Last Wednesday, I decided to do a performance-based workshop with my common art poetry group, using Dylan Thomas’s “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night”. We mixed things up with some acting exercises, which had everyone laughing and really brought the poem to life. It was such a great reminder of how performance can transform poetry into something so dynamic and engaging. The energy in the room was contagious!

Then, on Friday, we kicked off the first movie day of the year with the first half of West Side Story. I was a little nervous going into it, because I wasn’t sure how many people would want to join the discussion afterward. I decided to hold the discussion in the Emmanuel Room to make the space feel more contained and intimate. Four people showed up to the discussion, which turned out to be the ideal number. We dove into a discussion activity called a “spectrogram,” where participants line up along a spectrum based on how they feel about a statement (from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree”). It sparked some deep conversation, touching on themes of racism, prejudice, conformity, and love—both in relation to the movie and personal experiences. The group seemed to get a lot out of it, so I’m really excited to continue with the second half of the film next week and see what other themes emerge.

This week, I’m diving back into my superhero interviews and also starting to gather participants for Richie Berman’s legendary annual Easter play, scheduled at common art for April 16. It’s a busy time, but I’m really enjoying the process and seeing everything come together.

– Mary Schwabenland