day 22 - closing of traction ave

Interview with Roger Nduku

Roger Nduku, who is in the ensemble, is also a poet who has been writing since he was a teenager in the Congo.  He first wrote in French, but started writing in English when he came to the United States in 1988. I noticed him showing another cast member his chapbook on the way to music rehearsal and found time to talk with him about his poetry and his experience in the play. Nduku hasn't been in a play since high school, but has always been a creative person.  He also paints on canvas, and in San Francisco, met drummer Carlos Aldama who taught him drumming in the Mission. He is a resident of the neighborhood and decided to try out for the play after he walked by Cornerstone and saw the announcement for auditions. “I live in the neighborhood and see the reality of the neighborhood,” said Nduku, who voiced some skepticism about whether the play will change how people react to him in this community.  “Once the play is done, will people say hi to me on the street as a black man?” Nduku mentioned that he thought that community projects were different in Africa because everybody participated in the community with respect to what others were doing.  In contrast, he was bothered by what he viewed as a lack of respect by some people who continue to cross the street even if they see that the street is blocked off because of the play. However, Nduku said that he has appreciated this experience to be part of the group and will try to be in another play after this one. “Human beings are social animals,” he explained.  “The main question is who are you, where do you come from and where are you going.  If you can't answer, you're not doing anything.”

Ching-In Chen

 

procrastinator
a poem by Roger Nduku Makpaulu

how much time is it left,
for you to go crazy,
fall in love with your own self,
drop your pants for the heck of it,
mooning the sky, the moon
and all lovers alike?

how much time is it left,
for you to get crazy,
feel the love within your own flesh,
drop your guilt,shaking yourself loose,
in a limitless sky,
allowing the lover to awake?

how much time is left,
for love of flesh to be dropped,
for Christ sake!
opening the skies to all lovers alike?

how much time for Anna,the sterile,
To meet with Magdalena, the prostitute,
And in communal union,
melt into Maria,
Virgin matter again...

how much time do you think you got left?

day 21 - electrics focus

day 20 - home life

day 19 - institute day off/ open mic night

day 18 - video shooting and first run through

day 17 - rehearsal

 

day 16 - the shadow puppet workshop

ArtShare and the American Hotel

or …. letting strangers in 

*Names have been changed for the safety of the participants

I’m sitting in Zach’s window on the 2^nd floor of the American Hotel overlooking Traction Ave. We have removed the screen, propped the window open with a metal pipe and a stack of prop books, rearranged his furniture, pulled back his beaded curtain and piled 10 people into his apartment. Zach is sweating and obviously tired and maybe even a little freaked out to have a film crew in his apartment, but he doesn’t complain. Let me reiterate that there are now 10 of us in his apartment and we are all mostly strangers except for our 1 week (and a thousand years) sense of comfort and familiarity. The breeze is necessary, to say the least. I wait in the window. We all wait. Turns out that film shoots require a whole mess of people and a lot of stop and go and check and recheck …. and check again. Wait. Where is the Etch-A-Sketch?

Let me backtrack a little. As you may or may not know, our upcoming production of attraction has several film sequences and on Day 2 of shooting, I was on the crew for the “Myrine and Manny making eggs in a microwave at the American Hotel” scene. We follow Myrine and Manny from the window of Manny’s apartment, out through his wall to wall, floor to ceiling LP and CD collection, other assorted music equipment, stack of hats 4 feet tall, leopard bed, leopard folding chair, room/closet arrangement, out through the hall, through the people who may be hanging out in the American Hotel, up the stairs, into Myrine’s apartment and as she gives us a tour of her room- of her “library and garden” extension on her windowsill, her kitchen, “walk-in-closet”, her bicycle, her badminton racquet and assorted photographs and art pieces, we learn how to scramble eggs in a microwave…This whole process is a funny meeting of worlds. Here we are, albeit relaxed, flexible and ever grateful to be allowed into these intimate spaces and still, foreigners in spaces of comfort – creating a world within a world. Maya’s (the actress playing Myrine) boyfriend is in the hallway constructing her bed so they can loft it and maximize the available space in her tiny room. “This is real life” she tells us. He becomes one of our favorite parts of the film sequence.

We take 5 continuous shots in and out of these rooms and through these halls in the American Hotel and in my 3 hours there of holding a powder puff, the American Hotel meets and surpasses all of my expectations. The smell of piss. Beer. Cats. Heat. We are in a dormitory of sorts for grown-ups. No rules. Graffiti, posters, shared bathrooms, doors are open, music is coming from all directions and is of all incarnations, people are in their doorways or hanging out, beer in hand, slippers on, choosing to interact with us or slink away. It is wild and wonderful and warm. It’s a trip. Dynamic and energetic. I have one of the resident’s keys in my pocket to allow ease of entry for our crew as we run back and forth between the American and Cornerstone gathering all the missing pieces. This is a crucial detail for me. He has known me for one week and he hands me the keys to his home. I promise him I won’t steal his car.

