This session focused on digging deeper into how to convey the theme of love and compassion. Participants shared personal experiences and reflected on family and grief. The ensemble also collaborated on feedback and worked through differing perspectives. 

As facilitators and ensemble members gathered, conversations centered on family and mental health. One participant reflected on the challenges of navigating life inside, “You gotta have a poker face – especially in here.”

An ensemble member shared a poem about memories for a facilitator who had been absent from the previous session, explaining that it aligned with the show’s goal of honoring women who have passed away. “They all hold a place in our hearts, even if we didn’t know them.”

The ensemble briefly revisited the theme and discussed bringing writing about those who have passed from outside the ensemble. They considered reading these during the show. One participant asked for feedback for a piece she wants to write about the different perspectives of those affected by incarceration. The ensemble reflected on maintaining relationships with family while incarcerated. “Children tend to be angry. Parents tend to be disappointed,” She later added,

“If you don’t have love and compassion, you won’t survive here. At least not with your sanity intact.”

One ensemble member expressed difficulty writing something new, saying she hoped to write something to honor a family member who had passed away. Facilitators reminded participants that writing often requires vulnerability. 

Later in the evening, ensemble members revisited a previously shared piece inspired by the Book of Ruth. Participants discussed reimagining faith-based stories. While some members of the ensemble voiced concerns about the adaptation, others emphasized the importance of allowing writers to express creativity without censorship. The writer assured the group she took the feedback to heart, but that she does not want to change her interpretation. The ensemble agreed to wait to hear the full piece before offering a critique. 

One participant reflected, “Anytime something is done creatively that’s religious, it’s going to receive critiques. If your work is prophetic, people will have something to say.”

The evening concluded with theater games, workbook activities exploring plot structure, and readings from several monologues. Ensemble members connected the monologues to their own relationships and experiences, discussing how they built emotion and conveyed meaning to an audience.

After a few members left early, the night ended with the ring, and one ensemble member reflected, “The ring sure gets heavy when everyone leaves,” reminding everyone of the importance of community throughout the summer.