Last summer in the wake of COVID-19, racially charged violence, and unrest nationwide, it felt urgent to center the lived experiences of neighbors. Instead of selecting an existing play, Marcie pivoted the program to invite community participation through individual writing submissions in response to a series of weekly prompts. Community submissions, which were heartfelt and moving, became the foundation for a virtual Community Matters reading event. Here is the archive of the twenty-eight pieces selected, which were performed by professional artists live over Zoom in June 2020. ​​
Screenshot of six Zoom meeting boxes, each box has a People's Light artist in it. Clockwise from the top left corner is David Bradley who is mid-sentence, a man with glasses and graying hair; then Marcie Bramucci, who is smiling, a young woman, with pale skin, brown hair left long, and a red dress; then Peter DeLaurier, who is looking down, a man with gray hair, a white goatee, glasses and a light-colored button down shirt; then Mary Elizabeth
Screenshot from Community Matters: COVID-Edition June 2020, Clockwise from top-left: David Bradley, Community Matters Facilitator/Director; Marcie Bramucci, Community Matters Producer; Peter DeLaurier, Performer; Mary Elizabeth Scallen, Performer; Eli Lynn, Performer; Melanye Finister, Performer
Patron responses​: ​
“...it was a joy to perform and be a part of this extended conversation. I need the sense of connection and belonging and this forum provided both for me.” -Melanye Finister, People’s Light company member
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“It was nice to come together as a community and talk about these issues, especially since we are all isolated and our thoughts and emotions are all pent up. This was a healthy and artistic way to get it all out. ...you could tell the writers were very grateful to participate, or even submit something.” -Kerri K., People’s Light subscriber​​
Writer responses​: ​
“Thank you, thank you, thank you! Watching the video was so surreal and beautiful. What an incredibly powerful piece of art. I am so grateful. I was moved to tears and laughter so many times that I felt like I was back in the theatre seats I love so much. And when you congratulated the writers for their People's Light debut and read my name my heart swelled.” - Amy Abrigo, Community Matters contributing writer
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