*Update**
The folks of W-I-P were so kind throughout my process. They recently sent me a video of my recent performance. You can see it here.
This was challenging for me but, once I got on the stage, I knew I could only rely on my truth. It was the only way to know that – even stumbling – I would know where my story was headed.
= = = = =
It’s been a few years now since I started my Year of No. This was meant as a personal challenge to submit my work in more places, to begin work on my book, and to put my voice out into the world. The idea was that I would get as many Nos as possible. In those responses, however, I hoped I would get a couple of Yeses.
More that the positive responses, I recognized it changed my own expectations. I wanted my work to reach into my own voice and experience more authentically. I wanted to place my art in places I wouldn’t have thought possible otherwise.
I have, over the last few years, seen my work on the stage. With thanks from the Latino theatre community, I was able to write, direct, and see the performance of my first one-person play, Nahual. My good friend San Juanita helped make that possible for me.
Now, over the last year I have seen myself on that stage. That was a challenge for myself I could have never imagined. I submitted a performance for W-I-P, an arts organization that provides a space for artists to present their work in progress and an audience who gives critical response and dialogue.
All this to say: I was invited back to perform my worked-on piece in what they call W-I-P Creme, a gathering of their preferred performances from their season. I’m so honored! This process and the space are so necessary to art. And I’m a lucky recipient.
I hope folks will make it out to the performance, Friday, May 10 at 7pm at Palo Alto College. I can’t wait!
