Hi, I'm Grace Woods. I have lived on the earth 12 years old but at present I am well beyond that in years of maturity and understanding of life, both good and evil. My mother named me Grace and she always said she is proud she did because I represent, in so many ways (even more so at present), the true definition of that word.
Here is how my story unfolds:
I am the youngest daughter of my parents, with one older brother who is 16. I had a simple, care-free life, until recently, always having a great love for animals of all kind and also, in a way, the underdog. I wanted to be a veterinarian when I grew up. This is what led me to the man who came to our door looking for some yard work help. The man's name was Albert Fish. Because of the need I saw in this poor man, I convinced my mother to let me go with him.
On the way to his house, I was very excited and Albert seemed like such a warm, friendly fellow. I was happy to know I was going to help him and knew in my heart I would try my best at that. Along the way, he told me about the local plant-life and about the history of the area. I, in turn, told him about my favorite movie stars, favorite music, and what I wanted to be when I grew up.
What happened when I got there was not what I had expected or wanted. But, in the end, I think I accomplished my goal of helping him, even though it was not as I had planned.
See what happens tonight at the Playwright's Atelier at the Ashland Library at 6:30 pm.
Fish & Grace is based on a true story adapted into play form by an up and coming playright, Joshua Hendrickson. The show also stars my good friend, Will Churchill, as Albert Fish.
Monday, April 28, 2014
The Call of The "Sirens"
Hi! My name is Lissa Adams, 20 years old. I am a creative writing major at Southern Oregon University. I recently completed a course of free-writing on addiction and recovery. The teacher asked us to free-write based on some people we met that suffered through some form of addiction. I found it interesting to write based on the perspective of my sister's best friend, Emily Jones, who suffered and overcame a gambling addiction. Emily is 36 now but she was in her late twenties when her addiction began.
Here is her story:
I am Emily Jones and I am a compulsive gambler. I got into gambling, on accident, as a drug to hide my insecurities and to have some form of power over my low self worth and image...but as I got more and more addicted, I lost control over my power to rule over it.
Once I admitted that I had a problem and began getting help, years of past trauma which caused the insecurities, as well as past pain, began to heal and dissipate. I began to be and feel whole and complete. I now feel comfortable with myself and honest with my addictions and weaknesses. I now no how to fight it and how to remain healthy.
I realize that I didn't need to try and control what I couldn't because really there is no control or power...and in that at last I have peace.
Hi, its Lissa again! Find out the rest of Emily's story and more about my class tonight at the Playwright's Atelier at the Ashland Library beginning at 6:30.
The Sirens' Tears is written by local playwright, Lyda Woods and includes other performers such as Maria Ciamaichelo and Lyda Woods.
Here is her story:
I am Emily Jones and I am a compulsive gambler. I got into gambling, on accident, as a drug to hide my insecurities and to have some form of power over my low self worth and image...but as I got more and more addicted, I lost control over my power to rule over it.
Once I admitted that I had a problem and began getting help, years of past trauma which caused the insecurities, as well as past pain, began to heal and dissipate. I began to be and feel whole and complete. I now feel comfortable with myself and honest with my addictions and weaknesses. I now no how to fight it and how to remain healthy.
I realize that I didn't need to try and control what I couldn't because really there is no control or power...and in that at last I have peace.
Hi, its Lissa again! Find out the rest of Emily's story and more about my class tonight at the Playwright's Atelier at the Ashland Library beginning at 6:30.
The Sirens' Tears is written by local playwright, Lyda Woods and includes other performers such as Maria Ciamaichelo and Lyda Woods.
Fighting for our "HOMS"
Hello! My name is Rasha and I am 16 years old living in Syria during a time of political unrest. Because of family loss, I have become quite active of bringing justice and freedom to my country and my people, but especially bringing vengeance for my loved ones.
I am the youngest child with two older half brothers, but even though only 16 years of life, I feel very ancient from all the strife and suffering I have seen. My eldest brother, Abbi, lives with his wife, Ummi, and their son, Tahu. My second brother, Yousef, lives with me and our mutual mother. Both of our fathers have been killed. Because of this, Yousef is the man of the house and takes this role seriously, in his political activity he fights for our protection and freedom first and foremost. However, in recent unrest, my mother was recently killed.
