Creative Forces—Truths Colliding: The making of a performance (Audio Described)

Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network uses the transformational power of the arts to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life of veterans and service members. Exit12 Dance Company is a nonprofit organization co-founded in 2007 by Román Baca, a former U.S. Marine and ballet dancer. The company uses dance as a medium for expressing the experiences of veterans and promoting healing from the physical and emotional scars of war. The heart of Exit12’s program is an eight-week workshop designed specifically for veterans. It provides participants with space to communicate their feelings nonverbally, which can be particularly beneficial for those who find it difficult to talk about their experiences. In 2022, Exit12 received a Creative Forces Community Engagement grant to support its workshop series. In 2023, this program culminated in a public performance at the Intrepid Museum in New York City, housed on the WWII aircraft carrier Intrepid. Participants showcased what they learned to a thrilled audience of friends, family, and supporters. The first-hand stories of the veterans shared here show how the arts can be a powerful tool for healing and transformation. Programs like this provide a space for expression and create a sense of belonging and empowerment for those who have served our country. This film follows one cohort through the Exit 12 workshop series and illustrates the impact the workshops have had on their lives. Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs that seeks to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life for military and veteran populations exposed to trauma, as well as their families and caregivers. Produced for the National Endowment for the Arts by: Civic Arts Flannel & Blade Northguild Special Thanks Exit12 Executive team: Román Baca, Adrienne de La Fuente, Lisa Fitzgerald, Taylor Gordon, and Dave de la Fuente. Cast of “Truths Colliding”: Román Baca, Adrienne de La Fuente, Lisa Fitzgerald, Taylor Gordon, Danielle Rutherford, Jarred Bosch, Jafet Reinoso, Nicholas Cunha, Liz K. Freeman. Exit12 workshop participants: Dorothea Hahn, Anthony Roberts, Dāmasa Doyle, Maty Jo “MJ” McConnell, Everett Cox, Tommy Williams, Jason Asher, Jenny Pacanowski, Monique Arrucci, Bridget Dolan, Donnie Ray Banks, Donna Zephrine, Natalia, Anna. Creative Forces team: Bill O’Brien, NEADirector for Creative Forces and Liz K. Freeman, Lead Dance/Movement Therapist, HJF in support of Creative Forces Mid-America Arts Alliance: Matt Aelmore Intrepid Museum