My niece, Jayla loves Michael Jackson. How this phenomenon happened is beyond me. For some reason she heard the music and was transfixed like so many of us. I drove my grandmother to see my two nieces and sister about a month ago and this is how the story goes.
My sister turns on MJ’s Don’t Stop (Till you get Enough) and my niece looks around like she’s obligated to perform and is not really happy about it. She sits around for a moment and then decides to move. After Don’t Stop. my sister plays Thriller and this is when Jayla looses it. She’s dancing, jumping, moving around to the beat (Yes, she can follow the beat. See the rapping vid after the jump.) But anyway, my sister walks out to grab something from her car and my niece follows her. Now keep in my 70+ year old, Sanctified grandmother is sitting there trying to look amused but is bemused by all of the noise so I decide to turn it off. I reach up and turn off the song as my niece, baby bully, comes running back into the living room and starts yelling at me. “You turned down?” “You turned down?” “No, Jayla, I turned it off, you walked away…it was too loud.” “Don’t turn Jackson down!” “Down turn Jackson down!” I never take Jayla’s rants for granted she’s a Capricorn and super serious at times; especially when someone has made her mad. She was striking her fist in her hand as if she was going to hit me. She very very upset. This tiny tyke all of 2 was really upset, but I can’t help but analyze it as a theatrical performance!
This uninhibited, unabashed two-year old had taught her aunt a lesson. She had me question my own directing visions. How do I get my fellow actors to express such raw, uninhibited emotions on stage? How do I not stiffle their instincts? Should I just turn on MJ and let it rip? I wish I could have filmed this rant but she probably would have stopped. Which got me to thinking about my own work. Because I didn’t go to the best university for directing, many people won’t see my work or know who I am. Would recordings of my plays validate my directing in the same way that it would if I was in a LORT house? Or any house for that matter? I don’t know…in the meantime, enjoy my nieces performance!
Don’t Stop!
Jayla Raps:
I’m really bad at this blog. I simply can’t seem to be consistent with it when I have so many other things to do. By day, theater teacher to the stars. My little shining stars at the University of Chicago Charter School (NKO campus) and by night, part-time theater critic for Soleil’s To-Do and Co-Founder of The TCC.
I love theater, I really do. All of it. From the gum under the seat to the sticky floors to the graffiti bathrooms in seedy places. I love it all and I really miss it. It’s been about a year since I’ve directed a play. You’re probably wondering what have I been doing in that time? I had a baby. Not a human baby but a theater conservatory I like to call The Tofu Chitlin’ Circuit.
Here I go, starting over it seems with a new project called “Black Thang” by Ato Essandoh. I’m really excited and nervous about it. Will people like it? Will I be able to cast it? Will people see the passion, love and respect for theater I have in this piece? Will I be able to step out of the way to create a work that speaks to my vision as a director?
My baby is developing, we’re in the crawling phase. Well not quite crawling yet, but kinda like that side ways,Vietnam elbow to the ground on your stomach drag. I’m quiet humbled by the experience, the people and the creators grace this year, it’s taught me a lot about focus, strength and determination.
While you ponder your year and what it has brought to you, ponder this-sometimes we have to crawl back to what we love. It’s the only way to enter into your greatness.
(And although Chris Brown may be going through his own trails, I really thought the song was powerful. Even if he didn’t write it or even if it’s a sorta apology to Rihanna and all the many fans he’s hurt or lost. He’s starting over…shouldn’t we as humans have a little bit of compassion? Enjoy the words.)
I found out last week that I’m allergic to peanuts, shrimp, sesame seed and believe it or not soybean. Now, I’ve been eating soy for awhile…I even named a company after it. So you can imagine the lack of options I currently have. I don’t eat red meat or any type of scavenger fish so what is a girl to do? I guess I’ll have to eat by bread and water alone or maybe Mr. Donuts; a Korean donut company that is made with tofu. I didn’t know that tofu had so many options! While I was perusing videos on youtube I found this. I still like tofu and I may have to get a second opinion about eating it but in the mean time, check out this video.
Hey Circuiteers,
The Tofu Chitlin’ Circuit is back with another thought-provoking conversation that’s sure to rustle some senators and shoe-throwin’ journalist! Artist were known for speaking out against the injustices of the time. But what happens when
the funding is cut, government sanctions become law and overall fear settles? Is the artist voice still valid? Join in the discussion and stay for a scene from “Ten Square,” the highly anticipated production by MPAACT THEATRE and PEGASUS PLAYERS THEATRE!
WHEN: Monday, September 28, 2009
WHERE: The Digital Youth Network
1050 E 47th Street
Chicago, IL 60653
TIME: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
DONATION: $3
So you like comedy right? Well, who doesn’t! Seems like comedy is possibly the most attractive genre in film, tv and theater right now. Just look at the success of The Hangover or any film with Seth Rogen. These guys won’t be at our next event, but we have a great line-up of comedians and sketch groups as we ask the question: What’s the Funny? Exploring comedy with stand-up comics and sketch groups. Join us for the Watermelon Edition. Watermelon Martinis & Margaritas will be served!
Our summer was a huge success with Shish Kabob’s and Popcorn. Here I’m sharing pictures of our summer Family Reunion. Enjoy the photos!
Come of Circuiteers,
Get on those tights and leg warmers and join us for one of the classic numbers from Fame! See you next Monday!
Hey Circuiteers,
It’s been awhile since my last update. I’ve been traveling a lot lately. I visited the capital of theater royalty for a week and a half and I’ve got to say, I’m officially exhausted and a bit dusty! But I’m definitely cleaning up for our continued effort to bring great programing back to Chicago and its’ rich theater scene with the quintessential performing arts movie…FAME.
Join us as we reminiscence on the “good ole performing arts days.”
Monday, July 27, 2009
The Digital Youth Network
1050 E 47th Street
Chicago, IL 60653
Donation: $3
Movie begins promptly at 6:30 p.m.
Our latest installment of The A La Carte series.
The summer is finally here and we’re calling all former and new Circuiteers to join us for our GAME NIGHT & FAMILY REUNION! We’ve been going strong for the past year and we’re excited to bring everyone back at our very own FIRST ANNUAL FAMILY REUNION! The night will be filled with grilling, eating, drinking, and playing as we reminiscence of our old acting days with theater games (like you’ve never played them before)! You don’t want to miss one of the HOTTEST events of the summer! And get your freeze poses ready for the largest display of RED LIGHT, GREEN LIGHT, STOP you’ve ever seen!
Your voice matters and to prove it, we’re having another lovely A La Carte: The Banana Pudding Edition. On Tuesday, May 26, 2009 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Voices definitely carry powerful messages at this A La Carte as we explore the audience. Are ticket sales keeping the audience from seeing live theater? In our “time of recession” it seems that the theater is the one place that’s inflating ticket prices to cover the costs. But aren’t government grants and sponsorships providing an ample amount of support for these companies?
Join us on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 6:30-8:30 p.m. FAIE AFRICAN ARTS 4317 S. Cottage Grove Chicago, IL 60653
‘Til Tuesday,
The Tofu Chitlin’ Circuit
