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An Invigorating, Audacious Feat

“What stories are here in our tiny town of love and of the pandemic—they must be around because as he so clearly says on the page ‘All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players...’” With that premise, a spoken word grant, and pen in hand, I was on a mission in the early days of the pandemic to seek the answers to those questions: How is everyone doing right now? Where is love in their lives?

I interviewed more than 70 people in Guilford about those themes and then I listened. I listened to stories, tears, laughter, and love as people shared their insights with me in masked conversations, emails, texts, and phone calls.

I was lucky enough to have my spoken word piece premiere on the Guilford Performing Arts Festival Stage on Sept. 25 with a beautiful cast of seven women whose diversity and soulfulness gorgeously interpreted the stories I’d heard and woven together. As if that were not enough joy, the Guilford Performing Arts Festival unfolded throughout that sparkling weekend with music, drama, and dance premieres presenting two days of unceasing goosebumps and amazement.

The human spirit that connects us all and the awesome power of creativity were on shimmering display—I thank Acting Festival Chairman Peter Hawes, Katie Contessa, and the intrepid Board of the Guilford Performing Arts Festival for having pulled off such an invigorating, audacious feat. “We are such stuff as dreams are made on.”

Julie Fitzpatrick

Guilford