What happens to each of us when we truly stop and listen? We are given the chance to really see what is going on in the world around us and a unique opportunity to respond. In fact, listening in this way prompted the creation of Our Place, DC over 10 years ago. Recently, it prompted the creation of “Finding Our Place,” an original play which will debut on June 4th.
“Finding Our Place,” was written by Leslie Jacobson, Professor of Theater at The George Washington University. The play follows women’s journeys through the criminal justice system and highlights the immense resiliency and strength that embodies each woman’s search for hope, forgiveness, and change.
This play is inspired by the true stories of the clients, staff and volunteers of Our Place, DC (a Women’s Foundation Grantee Partner), the staff and residents of Camille’s Place, and the women in the Hazelton Correctional Facility. It highlights Our Place, DC’s role in assisting women in successfully reconnecting with their communities upon release from jail. Perhaps most importantly, “Finding Our Place” was created to exemplify how the connections forged between Our Place, DC staff and clients — based on the same basic needs for love and acceptance — empower both the staff and clients to move towards new journeys and opportunities.
“Our Place is a remarkable organization,” says Professor Jacobson. “In the powerful stories of the women it serves and of those who sustain it, I find inspiration for my own quest to find healing, forgiveness, and transformation.”
Starting in 2010, Jacobson conducted 40 interviews with Our Place, DC clients, staff, and board members. Jacobson even traveled to Hazelton, West Virginia to interview women in Hazelton Correctional Facility.
The performance will take place on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 7:30 pm at the Marvin Center’s Betts Theater at George Washington University. The play is presented by the University’s Theater & Dance Department. A reception to meet the cast will take place following the play.
The Betts Theater is located at 800 21st NW (on 21st Street, between H and I Streets NW), two blocks from the GW/Foggy Bottom Metro stop.
Individual tickets to the event are $30 for adults, $10 for students/seniors. For tickets visit http://findingourplace.eventbrite.com/ or call (202) 548-2400. Sponsorship and ticket purchased are donations to Our Place, DC and are tax-deductible.
Our Place, DC provides a comprehensive system of support and services for DC women who are or have been involved with the criminal justice system. Founded in 1999, Our Place responds to the needs and struggles of women as they work to change their lives in prison and to reestablish themselves in the community upon their release. Our mission is to support these women by providing the resources they need to maintain connections with the community and family while inside and to forge a new path for themselves and their children once they return to our DC community. www.ourplacedc.org