March 2026 - All The World's a Stage

This is a one time purchase of a previously featured Sequential Underground reader box. This is not an ongoing subscription. Creating a story for an audience is a sacred act that has the power to change lives. March's reading adventure links the journeys of two artists through time, reminding us that whenever we engage with storytelling in any of its forms, we are participating in a beautiful, ancient tradition. Featuring: Bitter Water Opera by Nicolette Polek This breathtaking read was a New Yorker and Commonweal Best Book of 2024 and comes from one of our favorite independent publishers, Graywolf Press. When present day intellectual Gia writes a letter to the long deceased dancer Marta Becket, Marta appears in her home, pushing Gia out of her despair. It’s a story about finding your faith in art and the power of the theatre. Within these pages, Polek asks us the important questions: How do we look beyond ourselves? Where do words go? What, and who, is art for? Dear You a zine by Giles Crawford After Louis sees a performance from the legendary punk band Jawbreaker in March 1996, he suffers an existential crisis: will he ever make art this good? Or is he doomed never to make an impact with his own work? Dear You is a beautiful story of longing, community, and the awe-inspiring journey beginning at the stage. This zine is part of Giles’ ongoing short story series, NewOldRare, about Neil and Louis, a gay couple on the east coast of the USA in the 90s, and the small moments that make up their life together. It is also the winner of the 2023 MICE Mini-Grant, providing funding for mini comics and zine creators to bring their work to the world. Fairy Music Box by The Laser's Edge LLC Based in Little Rock Arkansas, The Laser’s Edge creates timeless music boxes of enchanted realms. This particular box is a fairy-themed music box that plays the ethereal notes of "Waltz of the Flowers.” Performed in the second act of The Nutcracker, avid gardener Tchaikovsky wrote this piece as a tribute to his favorite rose bush. May its sound transport you to a night at the ballet! Shakespeare Quote from the Winter's Tale Bookmark by Milkwood Scribes “Exit, pursued by a bear” is the most infamous stage direction in any play and, of course, its genius is credited to William Shakespeare. Usually known for his standard stage directions, this scene in The Winter’s Tale offers a bit more chaos. Plagued with guilt over abandoning baby Perdita, our villain Antigonus’s ship is hit with a storm, then his exit offstage is pursued by, well, a bear whose existence was kept secret until now. It is the end of Antigonus, but the start of something new for us. This scene is also notoriously difficult to stage and combined with the hilarity of the line, [Exit, pursued by a bear] was destined to make history (and become a meme). Now you can enjoy this literary inside joke with your own handmade, watercolor bookmark by women-owned, Missouri-based Milkwood Scribes. Shakespeare Quote Print created by The Sequential Underground Design Team For many of us, William Shakespeare was our first introduction to the stage and the many ways we can tell a story through blocking, lighting, and character movement. We couldn’t let this month’s theme slip away without a print that captures this famous line. This scene from As You Like It has been quoted on everything - from towels to coasters to T-shirts - and serves as a reminder of the influence Shakespeare has had on our cultural conversation. This extended metaphor of “all the world’s a stage” exemplifies the many roles we play in our lifetime (the seven ages). Nothing is ever permanent and all of our selves - past, present, and future - make up our own personal stages. This print measures 7 x 5 inches and is printed on a glossy cardstock. A Reader Affirmation card by Sequential Underground A staple in every Sequential Underground subscription box, this 2 x 3.5 inch card is printed from MOO. A matte finish with a foil-embossed front, it’s another little way to keep you inspired and motivated to achieve your reading goals