Cas Marino
(April 26, 1966 – June 7, 2014
First Fridays with Valerie G. Keane: If This Is My Voice, Why Is It Screaming?
![[photo is an excerpt from The Wild Braid: A Poet Reflects on a Century in the Garden by Stanley Kunitz with Genine Lentine]](https://malinism.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/val.jpg)
I was thinking this morning about finding your voice as a writer. I worry about that, from time to time, and then am reminded how unnecessary it is to worry about that. But when you have a very small body of work, as I do, I think that “voice” becomes that much harder to discern. Every piece you write is given much too much importance and, therefore, it feels like some grave mistake or tragic death when it does not “take root and become part of the landscape,” as Stanley Kunitz said. This is all to say I should be writing more.
I should be trying things on for size. But what about trying things on for style? It’s like when you go to the store and only have $50 to spend on clothing that you need desperately because that one, old pair of navy pants you bought in 1994 has worn out at the knees. You try things on for size, for practicality. Writing is sometimes like that when you write sparingly and not that often.
What about writing like you are on a spending spree? Trying things on for style, for whimsy, for sheer impracticality? Does this fit? No? Eh, buy it anyway. Get rid of it at the end of the season if it still doesn’t fit or you look at the style and say, “I’ve decided that’s just not me.”
There are days when I feel so silly to be just now “finding my voice” because of how long I have been on this earth already. But here I am. And what’s the other option? To not find it? That’s infinitely more ridiculous. Sharon Olds stood on the steps of the library of Columbia University after she received her PhD and said, “Now I’m finally going to write the way I want to write. I’m going to be a poet even if my poetry turns out to be bad.” She was 37. (Ok, I have a few years on her as I write this but that just makes it all the more urgent and impactful.)
Today, I renew my vow to write the crappiest poems. To try on everything in the whole store. To have my garden come up as weeds and flowers and mighty oaks. To remind myself that is it none of my business what my voice is as long as it is true. I was reading something I wrote to my 92-year-old grandmother the other week and, in the middle of it, she rolled her eyes and blurted out, “Jesus Christ….” I threw my head back and laughed so hard. She’s often not very lucid these days but it was absolutely the most perfect and well-timed comment. What a superb reminder to not take myself so seriously.
And as Stanley Kunitz, somewhere around age 101, said, “I am not done with my changes.”
Valerie G. Keane is very honored to be part of the current Queens literary scene. Her work will be published in the Spring/Summer 2014 issue of the Newtown Literary Journal and she is the founder of Poetry & Coffee, a very juicy discussion group in Queens for writers and readers, where the only rule is that you cannot read your own work. When asked if she is a poet, Valerie says, “I still don’t know how you qualify as one and no one seems to know where the application form is.”
The Closet Bitch is No Bitch
The house music is blaring and you are dancing in your seat. The image on Shana A. Solomon’s program shows a towering diva. Then she steps on stage, monolithic in her diminutive frame. Engaging and widely talented, Solomon draws the audience into her story in the Boogie Down Bronx, where her father hustled, her mother pleaded from outside closed doors and she just said yes to not make waves. She performs on a stage with one set piece moving flawlessly from character to character.
The show opened at Stage Left Studio in September, returned this past winter and is enjoying another run. Check it out before it closes at the end of the month.
Written and Performed by Shana Solomon
Directed by Kenneth Williams
THROUGH JUNE 30 AT 730 PM
TBB: Planet Connections Final Week, Our Bar, Newtown Literary Release
Believe it or not, I do actually do activities that are non-theatrical. This past week, I decided to take a night off and hang out with some fellow artists at an open mic for Inspired Word. I read three poems that are in the running for my performance at the Kaufman Studios Block Party. I don’t perform as much as I used to by choice. I really enjoy being behind the scenes producing, directing and promoting. However, it is important for me to feel the butterflies and fear of speaking in front of people, so I can effectively communicate with fellow artists. It is one of the reasons I asked my friends to be my guest bloggers. I like to read and share their experiences with you.
As of this Friday, Valerie G. Keane will by my First Fridays guest blogger. Valerie is a passionate and opinionated artist whose work is published in Newtown Literary Magazine. She is also the curator of Poetry and Coffee, a monthly poetry salon where people discuss great poetry.
