Leadership in Action: Storycatchers Theatre -- "The Revolving Door"

I recently attended a Storycatchers Theatre production, "The Revolving Door"—an original musical written and performed by the Temporary LockDown Ensemble at the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center in Chicago.  This inspiring project, established almost 30 years ago, connects Chicago’s artistic community with incarcerated juveniles to help them “make thoughtful life choices through the process of writing, producing and performing original musical theatre inspired by their personal stories.” 

According to the Storycatchers Theatre’s website, during the organization’s first decade a company of professional actors presented original musicals based on stories gathered from Chicago-area youth, using these productions as a vehicle for post-performance reflection and discussions.  In 1990, the program shifted from using professional actors to engaging adolescents in the full process—from story collection to performance.  As the understanding of adolescents and their life challenges deepened, the Storycatchers model emerged.

Following the compelling performance I attended, the young actors individually shared reactions to their involvement in the project. Several thanked the volunteers for contributing their time and energy, while others added: “I want to continue doing this,” “. . . it got me out of my comfort zone,” “. . . it helped me overcome my fear of speaking before people,” “. . . I never thought I could do this.” 

As an instructor of leadership principles, I found the performance led me to reflect on the meaning of leadership, and how the vision and success of this project exemplifies the concept of leadership in action.  As a member of the audience, I wondered how the lives of these young people would be affected as a result of their involvement in the project. Would they, in turn, become leaders within their own communities?

Clearly, the collective efforts of the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center, Nancy B. Jefferson School, The Arts Infusion Initiative of the Chicago Community Trust and the volunteers involved in Storycatchers Theatre are contributing to the personal growth of young people who at some point lost their way but are looking to regain
control over their lives.

For more information on Storycatchers Theatre, go to http://www.storycatcherstheatre.org.

In closing, I’ll share a poem that appeared in the program, written by the Temporary LockDown Ensemble.

Why Do I Try To Fly?

Why do I try to fly when I’m destined to fall?
Why do I try to run when they want me to fall?
I spread by wings so I can soar and take off.
I try to stand tall, aim for up above.

My battle’s lost, and the devil’s won.
The storm clouds in my head block the sun.
Nobody sees my tears, not anyone.
I refuse to be the things I have done.

All my desperation, all my red rage
Put my feelings on paper, and call it a ram-page.
Am I a fool?  Being used like a tool?
My perception of decisions, it is wrong or is it cool?
Walking through the valley of the numb and deceived
Should I keep on this road, or make myself believe
That anything is possible
With the strength that lies in me?
With the strength that lies in me?

Posted through LinkedIn 6/30/2016