Undersiege
A reading of collective work centering the voices and experiences of Black women and femmes.
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“There’s not a lot of Cordelia’s in this world.” – September 24
We picked up where we left off in Act 1, Scene 1, but before moving forward, ensemble members who had been present at our previous session helped catch everyone up. One member recapped what had happened so far, while another jumped in with additional details. Already, understanding the play was becoming a shared responsibility.
“You’re the King of Nothing.” – September 22
This week, the books were finally in our hands.
After several weeks of monologues, introductions, experimentation, and conversations about what everyone hopes to bring to the ensemble this year, we officially began reading King Lear. Before opening to Act 1, Scene 1, we spent some time getting acquainted with the play itself. We went through the characters together, practiced pronouncing their names, and talked about how our first read-through works: anyone can read any role, everyone should try different characters, and no one needs to worry about getting every word right.
DETROIT FREE PRESS: One of history’s greatest WWII mysteries unravels in gripping Detroit Public Theatre play
Duante Beddingfield | Detroit Free Press
Oct. 24, 2025
AMERICAN THEATRE MAGAZINE: In ‘Soft Target,’ It’s the Toys’ Story
April 24, 2025 | Emily Kaczmarek’s new play, premiering at Detroit Public Theatre, explores gun violence through the eyes of a young girl and her toys. By Jerald Raymond Pierce
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October 1 & 3
This session focused on imagining the future of the summer writing project and exploring what it means to create original work together. The ensemble reflected on last year’s performances and discussed how writing can create opportunities for voices, stories, and experiences to be shared in new ways.
September 24 & 26
This session focused on imagining the future of the summer writing project and exploring what it means to create original work together. The ensemble reflected on last year’s performances and discussed how writing can create opportunities for voices, stories, and experiences to be shared in new ways.
September 17 & 19
This session focused on imagining the future of the summer writing project and exploring what it means to create original work together. The ensemble reflected on last year’s performances and discussed how writing can create opportunities for voices, stories, and experiences to be shared in new ways.
September 10 & 12
This session focused on imagining the future of the summer writing project and exploring what it means to create original work together. The ensemble reflected on last year’s performances and discussed how writing can create opportunities for voices, stories, and experiences to be shared in new ways.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Season Wrap Up
This session focused on imagining the future of the summer writing project and exploring what it means to create original work together. The ensemble reflected on last year’s performances and discussed how writing can create opportunities for voices, stories, and experiences to be shared in new ways.
December 2023 SIP Blog
This session focused on imagining the future of the summer writing project and exploring what it means to create original work together. The ensemble reflected on last year’s performances and discussed how writing can create opportunities for voices, stories, and experiences to be shared in new ways.
Summertime Wrap Up
This session focused on imagining the future of the summer writing project and exploring what it means to create original work together. The ensemble reflected on last year’s performances and discussed how writing can create opportunities for voices, stories, and experiences to be shared in new ways.
Season Eleven: Weeks 22-24
This session focused on imagining the future of the summer writing project and exploring what it means to create original work together. The ensemble reflected on last year’s performances and discussed how writing can create opportunities for voices, stories, and experiences to be shared in new ways.
Season 11: Weeks 17-18
Tonight we tried a traditional SIP exercise that was completely new to this ensemble: the Six Directions, which is part of Michael Chekhov’s acting technique. It is a very physical exercise, and is really helpful for engaging the body. It requires commitment and doesn’t leave much room for half measures, which was tough for some ensemble members. After we completed the exercise, we debriefed a bit, and the ensemble had some good things to say. One member said this would be helpful in “those really physical scenes. I really wanted to cling to the chair, but I got to fill the whole space.”
Season Eleven: Weeks 19-21
This session focused on imagining the future of the summer writing project and exploring what it means to create original work together. The ensemble reflected on last year’s performances and discussed how writing can create opportunities for voices, stories, and experiences to be shared in new ways.