BGB proudly teamed up with The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company for their Page to Stage play, written by the incredible young women at Dorothy Kirby Detention Center.

Over the past several months, these women have poured their hearts and lives out on the page with the help of Volunteer Mentors, and then gave our BGB actors the opportunity to bring their words to life. We began with theatre games, which the women had been exploring over the course of writing the play, and then had the reading with an invited audience and a talkback.

Post-show, one of the playwrights reflected about the performance and watching the play: “Most of the time no one wants to hear what we been through. Hear our stories. Today, I felt seen.”

From Ashley, one of our BGB actors: “Spending the day as an actor on behalf of The Unusual Suspects was a rare gift. We had the privilege of bringing our playwrights’ words to life in front of them and I was beyond honored to speak their words. These young women were strong, courageous and honest- their work was so moving. Their stories need to be heard and felt, and Unusual Suspects provides a program for just that. I was honored simply to be in the presence of these young women, and am grateful for The Unusual Suspects and BGB for giving us the opportunity.”

Julia, another BGB actor: “I will remember this experience for the rest of my life. Incredible young women bravely shared their stories through a script that was funny, raw, and honest. It was an honor to perform their words.”

Along with lending our talents at Dorothy Kirby, we also recently teamed up with community organizer and friend of BGB Lucia Tran for a fundraiser helping families recently reunited at the Border. Lucia said, “Communities are rising. We’re helping families who have gone through harrowing journeys just to get here. Just so you know, you’re helping so many human beings – it does not go unnoticed!”

In times like these when the world feels like it’s caving in, you feel helpless, frustrated, angry. Showing up- even just for a day – matters. Giving what you can with what you have matters. If you would like to contribute your time as a Volunteer Mentor for the youth at Dorothy Kirby and Unusual Suspects, you can find more info at https://theunusualsuspects.org and email us at: bgbcommunity@gmail.com.

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