I am educated although unfortunately haven't been able to attend school for awhile due to the unsafety of current situations. I try to stay abreast of my education in private quarters though.
Just yesterday, Yousef and I marched on the capital because of some arrests done of local school children, who were then abused. Because of this, both he and I were arrested. I was badly beaten and forced to look at other victims imprisoned. I was released but told to protest no longer. I immediately sought safety at my other brother's house, but I do not know the whereabouts of Yousef.
My own ambition at present is to ensure the safety of my brother, Yousef and the rest of my family. My country's freedom is the last reason for continuing the fight.
Find out what happens to me tonight at the reading of this play, HOMS by local Ashland playwright, Joseph Suste at Playwrights' Atelier at the Ashland Library, beginning at 6:30 pm.
Other performers include Will Churchill, Maria Ciamaichelo, and Lyda Woods.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Tansy's Trek
...Or How I Found Myself...
My name is Tansy Mae Winters. I am 15 years old and I live in the swampy backwoods of the Louisiana Bayou with the shadowy figure of Jacques Devereaux. He has some secret past that he is hiding from, I pay no mind to this, after all don't we all have something to hide? He gives me place to live while I help run errands for him.
One day while exploring and playing in the Bayou with my bird, Marigold, I come across some outsiders. At first, I am instantly fearful of being discovered, made fun of, or worse, rescued and put into a foster home. I like my life the way it is because it is my choice to live this way, and with my past history of abuse, I'd rather make my own way. (Ultimately, I'm afraid of change and being hurt, but aren't we all?)
But then I see Jason and have a Miranda experience, a la The Tempest, "O Brave New World that have such creatures in it'---
In fact, in a very real way, I am a mixture of Miranda and Caliban. In a sense, most of the other characters see me as the latter but to Jason I am Miranda and that is all that matters. To be fully seen as beautiful and special is what changes me and helps me to accept the person I am inside and meant to become. Even, in a sense, my relationship with Jacques, albeit abusive at times, is a lot like that of Prospero and Miranda.
The other people that come into the Bayou for the trek and that I meet later on are Beau Douville, Karen Moore, Tina McCourt, and Bobby Robiere. At first, I am scared of each of them, especially Tina because I am sure she will make fun of me. Beau and Karen may decide they have this "pressing need" to rescue me, so that makes me weary. Of all of them, Bobby seems the most benign and thus the most trustworthy.
Through the meeting of each of these people, I discover my equality with others and even though I appear different I can still be one of them, am like them, and can help them 'save the day'. In the end, I find my own personal power and pursue my destiny.
After the trek comes to a close, not only do I stay together with Jason but Tina and I become friends and she helps me to fit better with society and I help her become more comfortable with her true self, not worried about the opinions or judgments of others. For example, she helps me learn about hair-care and other beautifying tips and I open her eyes to a world outside herself, a world more focused on the spiritual not the temporal.
Even though Jason and I stay in the Bayou, like he says, we still spend a lot of time in the town. We both enroll in the local high school and get part time jobs. He starts working at a garage where he learns about the trade of being a mechanic. I get a job at a drugstore and soda pop shop. In addition, I get a tutor to help bring myself up to grade level.
We stay in touch with Bobby, who with Beau's help, finally gets to be on the football and track team. Tina becomes my pen-pal and after graduation when I receive a full scholarship to NYU, the two of us become room-mates.
At NYU, I study literature and English and hope to become a writer. My first novel is about my experiences living in the Bayou, with an absent mother, and life with the infamous Jacques Devereau. Later on, I attend graduate school and receive my Ph'D in English literature.
Jason and I initially break up when I leave for college but years later while in my first year as a professor, we reunite, fall back in love, and marry. We now have one son and another on the way.
Trek of the Catahoola Kids is a radio play written and produced by Ruth Wire. It is currently in production but will aired later this year on a local Jackson County radio station. It is co-directed by Jonathan Pratt and Michael Meyer, with Joshua Hendrickson as assistant director. The play also stars Michael Meyer as Jacques Devereau, Christopher Horton as Beau Douville, Ceara Hays as Karen Moore, Tim Kee as Jason Meredith, Krystal Brewer as Tina McCourt, Jesse Lawson as Bobby Robiere, Catherine Hansen as both Mrs. Meredith and Mrs. McCourt, and Joshua Hendrickson as Mr. Robiere and my bird, Marigold.
