October 15 & 17, 2024 SIP Blog

“It didn’t take much to persuade him!”

The past week working on Much Ado About Nothing with the group has been a fascinating journey through Shakespeare’s intricate layers of humor, relationships, and deception. Every session brings new discoveries amongst the group, and the energy in the room is exciting as we unpack these centuries-old dynamics and “roast battles”.

We started off by getting everyone warmed up with a game of "Pass the Remote." Laughter echoed throughout the space, setting the tone for our session. The group was excited to continue diving into the script and thought it would be best to catch up our new members on what had happened. We dove into Act 2, Scene 2, and the room lit up. The dialogue between Don John and Borachio sparked a lively discussion—the group had much to say about Don John’s manipulation. “What a douche-bag!” someone exclaimed after the reading, while another quipped, “He’s not that bright.” The consensus was clear—Don John might be evil, but Borachio is the brains behind their mischief.

As we continued, Act 2, Scene 3 brought out a fun, modern twist. We read the song in the scene with one of the group beat-boxing, turning the scene into a rap. It felt like Shakespeare himself would have appreciated the rhythm we found in his words. After some playful improvisation, we got into a deep discussion about Benedick’s character. The group was quick to note how easily he falls for the idea that Beatrice loves him. “It didn’t take much to persuade him!” someone observed, while another pointed out, “This is really good!”

We then put Benedick’s soliloquies on their feet. One of the most entertaining moments was when a group member, playing Benedick, decided to interact with an imaginary tree during the eavesdropping scene. She hid behind it, crept forward, and responded to the dialogue in such a playful way that the room erupted in laughter. Her “commitment to the bit” inspired the rest of us, and by the end of the night, everyone was on board with making the tree a permanent fixture of the scene. “We should do that in our play!” an ensemble member said.

A lot of the themes in Much Ado hit close to home for the group, especially the elements of rumor, gossip, and deception. The parallels between the play’s interpersonal drama and what some members have experienced in their own lives spark powerful reflections. One group member pointed out, “That sounds like prison,” as we discussed Claudio’s treatment of Hero. It’s in these moments that this 400-year old work still resonates with the present in ways we didn’t expect.

Act 3, Scene 1 was another highlight. We tried staging it, with three characters gossiping while Benedick hid and tried to listen in. The creativity flowed naturally as everyone played off one another. By the time we wrapped up, there was unanimous agreement that putting these scenes on their feet helped us connect with the text even more deeply.

The last few scenes we tackled were filled with gasps, as Don John’s deception came into full view. Claudio’s betrayal struck a chord with the group, and some members were visibly upset by how the story was unfolding. “I hate Claudio now,” someone said, summing up what many of us were feeling. The conversation that followed was rich and emotional, touching on themes of trust, manipulation, and the complexities of relationships.

As we continue our journey with this play, I’m constantly reminded of how Shakespeare’s work allows us to explore universal truths about human behavior, love, and the consequences of our actions.  Every rehearsal brings us closer to these characters and the story, and, in turn, to each other. We’re not just reading a play, we’re experiencing it—together.

“I Like the Sadness, and Wanting to Be Justified for Being Sad”

October 8 & 10, 2024 SIP Blog

October 8th, 2024:

The evening kicked off with a lively check-in, where participants shared everything from dance performances to upcoming family visits. One member discussed their excitement after participating in a Hispanic Heritage Dance performance, while another was thrilled to reconnect with their children after two years. These personal stories brought a special warmth to the gathering.

Once everyone was settled, we dove into Much Ado About Nothing, performing several scenes from the play. Ensemble members enthusiastically took on characters like Beatrice, Benedick, and Claudio, delving into their motivations and relationships. The playful banter between Beatrice and Benedick was a major highlight, with the group exploring the layered, witty dynamic between the two characters. “To show my balls are bigger,” one participant quipped when asked what Benedick’s goal was in his exchange with Beatrice, sparking laughter and deeper reflection on the age-old game of flirtation.

As the scenes unfolded, we discussed the tension between appearances and reality, especially in moments of overhearing and eavesdropping—a common theme in Shakespeare’s work and, as one ensemble member noted, something that happens “every day in the unit.” This blending of Shakespearean themes with real-world experiences made for rich conversation and powerful insights.

October 10th, 2024:

The next session continued with the same enthusiasm, and we welcomed the possibility of new members joining us in the upcoming week. After check-ins, where participants shared family news and personal health updates, the group opted to warm up with a few games. Laughter filled the room as members participated in “Crazy-8s” and “What Are You Doing?,” with everyone getting involved in the fun.

We then returned to the text, reading from Act 2, Scene 1, where the characters attend a masked ball. The suggestion of doing a modern dance like the Cupid Shuffle or Cha-Cha Slide during the masquerade drew enthusiastic support and highlighted the creativity and humor that our ensemble brings to the material.

In our analysis, one participant sparked a debate by asking, “Did Beatrice know she was talking to Benedick?” This led to a lively discussion, with the group split on whether Beatrice was aware of her masked conversation partner. We also took time to unpack Claudio’s soliloquy and Benedick’s motivations, drawing parallels between Shakespeare's characters and personal life experiences, adding layers of meaning to both the play and the ensemble’s journey.

