Intiman’s ‘Run/Walk for Congo Women’ Reaches Capacity of 600 Participants

Proceeds from the 5K event on Saturday, October 16 will benefit Women for Women International’sCongo Program, one of several organizations supported by Intiman in connection with its recent production of Lynn Nottage’s Ruined

SEATTLE— Intiman Theatre announces that 600 participants have joined its ‘Run/Walk for Congo Women’ around Seattle ’s Green Lake Park on Saturday, October 16, the capacity for the 5K event. All proceeds will benefit Women for Women International’s Congo Program. The Run/Walk is one of several programs sponsored by Intiman to raise awareness about the ongoing tragedy in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Intiman’s production of Ruined, which became the second-best-selling show in the theatre’s history after its extended run this summer, is now at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles , where it runs through October 17. The co-production is directed by Intiman Artistic Director Kate Whoriskey, who also directed the world premiere of the play after developing it over five years with Lynn Nottage.

“The success of Ruined, both as a piece of theatre and as a play that can effect change, has been gratifying,” says Whoriskey. “Nothing, however, prepared me for the level of engagement and activism that we have seen in Seattle . The commitment of our audiences and this community to take action and support women in the Congo has been extraordinary.”

Intiman is the sole sponsor of the Run/Walk, which was inspired by author and activist Lisa Shannon’s grassroots movement “Run for Congo Women.” This event is one of several opportunities that Intiman offered in connection with its production to raise awareness and financial support for survivors of sexual violence.

Following each performance, members of the company collected donations for the Panzi Hospital of Bukavu—the hospital mentioned in the play—which provides treatment, surgical repair and other services for Congolese women. Seattle audiences collectively donated more than $50,000 to support the hospital and Intiman’s local outreach efforts.

In addition to its institutional offerings, members of Intiman’s staff are supporting a woman in the Congo through Women for Women International and have raised funds locally for OKoNGO, a Seattle-based organization that supports Congolese refugees in the United States .

Intiman’s production of Ruined was sponsored in part by The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation.

For more information, visit www.intiman.org.