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A "retreat" is defined as a period of group withdrawal for the purpose of study, contemplation, meditation, etc. The SAGE Society traditionally holds a retreat once a year at a resort within 100 miles of Los Angeles. It is a time when about 50 of its members meet without the usual formalities of a regular classroom and discuss pre-selected readings, which generally consist of a book, a play and an essay. These readings are chosen for their topical interest and for their ability to provoke discussion.
The group divides into two or three discussion units and for two hours participants in each of these units analyze the issues raised in the reading. Often the discussion continues after the unit recesses.
The test of a good discussion is how long it lingers afterward.
The discussions are only a part of the retreat. Equally important is the chance to meet informally with our colleagues and get to know them better. There are often numerous opportunities to hike, swim, play tennis or just sit and talk. This adds a whole new dimension to the SAGE experience. Away from the formalities that inevitably come to dominate the classroom, the retreat offers a more relaxed atmosphere in which to unwind.
We first gather for a snack and some liquid refreshments in the late afternoon, which gets us all into a relaxed mood for having a good time.
Traditionally, after dinner, we gather to watch a film. Previously, Mel Brooks' THE PRODUCERS or the classic ROMAN HOLIDAY or a collection of classic movie funny men and women have helped to set the tone for the first evening.
The next morning after breakfast, we divide into groups for discussions of a significant book (previously we have discussed such classics as Aldous Huxley's futuristic novel, Brave New World, Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 or Barbara Ehrenreich's Nickel and Dimed).
In the afternoon, we again break into groups to discuss a provocative play (Ronald Harwood's Taking Sides, Aristophanes' Lysistrata and Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead are examples of past plays we have discussed). Afterwards, everyone is free just to enjoy the many facilities of the resort.
After dinner we try to have a special treat. One retreat we were fortunate to have one of our talented members sing a selection of ageless love songs. Another retreat we had a mystery photo contest. Each person attending was asked to submit up to three photographs from different times of their lives. Each photograph then was given a number and placed on a large board with the other photographs. Those attending would guess whose photograph belonged to whom. The winner was the one who outguessed all the other participants.
The next morning, after breakfast, we again divided into groups to discuss an essay. One year, "The Anatomy of Peace," a plea for world government written at the end of World War II, held the interest of the group, another time the Bill of Rights and a third time the Declaration of Independence.
We may not settle any of the problems of this world, but we all enjoy being together, and, generally, few of us want to leave after the final lunch. Eventually though all good things must end, but there is always next year and another retreat to look forward to.
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