So, that was our evening. A gentle collision of people and place.

My afternoon was similar – not quite the final step of actual filming, but in preparation for it, we went to *ArtShare down the block to retrieve art pieces from the student and professional gallery to use to “dress the space” for our next shoot – turning an outdoor triangle lot into a bohemian nighttime jazzy smoky sort of space. This process was sort of amazing too. The day before, I went in to check things out and the program manager happily let me interrupt his afternoon about 5 times as we brought people in and out to get all of the necessary OK’s and go aheads. We ended up with about 6 student pieces all varying in style from Picasso-esque painting to graffiti to collage and 3 large professional pieces from an artist named Dan Wooster (check him out online). Oversized and colorful faces that jump off the canvas with life and intrigue. The retrieval was smooth, ArtShare volunteers helped us with our trek down the street, and all was completed within minutes really.

Things are moving along. Feels good to know who is in the neighborhood. 

*Art Share Los Angeles is a community arts incubator whose mission is to shape lives through art, education and community action. Operating out of a converted warehouse in the Arts District, Art Share offers free art classes with incredibly talented artists.

Aliya Ellenby

day 15 - community theater in romania

day 14 - the dandelion dance workshop

Follow Your Instinct

At times we all get trapped into thinking too much… into overanalyzing the meaning of an artistic piece whether we are creating it or observing it from a distance. I had the beautiful opportunity to step out of that realm of thought, even if it was only for a couple of hours, when the Dandelion Dance Theater came to the Institute to do a workshop on movement and voice. “Now cross the room with your body embracing the fat!” This line resonates within me as I remember all of the bodies crossing the room at their own paces, with their own rhythms. I remember this from when the workshop leaders encouraged us to move across the room in a way that we “celebrated” the fat on our bodies, in whatever way that meant for each individual. This activity was probably the most memorable because we were celebrating an element that is so often shunned in our society. I was amazed by how simple the movements were, and yet how compelling they were to watch. Additionally, we moved across the room embracing muscle, bone, and so on. Before this activity, we had done some trust building activities. For example, many activities had started with palms touching like a pancake and the assigned “leader” leading the “follower” around the room with various movements. Some people expressed feeling more comfortable as the leader, but also mentioned the pressure they had felt making sure the follower was having a good time. Others enjoyed the opposite role more. Another favorite moment of mine was the vocal exercise which made me feel as though I was in a rainforest listening and interacting with many exotic animals. What was actually happening was a cacophony of Institute students voices rockin’ out. We sat in a circle (very ritualistic), closed our eyes, and volunteered our voices in whatever ways we felt compelled to do. It was wacky, it was soothing… it was definitely fun… The last thing we did was create little improv pieces, based on certain guidelines. We worked off the movements of running, walking, stopping and falling. Later we added the distracting, yet compelling “sound chair”. The improv pieces, although sometimes a little off focus, were so fascinating to watch and to take part in. Again, it wasn’t about the specific meaning you were supposed to get from the pieces. It was art as itself, not trying to be something else. And it was so alive, because it was spontaneous and because there was  lively physical movement. I very much appreciated this workshop and am grateful that the Dandelion Dance Theater Company collaborated with the Institute, for the first time, this year. I hope that future Institutes will be blessed with this opportunity.

Zohar Fuller

day 13 - taiga on "for all time" community reading

Writing exercise working with KJ Sanchez's method of story circle and interview, focusing on punishment and retribution

[Anna is a young woman.  She is a strong presence, playfully serene, but grounded and somewhat earthy.  Her eyes are clear and twinkle with mischief.  She is very contemplative, and tends to choose her words very carefully.  She is a “hand talker.”]

ANNA

It’s fair to say that most people have seen both sides of punishment.  I mean, maybe not me because I’m pretty much a goody-two shoes [shrugs].  My parents really aren’t too strict.  There was – in the second grade I was talking in class and the teacher was like [her voice deepens and her expression hardens] “Anna!  Go sit in the corner.”  So I was kind of like “eek!” [cringes] and went to sit in the corner.  [looking up at the ceiling]  It was lonely in the corner.

I’m trying to think when I punished someone.  [puts a finger on her chin] I’m thinking of all my camp experiences because there must have been a lot…  I know I must have… Last years some kids – they had this, like, Lego toy that they really liked and [counts off on her fingers] they were playing with it and running.  So I was – I just kind of yelled at them.  Nothing really changed at all.  I mean, I wasn’t the only one yelling, and it seemed kind of pointless, but that’s the rule at camp – no running in the hall.

