If you find yourself in the dark, all you can do is sit until your eyes adjust to the blackness. I don't know who said that, but I sure do feel that way these days.
Here's a little bit about me. I was the seventh child born to my mother and father - and the last. I was 7 years younger than the youngest and 19 years younger than the eldest. My mother, who grew up in a family of actors, had started a little theatre group in our home town and after being away from it for so many years, she wasn't about to give it up again. So I grew up in the theatre. Played in make-up rooms and costume shops. Learned how to read by helping actors study lines. Learned how to build and paint by helping my dad build sets. And I loved all of it.
I loved the stories and the people and the way everyone came together to express ideas. I still love it. It's why I studied theatre in college and why I pursued an MFA. Nothing gives me as much pleasure as taking words from a page and giving them life. It gives me life.
Another thing about me...I'm a survivor of sexual abuse and harassment. I don't talk about it because I don't let it define me. I'm not a victim - I survived, and what is more, I learned so much about myself and those around me. It is a part of who I am today and I like that person very much.
A few years ago, I became aware of a project started by Eve Ensler, the playwright and creator of THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES. When Eve was performing her monologues, she was amazed at the women who would write to her or approach her and tell her their stories, their monologues and their experiences with sexual and domestic abuse. She decided to do something about it. She started the V-Day Foundation. Every February across the country and around the world, productions of THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES are presented as fund raisers for local organizations whose purpose is the aid and assist women and children who have been abused and battered.
The presenters don't have to pay royalties on the production, which can be one of the largest charges in theatrical productions. All they have to do is be sponsored by and donate whatever they raise to local nonprofits.
My dearest passion married to a cause very near and dear to me. A match made here on earth and a chance to make a difference. But it was not to be.
For two years, I have tried to mount a production in my community and both times have been met with indifference or lack of commitment and follow-thru to the point where I have to let this dream go and move on.
Do I think no one cares about domestic and sexual violence? Of course not. It's just that there is so much wrong in our world and there are so many worthy causes asking for our time, our money, our commitment. It is not my time. This is not mine to do. As dearly as I long to and wish to make it so.
And so I ask the universe, with all humility and gratitude, where is my place and what is my task? I'm ready to receive my guidance.
Here's a little bit about me. I was the seventh child born to my mother and father - and the last. I was 7 years younger than the youngest and 19 years younger than the eldest. My mother, who grew up in a family of actors, had started a little theatre group in our home town and after being away from it for so many years, she wasn't about to give it up again. So I grew up in the theatre. Played in make-up rooms and costume shops. Learned how to read by helping actors study lines. Learned how to build and paint by helping my dad build sets. And I loved all of it.
I loved the stories and the people and the way everyone came together to express ideas. I still love it. It's why I studied theatre in college and why I pursued an MFA. Nothing gives me as much pleasure as taking words from a page and giving them life. It gives me life.
Another thing about me...I'm a survivor of sexual abuse and harassment. I don't talk about it because I don't let it define me. I'm not a victim - I survived, and what is more, I learned so much about myself and those around me. It is a part of who I am today and I like that person very much.
A few years ago, I became aware of a project started by Eve Ensler, the playwright and creator of THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES. When Eve was performing her monologues, she was amazed at the women who would write to her or approach her and tell her their stories, their monologues and their experiences with sexual and domestic abuse. She decided to do something about it. She started the V-Day Foundation. Every February across the country and around the world, productions of THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES are presented as fund raisers for local organizations whose purpose is the aid and assist women and children who have been abused and battered.
The presenters don't have to pay royalties on the production, which can be one of the largest charges in theatrical productions. All they have to do is be sponsored by and donate whatever they raise to local nonprofits.
My dearest passion married to a cause very near and dear to me. A match made here on earth and a chance to make a difference. But it was not to be.
For two years, I have tried to mount a production in my community and both times have been met with indifference or lack of commitment and follow-thru to the point where I have to let this dream go and move on.
Do I think no one cares about domestic and sexual violence? Of course not. It's just that there is so much wrong in our world and there are so many worthy causes asking for our time, our money, our commitment. It is not my time. This is not mine to do. As dearly as I long to and wish to make it so.
And so I ask the universe, with all humility and gratitude, where is my place and what is my task? I'm ready to receive my guidance.
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