When I started writing The Sessions I had no idea what it would turn out to be. I knew I had ideas and issues I wanted to explore. I knew there were certain concepts from pop culture that ignited my desire to write stories about real people that everyone could relate to. Once the first installment of The Sessions was complete, the thing I knew most was that I wanted people to experience it. And, I am so elated that these stories were seen and embraced.

On opening night I was sick with terror. Those negative thoughts kept nagging me. I kept envisioning a scenario where I planned a big party and no one showed up. But, I was wrong. I walked into the Independent Theater on opening day somewhat sad and unsure. And then I saw a beautiful bouquet of flowers waiting there for me. I opened the card attached and saw that it was from my bosses (from my day job -- cause most aspiring artists have a day job). They cared enough to let me know that they believed in me and were wishing me success on opening night. From that moment on, I stopped worrying. My husband and I rolled up our sleeves and got to work on the task at hand. We had a show to put up! We had a great audience that night and we had great audiences from there on. Even the quiet audience on Saturday afternoon (that made the actors feel insecure) told me how much they enjoyed the show afterwards.

Let's get one thing straight. The Sessions isn't for everyone. It is real, gritty and honest. It was very interesting to hear and feel people's responses. If someone walks into that theater already struggling with issues in their relationships they're going to do one of two things. Let me know how they felt about the piece or walk out of there before I could look them in the eyes. For those of you who came to see it and didn't stick around ... I understand. I am a big advocate of Mental Health, so I suggest you talk to someone.

While going over ticket sales for the show, I discovered that a relationship counselor was coming to see the show, so I e-mailed her asking for her feedback after the show. I wish I hadn't. She came with her husband, who decided to take a trip to the men's room during our discussion. The first thing she asked was "what did you want people to feel? ... Did you mean for people to leave feeling despondent?" "Why did you call it The Sessions? ... I think the title is misleading." Blah, blah, blah! Huh? Why was she so saddened by the show and why was she so stuck on the title? I thought her obsession with the title was so trivial. Nevertheless, I fumbled to explain why I called it The Sessions. "Um, it's a play on the word 'session', I explained ... a private or sexual meeting" and of course, a reference to the term that psychologists have coined for their in depth meetings with patients. And, then I went on to explain what I thought was most obvious ... "well, the play takes place in parts or sessions."

In the moment, I was so focused on this person being an "expert" therefore; her opinion on my play about relationships must be gospel, right? WRONG! Her husband came from the rest room and I asked, "Were you confused or mislead by the title?" He looked at me like I had two heads. "I don't care what it's called ... It wasn't about the title ... for me it was about the stories and performances." She looked embarrassed that he didn't share her view about the title. It turns out her husband is an actor and Director, so thankfully the most useful criticism I received came from him. He gave me some helpful feedback on some of the performances which I passed on to my husband, who passed it on to the actors. Her husband's feedback helped to make the show that much better. That experience solidified what I always felt. We put too much faith in what others think. Let's stop that! It's that seed of self doubt that is crippling. Had I been focused on what others thought about me and my work, I would have never gone forth with putting this play up. To her benefit, she did say one thing that I deeply appreciated. She said, "you've come this far with this, why do you care about what I have to say?" And, she was so right! As long as I tell the truth in my work as I know it, I dom't have to answer to a soul.

I am excited to say that there will be more opportunities to see The Sessions. Van Dirk Fisher, Artistic Director of The Riant Theater and the Strawberry One Act Festival has asked that Panoptic Theatre do two performances of The Sessions during the next Strawberry One Act Festival in mid-August. The Sessions will also have an extended run for a month shortly after that. Details of our one month run are still being finalized. Stay tuned to find out where and when.

Thank you to all of our friends, supporters and allies. Panoptic Theatre is just getting started and what an amazing start we've had!

One Love,

Nisha Beech