Most of my experience with this stuff was at my high school.  I was on the judicial board.  The hardest case was the very first one I was on.  We had to decide whether to suspend this kid – he had physically abused someone, but it wasn’t super-serious.  Like, it was significant enough that you couldn’t ignore it, but it wasn’t like – it really wasn’t that big a deal, though.  Like a punch [imitates a punch on her own shoulder].  He had just been accepted to college, and if we decided to suspend him, we would have notified the college and they might have changed their minds about accepting him. [pause]  I really battled with that choice for a long time.  I was kind of the tie-breaker.  It was half and half – to suspend him or not.  And my close friend was involved, and she was totally against it.  She had been punished by the judicial board her freshman year, and she kept saying that since then everyone had been like – like she was devalued, and she had been fighting to reverse that opinion of her ever since then.  She was crying about it and really didn’t want that to happen to this kid. 

Then on the other side, I had all of my teachers telling me he should be suspended.  I went to this private school where we were there from 9-5 and by this time we had been working on this case for something like two and a half hours, and it was 4:55 and everyone was like “Anna, we need a decision now.”  I ended up deciding to suspend him.  And then I left and I just looked at my friend.  Then I went and drove away.  Looking back, I don’t think it was the right choice. [shrugs sadly]  The thing is was that the only things we could do – we had a choice between like [demonstrates on both hands] him volunteering in the school and him being suspended.

I didn’t think volunteering in the school was good.  I mean, what does that have to do with him hitting someone?  So he’s suspended, but then he’s just sitting at home and his parents are mad at him.  And that didn’t really have anything to do with it either, so I don’t know.  It was just like, volunteering wasn’t enough but suspension…  So I think we should have made education a part of it.  Because that had to do with the problem in the first place. 

Punishment?  Punishment to me should be part education, but also kind of a little bit of hurt.  Because that little bit of hurt lets the person know that it’s not ok.  It’s not ok.  The education should be a bigger part though.  Like maybe 40% hurt and 60% education.  I don’t know.  If there’s too much hurt, though, it just leads to resentment.

Molly MacLagan

day 12 - day off

day 11 - company meeting

Ruthie Fisher’s character writing exercise (edited for length)

I am Agnes Lysanthia Brown. I am an Aries, which is interesting because Aries are meant to be stubborn and I am not stubborn. I am more of a shape shifter. I am about 65. I say about because my age is confusing. . . I know I am an Aries, but not quite sure what day my momma popped me out. Well, ah, well. I live over in the grocery building, but that’s really a secret now, isn’t it? Don’t want to tip Mr. what’s his name officer off. My home is just really a landing for my behind. My home is my possessions, my trinkets. . .  I am not sure why everything is little, but maybe because it is easier to move my things when the po po comes. Actually, that is not even true, because a lot of little becomes something big. . .  My legs are pretty t—A--rrific if you ask me. Well, not that anyone is really asking. I used to have it. I had the moves. I know I may not be the prettiest thing on this block . . . but I got solid gold legs. I am telling you . . . I really think I will be shaking this bootie to the grave.

 

Cate Wiley's interview with Maria:

Maria has kindly extended an invitation to visit her in Sweden, which I would like to take up since seeing Vikingsholm at Lake Tahoe, a beautiful Scandinavian-style summer home built nearly 100 years ago at Emerald Bay. The lines, the warm combination of wood and stone, and the grass growing on the roof made me want to see the real Scandinavia!

Maria told me about some serious differences among Scandinavian countries, for example, that a new law in Denmark makes it very hard for a Dane to marry anyone outside the European Union. If they do so, the couple must reside in Sweden even if they work in Denmark.

We discussed how theater works in Sweden. There, small theater companies apply almost exclusively to the state for funding, and actors are considered unemployed during rehearsals so they can collect benefits.

Stockholm and Gothenburg (Sweden’s second city) have two big companies and each  county  (like a state, 24 total ) has at least one regional theater. Remember that the city of Los Angeles has nearly twice the population of all of Sweden!

Sweden has 4 theater academies, admitting only 8-12 people per class, with usually over 1000 applicants each year. Most people apply several times (Maria applied 10 times before her acceptance, and she knows on ly one person who got in her first try).

Maria says of her work that she is grateful to be an actor full time at Teatre Västernorrland (which means western northland)

day 10 - trip to santa monica/ the dandelions

also Cate's  interview with Leyla about her role as Community Engagement person:

C: How did your perceptions of the job change over the last week?

L:    I realized en route to the airport that I didn’t know what I was doing—kind of funny—I had no expectations.

C: Why did you choose Community Engagement?

L: I have experience and I enjoy doing—I’m open to almost anything.

C: What connected to the show wouldn’t you do?

L: Costumes and lighting—I would have no idea.

C: Is there any one community member you’re proudest of?

L:    I’m most excited about Sherri’s role, as we saw her perform her poem, ”Fall of the Freaks,” on the street. And now she’s Bottles.

also Music Rehearsal - "The Americans Sing the Scrambled Eggs Blues"...

