Grief Dialogues: "In Honor"

I had the tremendous experience of working with the Grief Dialogues for their inaugural Memorial Day out in Los Angeles. While I was not able to attend the event, the footage that I did see reminded me of what I have read about ancient warrior tribes and how they would integrate their fighters back into society. It was a time of mourning, grief and experiencing the feelings of warfare that are often left unattended. Forgotten.

"An immersive, artful theater experience about loss, love, and what it means to be human. A tribute to those who served.  In Honor examines the cost of courage and the silence that follows the battlefield."

Poster for In Honor

My second play, Michael and the Saints, is an incredibly personal story based on my experience in Fallujah. Under the guidance of Returning Soldiers Speaks, Leilani Squire, I drafted a piece that seemed more like an essay than a monologue. It read more like something that I would have put in a blog like this. The play is a take on breaking the 4th wall, and the message came from a genuine place of heartache that stuck with me throughout the deployment in 2006. About reconnecting with people back home. Not just my family, but my community. Neighbors. Auditoriums and event centers and football stadiums full of proud citizens. People I don't even know.

The cover page for the play "Michael and the Saints"

Writing Michael and the Saints and working with Dani Davis, Jeffrey Doornbos, and the entire cast and crew of In Honor, has allowed me to confront the unseen elements of warfare; burdens and grief, intensely matched with pride and honor. The pieces of humanity left behind as we return home and rediscover our roots. I was encouraged by the insightful feedback of Leilani to push boundaries. This is what made me decide to direct the majority of the monologue outwardly, into the audience. So that they could feel the homesickness we all felt while serving overseas.

I hope you can join us on November 10th (the Marine Corps birthday) this year at the Hyannis Arts Hall from 5 to 7 PM to experience this cathartic event. It is a free event, but an RSVP is required! Reserve your spot here: https://www.griefdialogues.com/in-honor/