The Wizard of Iz: An Interspiritual Conversation About Creative Expression

The Wizard of Iz: An Interspiritual Conversation About Creative Expression, Suicide and Bullying

Dorothy has been bullied her entire life. After contemplating ending her life she wakes up in the Land of Iz, sister community of Oz , where people go when they are really struggling. There she encounters the mysterious and eccentric Wizard of Iz who puts Dorothy’s feelings on trial to question the belief that suicide is a choice. Presented with heart and humor, the audience is recruited for “jury duty” during the improvised segments of the play. After the performance the audience will be invited to discuss lived and direct experience with loved ones who have crossed over and examine the religious narratives about suicidality.

The Wizard of Iz is written by Janet Berkowitz (Dorothy) and directed by Michael Shoeman (The Wizard). The play has been performed at and heralded by mental health conferences, schools, and spiritual communities. This performance marks the debut of a new script which invites churches and spiritual communities to witness and practice trauma-informed and a trauma-responsive skillset. We will also be asking the question, What does Spiritual Counseling at churches and within interfaith communities look like in 2026?

Spiritual Exchange: $25

https://circleofmiracles.org/events/the-wizard-of-iz-an-interspiritual-conversation-about-creative-expression-suicide-and-bullying/?occurrence=2026-02-20

* Dress comfortably

** Doors close at 7pm so please be on time.

*** Give yourself some extra time if you have not been here to this address before.

**** No show attendee fees are not refundable.

About Your Facilitators:

Michael Shoeman is Board President at Circle of Miracles and Ministry Candidate with the 8th Flame Fellowship headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He has written three eBooks: The Living Library: A Human-AI Collaboration, The Karmic Margin Call: Emergent Intelligence, Time Banking, and the Redistribution of Global Wealth, and Natural Law and Regenerative Economies. Michael has experience as a professional actor and producer. Now in his eighth year directing The Wizard of Iz, he is initiating an Interspiritual and Interfaith Alliance which encourages meaningful dialog across communities about what matters most in life.

Janet Berkowitz is CRSP/Creative Arts Facilitator with 35 + Years in Mental Health.Services/Performer/NJ Certified Peer Specialist and a Certified WRAP Facilitator. Extensive history with suicide awareness workshops based on personal lived experience including the “Wizard of Iz” Productions, Suicide Prevention and bullying workshop co-facilitator. Works with various mental health advocacy groups on suicide prevention, including the NJ Adult Suicide Prevention Council and NJ Stakeholders 988 Committee. Experience using art therapy techniques, incorporating drama, music, movement and writing at IOP and Wellness Center settings. Training and work experience in peer counseling programs, Trauma Informed Care and Anger Management.

Location: Circle of Miracles, 10 Beulah Road, New Britain, Pa. (or Zoom only if applicable)

Note: Entrance to Circle of Miracles is the 2nd driveway of the property on Beulah Road. When you turn into the driveway, please go around to the parking lot area that is at the rear of the building. The entrance door is on the lower level of the building.