We had our first music rehearsal with the Americans and Becky.  The sounds of voices singing “smoke, beer, piss” melodically filled the lofters of the sunny open space loft. I loved the juxtaposition of the harsh details of the environment of the American Hotel with the melodic harmonies produced within the group.  I loved the mix of the gritty American hotel and the airy almost church like quality of the music.  Becky, as musical director, did a fabulous job trying out different parts and variations of the lines from the play.  For example, we sang “layer upon layer upon layer of conversation” from the script and then layered our voices harmonically.  Tom, Dick (and Harry, as I renamed Danyol) gave examples of stories from the real American Hotel, like for example that you can’t microwave without unplugging other appliances or else everything gets short circuited.  I also got to improvise the video scene with Tom where he will play a guitar soundtrack to Myrine making scrambled eggs in the microwave.  It was fun bonding with the a few of the other actors and hearing the real life stories of the people living on Traction Ave. It also was fun to recreate “hanging out on a Friday afternoon...just chilling and eating eggs... 

            Judy Cohen

day 9 - nico's goodbye tour

day 8 - first rehearsal

Costume Measurements

I’ve had and conducted my fair share of costume measurements in my day but this was one of the most chill.  For one I wasn’t taking measurements, so that was nice to just be measured.  And I know all my sizes so I was able to answer all questions.  I’m always amazed by grown male actors who don’t know their pants size.  Is your mother still shopping for you?  But yeah, it was pretty routine – shirt size, show size, dress size.  Then they measured arms length, head, bust, etc.  We soon discovered that Elizabeth, the costume designer, and I have basically the same measurements.  Elizabeth told me I was pretty lucky because I would most likely never have to come in for a fitting – “Well if it fits me, it’ll fit Greer.”  Although I am sad that I won’t be spending more time with the costume team because they are a fun group. But costume measurements can be an awkward time for some and I thought Elizabeth and her assistants did a great job of making people feel comfortable.  There were several private stations and everyone was sort of chatting and socializing around.  Then amidst all the activity they just happened to measure you.  It was very relaxed. I am excited about my costume!

Greer Beckman

day 7 -Class #5, Community Callbacks and Casting

Class #5 : Creating Community Specific Text

Adapting Federico Garcia Lorca's Blood Wedding Exercise (led by Peter Howard):

Ching-In Chen's adaptation:

(The stagelight disappears behind the curtains at Jacques.  A trans-woman who is the host of this Asian dragnight performance enters, completely covered in flimsy, dark green garments.  She is barefoot.  Her face can barely be seen under the folds of cloth.  This character does not appear on the cast list.)

$1 miso door prize.  Rubber gloves.  Audience member's phone number.  Floss  My lighter.  Diet pills.  Dollar bills.  Stage prop brownies.  I am so tired!  Where the hell did they get to!?!  The show is almost done.  Where's the goddamn light, Jacques!  The light?

 

D'Lo's adaptation:

New Moon Blood

(A Half Woman/Half Man person enters stage as lights go down on a masculine figure preparing hyself for the work day. S/he is menstruating red petals.)

That moment in moonlight is gone.
He lives now in the dark where I once tried to in the light.
Green, I will prevent him from being
Or else, prevent the moon from shining.
Should’ve been a blue moon myself.
Taking the souls of my duality-driven children, and spanking them over my knee.
Crack whips and bind mouths to finally enjoy the silence that has bound us before.
Fuck the moon who dare shine hys life...
Let hym bind in the dark.

Leyla Eraslan's Writing Exercise to Create Original Text (led by Michael Garces)

I’m Susan Parker—I was named after my great grandmother. It’s a heck of a name, isn’t it? I mean, of all the names to preserve and pass down, why Susan? I’m partial to my middle name, Marilyn. My mother’s favorite film was Some Like It Hot. A lady never reveals her age, so I’m 32. I live just over on Park Lane—I know, Parker on Park Lane—serendipitous, ain’t it? It’s a lovely little house. There’s a great space for my garden—you should just see the size of my tomatoes! Oh, most of them rot on the vine—sad, isn’t it? I’m afraid I don’t have much of an appetite most nights, and I don’t know who to give them to. Hmmm. Well, anyway, my cat Tiger and I live at 23 park Lane. It’s a quiet life, I’m a secretary over at the travel agency in town, so most days I just go in, read a magazine or brochure about Peru—Parrru—I can’t roll my R’s—wish I could. I come on home, feed Tiger, work on the garden—poor tomatoes—and then I hit the hay. . .  I’ve got a lot to be thankful for. . . I could never think of leaving. Besides, I bet it would be hot in Peru. . .  I got this fun little haircut recently—I thought it might, I don’t know, add a little excitement to my life. The mailman said it was nice but I’m not sure most people noticed. . . . Say, would you like some lemonade?