Theatre

I just saw an amazing Poetry, Theater, Film presentation by Nathalie Handal at Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage. For those in DC, you should note that everyday, 365 days a year (except maybe Christmas Day), the KC hosts free performances at 6PM on the Millennium Stage. (This is apart of their Performance Art Is For Everyone! programming….which in it self is enough to Love)

I’d marked my calendar a while back (yes, I still carry a paper calendar) to make a point to go see Handal as her presentation was scheduled during the Center’s Arabasque Festival: Arts of the Arab World and because up until then I’d had very limited experience with women performers of Arab descent. Particularly, I was curious to see how Handal would combine Poetry, Theater and Film in the short hour that is often allotted to Millennium Stage performers.

So against my body’s wishes (I was BEYOND tired) I hoped the Kennedy Center Limo (Metrobus 81) and made my way to a comfy seat in the back….admittedly fighting off sleep. Of all the material Handal presented I must say that I loved her poetry the most. Especially, ‘Against the Wall’, the one where she talks about her experience ‘Flying’, the series of  ‘love poems’, ‘In Jerusalem’ and the finale Poem titled ‘Bethlehem’.

Admittedly, my body won out and I got lost in slumber land for the film presentation and the storytelling experience (this is not indicative of the quality of the Artist or Art’s presented just my inability to fight my body’s request to rest). So I don’t have any wowing thought provoking exchange about my interactions with those presentations.  I’ll do better next time.

Please check out the Kennedy Center’s info on Handal and see Nathalie Handal’s Kennedy Center Peformance HERE! What a beautiful gift to be a Poet AND to be a sharing Poet, not one whose identify is known only to the paper it sits on.

Last night I volunteered as an usher and unexpectedly…’wine bar attendant’ at the Studio Theatre’s performance of Grey Gardens . The latter is hilarious because I know nothing about wine or beer and do my best not to indulge or spend my money on either of the aforementioned social graces . It was great being in the environment and though the production was less than magical for me (each time a cast member mentioned food in their dialogue I went into my best  Homer Simpson impersonation of mmmmmm……Cake minus the saliva dripping down my face) I left feeling rejuvenated and good about the experience.

I missed the memo that announced that Grey Gardens was a musical…. although a fascinating story, based on the documentary with the same name, of Jacqueline B. Kennedy’s relatives it was difficult for me to stay on task and I found myself daydreaming about what it would be like to have a show at the Studio Theatre, the lights, the revolving floor, a coconut cream cake……

One of my fellow volunteers, I believe her name was Star, asked me if I was an actress. “You look like an actress…just the way the light is illuminating off your face.”  These type of comments happen to me a lot; definitely within the last year or two. The random guy at Krispy Kreme who told me I looked like a poet, my first day of acting class when one of my classmates commented that I looked artsy (yea, I know whatever that means). So much that it would seem ridiculous to the onlooker if I hesitated to find meaning in them. Truthfully, this messages always come at strategic times…particularly when I’m in a space of feeling not so confident about the road I’m on.  My heart takes a tremendous leap when I receive these comments and I’m on a high, so high that it seems impossible to turn back. That is, until I get that ever so gentle punch in the gut from life. Yet, I keep trucking on and inevitable I across a ‘Star‘ who shines some light and I become more active in the game again (the one I really never left). So, this one goes out to the ’stranger’ who holds the ever so powerful ‘compliment’. Thank You.

sigh….The Show Must Go On and now that we know I have the look ……. Next UP the Walk….I wish I could pick some up at Target.

One of the small things in my life that really brings a spark of joy or contentment is reading the free Daily Express (of the Washington Post) papers that are issued in front of the DC Metro Stations and can be found around town in bright yellow news paper boxes. I don’t know why I enjoy reading it so much, particularly after a friend informed me that the news in the Express is always/generally a day or so late.

I guess it’s because I always find useful information and great events that I would have otherwise missed. (It’s sometimes hard to stay in the KNOW in DC with so much going on.) While running an errand Monday morning and picking up someone’s left over Express on the H8, I saw an advertisement for a Young Playwright’s Theatre event at the GALA Hispanic Theatre and that magic word “free“. After a little bit of debate I convinced myself to check out the event.

The event was sponsored by YPT or Young Playwright’s Theater a non-profit organization that teaches students to express themselves clearly and creatively through the art of playwriting. According to their website, they do this via a combination of in-school, after-school, and special event’s programs.  Monday’s event was a part of a workshop series called New Writer’s Now! where students in grades 8th-12th have professional actors stage readings of their plays.  The theme was GREEN, GROWING and ORIGINAL and featured 7 short plays and poetry written by 8 very talented young superstars. The students’ pieces ranged from serious, to dramatic, to funny and explored issues that ranged from Environmental vs. Human Stability, Immigration, and public figures (like Al Gore) and their influence on how environmental issues are viewed. Afterward, the Executive Director of YPT lead a talk-back session with the young Artists, actors and the audience.

