ALL THE WORLD
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sing addictive substances to escape from feelings of despondency may work for a while, but when entering recovery, the inability to express that bleakness remains. So, how does an addict or alcoholic channel those indescribable feelings into a constructive outlet? In this search, what often emerges is the unveiling of a creative side previously suppressed by addiction, and a new way to express the inexpressible. In line with the intrinsic nature of Beit T’Shuvah, the Theater Program came into fruition from a passion of one of its very own residents. This zealous resident, Tricia Nykin, now Theater Program Director of the Creative Arts Department, came into the house longing to reconnect with her love of theater. Expressing extreme interest in helping fellow residents to revive their own creativity, Tricia inquired about starting an improv group, and James Fuchs, the Creative Arts Director, synchronously wanted to start a Theater Program at Beit T’Shuvah. Thus, a year later, the Theater Program was born. This department has given residents a remarkable opportunity to get in touch with their creative side. Hosting several events a year, and initiating groups to help residents hone their artistry, the Theater Program epitomizes the therapeutic value of creative expression, while emphasizing the importance of altruism in recovery. For the past nine years, Beit T’Shuvah’s very own musical, Freedom Song, has been performed across the country at different synagogues, schools, and other institutions, dispelling the stigma of addiction that plagues so many families. Stage left, there is a Jewish family having dinner over Seder on Passover who has disowned their drug-addicted daughter. At stage right, an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting is taking place. Cast members are not only eradicating the societal shame that stains the truth of addiction, they are also performing their own personal truths by rewriting the original monologues to share their stories. Far and wide, the reception of Freedom Song has been remarkably impactful, as audience members raise their hands and exclaim in tears how this has been their very own story, or story of another family member battling addiction. By relieving audience members of their preconceived notions of addiction, the performance removes them of a tremendous amount of
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false guilt and shame. There is this interesting cycle that takes place, where someone sees Freedom Song, and the very next day, reaches out for help, but not just from any treatment center, they want help from Beit T’Shuvah. And while in treatment at Beit T’Shuvah, some of those very same people decide that they want to be involved in Freedom Song themselves. Seeing the musical Freedom Song becomes this catalytic event that inspires these residents to change their lives, and in effect, the lives of many others. And Freedom Song is just the beginning. In 2015, the Theater Program partnered with Menemsha Films to hold a curated yearlong series showcasing six films, each of which embodies altruistic motifs such as gratitude, acceptance, and humility. By inviting residents to perform before the screening of each film, the series combines elements of artistic expression and performance, with important topics relevant to our community and society as a whole. Resident performances parallel the subject matter of the film and range anywhere from a stand-up comedy routine or a skit, to a poetry reading, or guitar performance. “I think that it can be very inherently therapeutic, because when you share your art, you are sharing a piece of your soul,” Tricia explains, “I think at the end of the day, that’s what is so important about this film series. We’re all experiencing something beautiful together.” One of these films, titled Nicky’s Family, was shown in October of last year, and it is an incredible true-story of British humanitarian, Sir Nicholas Winton. This awe-inspiring man took it upon himself to save 669 Czech and Slavic children right before the outbreak of WWII, yet never told anyone. When his magnanimous and life-saving acts became public knowledge years later, it propagated more acts of advocacy—inspiring the children and grandchildren of those who he saved to begin their own charities. The theme of Nicky’s Family in the Menemsha Films series speaks to the true essence of integrity, a vital component to recovery—to do the right thing, despite all odds, and not expect any recognition other than that of one’s self. An especially notable and moving event presented by the Theatre Arts Program in December of 2015 was the screening of Autism: The Musical, a documentary on five of the children from The S P R I N G 2 016