Sailors, Marines and Department of the Navy (DON) civilians in the National Capital Region attended performances July 26 by Pure Praxis, a DON interactive Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) training.

Pure Praxis uses improvisational theater to encourage Sailors and Marines to practice involvement and intervention techniques in real-life social situations. Each show is shaped by the participation of the audience, meaning no two performances are alike.

"This presentation isn't just about SAPR," said Jill Loftus, director, DON SAPR Office. "Underlying this training is the theme of simply treating each other with dignity and respect. This training reiterates the importance of considering your actions and decisions when faced with various situations, from mundane shipboard or office interactions to challenging circumstances at work or in a social setting."

Pure Praxis performed at the Washington Navy Yard and at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

"I absolutely loved the show," said Seaman Dylan Chiovitti, U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard, who participated in the presentation. "I thought that this was a lot more interactive than some slideshow, which we've seen before. It made me actually think about what I would do in a situation like [those presented]. You really don't realize what everyone goes through, so it made you open up your eyes to other people's perspective."

Seaman Terry Johnson Jr. watched his first Pure Praxis performance while at Naval Service Training Command. This time, he decided to participate in a portion where audience members had an opportunity to demonstrate how they would intervene given a particular scenario.

"This is actually my second time watching this," he said. "It was very interactive, and I felt like I needed to put in my two cents on what I would do in a situation."

For more information on DON SAPRO visit: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/sapro/pages/default.aspx