This event was very refreshing and I was pleased to see the diversity of voice & style that manifested from the student’s pieces and, likewise, the diversity of personality and expression as they each shared a bit about themselves and their motivation for writing their particularly piece.  Unsuspectingly, I left very motivated and encouraged armed with great advise from some of the world’s brightest and most imaginative….

If you’re in the DC area please check out YPT’s other events in the New Writers Now! series in 2009 (Feb 2, April 20, & June all at the GALA at 7pm and check out the other great special programs they have happening for young people & the young at heart!

After I finished, refining my Single Ladies dance skills on Saturday, I headed over to NE DC to see a preview of a friend’s upcoming show FEMA’s 1603 at an event called 12×6. 12×6, sponsored by the Artists’ Bloc provides a venue where artists from all genres are provided the opportunity to present their developing work to their fellow artists and the public for peer review. The event held at the great space that is the Atlas Performing Arts Center located on historic H-Street featured:

1. FEMA’s 1603 by Giani Clarkson

Giani (a Katrina survivor) explores the effects of Hurricane Katrina via 10 different characters. During the full production of FEMA 1603 in January, the project will be raising funds for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. Although, I went to college was Giani and recall seeing him on and around campus, this was my first glimpse of him in action. He’s extremely talented and has natural gift for embodying and giving voice on stage to a multitude of characters. The show premiers in January 2009 at Flashpoint DC. So get your tickets today!

2. Black and Kinky Among Brown Waves by Margaux Delotte-Bennet

Black and Kinky explores a young woman’s experience living & working in India for six months. Although, still in development I know this is a piece I’ll want to see.  Aside from loving the title, I enjoy pieces that explore identity and place and one’s journey of experience coping with each.

3. The Race by John Milosich

This piece explores a young man’s thoughts and perceptions on Race and Racism. Milo’s performance will definitely be one to watch.  Although for me the topic was not, his interpretation, physical performance was imaginatively different and will definitely engage  and encourage a firestorm among those interested in the exploration of the topic of Race/Racism.

The audience watched about 10-15 minutes of each of the Pre-viewing pieces, had some quiet time for anonymous written feedback, and then, facilitated by an Artists’ Blocl rep, engaged in a lively dialogue with each Playwright/Performer. I took alot of way from this event and was able to learn from and see great talent on stage…comfortable and owning it…..what a great feeling that must be!

This was my second time visiting Atlas, the first was at a similar event sponsored by the African Continum Theater and included staged readings of up & coming plays with the feedback session from the audience…..hopefully, it won’t be my last.

This weekend, against my better judgement, I joined in with Kadriene’s Video Choreography Class to learn the dance moves to Beyonce’s new single “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)”.  Yes, I did! Shocked myself. The weekend Video Choreography classes are new and were initiated to help raise money for the DC Dance Collective’s SOS (Save Our Studio) Fund.

If you’re one of the few people in the world who has yet to see the video please check it out below courtesy of YouTube:

Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)

Now, Imagine me busting the moves….. A brief history. Upon seeing the premier of this video. I immediately thought this looks familiar. It wasn’t until my friend MSJ and I were having a chat and he pulled up a oldie but goodie video of 3 older Caucasian women circa 1965 doing a dance choreographed by Bob Fosse.

Walking it Out Bob Fosse Style

And it hit me! I’d seen the video over a year an half ago when I was searching for video’s on how to do the ‘Walk It Out’ dance. Well the late Bob Fosse has inspired many greats and I don’t think he’s getting the credit he deserves. To see what I mean check out this video of Fosse circa 1974 performing “A Snake in the Grass”

Bob Fosse in “A Snake in the Grass” from the movie A Little Prince

hmmm…remind you of anyone?!? Totally blew my mind…but that’s another blog posting.

Back to class. Now Saturday, I was joined by a group of friends who were celebrating a birthday and decided to surprise the B’day girl with 1.5 hours of booty shaking Beyonce style. Kadriene, who by the way is an Amazing instructor (precise, thorough, and just plain great), kicked off with her usual 10-15 minute warm up and dove straight into the first steps of the choreography.  Ok, I can handle it:  make your hand heavy and sway your hips for 8 counts in an exaggerated motion. Next up: hop-step out, kick, left leg out, hands on but and shake, shake, skake-shake-shake….All good until the music came on and the tempo…well, it’s fast. Needless to say we were all looking a bit like Video Girl rejects….Some more moves and then the infamous twirl your torso and drop it down to the floor (One leg bent, the other extended) that Beyonce so elegantly performs.

I’ll spare you the details…but folks it is why I presume Bey has “A Ring On It” and I don’t.   Though, all jokes aside, besides the fact that I’m not naturally gifted in dance (only a hard worker) that class kicked my butt! Beyonce’s Choreographer, Back-up Dancers, and of course Beyonce are all in great shape and if I don’t become a famous, brilliant dancer by the end of 12to28 at the very least I’d like to be in pristine physical condition.

