An interactive showing of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" will take place on Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. in Eastern Michigan University's Student Center Auditorium.
This event is a collaboration between the Women's Resource Center (WRC) and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Resource Center (LBGTRC). The event will feature prop bags and an interactive costume contest for attendees to participate in, this event is free and no registration is required.
The screening of this musical has been a staple and rite of passage for decades. The significance of this event is rooted in tradition, a tradition that Eastern Michigan University continues to uphold.
“The experience of going to a Rocky Horror screening has been cherished by queer communities since the late 1970s," Emma Wuetrich, an employee at the LGBT Resource Center said. "The characters are offbeat — which has been embraced as a metaphor for addressing heteronormativity. The show's themes include sexual liberation and self-discovery, which can be rewarding for folks of all identities to celebrate.”
"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" aired in 1975. The musical comedy horror film was directed by Jim Sherman and produced by Lou Adler and Michael White. Distributed by 20th Century Fox, the film is based on the 1973 musical stage production, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."
Historically, showings became a safe space for 'outcasts' and were attended by many, slowly creating a large fanbase. In addition, the film broke the boundaries of what was expected of gender expression at the time. It is still referenced today for doing so.
The WRC is 'committed to recognizing and celebrating the diverse representations of women on campus, encouraging and supporting their personal growth, academic enrichment and professional development, offering advocacy and referral services, and providing educational programming and resources to help women reach their full potential'.
The LGBTRC is 'here to increase students’ sense of belonging and contribute to a culture of equity through programming, advocacy, and education. We aim to serve all students with gender, romantic, and/or sexual identities and foster rich, dynamic experiences'.
For more information on the LGBTRC, visit their website.