My name is Tansy Mae Winters. I am 15 years old and I live in the swampy backwoods of the Louisiana Bayou with the shadowy figure of Jacques Devereaux. He has some secret past that he is hiding from, I pay no mind to this, after all don't we all have something to hide? He gives me place to live while I help run errands for him.
One day while exploring and playing in the Bayou with my bird, Marigold, I come across some outsiders. At first, I am instantly fearful of being discovered, made fun of, or worse, rescued and put into a foster home. I like my life the way it is because it is my choice to live this way, and with my past history of abuse, I'd rather make my own way. (Ultimately, I'm afraid of change and being hurt, but aren't we all?)
But then I see Jason and have a Miranda experience, a la The Tempest, "O Brave New World that have such creatures in it'---
In fact, in a very real way, I am a mixture of Miranda and Caliban. In a sense, most of the other characters see me as the latter but to Jason I am Miranda and that is all that matters. To be fully seen as beautiful and special is what changes me and helps me to accept the person I am inside and meant to become. Even, in a sense, my relationship with Jacques, albeit abusive at times, is a lot like that of Prospero and Miranda.
The other people that come into the Bayou for the trek and that I meet later on are Beau Douville, Karen Moore, Tina McCourt, and Bobby Robiere. At first, I am scared of each of them, especially Tina because I am sure she will make fun of me. Beau and Karen may decide they have this "pressing need" to rescue me, so that makes me weary. Of all of them, Bobby seems the most benign and thus the most trustworthy.
Through the meeting of each of these people, I discover my equality with others and even though I appear different I can still be one of them, am like them, and can help them 'save the day'. In the end, I find my own personal power and pursue my destiny.
After the trek comes to a close, not only do I stay together with Jason but Tina and I become friends and she helps me to fit better with society and I help her become more comfortable with her true self, not worried about the opinions or judgments of others. For example, she helps me learn about hair-care and other beautifying tips and I open her eyes to a world outside herself, a world more focused on the spiritual not the temporal.
Even though Jason and I stay in the Bayou, like he says, we still spend a lot of time in the town. We both enroll in the local high school and get part time jobs. He starts working at a garage where he learns about the trade of being a mechanic. I get a job at a drugstore and soda pop shop. In addition, I get a tutor to help bring myself up to grade level.
We stay in touch with Bobby, who with Beau's help, finally gets to be on the football and track team. Tina becomes my pen-pal and after graduation when I receive a full scholarship to NYU, the two of us become room-mates.
At NYU, I study literature and English and hope to become a writer. My first novel is about my experiences living in the Bayou, with an absent mother, and life with the infamous Jacques Devereau. Later on, I attend graduate school and receive my Ph'D in English literature.
Jason and I initially break up when I leave for college but years later while in my first year as a professor, we reunite, fall back in love, and marry. We now have one son and another on the way.
Trek of the Catahoola Kids is a radio play written and produced by Ruth Wire. It is currently in production but will aired later this year on a local Jackson County radio station. It is co-directed by Jonathan Pratt and Michael Meyer, with Joshua Hendrickson as assistant director. The play also stars Michael Meyer as Jacques Devereau, Christopher Horton as Beau Douville, Ceara Hays as Karen Moore, Tim Kee as Jason Meredith, Krystal Brewer as Tina McCourt, Jesse Lawson as Bobby Robiere, Catherine Hansen as both Mrs. Meredith and Mrs. McCourt, and Joshua Hendrickson as Mr. Robiere and my bird, Marigold.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
"Saeling" Away...
To A New Life...
I awoke uneasily, shakily looking around, my brain a mist of messy confusion. Where am I? How did I get here? And then, I remember. I remember the choice I made. The choice to seek out a new life, not just a new adventure, but a chance to finally get away and start over.
My name is June Miller, at the time of my departure from Earth I was 36, when I died. Then, was transported to New Earth.
On Old Earth, I lived in Northern California in San Francisco in the 80's. I was raised in a middle class home.
