An interview about feminism, literature, theater, politics, philosophy and On the edge of/a cure

Very happy to link to this on camera interview I did with the lovely David Andersson of Pressenza's Face2Face. 

The conversation was wide ranging and touches on feminism and theater, literature and politics, philosophy and perception and how that is all embodied in my newest play On the edge of/a cure (from which I read), that will be presented as a staged reading by Rogue Players in May.

I would love it if you would watch the interview, tell me what you think, and please share it if you like it. I have never done anything like this before, and I have to give a special shout-out to my friends Gina Dorcely and Julie Boak for helping me prepare. Many friends helped as well, but they made sure my look was right, and while that might sound superficial, trust me, when you are being interviewed on camera for the first time, that is as deep as it gets. For someone who has had chronic visibility issues (as in wanting to disappear but also somehow be seen), doing this interview and having it look and sound good is not only helpful (hopefully) for the ideas conveyed and my own work, but also deeply healing.

I was so impressed with David Andersson, how well he listened and understood the ideas and concepts I was airing. What a rare thing to feel one is having a real conversation about such topics in any environment, but even more surprising when it's on camera. As awful as the behavior is that has been exposed in the #metoo movement, I keep finding male allies who are sincere and caring. My theory is that the bad guys are not the majority but they have gaslit women and most men into believing they are, thereby masking their bad behavior as "normal." It's not normal. It's ridiculous. So, kudos to David who can listen, ask great questions and care enough to engage with the answers women give.

I have been neglectful of this blog because of so many things happening at once, which followed an extended period of grief, that still pops up once in a while. So, this kind of happy event is a welcome relief and respite. Something else I have been doing that has helped a lot is studying Qigong alongside my yoga practice. My energy levels have increased dramatically as has a kind of innate resiliency. Indeed after a couple weeks, I realized I was not depressed, but depression had become so normal to me, I didn't even realize there was another reality. Happily, I am no longer depressed after years of being so. Who knew?

In other good news, the fabulous women of the IWW workshops (there are now two!) invite you this Wednesday for a Full Moon Equinox Reading at Tannat Wine & Cheese up in Inwood, the top tip of Manhattan. Invite below. If you are in NYC, come along. These women are rocking my world.

There may be a space or two opening up in the workshops, so get in touch if you are interested (email on flyer below).

decorated a tree and walking through...the holidays and American culture

Am doing the holiday at my parents' place in Maine melt into non-specific goo thing...it's sad as I knew it would be because my husband is not here and there are other family memories that come up when tree decorations that go back many years come out of the box.

On the other hand, last year my step-father Tom was very ill and so Christmas, while meaningful, was also very sad and kind of scary.  This year that is not what is happening, so while I have loss in one sense, it is not that kind of loss for which I am grateful.

I'm watching Christmas episodes of Frasier now - in between writing this.  Our tree is now decorated with the usual mix of ornaments from 100-5 years ago.  My parents are in bed and I'm about to go upstairs and read.  I come up here thinking I will find time to work on things but then end up in this haze, especially around Christmas.

I think that just kinda has to be OK, though.  Today did some errands with my mother, which was pleasant.  In places like Maine, though, I feel the fact I can't drive.  I'm so used to cities and such, I'm not used to the feeling of being stranded unless someone drives me.  Note to self: re-learn to drive.

I am though OK, that much I know.  Was feeling badly but then talking with my mother found myself saying: you know, I'm really OK.  And I am.  And this is the constant amazement - for all the loss and things I want to do that haven't gotten done, etc., at depth I feel deeply OK.  Like the opposite of falling apart.

There is a really weird ad on TV for Marc Jacobs - a designer I presume?  Then an ad for exposure to asbestos law suits.  Late night TV is weird.  (OK, you really needed me to tell you that, I know, I know...)

It's also odd watching a TV show go through its seasons through Christmas specials.

I'm noticing now some of the really weird stuff about American culture, that I kind of knew before but having lived out of the country for long is now so blatant, like, for instance most all TV shows are cop shows or some form of crime fighting thing.  The subtle or not-so-subtle message now is that forms of violence for the 'right reason' is OK in pursuit of so-called justice.  This has shifted somewhat in recent years in that now torture is OK and there are more women who are cops and detectives, not just secretaries or assistants.  The groups of cops/lawyers/detectives are generally multi-racial.  But there is a basic line of law enforcement: good (except for corrupt ones) and everyone else: either naive or bad.  The truth is out there and one of these people will find it.

In other words, all the humanity is on the side of the cops/detectives.  When I was very young, I remember TV shows like 'It Takes a Thief' with Robert Wagner, which was a thief's POV.  I had a weird attraction to this show, but for the life of me I can't remember why...but I did. I ate dinner in the living room to watch it.  There were movies like Bonnie and Clyde and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.  Even the Godfather films were from criminal POV.  Now it's all about the cops.  The difference in the culture between the 1970s and now.  We are now inflicted with post-9/11 TV.  Of course this was the trend anyway, but now it's a solid.  Get behind the law, trust it and know It's All For Your Own Good.  Scary, right?  Right?!

OK but true confessions: I do like the show Frasier, which follows a divorced psychiatrist who has a radio show, in case you, like me, didn't know that until recently, even though the show ran for years and has been re-running for even more years.  At least it's not a cop show.  It's silly but enjoyable for someone like me right now...for perhaps obvious reasons...

Well I hope you enjoy the holidays, whichever ones you celebrate.  I think the biggest lesson for me this year and what this season can be about at its best is simple: go where the love is and stop chasing it or demanding it be or pretending it is where it's not.  Sounds simple, right?  It hasn't been for me.  If it has been for you, I commend you.  If it hasn't been easy for you, I understand.  Here's hoping it's that kind of year for us all.