Making The Unbearable, Bearable (Most of This is a Repost)
So, last night Will and I were fortunate enough to go with some of our posse, Tristan and Clancy to
Cleveland Public Theatre to see a one-woman play. We originally saw this work two years ago shortly after we moved to Cleveland. What I previously wrote about it (below) is still just as relevant, so if you'll indulge me, I'm reposting. However, before we get to that, what we DID DO afterward that was different was go to the newly opened authentically old-timey
"Sweet Moses Soda Fountain & Treat Shop" on Detroit Avenue in the Gordon Square Arts District. And I don't want no wisecracks, see? 'Cause I'm not givin' you the run around and we can just cut out the funny stuff, alright fella? And if you don't believe me? Well, you can just 23-Skidoo. 'Cause it's the bee's knees, kiddos.
So, without stallin', don't be a crumb and let's get to steppin'...
"Cut to Pieces" is a CPT Original Work written by
CPT Executive Artistic Director Raymond Bobgan and
CPT Education Director Chris Seibert.
"Cut to Pieces is an ambitious theatrical work that integrates live performance and video projections in an affecting solo show. This innovative work begins as a classic "who-done-it" tale and quickly spirals into an epic story of the dismembering power of violence, love, and the quest for self knowledge."
Well, Will and I were invited to the show by the director and co-writer, Raymond Bobgan. I had communicated with Raymond through email when I was inquiring about Cleveland Public Theatre's programs and possibly approaching them with my own material. I was interested to learn more about their mission as a theatre and see if our philosophies coincided.
If you've been reading my work for any length of time, if I've been doing a good enough job, you've probably sifted through the rubble of my zany humor by now and hopefully have realized that my writing and acting comes from the same heart that was a social worker in the past. And actually, I really see no difference. My work now is certainly not mutually exclusive from my prior work experience. If anything, it's built upon it.
My desires and motivations when I was an orderly, a social worker, a Boatswain's Mate in the U.S. Coast Guard, a clinical researcher in Cardiology, a bartender, an instructor for at-risk teenage Latinos in California, all the way to my work at U.C. Santa Barbara, and acting and writing along the way, my own mission has never swayed given the vast array of job titles that I've carried. (my bio)
I've ALWAYS wanted to help people... In whatever way I could. I wanted to ask them how they were doing, then wait for the reply. To let them know I was actually listening to them. That someone was acknowledging them.
Whether they were telling me about how their neighbors pissed them off while I poured them a gin and tonic, or whether they were upset about the texture of their wall paint on their Section 8 housing while I looked through classifieds to try and find them a job, or whether their parents were continually stealing their weed to smoke it for themselves while I was attempting to educate them on STD's and teach them that misogyny isn't cool and domestic violence and jail are only in their future if they make it so, that they actually have other options.
Or whether they just needed their asses wiped. Literally. Because I've done that too... just not as a bartender or a teacher. I was a stripper then, and that was an extra cost.
I really try (the keyword here is "try") to live by this quote:
"Whatever joy there is in this world, all comes from wanting others to be happy; and whatever suffering there is in this world, all comes from wanting oneself to be happy."
- Shantideva (8th century Buddhist poet)
And when I embrace this wisdom, and ingest it, it rings true for me. REALLY true. But, for me... I don't expect others to find the same peace in it as I do.
I don't always remember to follow this philosophy, but when I do, it takes me out of myself and brings me into the moment, joyfully. And the moment is all I have... It's the only thing real.
So, after I wrote to the theatre's website, Raymond wrote back to me. It was an elegant and sincere reply, welcoming me to the wonderful city of Cleveland. It turns out that he's originally from Santa Barbara and his parents still reside there, so we also had that in common.
I was rather stunned that I received such a sincere welcome and impressed that someone took the time. He invited me to the show and to meet to discuss my work as well.
Will and I arrived an embarrassingly 10 minutes late to meet Raymond at the theatre. He was going to give us a quick tour before the show, of the spaces that they have and give me an over-all picture of what Cleveland Public Theatre is all about. Will and I are still learning our way around the city and haven't quite gotten down how long it usually takes to get to certain places. Thus, the 10 minutes late.
Once we arrived, I profusely apologized for our tardiness, but Raymond's demeanor was as gracious as the words in his email. Beth Wood, the Assistant Artistic Director was there as well, and seemed just as kind and welcoming.
Raymond showed us the spaces that they have and talked about their mission and programs and I was invigorated. It echoed songs of my heart. As corny as it sounds, it's true. Our philosophies jibed and I feel as though I've found kindred spirits.
Well, after the tour, we took our seats for the play, "Cut To Pieces", but instead, witnessed magic, as any great art will present.
Chris Seibert and
Raymond Bobgan took us on a sobering journey, but not without the aides of humor, music and film and true artistry that culminated in an evening of brilliant story-telling.
Chris Seibert was very much at home in her portrayal of the characters; and they were distinct and vibrant, yet familiar. Her channeling of them was natural and approachable and her craft, easy to watch. The narrator was strong, yet vulnerable... and was just as surprised by the chain of events as the audience, but not unlike the audience, was better from the outcome.
The topic, dreadful and tragic, yes... But, not without redemption, not without a light at the end of the tunnel... It may have not been a bright light, but there was light. More than enough to see by... And being reluctant passengers on the trip, Ms. Seibert and Mr. Bobgan made the travel arrangements as comfortable as possible given the subject. And really, the only way that the light at the end of a tunnel is so welcoming, is because you had to go through the dark tunnel in the first place. Otherwise, it would just be another light and you really wouldn't know the difference.
This play accomplishes what all inspiring art does... It makes the unbearable, bearable.
Playing now through June 11th.
If you're in the area, I strongly encourage you to go see this play. However, if you don't want to be challenged or taken out of your comfort zone, if you don't wish for some spiritual evolution while being entertained by a dynamic actor, then I would just encourage you to turn on your T.V.
*********************************