The Trials We Still Face: From Stage to Community, Bridging Salem's Past and Present

In conjunction with Salem State's upcoming theatre production, Becky Nurse of Salem, join us for a timely community conversation that carries the play's central questions off the stage and into the room. Sarah Ruhl's play follows Becky Nurse, a descendant of Salem Witch Trials victim Rebecca Nurse, as she navigates economic hardship, fraught healthcare systems, addiction, and mental health in present-day Salem. This conversation picks up where the play leaves off, asking how our social structures shape individual and community wellbeing today.

Moderated by Sara Moore, Professor and Chair of Sociology, the discussion brings together voices from city government, healthcare, mental health services, and the arts:

• David Greenbaum, Health Agent, City of Salem and Salem Opioid Settlement Task Force
• Julie Kiernan, Associate Professor and Chair of Theatre & Speech Communication and Director of Becky Nurse of Salem
• Arjana Makoci, CEO, Regulate Yours Mental Health
• Dominick Pangallo, Mayor, City of Salem
• Sarah Roy, Director, Salem Children's Alliance and Salem Youth Commission
• Steve Perry, Salem Community Impact Unit, Recovery Coach               

 Whether or not you've read or seen the play, this conversation offers a grounded look at economic hardship, opioid addiction, healthcare access, and mental health in our community, and what resilience and social responsibility look like in practice.         

Co-sponsored by the Center for Civic Engagement.