As we neared the end of the evening, the group’s energy began to wind down. A few members admitted to feeling sluggish after a long day, but the discussions remained thoughtful. We ended by reflecting on Don John’s bitterness and the idea that “hurt people hurt people,” a theme that resonated deeply with many in the group.

October 1 & 3, 2024 SIP Blog

October 1, 2024:

The group gathered with excitement, anticipating new members from the recent callout. As chairs were arranged and greetings exchanged, the ensemble quickly fell into their familiar rhythms. Members teased each other playfully, one even joking about some big life events. Laughter echoed as the group discussed the past weekend.

As check-ins began, each person took a moment to share their latest news, personal triumphs, and challenges. Some were navigating parole reviews, others were on waiting lists for educational programs,. There was a shared joy when another member recounted working with Staying in Closer Touch, another volunteer group on Tuesday nights, where she was able to record messages for her grandchildren, highlighting how even small moments of connection are cherished.

In true ensemble spirit, discussions turned to how the group could celebrate members who are leaving. Ideas swirled around creating special send-offs, complete with performances and well-wishing "whooshes."

The group then moved into the work at hand, diving into Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. As they read through scenes, the lively dynamic between characters sparked comparisons to modern TV shows, and the gossip within the play reminded the group of similar situations in their daily lives. They related the humor and misunderstandings in the play to their own experiences, bringing Shakespeare's words into their world in a way that felt fresh and relatable.

The evening wrapped up with a light-hearted game, but not before one member expressed how the program and the process of journaling had helped her grow, moving her away from seeking instant gratification. The support and pride the group showed each other was unmistakable, with one member quipping about future plans to return home in top physical shape, adding a humorous twist to the session.

October 3, 2024:

Two days later, the ensemble welcomed even more new faces. The group was excited to see their numbers grow, reaching the largest attendance yet for the season. As new members trickled in, they introduced themselves to the group and began to learn the ropes, including the group's unique rituals, such as "the ring."

Once settled, check-ins revealed stories of weddings, family health, and personal achievements. One member had just become a grandmother, while another celebrated getting into a final class required for parole eligibility. The joy and pride were contagious as stories of progress and celebration flowed around the circle.

The session focused on orientation for the new members, giving them an introduction to the group’s goals and values. As the veterans of the group shared their experiences, the importance of participation and support became clear. Members talked about how the language of Shakespeare, while initially intimidating, had become a source of empowerment. Some had even improved their reading skills significantly through their work with the ensemble. One member proudly announced that she could now read Shakespeare lines after struggling with literacy when she first joined.

The seasoned members were quick to offer support, reminding newcomers that participation, not perfection, was the key. They reflected on the power of theatre to build trust and camaraderie, making the group feel more like a family. One member noted how the ensemble felt more like home than the outside world, a sentiment echoed by several others.

As the evening continued, laughter filled the room as the group played games, bringing out a competitive spirit and plenty of animal impressions. Amid the fun, the group also remained sensitive to individual needs, adjusting their usual loud celebrations to accommodate a member’s anxiety around noise, showing the group’s ability to adapt and support one another.

September 24 & 26, 2024 SIP Blog

September 24, 2024

Everyone was excited to see the Much Ado About Nothing books. One ensemble member mentioned she had seen the end of the movie version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Another shared that her wedding had been postponed due to a birth certificate issue, but she now had the certificate. We all engaged in conversation about music, sampling, and copyright before the facilitator returned.

The check-in began with an update about the program callout. It was mentioned that several participants were removed and new ones would be added. The group also discussed various personal updates, such as one participant having her first family visit in two years, while another had exciting wedding plans. Everyone expressed enthusiasm about continuing with the season.

We lowered the ring, with members contributing words like “peace,” “laughter,” and “unity.” The group was eager to dive into the new books, so we started by reading the character list. Each participant read a character description, and we began Act 1, Scene 1. After reading a few pages, we paused to discuss the events. As the scene unfolded, the group became fond of the witty character Beatrice. They commented on the dialogue, noting how it was reminiscent of conversations in their own lives—quick-witted banter, humor, and "talking shit" with friends.

We discussed the racial connotation of Benedick calling Hero “not fair” and explored historical beauty standards. The group appreciated the dialogue, recognizing the humor and sassiness, and comparing it to everyday interactions. One participant mentioned how Benedick reminded her of someone who avoids heartbreak by staying unattached. Others agreed, drawing parallels between the characters and people they knew. There was much laughter as we continued reading the scene, with participants engaging in the banter between the characters.

Before wrapping up, we reflected on the themes of the play, and participants shared how much they enjoyed the witty exchanges and humor of the characters, especially Beatrice and Benedick. The session ended about ten minutes early after raising the ring again and adjourning for the night.

September 26, 2024

We arrived a bit late and had to wait until exactly 6:00 pm to enter. Once inside, we immediately began check-in. One ensemble member started by discussing personal issues, but after a private conversation, the focus shifted back to the group.

