Announcing ‘Myth & Marrow’ and Major Moves for Labor Pains
Hello everyone,
It’s been a whirlwind two weeks since my last update, and I am so excited to reconnect with you all. After the final workshop concluded in Albany, I took a brief, beautiful pause to get married in Las Vegas! Now, with my family packed up once again, I’ve returned to the West Coast—specifically, Oakland—with a renewed spirit and some major announcements that mark the next evolutionary phase of the Labor Pains project.
The Heart of the Story: Introducing “Myth & Marrow”
The biggest news is that the script I am developing now has its title: Myth & Marrow.
This name was born from a profound creative breakthrough. After piloting the initial workshops in Albany, I knew the project needed a stronger narrative core to guide participants toward a truly liberated conclusion. I found it by reconstructing a powerful folktale inspired by “The Woman Who Was a Bird,” collected by Roger D. Abrahams.
This story has become the bedrock of a redesigned workshop framework. It provides a beautiful, universal narrative for the prompts, allowing each woman to see and place her own experience within the arc of the folktale. It’s an incredible and innovative reflection of the final performance piece, and I cannot wait to share its magic with you.
A New Vibe for Oakland: Art, Healing, and Community
My commitment to healing is as strong as ever, but it’s also crucial to respect the beat of these streets. Here in Oakland, art is revolutionary. To honor that, I’m shifting the angle for our West Coast gatherings.
Instead of traditional “workshops,” I’ll be hosting what I envision as social gatherings for creatives and intellectuals. Think of it as a spin on “sip and paint,” where we connect, create, and construct body maps together. It’s a format that embraces the vibrant, artistic, and community-driven energy of the Bay Area while holding sacred space for the deep work we are here to do.
Save the Date: A “Myth & Marrow” Gala in Albany!
Mark your calendars! I am thrilled to announce we will be hosting a Labor Pains Fundraising Gala in Albany, NY on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
This special evening will feature a performance preview of Myth & Marrow, giving our East Coast community a first look at the script in development. The event will also include other incredible performances and activities to celebrate our journey so far and raise crucial funds for the work ahead. Stay tuned for more details on tickets and the full program!
Join the Movement: New Ways to Show Your Support
The energy around this project is building, and soon there will be more ways than ever to be a part of it.
- Labor Pains Merch is Coming Soon! I am so excited to roll out official project merchandise in the coming months. Get ready for swag bags, boxes, and other items perfect for showing your support during the street festival and holiday seasons.
- New Sponsorship & Donor Levels are Here! In a huge step toward sustainability, I have developed a full range of sponsorship and individual donor levels. This framework will be the foundation of my outreach to local businesses in both Oakland and Albany who believe in the power of art to heal and transform communities.
Thank you for being on this journey. After a period of immense growth and change, both personal and professional, I feel more dedicated than ever to bringing Myth & Marrow to life. The work continues, and the best is yet to come.
With gratitude,
Jae
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