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Alegrías y lágrimas (Happiness and Tears)
"Stepping up preparations for our October 24 performance of Alegrías y lágrimas/Happiness and Tears—which is IN ENGLISH by the way!—"
Hola!
As we step up preparations for our October 24 performance of Alegrías y lágrimas/Happiness and Tears—which is IN ENGLISH by the way!—I’ve been musing on the director’s commentary. He felt the theme of the play was RESOLVE, the resolve of our immigrants from many different Latin American countries to make it to the country of their dreams, the USA. It was that steely resolve that enabled them to survive many harrowing situations… And to continue to survive here, even though the reality of life in the U.S. may not live up to their dreams from far away. And I agree with Jerry Bailey, our director, although I also think the spirit of their culture—dance, music, stories—enables them to carry on in moments of great difficulty.
I feel so pleased and gratified that the actors and dancers who have worked on this with me before are eagerly returning. One of our actors is presently working on an Oliver Stone movie in Hollywood, but hopes to make it back in time to be in the show. Each time, the performers’ interpretation becomes deeper, more shaded…
Then, I can’t wait for my new storytellers from Centro Romero to see their stories on stage.
My most recent story is about a young woman who journeyed here from Guatemala. It took her six months and many very trying experiences (being robbed by the Mexican police, being injured in a horrific bus accident) to make it here. I spent two weeks pondering her story as I went jogging, a story I had to translate from Spanish into English, then condense from 12 pages to 2. I think it’s the best one so far.
How do these stories inspire me? Do I have their steely resolve? Or must I work harder to develop it? I think the latter question is a good challenge to me.
Finally, ta-da! I just found out on Friday that I had been chosen to form part of the Jeff Awards A/T Team (no, I’m not a paratrooper—A/T means artistic/technical!) I felt very honored and am looking forward to seeing several shows in the Chicago area this upcoming year!
On top of my teaching job, my novel “The Rabbi’s Daughter”, and the science fiction thriller I’m writing with a physics professor, I am busy busy busy! but happy doing what I love.
Un abrazo
Judy
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