library show

We performed Chac, the Rain Spirit, by Richard Talavera and Rafael Manriquez, yesterday at Brookfield Branch Library in Oakland. What I love about these 45 minute interactive shows is the children in the audience. They are so hungry for this experience, which they hardly ever get: to actually play a part in a live play or musical. Somehow our approach makes it possible for them. Yesterday the third graders from Brookfield Elementary were standing up in the audience, almost taking flight in their anticipation of coming on stage, or just to get a better look at the story. Even after years of watching hundreds of hours of tv and films, our kids understand the power of a story acted out live right in front of them... They're the opposite of jaded or cynical. I'm still a child just like them. Can't wait to act out a story.

Teaching

Wanted to add a photo.

Teaching Drama

Sept 18
Sometimes teaching gets very exciting. This week in my beginning drama class at Oakland Tech High School, we played a theater game called "questions." It was supposed to be a warm up to thinking about meaning in theater. What do we want to say in our play this semester? But something happened. We really wondered. And we started to talk about the questions, sitting in a circle, in a windowless classroom at 4:30 pm. All tired. But my brain, at least, started to expand. Why do we need school? Why can't men have babies? Why are we living to die? Why are people mean to people they don't know? Why do women suffer more than men? Why do we have technology? Why is there violence?

Can someone send answers?

Second Sundays: Play Reading & Open Mic Poetry Series

Got poetry? Want to talk about what's going on in the world? You should check out our FREE Second Sunday events, 4-6 pm at Opera Piccola, 2946 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland. You can park free in the Oakland Ballet lot next door.

Our first meeting was amazing. We were so moved when a young teen named Charlotte wept while reading her poem about losing her mother and brother. The play reading prompted some very interesting discussion about bullying, obesity, rape, racism and other challenging topics.

We need more folks to come and share their poems. It is so wonderful to hear the creativity out there!!