Theater

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.

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?!)

Well, I meant to write this post yesterday on August 19th. The 12to28 kick-off is quickly approaching and have so much to do. This summer has been an phenomenal one….As I worked to make and save money for 12to28 I’ve been able to sneak in a few pre-12to28 events. Including this past weekend in NYC where I witnessed Laurence Fishburne embody Thurgood; admired the many sites and sounds of the Harlem Jazz and Music Festival; participated in an actor’s workshop taught by Mel Jackson at Hueman’s in Harlem; and sat in on an Advanced Beginner Ballet class at the infamous Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. Absolutely AMAZING unplanned weekend. Actually, I’ve had plans to see Thurgood since May but the other happenings were simple acts of kindness from above. The ones that say: There are no coincidences.