Our documentary will shed light on the truth that we have much to learn from an age group that draws from a deep well of culture, knowledge, and a long-inspired life. Our mission feels especially pertinent at a time when seniors are increasingly overlooked by our fast-paced, digitally-bound society. However, an individual that we pass on the street and dismiss as old or over the hill may well transform into Saint Joan or Atticus Finch in a heartbeat.

Johnny Barnes (aka Sugar Ray Robinson in Scorsese’s Raging Bull) performs his powerful autobiographical poem, “Requiem for a Middleweight.” This work was conceived and written by Johnny and developed in class. (7 minutes)

Barbara Ann Davison in one of her favorite roles: Annie Nations in Susan Cooper’s Foxfire. This is a telling example of an individual’s ability to transcend physical limitations and hardship through doing what she loves. Barbara is unhappily bound to her wheelchair in a nursing home, yet she thrives when given the opportunity to dive deep into one of her revered roles. Even though Barbara is unable to come to our classroom, she is with us. Barbara and Anna have rehearsed this piece over the phone. In this scene, Frankie Verroca plays her son, Dillard Nations, and Bill Koch plays her husband, Hector Nations. (7 minutes)

Because it is impossible to introduce you to every member of the Cima Project in an equal fashion, we have created this lineup of brief performances from our on-camera class. Some of these pieces are cold readings. (10 minutes)