I am attending my first Fringe show tonight... Bond at JCCC. Please support Fringe!
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Friday, April 22, 2016
The Ghosts of Lote Bravo at The Unicorn
There are plays that are moving, there are plays that are beautiful. There are plays that are fresh and exciting, and plays that are important.
The Ghosts of Lote Bravo is important.
As La Santa Muerte (Meredith Wolfe) whispers, "I do not judge, I listen," so do we, as the audience, listen and watch without judgement. Who are we to judge if a mother (Vanessa Davis) feels responsible for pushing her daughter to do whatever it took to earn money instead of starving? Who are we to judge a young man (Justin Barron) who sees no options, so he murders instead? Who are we to judge a young woman with the heart of a bull, (Rebecca Muñoz) who will do anything to get a earn her place?
It is beautifully crafted. The play is wrapped around the story of Juanda Cantu losing her daughter, reminiscent for me of the desaparecidos of Argentina. Young women, taken and left for dead, are too frequent in Ciudad Juárez, and we are shown the small steps and decisions that lead to such a disappearance. Life is simply an endurance, and a virginal Saint will not be of help in such dark times. La Santa Muerte, who requires a sacrifice of truth and tequila, is a masterful ally in dark times.
This work should not be missed as the rolling world premiere. My hope is that it will join the lexicon of American works. It is an important story.
The Ghosts of Lote Bravo is important.
As La Santa Muerte (Meredith Wolfe) whispers, "I do not judge, I listen," so do we, as the audience, listen and watch without judgement. Who are we to judge if a mother (Vanessa Davis) feels responsible for pushing her daughter to do whatever it took to earn money instead of starving? Who are we to judge a young man (Justin Barron) who sees no options, so he murders instead? Who are we to judge a young woman with the heart of a bull, (Rebecca Muñoz) who will do anything to get a earn her place?
It is beautifully crafted. The play is wrapped around the story of Juanda Cantu losing her daughter, reminiscent for me of the desaparecidos of Argentina. Young women, taken and left for dead, are too frequent in Ciudad Juárez, and we are shown the small steps and decisions that lead to such a disappearance. Life is simply an endurance, and a virginal Saint will not be of help in such dark times. La Santa Muerte, who requires a sacrifice of truth and tequila, is a masterful ally in dark times.
This work should not be missed as the rolling world premiere. My hope is that it will join the lexicon of American works. It is an important story.
Saturday, April 2, 2016
HeLa by Jessie Salsbury - at Knox College
Peibulu Koroye was amazing playing the multiple women characters in my one act play - Henrietta Lacks, her daughter, the researcher and the medical assistant. She is a first year student, and I was honored that she chose to be a part of my play. After the play we hugged each other and I started crying - completely out of the blue. It was surreal how proud I am of her. I was watching her and I honestly wondered if I was going to pass out - my vision went blurry on the outside. It is absolutely strange to see someone take words you've written at home, typed out and fussed over in a workshop with friends, and watch an actress take those words and create different characters from them.
I did my best to enjoy it and not critique my writing. I listened for parts where the audience was not understanding or where they would've gotten bored with rustling in their seats or moving around, but I didn't hear anything in particular. It was surreal, to sit in the studio theatre where I had hung lights, completed set designs, painted sets, spent most of my four years, and my first play put up in that space was nearly 20 years after I had graduated.No words. Awesome. It was surreal seeing it and watching other people watch it, and listening to other people talk about. I was floating out of my body. I watched Robin Metz half the time to see his reactions. Talked to Professor Robin Metz afterwards and I said "you saw my play!" He said he was happy to see it. I just can't believe it.
I am honored to be a part of telling Henrietta Lacks' story, and I am honored that a first year student was given a chance to shine in this role. I hope she is given many more opportunities to act if she chooses, as she's proven that she can handle a difficult task with easy and conviction. I am extremely proud.
I did my best to enjoy it and not critique my writing. I listened for parts where the audience was not understanding or where they would've gotten bored with rustling in their seats or moving around, but I didn't hear anything in particular. It was surreal, to sit in the studio theatre where I had hung lights, completed set designs, painted sets, spent most of my four years, and my first play put up in that space was nearly 20 years after I had graduated.No words. Awesome. It was surreal seeing it and watching other people watch it, and listening to other people talk about. I was floating out of my body. I watched Robin Metz half the time to see his reactions. Talked to Professor Robin Metz afterwards and I said "you saw my play!" He said he was happy to see it. I just can't believe it.
I am honored to be a part of telling Henrietta Lacks' story, and I am honored that a first year student was given a chance to shine in this role. I hope she is given many more opportunities to act if she chooses, as she's proven that she can handle a difficult task with easy and conviction. I am extremely proud.
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