generations face communicating about sex. Immediately following the production, community members, play producers, and Planned Parenthood staff will take part in a panel discussion and conversation about the issues raised.

The play first premiered in Portland, ME, in March as part of the community launch of Real Life. Real Talk.® This initiative, being piloted in three U.S. cities, is designed to improve teen health — including helping them avoid sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy — by creating a more positive social climate for discussions about relationships and health.

 “Too often public discourse about sexual health is polarized,” says Catriona McHardy, Vice President of Education and Training at Planned Parenthood. “If we are to make real change in the way our culture deals with teens and sexuality, we must start at the beginning with our realities, our experiences, our commonalities, and lives. The arts can take us there. That is why I am so pleased that a local group of supporters has joined with us to bring When Turtles Make Love to Burlington. It is funny, honest, and heartfelt, and it is a way to open up dialogue and support parents as they strive to raise sexually healthy adolescents in today’s sex-saturated culture.” 

The proceeds from When Turtles Make Love will support Planned Parenthood’s education and training programs in Chittenden County. General admission tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for teens age 17 and under. There are also patron, sponsor, and underwriter tickets which include an invitation to a Producers’ Reception on Thursday night. For more information go to www.ppnne.org, or contact Marissa Parisi at Marissa@ppnne.org or 802-288-8402. Tickets for the November 14 and 15 performances may also be purchased online.

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