writing
The Mavens
The Mavens is a storytelling solo piece surrounding the topic of shifting family dynamics in the face of tragedy. This piece was debuted at the 2017 Chicago Fringe Festival and has since been performed at the United Solo Festival in New York.
The smell of weed used to remind me of summer nights in middle school; sneaking out, meeting up with boys, getting paranoid every time a car drives by. Now it makes me think of the batch of brownies we hide in the corner of the kitchen, covered in aluminum foil so people who come over to visit don't accidentally eat one. We look up online how to make them; I just thought you put the weed in the brownie batter but it's actually really complicated. We found this forum for potheads that gives you step by step instructions, gave them a good review in the comments section. It's definitely a three person job. I stir the butter over the stove, Leah gets the batter ready, Jackie grinds the cannabis into a fine powder. The butter goes into the powder, then you gotta wait about three hours for the THC to absorb into the butter, then stir it in with the brownie mix. The kitchen fills with the smell of chocolate and cannabis. They take awhile to make, but grandma actually started eating everything on her plate. I sometimes sneak one, but always get this weird feeling of guilt that I'm taking my grandma's medicine. It gives us a sense of control to make them. This is actually something we can do to help.
Ripple
Ripple is a collaboration with Chicago artist Elizabeth Klink. The story centers around two women who live completely different lives, but have an undeniable connection, binding them to one another. This piece was first performed at the 2019 Hollywood Fringe Festival by Rozara Sanders and Kodi Jackman.
BOTH:
When I-
Kate:
-gave birth to you-
Layla:
-came into the world-
Kate:
- I promised to protect you.
Layla:
- I opened my eyes
And I saw light.
Kate:
Before I even laid eyes on you I heard you cry-
Layla:
I saw my mother’s face
Flushed and stained with tears.
Kate:
- and I loved you.
Layla:
I was aware
Of everything and nothing
(Beat)
BOTH:
“Welcome to the World”
Home to a lifetime of-
Layla:
- pain
That I never asked for.
Kate:
- opportunity.
Thanks to my mother and the generations before
Who lived to give you a better future.
Layla:
I’ve always recognized the separation between the
Earth and the world.
Kate:
Safety and stability
I give to you now-
Layla:
I could feel the dissonance in my bones
Propelling me to revive-
Kate:
To pass on-
Layla:
- the tonal vibrations that resolve the chord.
Kate:
- to generations to come.
Layla:
Fusing together life and the living
Nature and humanity
Into one, thriving body
As we always meant for it to be
Kate:
So they might experience the world
In ways so incredible
We can’t even begin to imagine.
Layla:
Hope of a perfect world
Kate:
As our ancestors intended for me,
Layla:
A bright future
Kate:
I too intend for you.
Layla:
What happened?
Kate:
I intend to give you the world.
Layla:
Your intentions weren’t enough
lucy in the sky with vodka
Lucy in the Sky with Vodka is a musical comedy, with music by Jack Herouville. It follows the journey of four passengers, an air hostess and a pilot on their flight to Australia. In this scene, Carl, the dedicated frog scientist, attempts to make light conversation with Betty, a nearly deaf elderly Scottish woman. This show originated in the Hope Street Theatre in Liverpool, with Leanne Traynor, Elen Haf Taylor, Rozara Sanders, Natalie O'Neill, Sof Puchley and Jack Herouville.
Carl: So, first time flying transatlantic, huh?
Betty doesn’t hear, Carl tries again but louder
Carl: IS THIS YOUR FIRST-
Betty: Holy shite boy! I’m right next to ya!
Carl: My apologies, it just seemed like this may have been your first time on an airplane for an extended period of time. I can tell because I’m a long distance flight expert. I’m fully equip with my noise cancelling headphones, book of brain teasers, twelve national geographics, and four ham and cheese sandwiches. While it seems like you’ve packed for the flight pretty lightly. I’d be happy to share a magazine or two! Just please be mindful of creasing the edges, these are collectors additions.
Betty: I am truly very sorry to hear about your ferret, but I don’t have any experience in animal medicine, so afraid I can’t help you.
Carl: So funny you mention animals, because you see, I’m on my way to the outback of Australia to study frogs! I’m a herpetologist, and I know what you’re thinking, and no I don’t study herpes-
Betty: Slow down there lad, if I’m going to be sitting this close to ya for the next fourteen hours you best be keeping your distance with a disease like that!
Carl: Oh, I’m afraid you misunderstand, you see a herpetologist-
Betty: I’ve had about enough of this nasty talk!
Carl: I’m deeply sorry if I’ve offended you ma’am.
Betty: Yea, go on, I’ll take a cheese and ham.