Teens Share Their Grief Experiences
“Grief is an iceberg. You can only see a tiny bit peeking out from the ocean, but there is so much beneath the surface.”
“What do we choose to hide?”
“Who can we trust with our grief?”
These are only a few of the profound messages and questions put forth in “Beneath the Surface,” a dramatic piece written and performed by the Wendt Center for Loss and Healing Ensemble in partnership with Arena Stage. As part of the 2023 Voices of Now Festival, “Beneath the Surface” was performed last month before a live audience.
This powerful piece showcases the talents, creativity, and courage of teens as they share their experiences of grief. We are honored to be able to share the video with you today. We hope “Beneath the Surface” leaves you feeling inspired and moved by the power of youth voices.
Thank you for making healing possible.
2023 Creators & Performers
Name & Grade
What do you want people to know about your grief?
Who are you dedicating your Voices of Now work/performance to?
Timothy, 8th Grade
KIPP DC – Valor Academy
“It takes some time to be able to fully process your grief, so give yourself time.”
Uncle Dontae
Samhari (Mhari), 9th Grade
Home Schooled
“It was rough, but I eventually got through and am still getting through it. It takes time and isn’t always easy, but you will get through it.”
Uncle Boo
Lia (Lily), 9th Grade
Jackson-Reed High School
“Grief can still impact you even if the loss happened a long time ago. It may look different but it’s still real.”
Birth Parents & Grandmother
Sophia, 12th Grade
Holton-Arms School
“My grief process has not been linear. Sometimes there are days when I feel totally fine, and others when I am completely shut down and numb. One of the lessons I have learned from grieving is the importance and value of empathy, even from total strangers.”
Mom & Little Brother (her “biggest supports in life”)
Drew, 12th Grade
Home Schooled
“People should know that they don’t have to feel alone. You can process it and not let it stop your life too much.”
Mom Aprille & Cousin Tyrone
Jae’Layah, 12th Grade
KIPP – College Prep
“Grief hurts and that’s normal. It can be very lonely and it affects the way you see and feel about the world.”
Grandmother Patricia Ann
Voices of Now 2023: Wendt Center Ensemble