Several ensemble members checked in, sharing personal updates, including changes in release dates, family visits, and general excitement for the program. There were also jokes and light-hearted moments during the check-in, fostering camaraderie within the group. ensemble members requested that books and journals be distributed before the official callout, and after some discussion, we agreed to hand them out.

During the session, one ensemble member suggested reading the "No Fear" side of the script, but others cautioned against it, emphasizing the importance of forming an emotional connection to the original Shakespearean text. The group then began discussing the dynamics between Beatrice and Benedick, comparing them to characters from Martin!, saying that they were like Martin and Pam. This led to a deeper exploration of their relationship, with ensemble members expressing their excitement to play the roles and embody the characters.

We decided to get Act 1, Scene 1 up on its feet, and everyone took a role. While some struggled with the reading, others fully embraced their characters, moving through the space and getting into the flow of the scene. We paused at the Beatrice and Benedick exchange, encouraging participants to act as though they were watching a roast battle. This exercise led to a lot of laughter and energy, with the ensemble fully engaging in the characters’ witty back-and-forth.

The group talked more about the meaning behind certain lines, with participants identifying with Benedick’s sassiness and quick wit. One participant was particularly excited to play Benedick, mentioning how much the character reminded her of herself. There was general agreement that the dynamic between Benedick and Beatrice was one of the highlights of the play, and participants enjoyed relating the characters to people they knew in real life.

We ended the session by issuing two challenges: to focus on having just one conversation as a group during the next meeting and to write in the journals. Participants were also encouraged to rewrite, update, or extend the Beatrice and Benedick scene for the next session.

September 17 & 19, 2024 SIP Blog

September 17, 2024

Arriving at the facility just before the start of the session, the team set up in the theater, ready to dig into Shakespeare’s works. One of the night’s biggest hits came in the form of a game introduced by an enthusiastic ensemble member. She was thrilled to share "Pass the Remote," a game she had recently learned and fallen in love with. Splitting the group into two teams, one with a figurative remote control and the other acting out whatever channel was “flipped” to, the game showcased the creativity and spontaneity within the group. Laughter erupted when channels like The Real Housewives of Atlanta were mimicked with exaggerated flair. It’s clear that while the group takes their work seriously, they never lose sight of the importance of fun in the creative process.

From games to Shakespeare, the session smoothly transitioned into a study of Twelfth Night, specifically focusing on Viola’s monologue. The group broke down the monologue line by line, reflecting on the emotions and motivations of the character. One participant’s observation, “Women are lovers,” sparked a deeper conversation about love and its complexities in Shakespeare’s works. The ability of the ensemble to unpack these themes together, with each member contributing their unique perspectives, reflects the power of collective interpretation.

September 19, 2024

Just two days later, the ensemble gathered once again, although this time under slightly different circumstances. With a smaller group in attendance, the evening began late after a long wait in the lobby. Despite the slow start, the session quickly gained momentum, largely due to one member’s emotional check-in. The ensemble offered their full support, listening with empathy as she expressed her frustration and sadness. However, in true theatrical fashion, she lightened the mood by reciting her wedding vows, which included lines from Romeo and Juliet—a nod to her love of Shakespeare and her personal journey through love and commitment.

From there, the group shifted focus back to Shakespeare, exploring The Tempest. The scene between Ferdinand and Miranda sparked a lively discussion about love, first impressions, and whether Ferdinand truly felt love for Miranda. As the group debated the depth of Ferdinand’s feelings, the conversation shifted toward participants’ own experiences with love, humorously drifting into a brief discussion on “first loves.” This blend of Shakespearean text and real-life stories made for a night that felt both personal and universal—an exploration of love through the lens of literature and lived experience.

One participant’s spirited reading of Caliban’s monologue was a standout moment. Performing in a “monster voice,” she drew laughter and intrigue from the group, who weren’t sure what to make of her unique interpretation until she explained her reasoning afterward. This approach, both playful and thought-provoking, reflects the ensemble’s willingness to experiment and find new layers in the text.

As the night continued, the ensemble read through key monologues from The Tempest and Othello, exploring themes of power, love, and betrayal. One participant shared that she saw parallels between Prospero’s struggle to relinquish his power and the process of overcoming addiction. These moments of personal connection to the material are a testament to the transformative nature of Shakespeare’s works—they continue to resonate, centuries after they were written, offering insight into the human condition.

The evening wrapped up with the group reading the famous Emilia monologue from Othello, which struck a chord with everyone. One participant felt so energized by the piece that she immediately stood up, performing it with passion and clarity. As she worked the circle, speaking directly to her fellow ensemble members, the power of the text became palpable. Her determination to refine the piece over the weekend underscored the group’s collective dedication to their craft.

With the callout opening next week for new members, the ensemble is ready to welcome fresh faces into the fold. Despite challenges with absenteeism and occasional conflicts among members, the group remains focused on the task at hand: preparing for the season and deepening their understanding of Shakespeare. As one participant said, “I really like this one!” It’s clear that the love for Shakespeare—and for the work they are doing together—runs deep within the ensemble. And as they continue to grow and evolve, so too does their connection to each other and to the timeless stories they bring to life.