Event to Raise Awareness About Youth Violence & Teen Drunk Driving Fatalities

T.J. Paolino is a well-known Providence stage and screen actor, counselor, teacher, and active member of the RI Film Collaborative. A new assignment at the Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence is allowing T.J. to pool resources that will benefit several community groups in the true spirit of collaboration.

The mission of The Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence is to teach by word and example the principles and practice of nonviolence, and to foster a community that addresses potentially violent situations with nonviolent solutions.

T.J. has been asked by the Institute to create a theater program for young people as an adjunct to their mission. Excited about the opportunity and drawing from his wealth of experience, T.J. is already hard at work on the program. As a first performance piece, T.J. has chosen a play written by Middletown high school student, Tim Mendonca titled "Under the Influence".

Unfortunately, Tim lost a friend to a drunk driving accident. The subject of loss due to drunk driving is a topic that has affected many Rhode Island communities. There have been many deaths, and even parents have been arrested for allowing "house parties" where their underage children were allowed to drink.

Tim Mendonca found a way to take action by writing for performance, and "Under the Influence" took shape. Tim has been involved as a volunteer with several arts groups throughout the state. This will be an opportunity for Tim to see his creative efforts come to life.

In producing "Under the Influence", T.J. will cast at-risk young people who have experienced violence in their lives, but are trying to learn other ways to express themselves. Sixteen-year-old playwright Tim Mendonca serves as an example of a peaceful way to try and effect change. Additionally, the live theater performances of "Under the Influence" will give voice to the message about the dangers and tragedies of drunk driving.

T.J. hopes to premiere the play in Providence, which is home to the Institute for the Study & Prevention of Nonviolence. Then, as time and money allows, TJ hopes to take the show on the road. A traveling troupe is not easy to manage, but T.J., Tim, and Linda Chaves - who suffered the loss of her son - want to get the message out to as many young people as possible.

So far, there has been an outpouring of support for this project. Even former Mayor, Buddy Cianci, interviewed T.J. and Tim on his WPRO radio show to help get the word out. Rehearsals for the play will begin in March and the premiere of the play is planned for April.

A fund raiser to help defray the cost of production, and to help the theater program get off the ground, will be held on Sunday, February 24^th at 7pm at the 903 Residences in Providence, RI. Both the Great Room and the 903's theater have been reserved. Locally produced PSA's regarding the effects of teen drunk driving will play in the 903's theater. Parking is free. There will be food, live music and special guests. Tickets are $100 each. To purchase a ticket, or for more information please call 401-626-6888.