It’s been quite awhile since my last post when the nation — at least those of us on both coasts — were anticipating Hillary in the White House. Now almost 100 days into Trump’s presidency, we’re all reeling from the forked tongue that has become our democracy.
I, for one, am having a hard time hanging on to the belief that all is well. SOMETIMES I see our government supporting “right,” but more often than not, it does not. For instance, HOW in Heaven’s name is our government too dense to see the “right” in background checks on lunatics buying guns? Is the NRA that strong? Does the NRA not see the LOGIC in background checks? We have to take a test every two years to renew our driver’s license; four years for Passports! What is so very different here? We are NOT living in the wild wild west when “right to bear arms” meant the same thing. Guns scare me. I don’t even want them in the house. My husband and I, therefore, never had to worry about our kids accidentally finding them. But we’re pretty simple people.
Through the power of art, however (i.e. the off-Broadway play, Church and State), creatives in our theatrical community are using the power of their pen to enlighten Americans (& politicians) to their role in affecting change toward gun violence, one audience member at a time. Primary Stages with Daniel’s Husband, is quite strongly defending why gay marriage is necessary logic, not just idealistic “proof” of love. And then, of course, we have television. Where daytime dramas — at least those that are left — consistently produce stories with a moral compass, teaching viewers the idealistic value of right versus wrong life choices. Characters deal daily, taking responsibility for their choices. And now we have the real life drama unfolding: Trump’s White House. Is God the master behind this drama? I sometimes wonder. We’re all watching.
Meanwhile, a synergy of talented writers, designers, directors and actors of the Articulate Theatre Company are once again coming together to produce Tales In Time — for four nights only! That’s sad. And special. And why I love theater — the magic produced each night is exclusive to that audience. And why I hate theater — the magic produced each night is then gone. Unlike film which gives longevity to our work.
And then we have this relatively new thing called social media. Not just Facebook which connects our friends, but Twitter which engages those outside your personal network. The key here, I believe, is to be careful what you put out because you attract in kind. I love my Twitter world. I’m attracting writers, directors, filmmakers — I reach out to those whose work I admire. No politicos. No Trump. No Pence. But, of course, the madness filters in. But my energy goes out to those creatives. The play I’m doing now was written by Tom Slot — a playwright who came to me via my social class! He says I “inspired” the writing (shades of A Chorus Line?). If you happen to be in the audience one of our four nights, you tell me what strikes you as a parallel.
As in all things in life, I’m still learning. Last year when we did Folk City Stories, many of my closest friends didn’t even know I was on stage — until I sent the holiday greeting at the end of that year. Who knew? So not everyone is connected to social media. Ding Ding. Direct contact via e-mail blasts. OK. I got the message (hope you do, too, if you’re your own marketing & public relations firm for your business as an actor). If an agent just happens to get curious enough to check us out — and then call me into their office — and then “test” me as a potential client . . . well . . . that’s the game I came into over 30 years ago. I expect to continue working and looking for that booking that will once again become my Year Of Abundance and change my life — just as Broadway and The Guiding Light changed my world at the time all those years ago. Stay tuned to this soap opera I call my life.