Writing for Justice: Stories of Personal and Social Change

“In all my work in conflict zones and with marginalized communities as a theatre artist and drama therapist, I have witnessed writing to be a powerful tool for understanding, imagining and even implementing justice and peace,” says instructor Jessica Litwak. “Change begins with imagination, and in this workshop we will flex the muscle of our imaginations, build community, and write."

In the first week of this fun, tool-based workshop, we will establish guidelines for safe and free expression within our class community. We will read stories of justice by authors such as Audre Lorde, John Paul Lederach, Bertolt Brecht, and Caryl Churchill, and then we’ll brainstorm some stories of our own in small groups.

In the second week we will engage in writing exercises, exploring People (characters), Plot (a well-crafted story of winning justice over some injustice), and Poetry (the authentic voice of our characters). Through these exercises each participant will generate the beginnings of a monologue, a poem, a scene or an outline for a story in any genre that exemplifies a path from injustice and conflict to just peace.

In the third week, we will share what we’ve written, and we will receive peer and instructor insights to expand on the work and deepen our stories of (in)justice.

Jessica says, “Students are welcome to bring new ideas to class or simply bring an interest in exploring a new script for justice.”

About The Writing Salon's Remote Classes

You will be able to participate in live class meetings via Zoom videoconference. To attend classes, you'll need a phone, tablet or computer and access to the internet. You can participate in the class from wherever you'd like, whether on your living room couch or in your office. Before your class meets, you'll receive an email from The Writing Salon with more information about Zoom and your remote class. If you have any questions about remote learning, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@writingsalons.com.