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��M�� public relations major Emelia Sherin made which highlights the tragedies of the heroin epidemic in Northeast Ohio.

The play will be performed on ��MŮ��’s campus for one night only, March 21 at 7 p.m., in the Kiva Auditorium. Admission is free. Donations raised from the event with go to Oriana House Inc. The performance is sponsored by Luna Negra and the School of Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC), and will be performed by the Youngstown Playhouse cast and directed by Sarah Jane Demetruk.

Sherin, along with fellow JMC student Zachary Manthey created (In)Dependent based on a series of interviews she conducted with heroin users, counselors, family members and more. It debuted at the Akron Civic Theater in August 2017.

Sherin created the story behind this drama because she believed it would be a positive way to help people understand the heroin epidemic, who is affected and what we can do about it. Now, Sherin is sharing her message with the ��M�� community.

“��MŮ�� has empowered and influenced me to be the best student, worker and human being I can possibly be,” says Sherin. “The history (��MŮ��) holds in activism has pushed me to reach out to society in a myriad of ways. … I have always wanted to give a voice to those who are unable to physically, emotionally or mentally voice their passions or stances.”

Sherin received standing ovations at both opening shows, a tribute the the positive response she received for her creation. Sherin hopes to continue creating buzz for various social justice issues.

“When you have someone in front of you, showing you the effect that this epidemic has, it opens your eyes,” she said in an article in ��MŮ�� Magazine. “Confrontation is key to communication.”