I got pregnant with my first child, by a rape from my brother's friend, when I was 16 but had a "miscarriage". I have a love for children mostly because I lost my own childhood and then wasn't able to have anymore children after the first pregnancy fail. My innocence, youth, was torn from me with the rape---so, in a very real sense, searching for the lost children is my way of trying to find and reclaim my inner child and innocence and lost youth---
To start over and be who I always wanted to be. Was meant to be.
June is a character from the upcoming film, SAEL Away, directed by Russel Lloyd and filmed in and around Grants Pass, OR.
I awoke uneasily, shakily looking around, my brain a mist of messy confusion. Where am I? How did I get here? And then, I remember. I remember the choice I made. The choice to seek out a new life, not just a new adventure, but a chance to finally get away and start over.
My name is June Miller, at the time of my departure from Earth I was 36, when I died. Then, was transported to New Earth.
On Old Earth, I lived in Northern California in San Francisco in the 80's. I was raised in a middle class home.
I got pregnant with my first child, by a rape from my brother's friend, when I was 16 but had a "miscarriage". I have a love for children mostly because I lost my own childhood and then wasn't able to have anymore children after the first pregnancy fail. My innocence, youth, was torn from me with the rape---so, in a very real sense, searching for the lost children is my way of trying to find and reclaim my inner child and innocence and lost youth---
To start over and be who I always wanted to be. Was meant to be.
June is a character from the upcoming film, SAEL Away, directed by Russel Lloyd and filmed in and around Grants Pass, OR.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
The Nature of Community Theatre...
...Or Why I Love It So Much...
I have spoken often about my love for acting in that of the development of character work and study. But, today I want to reveal the "community" aspect of it, the building of family in the process of birthing the show, this camarederie and friendship that lasts long after the final show, curtain call, and applause---especially if the show is not the best material, for in the case of the a show with a great storyline, plot, character dimension, I get lost in just that and the family dynamic takes a second place, not less important but less of a focus.
But, its in the process of rehearsals where you begin not knowing not only the script and characters but the people you are performing with, (even though sometimes you have worked with a few before its always a different flavor and feeling in a new show, a new cast, etc) are foreign to you until the building of the play begins. In that time period, an explosion of creativity takes place where cast and crew begin to meld into one and bond in a way very unique to that particular moment and time.
Long story short, community theatre puts the "common unity" back into theatre.
I have spoken often about my love for acting in that of the development of character work and study. But, today I want to reveal the "community" aspect of it, the building of family in the process of birthing the show, this camarederie and friendship that lasts long after the final show, curtain call, and applause---especially if the show is not the best material, for in the case of the a show with a great storyline, plot, character dimension, I get lost in just that and the family dynamic takes a second place, not less important but less of a focus.
But, its in the process of rehearsals where you begin not knowing not only the script and characters but the people you are performing with, (even though sometimes you have worked with a few before its always a different flavor and feeling in a new show, a new cast, etc) are foreign to you until the building of the play begins. In that time period, an explosion of creativity takes place where cast and crew begin to meld into one and bond in a way very unique to that particular moment and time.
Long story short, community theatre puts the "common unity" back into theatre.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
The Boy At The Cafe
In the midst of each season of my life, I find myself with a mocha, a cappucino, a latte, looking out the window of a cafe with life passing by, in stillness, a form of meditation, a chance to pause in reflection of memories past with boys met at cafes, that came and went with the shattering of a door, my heart broken...
I sit here in yet another coffee shop and as always there is a boy...but this time, this boy, was a friendship more successful than cafe boys past, one to last despite separation and life's changing tides; of greetings and good-byes, entrances and exits.
There will be other Barista boys and Coffee-Shop Crushes, as in days long past, each with a lesson to learn, whether pleasant or hard which will bring self-growth--
But this Barista Boy, my friend, Justin, helped bring healing and closure to a chapter of my life by his smiles and tips for life, amidst the lovely espresso drinks, which ushered me into the next great adventure, the next chapter.
So, thank you, dear Justin, and best wishes on this new chapter of your life. Keep "running" after your dreams in the "great race" that is your journey! Our lives crossed in this time, in this season, so we could both "begin again".
Always remember, you have a home not just in Ashland but in my heart.
Justin Walker is a former Barista and Coffee Boy at Rogue Valley Roasting Company and now works as a meteorologist for the National Geographic.
The Rogue Valley Roasting Company is a locally owned coffee shop in Ashland, Oregon.
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