“Through the Emotional Looking Glass: Eyes on the Corners of the City”
“They didn’t see my grief — didn’t think I understood.”
The Voices of Now program took place on May 10, 2025 at Arena Stage. The production was written by the 6 performers in Teen Grief Ensemble. Enjoy these videos and images from the performance and the rehearsal process:
Performance:
Rehearsal:
“I wish it didn’t happen- but his death shaped my life. He made me….me.”
View a Highlight reel of the full festival:
2025 Performers:
Headshot:
Name, Age, and School:
Performing in honor of:
Thoughts about grief:
How has the Teen Grief Ensemble affected you?
Jacob, 15
Friendship Online
Brother, Elijah
“The experience differs as you get older.”
“It has helped me meet new people and get to know some of the same people year after year.”
Maddisin, 17
Jackson-Reed HS
Brothers, Blu and Antonio
“It does not have a look.”
“It has opened me up more.”
Serinity, 15
Wilkerson
Uncle T-Low; Aunt Audrey; Grandfather, Jeremiah Harrison
“Grief is terrifying and sad but talking about it didn’t kill me.”
“It has taught me to talk about grief without being overwhelmed by it.”
Sierra, 17
Langley HS
Mom, Krista
“It is non-linear. Its long. It’s painful.”
“It has pushed me in ways that I didn’t necessarily think to explore my grief.”
Tivon, 17
Ballou SHS
Grandma, Emily
“Grief is never stable and forever evolving. Somedays you might be sappy (sad and happy) and that’s OK.”
“It has allowed me to remember more about my grandma- I wasn’t aware I had forgotten so much.”
Zahin Renee, 15
Duke Ellington HS
Grandma,
Wanda Renee
“Grief can change you. It can make you better and worse.”
“It has helped me speak more about my grandma without crying.”