05/08/2026
Happy ! We are eternally grateful to all nurses who care for our communities.
Yesterday, the New Jersey Theatre Alliance partnered with Vivid Stage, Epic Actors' Workshop - US, and Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center to present a new theatrical piece, "What We Carry" created from interviews with bedside nurses at Overlook.
Two professional playwrights interviewed nurses, then created short plays inspired by their words. The plays were read by professional actors, attended by a full house of nursing and other medical staff, followed by a discussion in which audience members reflected on the experience of seeing stories about their vocation on stage.
This project was part of the Alliance's Theatre and Health Bridge program, an initiative of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, in partnership with medical centers, community organizations, and member theatres.
This initiative uses the power of theatre and storytelling to support the mental well-being of patients and medical personnel, enhance medical training, and create experiences of connection, empathy, self-expression, and joy.
In 2026, five theatres from the Alliance membership will create theatre and health programming with medical centers and community partners across the state, supporting pediatric, eldercare, oncology, and mental health patients and providers.
The program is made possible by the support of The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and The Westfield Foundation.
