Well, I haven't posted about the upcoming gig in Sierra Leone for a while now because it's been off the ground/grounded/off the ground/grounded so many times.
Our scheduled attempt for June has been foiled again due to funding issues from the Government. Accountable Development Works has made my contribution top priority and there has to be a trip to Sierra Leone this year (once funding goes through) so we will be going as soon as my personal schedule will allow.
So, from our meeting this morning, I'm on standby for July, but it looks like we will most likely be leaving later. I've been thinking of returning to Arizona this year for a month to train and spend some time working with Flam Chen, and Malaysia for a couple of months to shoot a film, so with this trip being postponed yet again I may have to re-organize my whole schedule.
Plus, there's a whole other person(al issue) that I'd love to be in Toronto for, to dedicate time to...!
...Oh, Africa! Even before I get there, it's quite an adventure just to get off the ground!
Meh. Such is life. "The best laid plans of mice and men go oft aglay." Everything cast to the winds. Such is the life of a perpetual traveler, right?
Friday, April 17, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Dan Cole's Awake Wake
Please come out tonight to 1300 Gerrard St. E (the Centre of Gravity) to celebrate the life of Dan Cole. For those who don't know him, Dan is a comedian, motivational speaker, juggler and a damn fine friend. He will be departing from this world soon and tonight's show, a mix of variety, circus, comedy, is to help raise the funds for his funeral costs. Come out to laugh, cry, share stories and say goodbye to a remarkable person.
$20 at the door. Doors at 7pm.
Hope to see you there!
$20 at the door. Doors at 7pm.
Hope to see you there!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Busy Busy
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Hiya folks!
It's been a while since I've posted. It is definitely turning out to be quite the busy month for me!
On Monday, I did a shoot with photogapher Kathleen Finlay. Her work is fantastic! Here is a little sneak peek of some of the shots we did together.
I've also been working on routines and new material which can (hopefully) translate for the street this summer. Colour me thrilled. On Tuesday, I got to workshop my newest piece at Mysterion's Full Moon Hootenanny, a very awesome and intimate cabaret in the west end of Toronto. It went over fairly well, despite some technical difficulties (low and dark ceilings, carpeted floors). I can't wait to refine it and expand it for stage. I felt very good about it. My finale, balancing a giant picture frame on my chin, went over very well.
I'm currently in Montreal, checking out my friend Aytahn's newest show, Circo D'Hiverno. I am very excited to see it as he has put a lot of work into this cabaret.
Other than that, I've been busy getting things together for the new dates for Sierra Leone, which will be very taxing for me, work-wise. I'll be leaving from a busker festival and coming back with virtually no time to decompress between gigs. Hopefully I won't go bat-shit crazy! Oh wait, I probably already am!
For those in Toronto, tomorrow night is another Lunacy Cabaret hosted by Zero Gravity Circus! Unfortunately, I can't be in it because I am performing elsewhere. Still, I hope some of you make it out!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Bummed
I just found out that an acquaintance of mine passed away early this morning. James Julien was a great guy. We met at karaoke and became friends through our mutual interest in humanitarianism and our mutual love of putting on a show. He was the founder of Public Outreach and a damn fine showman. Earlier this week, James had suffered a stroke while in Melbourne, Australia. He was told that he would be fine and suffered a second seizure from which he never recovered.
James was an inspiration through his dedication to public fundraising and his work in the non-profit sector and I will miss him.
James was an inspiration through his dedication to public fundraising and his work in the non-profit sector and I will miss him.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
History!
I've never had a good story for how and why I got into street performing.
My stock interview answer is simply that I had a craptacular part-time job at Starbucks while persuing my undergraduate degree in film production, kinda sorta decided I hated that job, quit dramatically after suffering some cheap shots at the hands of a large corporation and as I was being dragged out by security, said, "I'd make more money and have more dignity working on a street corner!" Which was most likely followed by a string of profanity.
