You Can't Kill The Spirit...

2 weeks into this term and it already seems more difficult than the whole of last term. Wow. That's me, kicked smack in the tuchas! I know this is what I signed up for in a one-year MA program but still! ;)

At the end of our first week back, our research week, we took an overnight fieldtrip to Newbury to go to Greenham Common. If you read my last post, you will know that we are doing a play based around the events that transpired there. Women set up peace camps protesting the Cold War and the American nuclear missiles that were stored on the base at Greenham. The camps lasted there for 19 years. We met with one of the women, Sarah Hipperson, who lived at the camps for 17 years of her life. She was an amazing woman and I admire her commitment to her cause and her tenacity. The effects of meeting her and seeing Greenham Common were immeasurable. We are now so well poised to tell her story. We have a responsibility now, to her, to the peace camps, and to the Common. It's an incredible feeling.

Upon our return, we were placed into groups and given research topics that had to do with Greenham, the Cold War, etc. Our group was given the cheery question, "Is there a nuclear threat today? If so, what is it?" A doosy. Ray, Olivia, Miranda, Rachel and I took this topic on with gusto! We researched our asses off and come the time for presentations on Tuesday, we whooped some major behind! It was a great showing and we were all really proud of every one of the groups and how much hard work and effort was put in. We were also given the task of writing a poem in response to how we felt about the time we spent at Greenham. The play we are doing is in verse and our directors wanted to see how we handled poetic language. Again, everyone did a stellar job and I was floored at the creativity that was shared. As you will see, it was a very emotional experience and quite life-changing as well. Here is mine:

I’d always thought that I possessed
A strength of character and I’d do my best

To strive for the good, the just, and the true.
And I have, to a point, but what more can I do?

My passion is great and my spirit tenacious,
But that’s never been tested by something rapacious.

Would I give up my life for a decade or two?
To give life to a cause where justice is due?

The answer is “no,” quite simply spoken.
Does that make me weak or easily broken?

When you meet someone who is selfless and brave
You start to examine just how you behave.

Did I do enough then? Do I do enough now?
Is there enough time to do it all somehow?

I have always hated the age-old excuse,
“I am only one person, what would be the use?”

Now I wonder if I’ve uttered that phrase.
Subconsciously, maybe, in a frustrated haze.

Perhaps the question is not what I’ve not done,
But what can we do to impact, as one?

In Hebrew, “chazak, chazak, v’nit chazek” is sent
Strong, strong, and let us be strengthened is meant.

Let’s listen to that and try with our hands,
Through life and through art, to change what we can.

So...that was research week and a little beyond. This past week was the first official week back with our skills classes. In one of our singing classes, we picked our duets and partners that we are going to be working with this term toward our end of term performances in March. Miss. Jenni Jackson & I are doing the song "Baby, Dream Your Dream" from Sweet Charity and we are so excited! We also had our first stage combat class this week and it was a blast!!! We will be certified for the most basic level after our classes this term. We will go through an examination board process and hopefully pass! It was great to learn how to push, smack, pull and so much more! Good times.

I actually managed to go out this week as well. I saw the former lead singer of the band, Del Amitri perform. His name is Justin Curry and he has a voice to die for. It was a lot of fun. Thanks to Russ for introducing me to one of his musical idols! On Friday night I saw Fiona Shaw (Mrs. Dursley in the HP films!) in the National Theatre's production of Samuel Beckett's Happy Days. She was brilliant. I didn't much care for the piece, it was very Beckett for those of you who understand, but she owned it.



So, that's the update from this side of the pond. I hope January is shaping up beautifully for you all. Much, much love...

Let's Get Ready to Rumble...Again!

Hello everyone! I am back to London and back to school! I was in the Philly area for 2 weeks over Christmas Break and it was a tiring ride. This trip home was a lot different for me. I usually run around the tri-state area trying to see everyone and their moms, but this time I couldn't do it. I think my ass has been kicked so hard over the past 4 months that I needed to just try and chill. So, I am sorry if I was at home and didn't call some of you. It was nothing personal. I needed to recoup and recollect my thoughts...

I promised to update after my final Chekhov performances. That didn't happen in the whirlwind of getting ready to head home. My scenes went swimmingly! I was really proud of my performances and the feedback that I received from my tutors and fellow MA Actors was nothing but positive. So, I feel like all of my hard work really paid off! One term down - 3 to go!

We had a big old end of term soiree the night that we were all finished with our final showings. It was a ton of fun to just relax and celebrate together. Here's a pic of Jenni, Russ, and myself that night!







I've been back in London since Wednesday night and I've already seen 2 shows! :) Doug Thompson (for those who live in Seattle, you will know Doug as the super duper video man and actor about town) was in London for a stint and took me to see Porgy and Bess on Friday night and so sweetly gave me a ticket to see Wicked on Saturday. Both shows were wonderful and I am grateful to Doug for bringing me a slice of Seattle and two incredible theatrical experiences all in one trip!

Other than that, today was the first day back to school and it was glorious to be back! It was so nice to see everyone. This week is a research week for our upcoming project. It is going to be based on the play called The Common Chorus by Tony Harrison and the events that took place at Greenham Common http://www.greenham-common.org.uk/ixbin/hixclient.exe?a=file&p=greenham&f=greenham.htm
We are researching different aspects in multiple groups and traveling to Greenham Common for an overnight fieldtrip! Travelodge here we come!

So, that's the update. I hope you will all still travel this journey with me. It means the world that you all read this. Thank you for that and Happy New Year! :)