Community & Connection
“Nobody mourns the drunk who caused the crash
Nobody weeps for the hands that turn the wheel
Nobody tells him they understand, that his grief is real
That loss still lingers in the mind when it sobers
That even the guilty dream of family”
A. Cuba Jackson - Feed Ghost
We kicked off our first events of the year with “Time Served,” a community Open Mic at Recovery Connections of Maine (RCOM) and a performance of “Broken Clock” at University of Maine Farmington.
As so many in our communities are struggling with poverty, addiction, incarceration, and gun violence, the Open Mic was a bright evening of vulnerability, support, joy, and connection. In the words of RCOM founder Jeremy Hiltz: “the power of connection and community cannot be beat!”
In response to the performance of “Broken Clock” at UMF, audience members connected to “what it's like to be disconnected from family and community” and said we “need more community” and “to learn how to prevent and respond to harm without causing more harm.” They dreamed for:
“Emotional freedom”
“Healing inner children”
“Peace and justice for everyone”
“To get a really good job and help my family out”
“More compassion”
“Less greed”
At MIO, we use art to connect personal and collective experiences. In each of our life experiences, there are complex questions about what it means to live in a community together. A few that we are thinking about at MIO: What are responses to harm that don’t cause more harm? What does healing and restoration look like for incarcerated people? What do communities need to thrive? In the midst of great personal and community challenges, art can create resonance, connection, and transformation.
Esvin Perez performs as the featured artist at MIO’s March Open Mic “Time Served” at Recovery Connections of Maine in Lewiston. Also featured in the photo is RCOM founder Jeremy Hiltz’s cell door from his time inside prison. The door inspired the podcast he hosts with Brandon Brown called “Behind the Door.” Check it out on Apple Podcasts, Youtube, and more!
MIO community artists and members of the community performing at “Time Served” on March 18. Check out and subscribe to MIO’s Youtube Channel for a playlist of videos from open mics and performances!
Broken Clock Tour Dates
The creative ensemble performing “Broken Clock” at University of Maine at Farmington on March 26.
The 2025 tour of “Broken Clock” is underway! Here are the upcoming tour dates and stay tuned for more tour information coming soon. We hope you’ll join us for a free upcoming show in Waterville or Lewiston.
May 1, 2025 - Broken Clock at ColbyArts |Greene Block + Studios | Show at 6:30. Doors open at 6. Get your tickets!
June 17, 2025 - Broken Clock at The Public Theatre at 7pm - Get your tickets!
September 12, 2025 - Broken Clock at Celebration Barn at 7:30pm - tickets available soon!
In the News
This month, Maine Inside Out was featured in the Onion Foundation’s Arts and Wellbeing Series. The article interviews MIO Co-ED Joseph Jackson and Philanthropy Lead Molly Gallagher Burk. Check out: How Maine Inside Out Uses Theater to Drive Social Change!
Upcoming Community Partner Events
Please check out these upcoming events hosted by our partner organizations:
Maine Arts Learning Summit
Thursday, May 1
Greene Block + Studios in Waterville
MIO Co-Executive Directors Chiara Liberatore and Noah Bragg will present during the summit and the creative ensemble will perform “Broken Clock” that evening!