This session centered on finalizing the theme for the summer production. The evening was filled with reflection, creativity, and excitement as participants continued shaping what this year’s show will become.
Before beginning, the ensemble checked in about recent illnesses, discussed the arrival of a new warden, and caught up on the absence of a facilitator and another ensemble member. After opening with the ring and a name game, the ensemble welcomed a new facilitator, who introduced herself to the group.
The ensemble then returned to the biggest hurdle so far: selecting a theme for the show. Members revisited ideas generated over previous sessions and narrowed them down through several rounds of voting until they reached a final decision. The chosen theme was Love and Compassion.
The theme resonated deeply with participants. One ensemble member explained that it could help honor women who had passed away, “Do something for the inmates who have passed…I love a lot of the girls who passed away, and I can express that with the theme.” Another participant connected the theme to a fellow ensemble member’s piece and reflected on her own experience of loss.
The floor then opened for participants to share their writing. One ensemble member presented her work with the help of several actors, who transformed the reading through movement, singing, and laughter. Throughout the reading, the writer explained how she envisioned the piece and its role within the larger story.
The ensemble offered feedback. One member raised concerns that certain moments could be offensive to people of faith, leading to a brief misunderstanding. The discussion was resolved with the writer saying, “I’m open if you found something offensive.”
Participants also discussed ways to make the piece more accessible for audiences unfamiliar with the story. While some members suggested presenting the performance as a single continuous piece, others thought it would be better to incorporate commercials between acts. One participant said, “I could do a commercial,” which was met with enthusiasm from other members who had read her previous pieces.
Later in the evening, another ensemble member shared her piece, “Memories,” The group praised the piece with snaps and applause. “I thought it was beautiful and relatable,” one member shared. Another participant added, “It comes from the heart.”
The session concluded with a microphone activity that highlighted themes of freedom, love, faith, and family. Participants reflected on shared values, discussed the visiting process, and ended the night with a game before closing with the ring.