Rehearsal for Tamed

I went to Florida for Thanksgiving. My mother and I made dinner for twenty-four family members and friends. Although I don't think we will attempt anything so ambitious again, it was a lovely gathering, especially when each of us at the table took a turn to say what we were thankful for. One of my mom's friends from college, Dan, brought pictures of my parents with me as a baby in the backyard with a group of their friends in all their hippie glory. For that alone, I am very thankful. 

There were two children at the feast, one the son of my cousin and the other the granddaughter of my mother's childhood friend. Both are four and entertained us with all the songs from High School Musical. Then we played Roar. That's where you say "Roar" with a clawing motion, kids go screaming and then you do it again.  After the fifth time, when one wants to go back to having a conversation with a grown-up, you may just toss off a "roar" with a half-hearted claw, but the kids will still run for their lives, shrieking with glee and then come back for more. 

This is what I learned: If frustration ever arises in a rehearsal or performance because "the other actor isn't giving me what I need", I will remember that is none of my business. All I need is to have belief in the circumstances. 

I am now in rehearsal for a staged reading of an adaptation of Taming Of A Shrew. It is called Tamed, written by Sheila Garson and directed by Richard Hinojosa

a fellow reviewer at nytheatre.com

I play Kate, a radical leftist who is the daughter of a politician who used to be a principled conservative, a "maverick", but who is now selling his soul to get elected. Sound familiar? She is "tamed" by Patrick, a lobbyist who is also a sexual dominant. What I like about this adaptation is how it explores domination and roleplay as a way to free oneself not only sexually but emotionally through absolute trust and mutual consent. BDSM may not be my thing, but I absolutely respect Garson's use of it in this play to illustrate themes of personal freedom and giving up defenses and even comfort for greater self-awareness. It goes up on Dec. 15th at 9pm at the theater under St. Marks, 94 St. Marks Place at 1st. Ave. The event is free.