Monday Night MarshStream | 5-11

Welcome to Monday Night MarshStream!

As many of you know, The Marsh has postponed all in-person shows until further notice, but that won’t stop Monday Night Marsh from continuing to bring you the unique stories we all love. Monday Night MarshStream is our new Monday Night Marsh with a few twists. Every Monday at 7:30pm, we bring you 4 live pieces from performers, both familiar and new, via zoom. Audience members who attend the live stream will also get the chance to perform a short 5 to 10 minute piece! Will it be you?

Join us every Monday at 7:30pm. Wonderful things can happen.

Calling all Storytellers!

Want the chance to tell your story on Monday Night MarshStream? Use the submission link below to submit your short 5 to 10 minutes piece. We feature new performers every week.

Submit Here!

Check out the most recent MNMs!

“SUITABLE PLACEMENT” by Al Sasser

Born in South-Central Los Angeles, Al became involved in a subculture of gangs and criminality at age 13, which led to juvenile hall and eventually prison. At 19 years old he was sentenced to 15 years to life. His turning point came in 1989 when he was encouraged to enroll in school while in prison. He earned his high school diploma and an A.A. degree in Liberal Arts, and started to write poetry and short stories. He also became a certified paralegal and substance abuse counselor. In 2013 Al left Solano State Prison after serving 31 years. He now works as a case manager and advocate for the homeless in West Oakland. “I’m proud to be working to address the treatment needs of those who suffer from substance use disorder and mental health issues.” Al is very active with Roots & Rebound, an organization working to empower those impacted by the criminal justice system. He’s writing his first book, Suitable Placement, and has started a t-shirt business to employ formerly incarcerated people. He is currently a student at San Francisco State with a major in psychology and a minor in criminal justice.

“BLOOM” by Pamela Ann Keane

Pamela was born in Hollywood, California, and true to her native city she began performing early – at age 5 she was casting herself and friends in plays performed for their families. As a young adult she worked at a comedy club as emcee and DJ, during which time she studied acting at The Little Playhouse in Walnut Creek, California. Over time she struggled with substance abuse and mental illness, ending up homeless and involved in criminal activity. She served 4 years at the Decatur Correctional Facility in Illinois, where she took part in the Shakespeare Corrected program. This reignited her theatrical spirit. “I absolutely loved everything about it. I was transformed. I found my voice and became comfortable in my own skin.” Paroled back to California, Pamela has connected with Marin Shakespeare, where she performs with the Returned Citizens Theater Troupe and the Returned Citizens Improv Troupe. Pamela works as assistant house manager at Women On The Way, a transitional sober living environment, where she counsels and supports women in recovery and on parole. She is currently a student at Merritt College, pursuing a substance abuse counseling license and associate degree.

“SUCCESS IN MINOR” by Fred Johnson

Music has always been important to Fred – ever since he walked by a pawnshop at age 15, saw a beat-up trumpet in the window, and knew he had to have it. Sentenced to prison at age 18, a turning point for Fred was joining the San Quentin Stage Band, where he had the opportunity to play with a diverse ensemble and share the stage with legends such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sheila E, and Vic Damone. When Fred was paroled in 1995 he became involved with Harm Reduction Coalition, a national organization that promotes the health and dignity of individuals and communities impacted by drug use. Eventually, he became their executive director, in which role he traveled the world—including testifying before the US Congress twice—to advocate for needle exchanges and HIV awareness. Since retiring, he has focused on his music, as well as acting in the two-person play Solitary Man based on letters from solitary confinement. “Hearing the voices of formerly incarcerated individuals is a must. The overall impact will continue to chip away at the inhumane injustices of the incarcerated and broader community. It is time, and society as a whole benefits.”