Students and community members gathered at the Boston Playwrights’ Theatre to experience the heartache and turmoil five girls face while living in a residential care facility in Texas Saturday night. Boston University’s New Play Initiative’s production, “The Tragic Ecstasy of Girlhood,” and the post-show discussion encouraged the audience to continue the conversation on heavy and relevant issues.

Approximately 20 Boston residents and Boston University community members gathered Thursday evening at several locations on BU's campus to create a positive, welcoming space for all before the presidential...