Service members and civilians assigned Commander, U.S. Naval Activities Spain gathered in the base theater Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 to engage in an unorthodox Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) training demonstration presented by Pure Praxis, a social theater group.

Pure Praxis travels to military installations worldwide to promote their mission of social change using live, improvisational theater to re-create difficult real world situations so audiences can rehearse proactive responses.

Facilitators engage the audience by asking questions and involving them with the actors on stage to demonstrate among peers how difficult situations can be resolved.

"The purpose of this training is to come at the topics of retaliation, bullying, ostracism and sexual assault prevention in a different way," said Timothy Maurer, the senior program manager of Pure Praxis. "A lot of times Sailors get that power point and what we try to do is present it in a new, powerful way that embodies the solution."

Pure Praxis performs situations that are both complex and sensitive for service members to become active bystanders in their own lives. Every show differs with the answers and participation the audience provides creating a unique training lesson.

"Praxis is a Latin word," said Kelley Ristow, one of the facilitators of Praxis, "means 'intersection between theory and practice.' The idea today is we're going to bring the theory, the technique but you all bring the ideas. Together we can make something that's unique, that's never been done before and that will never be done again in this space today."

Maurer said that even though there is a lesson format in place, the audience makes the lesson affective because of what they bring to the show and how they are impacted.

"I can guarantee you that they're going to leave here today talking about what they saw, talking about the jokes and talking about the topic most importantly," said Maurer. "It's going to stay in their mind. For me, knowing that I am being of service to the men and women who dedicate their lives to serving our country is something I am very proud to be a part of."

Pure Praxis was founded by Kelly Pfleider in Long Beach, California. Praxis is an action oriented activity defined as the act of applying, engaging and practicing ideas.

Naval Station Rota enables and supports operations of U.S. and allied forces and provides quality services in support of the fleet, fighter, and family for Commander, Navy Installations Command in Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia.

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