I want to thank Josh Rivedal, Nick Radu, Adam Kern, Kate Powers, Dawn Slegona McDonald, Ian McDonald, Isaac Klein, Linda Gnat-Mullins and Cas Marino for being my guest bloggers. I appreciate them taking the time to share about their wonderful work.
And on to June. Keep me posted on your shows as summer has Fringe, Midtown International Festival, NYMF and so much more.
See you at the show!
Gray Scott: The Future of Work and Death
There are many types of people in my life. Actors, Writers, Musicians, Attorneys, Accountants, Futurists. I met Gray during Michael Roderick’s ConnectorCon. A passionate discourse was had about quantum physics over paninis and salads. Little did we know that Gray was the keynote speaker of the event. A friendship struck up and wonderful conversations continued on our future. So when shared his news about being a co-executive producer for his documentary: The Future of Work and Death, I wanted to learn more so I can share with you. I asked him to tell me more and he did:
What is the meaning of life? Why are we hear? What is the purpose of life? These fundamental questions have yet to be answered. Until now, it seems humanity has been to busy surviving to answer these questions. That is about to change. Advancements in AI and robotics may allow us to automate everything. How will we live in a future without jobs? Can humanity cope with such a massive paradigm shift?
Will near future medical advancements free us from the chains of natural death? Several recent scientific studies have produced startling, some might say, magical results. Scientists have been able to reverse age in mice. Sounds like science fiction but age reversal has arrived. Human trials may start as soon as next year. So what will human life be like in a world free of work and death?
These are the questions that we hope to answer in THE FUTURE OF WORK AND DEATH.
Directed by Sean Blacknell and Wayne Walsh
Co-Executive Producer and futurist advisor – Gray Scott
BIO:
Gray Scott is a futurist, techno-philosopher, writer and artist. He is the founder and editorial director of SeriousWonder.com, and a professional member of The World Future Society. His work has been featured in and interviewed by the The Futurist Magazine, New York Post, Psychology Today, The Star, FOX5 News NY, San Francisco Magazine, H+ Magazine, IEET, Brighter Brains, Media Disruptus, London Futurists, OracleTalk and The One Way Ticket show. Gray lives in NY and is currently also working as the futurist advisor for EMBERS, a forthcoming sci-fi film.
Be a part of this wonderful project. The perks include producer and IMDB credits. I pledged and so should you.
Thank You, Dr. Angelou
Some people are just extraordinarily gifted. They have a way with words. Their thoughts are clear and their intentions pure. These days it’s hard to find a public figure to be a role model. I always looked up to Maya Angelou. I loved her voice especially knowing that she had given it up as a child. She chose the written word instead. What passion and dedication! What a full life. What a power of example. I have seen many interviews and read many articles about her but my favorite is her Master Class on OWN. She stares into the camera and tells her story with love and honor. Because she’s The Phenomenal Woman.
My favorites:
“When people show you who they are, believe them.”
“When you learn, teach, when you get, give.”
From the Oprah interview on Super Soul Sunday:
OW: I’ve tried to let people know, as you have taught me over the years, that when you forgive somebody, it doesn’t necessarily mean you want to invite them to your table.
MA: Indeed not. No, no, no. I don’t even want you around me. It just means I’m finished with you.
TBB: The Quest of the Hero, Pieces, Mein Uncle
Happy Memorial Day! This week has been a whirlwind of good art happening in the city. What are the chances of seeing 20 different performers in one night, two original musicals Off-Off Broadway and two offers I can’t refuse? The chances are actually pretty good when you hang out and support with fellow artists. Inspired Word rocks and if you live within the five boroughs then there’s no reason to stay at home writing your songs, poems, short novel in a vacuum. Come and perform. We want to be inspired. How else do artists have the guts to write original musicals? Or write a book on cats or anything like that?! (FYI: I’m not writing a book on cats).
I will be writing about theatre beyond Broadway for The Write Teacher(s). I am looking forward to blogging monthly for them as I have list of phenomenal artists that everyone should know about. Also, I am reading my poetry at the Queens Council of the Arts Block Party at Kaufmann Studios on June 21st. Check out my upcoming events for more info.
Be sure to check out Pieces, The Quest of the Hero & Allie’s Appendix in Planet Connections. Two weeks left. Let me know what you’re doing and…
See you at the show!
