Yikes! Can you believe it? I sure as hell couldn't when I was invited to perform a twenty minute piece of my Santa Fe Performance, "Leftovers, dirty panties, bones and fish sauce",
at the First Annual "Sol-O-Fest" in Albuquerque, at the Filling Station Theatre this past July!
So what did I do as soon as I got the invitation? I called Maura Dhu Studi, writer, acting coach and director and said, "You're not going to believe this" and then begged, "Is there time to help me with rewrites, etc. etc..." And the rest was history. After two weeks of intense meetings, rewrites, etc. (and a whole lot of encouragement from Sarah Lovett) the show was ready to go-and so was I! Well, almost. My hair was now limp- I thanked the hair angels for Dee Dee Adams, designer and stylist in Santa Fe who not only works miracles with hair, but teaches you how to make it look good thru age transitions!
I've always searched for a meaningful definition of the word value. This show challenges a cultural assumption that leftovers have no value-this assumption being applied to relationships, experiences and material objects.
"Leftovers, Taking Turns", is a leftover from childhood. It is what it is: a story about a daughter's father and a father's daughter; of an incident, a period of silence, a moment of reconciliation.
This piece is a study of contrasts, of the importance of memories and an acceptance of what is. By composting a jambalaya of emotions; by sifting through the leftovers, I discovered what IS leftover IS something new.
Having the opportunity to perform this piece at the Filling Station Theatre was both a humbling and exciting adventure. This being my second performance experience, my first out of town in a strange theatre,I had not considered the "technical" aspects of the performance. So when David, Lighting and Sound Technician, asked, "How do you like this light, we have several options, what about this...",all I could say was, "Whatever you think- but, is there something wrong with the lights? I mean, David, they're so bright, I don't think I can see everybody and are they supposed to be this hot?" David, in his kind manner, laughed and said, "Welcome to the theatre baby."
What a great welcome it was. From the moment I stepped into the silver "Performers" trailer, to the adventures of working with other performers, I constantly was in awe of the process. I had an opportunity to share in the "transitions" of performances by moving a set piece. Gosh, people are soooooo patient. No one got angry when I fumbled in the dark, bumped into a pole, said excuse me to the pole and then forgot my prop, leaving it on stage for the next performer. Thanks John Wylie for having a sense of humor! Almost forgot to mention the last minute clothing improvisation. So what do you do when your custom beaded dress, designed and created by Linda Storm, Santa Fe artist, gets caught on an object and the lovely beaded hem unravels? You do what any dump-collecting, leftover shopper does, you borrow the blue painters tape and recreate what is leftover.
The performer's trailer was fun! Snacks, taking photos, laughter, helping each other quiet the nerves and so much comraderie. Yikes, Hell yes I'd do it again tonight if someone invited me to do another performance.
Yikes, can't forget the friends that supported me. People like Todd and Susan driving from Lindrith; my Tuesday acting buddies: Kevin, Deb, Laura and Sylvia, taking time from their scenes; Leona driving solo after a long day of work in Santa Fe; Carole, my friend and manager cheering me on; my "Gourmet GirlFriends" Evelyn and MaryJane always supportive with lots of hugs; smiles from artists, Nicole Barosi and Charlie A., the other performers being so gracious and helpful AND finally, a high five from David and Beth, gracious owners of the theatre and producer of this Sol-O-Fest! Oh yes, I would do it all again. Mmm...this sounds like what's
leftover is the beginning of another monologue.
(for a peek at the other photographs, take a look at my album,
Leftovers,on Facebook)
Posts
