Gathering Myself (Creative Writing Workshop)
Based on the writing process of Precious Metals, "Gathering Myself" is a transformative creative writing workshop aimed at older adults, led by Carolyn Harrison. It's designed to empower participants to reframe their stories, infusing their daily lives with renewed vitality and perspective. Hosted as part of the 2024 WHAM Festival by Goddard Riverside Community Arts, this workshop emphasizes self-acceptance and the beauty in one’s truth. Proceeds support both the artists and the mission to make the arts universally accessible, underscoring the community's commitment to inclusivity and the enriching power of storytelling.
2024 WHAM Festival: Gathering Myself
Part of the 2024 WHAM Festival collection. A creative writing workshop for older adults with Carolyn Harrison.
Date and Time:Saturday, March 9, 2024 · 2 - 4pm EST
Location:The Bernie Wohl Center at Goddard Riverside
647 Columbus Ave New York, NY 10025
This workshop is led by Carolyn Harrison.
FEATURED PROJECT
Precious Metals: Beauty in Brokenness
Embark on a journey with Carolyn Harrison's upcoming show, a masterful solo performance that navigates the intricate landscapes of human emotions and resilience. This poignant play, through its multi-character narrative, reveals the universal truth that beauty and grace can be found even in our most fragmented moments. Harrison's artful storytelling invites audiences to explore the depths of brokenness, only to discover the ever-present beauty that binds the human experience. Prepare to be moved and inspired by this profound exploration of strength, vulnerability, and the beauty that exists within adversity.
WHAM Festival: Precious Metals
Presented by: Goddard Riverside Community Arts
Venue: The Bernie Wohl Center at Goddard Riverside
647 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10025
A play by Carolyn Harrison
"In March of 2024, I had the pleasure of having The Founder and Executive Director of Good
Light Productions Carolyn E Harrison and Writer and Spoken Word Artist Paula Ralph-Birkett on
my show "Mental Health and You " on Bronxnet Cable Access, it was a great occasion, both
Artists read excerpts from their pending stage productions celebrating the lives and strengths of
black women and it was inspiring especially on a show like mind which aims to eliminate the
stigma of mental health especially in communities of color and this did just that making you feel
good in the process.
So wanting to see more a month later I made my way to the Goddard Riverside Community Arts
Center on the Westside of Manhattan to see "Precious Metals, Beauty in Brokenness' on the
stage performed and Written by Ms Harrison herself.
with directing, acting and lighting setting the mood just right, Ms Harrison in numerous one
person vignettes told the stories of black women at various points in their lives and how they
identified with numerous precious metals that helped shape and reshape their journeys from the
smooth to the hard and all in between , who can relate?
Metals like Gold, Silver, Platinum, Brass, Bronze, iron and Osmium were represented and it had
this writer wondering which one was I but came to realized I could've been any one of them at
any point in my own life and here I still am better I believe for it, that's the celebration and lesson
in this beautiful work. How we as black women keep shaping and reshaping our lives oftentimes
out of necessity and we're still here despite everything making history literally.
I look forward to future presentations from Good Light Productions including from Mrs Birkett as
well."
- Cynthia Timms, Host and Producer of "Mental Health and You"
Bronxnet, YouTube and The Manhattan Neighborhood Network
Black American Working Woman
In the heart of a compelling narrative, a marketing manager grapples with self-doubt, hindering her entrepreneurial spirit. This internal battle is rooted in ancestral shadows that she's unaware of until a deep dive into her family's past reveals the source of her constraints. With this revelation, she courageously fights to shed the psychological barriers inherited from generations past, striving to free herself from the invisible shackles that limit her potential, and steps forward to embrace her true capability and dreams.
Good Light Productions MID-SUMMER SHOWCASE
Presented by Good Light Productions in association with The Episcopal Actors’ Guild of America OPEN STAGE Grant
Location:Episcopal Actors' Guild
1 East 29th Street New York, NY 10016
A play by Paula Ralph Birkett
Explore an audio snippet from scene 5 of "Black American Working Woman," featuring Paula's compelling reading as characters Tamika and Andy. Following the performance, Paula shares a heartfelt endorsement of the creative work.
Click the button below and listen from 42:47 to 49:37 to experience the depth and emotion of this pivotal scene.
The Danger of Hope
"The Danger of Hope™" delves into the transformative journey of Detroit high schoolers under the guidance of a Behavior Specialist, Ms. Morgan, mistakenly rumored to be a "witch." This powerful narrative explores the delicate balance between trauma and hope, as Ms. Morgan's efforts to open the minds and hearts of her students reveal the profound impact of hope in the darkest corners. Her office becomes a crucible where the potential for change wrestles with the reality of pain, making it the most pivotal space in the school.
Good Light Productions MID-SUMMER SHOWCASE
Presented by Good Light Productions in association with The Episcopal Actors’ Guild of America OPEN STAGE Grant
Location:Episcopal Actors' Guild
1 East 29th Street New York, NY 10016
A play by Morgan Breon
Spoken Word Poetry Workshop
The Real Life Writers Poetry Project brings a series of engaging workshops to Bronx locals, aimed at demystifying the craft of award-winning spoken word artists. It culminates in a vibrant showcase where participants perform and interview guest poets live, reinforcing our commitment to making poetry a relatable and accessible art form. Emphasizing social justice, this project provides a platform for new underrepresented voices from NYC to reflect and express their diverse narratives through poetry, featuring a virtual info session and a trio of interactive workshops.
Click below to view each artist in action:
- Lyrical Faith
- Rea Gibson
- Ashly Emile
- Kayla Dudley
- Gerina Jade
- Anthony McPherson
- Full 2023 RLWPP Spoken Word Showcase
Bernie Wohl Center
RLWPP November 2023 Showcase.
Host, Tabitha Matthews
Featured Poet, Christopher Lilly.