Guest Blogger: Isaac Klein’s The School of Doing
Isaac and I met during his production of See Jane Give Up Dick at last year’s Fringe Festival. We bonded over our mutual passion for theatre and directing. Plus, he makes me laugh and loves puns. When Isaac told me that he was writing a book on his mentor, the well-respected Broadway director and teacher, Gerald Freedman, I felt very connected to that idea. I identified with his feelings about his mentor and funneling that history into a book. Like Isaac, I am still close to my two theatre mentors from undergrad. I still turn to them when I need guidance. I still use the tools that they gave me almost 20 years ago not only in the theatre but in life.
The greatest teacher I’ve ever had is Gerald Freedman. He revealed to me my true calling, then provided me with the tools I needed to pursue it. There are thousands of others who share this sentiment, in schools, theaters, and communities around the world. Gerald’s singular teachings resound in so many hearts and minds, but they’ve never been written down in full. It is my mission to do so.
Gerald Freedman was instrumental in some of the most important theater in the last century. As a young man, he went back and forth between directing for the screen in Hollywood, and working in New York with Jerome Robbins, for whom he assistant-directed the original West Side Story. He banded together with Joe Papp, and directed numerous star-studded productions to critical acclaim in the early days of the New York Shakespeare Festival, commonly known as Shakespeare in the Park. Gerald directed the world premiere of the now-legendary musical, Hair, which was also the inaugural production at the newly founded Public Theater. He served as Artistic Director at Stratford’s American Shakespeare Theater and the Great Lakes Theater. He directed celebrated productions on and off-Broadway, won an Obie Award, and was the first American to direct at Shakespeare’s Globe Theater in London.
Despite these extraordinary achievements, Gerald’s most meaningful work happened in the classroom. He has taught acting and directing at Northwestern, Yale, Juilliard, and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where he became Dean of the School of Drama in 1991, and proceeded to turn the program into one of the most highly ranked and well-respected drama conservatories in the United States.
In February 2011, at the age of 84, Gerald suffered a series of strokes. His life has changed drastically since then. Gerald remains in good health and high spirits, but his strokes have left him hindered by aphasia.
Gerald and I had often discussed the prospect of writing a book together, but soon after his strokes, we agreed it was time to begin the work. We were reminded of life’s fleeting preciousness, and, now that Gerald was retired, he needed a new project to focus on and keep him busy.
Thus far, I have conducted in-depth interviews with over 90 of Gerald’s colleagues. This list includes Christine Baranski, Olympia Dukakis, Sheldon Harnick, Rosemary Harris, Hal Holbrook, Stacey Keach, Kevin Kline, Shirley Knight, Carol Lawrence, Ming Cho Lee, Patti LuPone, Larry Moss, Jack O’Brien, Hal Prince, Mandy Patinkin, Austin Pendleton, Missi Pyle, Chita Rivera, Alfred Uhry, Robert Waldman, and Sam Waterston.
I have spent weeks interviewing Gerald in his North Carolina home, and months poring through old notebooks, articles, speeches, videos, and audio recordings of Gerald in action in the classroom.
Gerald’s philosophy goes far beyond the technical application of craft; it provides fundamental tools for life. “How do I really listen?” “How do I communicate truthfully?” “How do I stay in the moment?” “How do I solve interpersonal problems?” “How do I teach and learn effectively?” “Why do actions speak so much louder than words?” “How do I discover what’s really happening between people?” “Who am I?” The journey to profound personal discovery begins with the key questions of Gerald Freedman’s curriculum.
I began my work on this book with the earnest intention of creating a record of Gerald’s teaching, of giving back in some small way to the man who gave me my life. I have gained traction and momentum via the profound enthusiasm of everyone I talk to about the book. Over and over I hear: “I am so glad you are doing this.” Gerald has championed so many of us. The time has come for us to turn and champion him, and share his great wisdom with the world.
Piecing Together Pieces: A Look into DID
About 3 weeks ago, I received an email from Lauren Cunfer asking to be connected to Kristen Penner and Lorelei Mackenzie, writers of Pieces. Lauren is a student at CITYterm and needed more information for her final research paper about musical theatre. Now, it’s no secret that I am a part of the creative team of Pieces. I believe in the message of the show (to bring awareness to Dissociative Identity Disorder) and I believe in the team that created this beautiful musical. I thought the exchange was a wonderful mentoring opportunity. Honestly, kudos to Lauren for sending me an email.
Below is some of the questions asked by Lauren and answered by Kristen. You have 4 more chances to see the show.
