“Revealed,” a performance by St. Thomas’ Invisible Children group, highlighted a variety of talents and raised awareness and funds for the charity.

The charity benefits children in war-torn countries in east Africa. According to the charity’s website, the group advocates for children who have been affected by the Lord’s Resistance Army. Many donations go to the Legacy Scholarship Fund, which provides education in Uganda.

The performance was Friday, April 1, in the Brady Educational Center auditorium. All the money collected from the event will benefit Invisible Children.

Sophomore Bianca Jones, service chair of St. Thomas’ Invisible Children, said the events at St. Thomas are crucial to spreading the message.

“Our biggest thing is raising awareness,” Jones said. “I think we can do big things.”

The show included 14 different acts. Performances included music, dance, spoken word and film. The musical acts ranged from Lotus Eater’s indie-rock to Nick Kiekenapp’s folk style. Spoken word performances about the issue included a dramatic interpretation through the actor’s shadows. The dance groups pumped up the energy with hip-hop and slowed the mood with a contemporary-style dance.

Several testimonials from child soldiers in east Africa were read between performances.

Jones said showcasing different art and talent interests more people.

“Nobody wants to sit and watch the same thing over again,” Jones said.

Many of the performers said they were pleased to support the charity, including sophomore Landon Rick who performed with the band Blue Whale and the Swedes. Rick said the event brought to light issues most students don’t think about.

“It’s a good cause and a good outlet for local St. Thomas talent to express themselves for something bigger,” Rick said.

Sophomore and spoken word artist Rae Horton said the events have the opportunity to influence students.

“I went to other [Invisible Children] events last semester and was really touched by the films,” Horton said. “That’s why I wrote the poem performed tonight.”

The event seemed to interest many people, including freshman Kristin Braden, who had not heard of the organization before the performance.

“It’s a good organization and a good cause to support,” she said. “I liked how it was a little bit of everything from music to speakers.”

Co-chair and senior Kaitlin Rattigan said the event was an effective way to spread information.

“We’re unique in the fact that we use art as a way to communicate a message to people,” Rattigan said.

She added, “It’s interactive, accessible and exciting. It meets people halfway.”

Gina Dolski can be reached at grdolski@stthomas.edu.