Last week was my first week back with common art and Boston Warm; and it felt great to be back. Everyone was still buzzing over our production of Richard Berman’s play, “Fix the Damn Sidewalk”, which was a huge success. I was immensely proud of the cast and crew for putting it all together. We got lots of laughs! At the end of the play, I led a talkback/interview session with the performers to give them the space to share something about their experience.

Everyone had such profound things to say. One actor, Bee, shared how the play had given him a chance to feel young again, and how the message of the play really resonated with him because unhoused people are so rarely viewed as good, let alone heroes. He related an anecdote about a piece of graffiti on the church’s access ramp, where he often walks.  Reading the word good there had comforted him. Richard Berman shared how he was inspired by a literal crack in the sidewalk and by years of frustration witnessing the barriers that unhoused people continue to face. Another actor, Freydis, who played the iconic Mayor Useless, gave a poignant speech, whose ending I managed to record. I had meant to record the entire talkback; but alas, I forgot until the last minute. As I don’t think I could say it better, let me close by quoting the last words of his speech.

From those that have homes that are on this stage to those that have no home, that sleep in a doorway or a sidewalk, we stand here as one. So when our politicians make decisions that go against our wishes as a community, as the public, this is where decisions become a victimizing statement. The holidays are coming up; they’re here. So when I say I want to start this next year off with a flair and a shine that is so bright even the sun could not overtake me, what I want to say is: “Help your fellow men. It doesn’t matter what it costs you. It is more your heart that is the best price paid for those that have nothing. So I ask you to remember to always help your fellow men by love, admiration, courage, and respect.”

I’m so deeply humbled to have been a part of this experience, and I am looking forward to seeing what new magic this semester brings.                         –Mary Schabenland