Who knew I was actually correct in that assumption?
The year I graduated from film, I was invited to perform in Kuala Lumpur and had to back out because I was finishing my thesis film. Giving up a great opportunity sucked and I vowed to never do it again after that. I suppose it made me resent film, a subject that while I was particularly inclined towards, was one that started to burn me out. Upon graduation, it didn't make sense for me to wrap cables or get sandwiches on set, so I sort of just opted to continue along a path I had already been walking down.
As I type, it's pretty evident that dignity is the crux of the issue here, which is kind of funny, considering how many people believe street performing to be the lowest art on the totem pole of respectable careers in the arts. But to me, street performing is the ultimate example of freedom. I love the fact that my self-esteem is not wrapped up in whatever figure I may earn in a year, something I've noticed in many people around me who have steady employment. Often people ask me what my 'day job' is. I'm actually quite flattered by that question because it pretty much assumes I'm capable of having one. I love the spontaneity of performing in a public space, how it affects the passersby who stop to watch a show.
I've been lucky in my travels. I've had some amazing experiences in all sorts of countries and met some equally amazing and interesting people. I've hitchhiked with gypsies; gotten into fights that nearly came to blows; been kicked out of a city; gave some really amazing shows; gave some really shitty shows; been detained by kids with guns on festival grounds; and now, heading off to Africa to teach ex-child soldiers to laugh.
I never expected to end up in a fringe industry. It sort of just happened. I have no rational explanation for it: I suppose it just makes the most sense for how I want to live my life. I can't think of a better job right now, truthfully.
So there you have it.
The true history, in all of its entirety.
My stock interview answer is simply that I had a craptacular part-time job at Starbucks while persuing my undergraduate degree in film production, kinda sorta decided I hated that job, quit dramatically after suffering some cheap shots at the hands of a large corporation and as I was being dragged out by security, said, "I'd make more money and have more dignity working on a street corner!" Which was most likely followed by a string of profanity.
Who knew I was actually correct in that assumption?
The year I graduated from film, I was invited to perform in Kuala Lumpur and had to back out because I was finishing my thesis film. Giving up a great opportunity sucked and I vowed to never do it again after that. I suppose it made me resent film, a subject that while I was particularly inclined towards, was one that started to burn me out. Upon graduation, it didn't make sense for me to wrap cables or get sandwiches on set, so I sort of just opted to continue along a path I had already been walking down.
As I type, it's pretty evident that dignity is the crux of the issue here, which is kind of funny, considering how many people believe street performing to be the lowest art on the totem pole of respectable careers in the arts. But to me, street performing is the ultimate example of freedom. I love the fact that my self-esteem is not wrapped up in whatever figure I may earn in a year, something I've noticed in many people around me who have steady employment. Often people ask me what my 'day job' is. I'm actually quite flattered by that question because it pretty much assumes I'm capable of having one. I love the spontaneity of performing in a public space, how it affects the passersby who stop to watch a show.
I've been lucky in my travels. I've had some amazing experiences in all sorts of countries and met some equally amazing and interesting people. I've hitchhiked with gypsies; gotten into fights that nearly came to blows; been kicked out of a city; gave some really amazing shows; gave some really shitty shows; been detained by kids with guns on festival grounds; and now, heading off to Africa to teach ex-child soldiers to laugh.
I never expected to end up in a fringe industry. It sort of just happened. I have no rational explanation for it: I suppose it just makes the most sense for how I want to live my life. I can't think of a better job right now, truthfully.
So there you have it.
The true history, in all of its entirety.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Waves of Mutilation
Dates are being pushed forward for Sierra Leone; timing issues, funding issues and 'other' issues, which come as no surprise due to the socio-political and economic state of that particular country.
Sigh.