Admittedly, my performance in Day 2 was an inch better (let’s say I could kick at the appropriate times) and I was able to convince a friend of mind to join me.  And I had fun!  (Everybody, present had a good time!) All in all, I’m learning to put aside the embarassment of not being a great dancer immediately, trusting myself and letting it all hang out (well, at least slowly but surely).

It’s been two months and one day since 12to28 kicked off and I’ve been busy! First off, I must say that this endeavor is not easy! I mean taking a sabbatical during an economic down-turn may not have been one of my brightest ideas….Not to mention the daily stress associated with staying on task and motivated (Who knew that I’d actually dream about having employer sponsored health insurance again? sigh) but the other hiccups like the WIFI malfunctioning on my laptop (if its not one thing it’s another), and losing my cell phone and wallet (not on the same day) on the Metro!

Yet, the challenge of working my body to perform….stretching my toes, hips, back in Hula; learning my many voices….and wondering why my voice sounds so much more different than I’d anticipated….

hmmm….Yes, it’s good to finally be meeting these parts of myself. Our introductions have been long over due.

I’m still going strong in Hawaiian Hula and will share (in a separate post) my mission to LIVE ALOHA! I’ve moved on from Turkish Belly Dance….my spirit began to drift slowly away and now I’m on to researching a new groove. Any suggestions in the DC area? I have two weeks left of my Acting/Realism class and though I’m saddened by this revelation I’m excited to embrace what’s next…Maybe an audition??

You might have also noticed the change on my Journey page….don’t be alarmed the Show Will Go On!….and it’ll include a layover to enjoy the Presidential Inauguration Activities in January. And honestly, more time to budget, Fundraise, and secure a gig that pays alot of money fast! (Did I mention fundraise?!)

So, I’ve finally given in and joined the Twitter bandwagon. Admittedly, it’s been difficult for me to SIT down and blog about 12to28 (who wants to blog when I should be out dancing (maybe not well) but dancing, nonetheless, and having a blast in my theatre class?), I’ve decided that Twitter is the next best thing to keeping the updates going. So the new revolution begins. And I promise. Updates coming very soon about my days living the artistic life. Oh! And I’ve filmed my monologue on Monday, October 13th.  I have mixed feelings about it but have been bitten by the bug and have made it my mission (yes, another one in life) to keep theatre/acting an integral part of my existence. World be ready.

And so it begins! It’s a few weeks since 12to28 kicked off. I had a great day of Dance (cardio funk workout) in the morning, Work in the evening (I gotta raise some more money!) and Dinner at night with friends. You’ll notice that my Journey dates have a changed a bit. Notably, I’ll be based in Washington, DC for a few months mainly working and saving up some extra cash before I cross the seas.

Secondly, this gives me a bit of space and time to build a base (and my confidence!) This is a daunting challenge, ya’ll. So, I’m enrolled in Acting 1/Realism class at The Little Theatre of Alexandria. Which I absolutely love! (Although the class has too many people in it (25?) and I selfishly find myself impatiently waiting for my turn.) It was a tough decision as I was juggling between the Little Theatre and downtown DC’s Theatre Lab class with Deidre Starns (a Howard University drama professor and noted Thespian). Ultimately, I chose this one because of the early focus on each participant selecting, perfecting and performing a monologue which will be subsequently taped by a professional videographer and plastered on DVD. (Yes, you may look forward to my world premier in a month or so when I upload my performance on the website……)I also liked that the Lil’ Theatre was open to drop in’s on the first class to get an idea of the pace/temp. Theatre Lab, promptly said no to this request….sigh. Perhaps, next time I’ll be able to switch it up.

And then there is: Dance. I fortunately lucked up on a Work Exchange Program at the DC Dance Collective which allows me a free dance class for every 2 hours I volunteer! I’ve been volunteering so far one night a week for four hours, and my classes of choice are Hawaiian Hula and Turkish Belly Dancing. But Im getting that itch to hop in on a Tap Dancing Class…..DC Dance Collective is a small, privately owned Dance Collective with 3 studios and I enjoy the relaxed, come as you are (and Dance!) atmosphere. In fact, the Mission of DC Dance Collective reads as follows:

The Mission of DC Dance Collective is to make dance available to everyone, regardless of social or economic status, age, gender, or artistic or cultural background, and to establish a studio atmosphere in which students and instructors have artistic choices, share in the artistic process, and learn the value of artistic expression.

I love it!

I’m realizing that my goals are ambitious. They always are. While initially I thought I would be actively engaging in all 3 (Poetry, Theatre and Dance) PTD, every week, I’ve realized that in the early months of 12to28 I have to slow down and ENJOY and focus on what I can focus on without overwhelming myself. But don’t fret Poetry will be infused ever so gently in the coming weeks….I have a few things/people up my sleeve.

Finally, my internet capabilities are limited and I’m working out a routine to post a minimum of twice weekly. So thanks for being patient while I work this all out and find my groove and THANKS for joining me on this journey!