Entry 2: Meet Remsen!

Hello! My name is Remsen Welsh and I’m another dramaturgical intern alongside Cora for the Oberlin-Wellington Rescue Theater Project.

Similarly to Cora I also became involved with this project in the Summer of 2021 being a mentee of Caroline Jackson Smith who has nurtured my interest in the intersections of Africana Studies and Theater. I have been involved with theater since I was very young, most often acting but have also gained invaluable experiences through delving into the many other facets of theater. This is my first time working exclusively on dramaturgical research and I couldn’t be more excited. 

Though the work of performing is what I’m used to, getting to explore dramaturgy has truly shown me the beauty of the dichotomy between research and art. I have always had a deep passion for theater that amplifies marginalized identities and stories, specifically that of the Black experience and have been continuously curious about how storytelling can be utilized for social change, and the possibilities for theater inspiring collective action and eventual healing!

Through the work of dramaturgy my eyes have been opened to the rich complexity of Oberlin, getting to look through archives of material dating back to the 1800’s and reading and seeing members of the college and community alike engaged and committed to intense abolitionist work is so incredible. It is truly so exciting to learn more about the ways in which allyship was and continues to be a foundational and integral part of the fabric of the environment of Oberlin.

I can’t wait to explore this history further and share it with all of you!