Two posts in one day, I know. The reason is because the internet was down and so therefore a lot has passed the warrants two posts. Also, I type these bad boys on LaShonda, my MacBook Pro, and then post them when the internet comes on.
So, after a nice curry and vodka with the Afghans, I bid them goodnight. Actually, I bid them all “good morning” until one of them decided that it was best that I knew that I was making a fool of myself. OH WELL.
We saw an excellent production of a refugee story, Boy With a Suitcase, in Bangalore yesterday. It was an Indo-German production, but was in English and it was so amazing. It inspired the Afghan actors of our production so much, both with its relevancy to their lives and the quality of the performance in general. Only a few are actually trained in acting, and there are a few who haven’t even seen theatre. I think the play we saw showed them the potential for theatre to tell a story, which eventually led them to understanding their specific purpose here.
One of the actresses in our play said, “We are doing theatre from a country where theatre is used for execution.” This is a phrase that struck me so strongly, and I haven’t quite digested it yet. Expect more thoughts on it later - right now all I know is that it is a strong and true sentence. The enormity of this project hasn’t reached my brain yet. I wish for a second I could be put into an Afghan’s shoes to see and feel how much of a watershed this is in Afghanistan’s social, political, and artistic history. Gah. I just... I don’t even know. I’m so lucky right now to be experiencing this, that’s all I know.
Sometimes I don’t like the word “luck” because there’s obviously a lot of work that goes into getting somewhere. But birth is a lottery where I, along with many other people, drew winning numbers. There are so many more people though in which this is not the case. By no means am I trying to play the role of humble white man, but I’m just trying to put into perspective for myself how the mechanics of all this - whatever “this” is - work.
On a happier sad note, I would like to share with you six points to stave off homesickness. They are mostly for me to follow right now.
Draw a picture of home and put it next to your travel alarm clock so that you see it every night before you sleep and every morning when you wake up.
Hum lullabies from your childhood in the middle of the day.
Smell the not-yet-washed clothes in your suitcase because they still smell like home.
Think about stupid jokes your family members make that you always laugh at.
Look at your mom’s handwriting in the travel book she made for you, even if it is just listing how much rupees are worth in Canadian dollars.
Say goodnight to the moon and stars because in twelve hours they’ll have reach the other side of the world.
Ok, those might make you more homesick, but they help me. And I’ve only been gone for seven days. My oh my.
Well, this wasn’t a very funny blog. I pride myself in funniness. Although I usually find myself funnier than other people do (i.e. my sister). HATERS GONNA HATE THO RITE? This sort of stuff is what I have my journal for.
By the way, it’s been raining on and off lately. PROBABLY BECAUSE I’VE BEEN KILLING GIANT SPIDERS IN MY HUT HOLY CRAP WHAT IS THIS SURVIVOR I BETTER BE GETTING A MILLION DOLLARS AFTER THIS OR AT LEAST MEET JEFF PROBST PLEASE AND THANK YOU.
-Jane.
-Alexander.
-Do you remember that day you fell outta my window?
-I sure do, you came jumpin' out after me.
-Well, you fell on the concrete and nearly broke your ass and you were bleedin' all over the place and I rushed you off to the hospital, do you remember that?
-Yes I do.
-Well, there's something I didn't tell you about that night?
-What didn't you tell me?
-While you were sittin' in the backseat smokin' the cigarette that you thought was gonna be your last, I was fallin' deep, DEEPLY in love with you, and I never told you until just now?
- Oooohh (nonsense!)
So, after a nice curry and vodka with the Afghans, I bid them goodnight. Actually, I bid them all “good morning” until one of them decided that it was best that I knew that I was making a fool of myself. OH WELL.
We saw an excellent production of a refugee story, Boy With a Suitcase, in Bangalore yesterday. It was an Indo-German production, but was in English and it was so amazing. It inspired the Afghan actors of our production so much, both with its relevancy to their lives and the quality of the performance in general. Only a few are actually trained in acting, and there are a few who haven’t even seen theatre. I think the play we saw showed them the potential for theatre to tell a story, which eventually led them to understanding their specific purpose here.
One of the actresses in our play said, “We are doing theatre from a country where theatre is used for execution.” This is a phrase that struck me so strongly, and I haven’t quite digested it yet. Expect more thoughts on it later - right now all I know is that it is a strong and true sentence. The enormity of this project hasn’t reached my brain yet. I wish for a second I could be put into an Afghan’s shoes to see and feel how much of a watershed this is in Afghanistan’s social, political, and artistic history. Gah. I just... I don’t even know. I’m so lucky right now to be experiencing this, that’s all I know.
Sometimes I don’t like the word “luck” because there’s obviously a lot of work that goes into getting somewhere. But birth is a lottery where I, along with many other people, drew winning numbers. There are so many more people though in which this is not the case. By no means am I trying to play the role of humble white man, but I’m just trying to put into perspective for myself how the mechanics of all this - whatever “this” is - work.
On a happier sad note, I would like to share with you six points to stave off homesickness. They are mostly for me to follow right now.
Draw a picture of home and put it next to your travel alarm clock so that you see it every night before you sleep and every morning when you wake up.
Hum lullabies from your childhood in the middle of the day.
Smell the not-yet-washed clothes in your suitcase because they still smell like home.
Think about stupid jokes your family members make that you always laugh at.
Look at your mom’s handwriting in the travel book she made for you, even if it is just listing how much rupees are worth in Canadian dollars.
Say goodnight to the moon and stars because in twelve hours they’ll have reach the other side of the world.
Ok, those might make you more homesick, but they help me. And I’ve only been gone for seven days. My oh my.
Well, this wasn’t a very funny blog. I pride myself in funniness. Although I usually find myself funnier than other people do (i.e. my sister). HATERS GONNA HATE THO RITE? This sort of stuff is what I have my journal for.
By the way, it’s been raining on and off lately. PROBABLY BECAUSE I’VE BEEN KILLING GIANT SPIDERS IN MY HUT HOLY CRAP WHAT IS THIS SURVIVOR I BETTER BE GETTING A MILLION DOLLARS AFTER THIS OR AT LEAST MEET JEFF PROBST PLEASE AND THANK YOU.
-Jane.
-Alexander.
-Do you remember that day you fell outta my window?
-I sure do, you came jumpin' out after me.
-Well, you fell on the concrete and nearly broke your ass and you were bleedin' all over the place and I rushed you off to the hospital, do you remember that?
-Yes I do.
-Well, there's something I didn't tell you about that night?
-What didn't you tell me?
-While you were sittin' in the backseat smokin' the cigarette that you thought was gonna be your last, I was fallin' deep, DEEPLY in love with you, and I never told you until just now?
- Oooohh (nonsense!)
I have to say, I like the non-funny, more reflective Devon every bit as much as the hilariously witty Devon (though he definitely creeped in here too). It's nice having a window into your more solemn and sentimental thoughts; they're very insightful. I hope this isn't a one-time thing!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Christina completely here :)
ReplyDelete“We are doing theatre from a country where theatre is used for execution.” That line gave me chills. I wonder how the actors are taking all of this in. Can't wait for the next few posts and more of your lovely insights.