VOICES opens its third installment of the Women’s VOICES Theater Project, “Objects In Mirror,” on April 19 at 7:30pm at Thunder River Theatre (TRTC). The piece “is a mosaic of expression inspired by the memories, mirages and messaging that make up our lives,” reads a press release for the production. “Incorporating music, humor, storytelling and movement, local creatives take the audience on a powerful journey of human experience.”
This year’s production features five local women: Gabriela Mejia, Jen Campbell, Kayla Henley, Kami Miranda and Lana Greengrass. Each story is rooted in the lived experiences of these women.
“Sometimes stories surface that surprise storytellers — even the ones they are ready to tell,” VOICES Executive Director MinTze Wu told The Sopris Sun. “The audience is in for a raw, honest and vulnerable production.” She added that most of the stories are being told for the first time.
In addition to an all-female cast, the crew is mostly women as well, with Dani Taylor-Moxon as stage Manager; Bineke Kiernan on prop, set and costume design; and Gabrielle Bailes on sound design. Cassidy Willey is directing the show.
“The audience is in for a deep dive into the sacred feminine, set in this mystical and woodsy world where these women gather to tell their stories. There are definitely going to be moments of humor [and] wonder,” stated Willey, as well as “some really tender, vulnerable and brave [ones] which people are putting on the stage.”
When asked about the theme of the production, Willey had this to say:
“The guiding theme is reclamation and returning to the natural — a theme explored in many stories and folklore,” she explained. “It has been fun to go there with these women and hear their own spin on that idea of reclamation.”
Henley, Mejia and Miranda have all been involved with theater for many years, but more often are off in the wings helping execute a production. Mejia and Henley both agreed that there is a sense of empowerment in being the storyteller and in being the listener.
“I’m really looking forward to getting to switch roles and experience a different side of the theater, especially in a medium that allows me to tell a different story in a profound way,” Henley shared.
Mejia has been involved with VOICES for three years, mostly working with props. When Willey approached her about this project, though she was hesitant at first, Mejia agreed to share her story.
“Being behind the scenes was special because I got to see the process of other women who have also gone through the same cycles of expression,” said Mejia. “Cassidy wanted me to be a part of the ensemble for a while … My resistance came because I’ve done theater before and it wasn’t something I enjoyed because I was acting on behalf of a script or a story that wasn’t relatable to me. This one’s a little bit different because it is me. I am exploring the depths of myself on stage.”

There are three chances to catch “Objects in Mirror”: April 19 and 20 at 7:30pm and April 21 at 2pm. All performances are at Thunder River Theatre. To purchase tickets visit www.voicesrfv.org