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Mar 23, 2015 By Zach Hollwedel Web Exclusive

Thom Workman, acting coach, ponders aloud at the beginning of How I Got Over, “If doctors can save lives, if the military can save lives, why can’t art save lives?” That’s exactly what writer-director Nicole Boxer examines in her new documentary about 15 formerly homeless women who tell their tales—and find empowerment—during a one-night only performance at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

The women of the N Street Village in the Nation’s Capital have overcome tremendous hurdles during their lives. From drug addiction to physical abuse to disease, the obstacles they faced found each of them living on the street or in dire need of assistance at one point or other. Nevertheless, they each eventually made their way to the N Street Village—a D.C.-based center for women in need—and when N Street partnered with The Theatre Lab, the 15 brave ladies were granted the opportunity to write a play about their experiences.

With guidance from Workman, theatre director Deb Gottesman, and playwright Jennifer L. Nelson, the troupe crafted a moving, nakedly honest play about their faith, families, failures, and feats. Boxer’s documentary chronicles the weeks leading up to opening night, a process that involved writing a brand new play from scratch, learning how to act for the stage, and overcoming doubts about performing. It all culminates in an incredibly moving evening at The Kennedy Center, and how could it not? It would be impossible not to feel moved as the women share their life stories. Boxer devotes as much time as she can to each of them, though with a run-time of less than 90 minutes, it feels as though she only scratched the surface with each. Nonetheless, How I Got Over is an inspiring and emotional tale of triumph and the value of art as salvation.

www.higodoc.com

Author rating: 6/10