What was the most difficult part about creating Pieces?
The structure! With other, more standard musicals, structuring the show is much easier. But Pieces hold a different challenge than most. We had to include as much of the structure of real DID therapy while including the internal world of Tabby’s alters and also giving her an outside life. That should be three different shows that we combined into one. And the structure has changed numerous times throughout the show’s life thus far and may even change more as it developed. It’s a process.
Why did you choose to create this specific musical?
The idea sprung from my mind in college as I was deciding on the topic of my thesis. I had actually grown up being very familiar with the disorder (I knew 2 multiples growing up). And so after watching Sybil and reading numerous case studies, I decided on “How to accurately portray DID onstage and why it is important to do so.” From that point on I wanted to write a stage show centering round the disorder. My advisor for my thesis knew my heart had always been with musicals and one day she asked me why I didn’t just write a musical about it. At the time I scoffed, thinking it was too deep of a topic for a musical. But that as where the idea began. And the rest is history.
Was the idea of creating a completely original musical daunting to you?
Yes. Very. It is always scary starting a new project from scratch. But we have an amazing team. And we are passionate about the topic. Combine those two things and you are doing a disservice to the world NOT pursuing your idea.
How did you take into account the many people who would be watching the show when you were creating it? How do you try to gear your show towards different audiences?
We knew we had to make the music and the story accessible to the general public. It’s a tough topic and not something that necessarily cries “Broadway Hit.” We knew we wanted the main focus to be about Tabby and her journey towards healing, we knew we wanted a love story, we knew one of the goals was to have the disorder be more understood by the end of the show. And with those parameters we began work. We also made sure to give the show plenty of levity- it’s a hard topic and we didn’t want to lose the audience by beating them over the head with the abuse. That wasn’t the point of the show anyway. The show is about hope and that’s what we wanted to showcase. We try to make the story and the music accessible. Especially in Pieces, there are so many different styles of music that at least some song should appeal to everyone. Whether they like, rock, musical theatre, or classical, Pieces has it. And the story, although centering around a very specific disorder, is a universal one. Everyone at some point in their life has trouble reconciling the different parts of themselves. Becoming whole. Loving themselves for who they are. Putting the past behind them. All of these things are the basis for the show.
Click HERE to listen to a few songs from the show.
Wednesday, May 28 at 5:30pm
Friday, May 30 at 9pm
Saturday, May 31 at 8:30pm
Monday, June 2 at 4:30pm
PERFORMANCE VENUE:
Paradise Factory Upstairs Theatre at 64 East 4th Street
Book, Music and Lyrics by
Kristen Penner, Lorelei Mackenzie and Joni Ernst
Directed by Nick Radu
Tabby doesn’t know why time slips through her fingers like sand. But her alters, created to protect her, know. They know what’s locked away. But when survival depends on confronting those terrors, will Tabby and her alters be strong enough to look? Or will the darkness destroy them all?
From the award-winning creators of Pageant Princess, the provocative new musical Pieces tells the story of Tabby Morgan, a woman that has Dissociative Identity Disorder, who is desperately trying to survive in a world that she can’t remember experiencing. But her alternate personalities can. Along with Tabby, her alters bring a unique touch to the story that is all their own. Each of the alters is played by a different actor to give the audience a clear idea of how each personality sees themselves. They each also hold a different style of music; from rock to classic, jazz to contemporary musical theatre, their personalities shine through the electric score.
Stepping Out of the Box
What a weekend! Today’s post will be full of gratitude. The weather was beautiful this weekend and I definitely took advantage of it. Many thanks to everyone who supported my shows in Planet Connections – Pieces, The Quest of the Hero and Allie’s Appendix – as well as all the other great pieces. Congrats to Josh Rivedal and his amazing one man show this weekend. What a performance!
Much love to those who came to the Victorian Tea Wedding at Maple Grove Cemetery. It was fun to dress in costume and be in the ceremony. Kudos to the poets at Inspired Word’s Poetry Slam at Funkadelic Studios. Being a judge reminded me that poetry slam is next on my list to do!
I spent yesterday running around the city on a relationship building scavenger hunt. I met some great people through Small Pond Enterprises‘ event. Unfortunately, I can’t go into detail here about one of the places I visited. I will say this though:
Unless we step outside of our box, we will never know what else is out there waiting for us. Walk through the fire folks!
And…
See you at the show!
Malini Singh mcdonald 