Part of me is relieved to push it, part of me is frustrated. I vacillate between acceptance and intense gut-wrenching fear about this trip and to know that I be experiencing these waves for longer than anticipated is almost torturous in itself. I am pretty lucky to have the people I have around supporting me through this. From an agent who offered to bust me out of any jail I may land in, to my dearest friend on the planet having absolutely no problem letting me call him at 3am to express my anxiety, and a close network of awesome people who refuse to allow my fears to take over my rational thought, suffice to say I'm pretty lucky.
Every time I feel solid and confident about this trip, somebody mentions something about some acquaintance getting mugged, murdered, beaten by gangs or sexually assulted in West Africa. An acquaintance who grew up in the Congo said to me, "You couldn't pay me enough to go back to Sierra Leone." Inevitably, my mind drifts back to, what the fuck am I thinking!?
Already this trip seems to be an exercise in fear-management.
Sigh.
Part of me is relieved to push it, part of me is frustrated. I vacillate between acceptance and intense gut-wrenching fear about this trip and to know that I be experiencing these waves for longer than anticipated is almost torturous in itself. I am pretty lucky to have the people I have around supporting me through this. From an agent who offered to bust me out of any jail I may land in, to my dearest friend on the planet having absolutely no problem letting me call him at 3am to express my anxiety, and a close network of awesome people who refuse to allow my fears to take over my rational thought, suffice to say I'm pretty lucky.
Every time I feel solid and confident about this trip, somebody mentions something about some acquaintance getting mugged, murdered, beaten by gangs or sexually assulted in West Africa. An acquaintance who grew up in the Congo said to me, "You couldn't pay me enough to go back to Sierra Leone." Inevitably, my mind drifts back to, what the fuck am I thinking!?
Already this trip seems to be an exercise in fear-management.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Lunacy Cabaret
Once a month, Zero Gravity Circus holds a variety show at the Centre of Gravity (1300 Gerrard St. E, Toronto) to support Circus Without Borders. Last night was the fullest house I've ever seen! The show boasts entertainers whose skills range from comedy to aerial arts, juggling and clown, mime and burlesque. It is a forum for professionals to try out new material, emerging performing artists to experience a new stage, and everyone else in between with a great variety act to come on down and give it a try. All of the proceeds from this event go towards Circus without Borders, who have raised the funds to send a troupe of 10 performers to Cuba and send me to Sierra Leone, both adventures set for March. If you live in Toronto, Canada, I highly urge you to check out the cabarets, check the website, check out the theatre. It is an amazing resource for circus in the city.
Last night, I also received my donation from Circus Without Borders. I feel very good about the support I'm receiving from my agents: they graciously offered for me to provide them with all of my travel information and offered help should anything go awry. It definitely takes some of the strain off my mind knowing I've got people watching my back. I'v been lucky; ex-military friends giving me practical information about the environment, contacts who have been to Sierra Leone in the past sharing their experiences, a LOT of reading provided by the charity I am working with. Yet I know however prepared I may try to make myself, mentally and emotionally, it will all mean squat when I'm actually in the thick of a war-torn country. I fancy that my experience of performing on the fly and working within a limited construct should give me the ability to think on my toes effectively should any proverbial shit go down while I'm there. I hope!
For the record, though, I do aim to come home safe and sound. Just so you know.
Last night, I also received my donation from Circus Without Borders. I feel very good about the support I'm receiving from my agents: they graciously offered for me to provide them with all of my travel information and offered help should anything go awry. It definitely takes some of the strain off my mind knowing I've got people watching my back. I'v been lucky; ex-military friends giving me practical information about the environment, contacts who have been to Sierra Leone in the past sharing their experiences, a LOT of reading provided by the charity I am working with. Yet I know however prepared I may try to make myself, mentally and emotionally, it will all mean squat when I'm actually in the thick of a war-torn country. I fancy that my experience of performing on the fly and working within a limited construct should give me the ability to think on my toes effectively should any proverbial shit go down while I'm there. I hope!
For the record, though, I do aim to come home safe and sound. Just so you know.
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