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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“I wanted to try something different.” – February 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.
“We get creative in here.” – February 10
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.
“You must wear boots.” – February 5
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.
“We’re in the 60s and 70s, songs are great.” – February 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.
“She wants to be a disco queen with a crown.” — January 29
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.
“Acceptance is my answer.” — January 27
The ensemble jumped into rehearsal almost immediately after arriving, energized by the arrival of props and new creative possibilities. The session focused heavily on pacing, scene work, and refining the growing world of The Comedy of Errors. Ensemble members filled in for missing roles throughout the evening, creating a collaborative rehearsal room where everyone supported one another and kept the show moving forward.
“You threw me off ‘cause you’re playing a woman!” “You’re playing a man!” – January 22
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.
“Laughter is medicine for the soul.” – January 20
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.
“Laughing helps the soul.” — January 15
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.
“I need to act.” — January 13
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.