Rejected Yet Not Defeated

Producing “Little Girl Blue” is a joy, a pleasure, a passion, a vision. Producing “Little Girl Blue” is a dream come true. Here’s a photo of me in the theater, rehearsing for an upcoming performance, pouring my heart out to an empty house, save for the tech staff. But I promise you - this “performance” is as passionate and powerful as any that I’d charge for, with all the energy and convictions pouring forth from the 17 characters that I portray in this one-woman show.

Believe me, I live each and every day with the tension and intensity associated with “opening night.” Indeed, “Little Girl Blue” is always in the forefront of my mind. Everyday is, in a sense, leading up to opening night. So delivering to my utmost capacity is essential. Even if I am the only one in my audience.
Please understand that everyone will not agree with or support your vision. This is a simple fact of life. But if you don’t get a green light at every turn, does that change the intensity of your vision and your mission to achieve it? Let’s hope not. A rejection is not a defeat. A set back is not a defeat. One “no” doesn’t mean another “yes” isn’t right around the corner.

Recently I was notified that my grant proposal to produce a broadcast quality video of “Little Girl Blue” was rejected. At first I was shocked. I just knew I was getting that grant! Then I was angry. How dare they reject my proposal! Then I was disillusioned. So I called the foundation and asked for the reviewers’ comments. I found them to be ambiguous. So I got in a huff and hung up. Then I realized I shouldn’t give up so quickly on that particular opportunity. I definitely decided to move on with my quest. But in the meantime, I called the foundation back for further explanation of the rejection, and asked for more specific details. Then I decided that it wouldn’t hurt to re-submit, regardless of the outcome. At least in my heart of hearts, I will know that I tried.

Interestingly enough, this is my 5th grant proposal rejection from this very same foundation. Yet each time a new funding cycle approaches, I get tons of emails and phone calls from friends and supporters of “Little Girl Blue” encouraging me to go for this grant because they believe the match is “perfect.” So I keep plugging away. Not just with this grant, but with every idea and every opportunity that presents itself.

My passion for “Little Girl Blue” is unwavering. Mine is not a dream deferred. Mine is a dream come true. I thank the mighty Creator for giving me this vision and turning the dream of “Little Girl Blue” into a reality. The Latin phrase “excelsior” means to reach ever higher, keep moving onward, upward. And so it is: “Excelsior!”

Taking Flight with Little Girl Blue

“Little Girl Blue” is a work in progress that definitely has taken on a life of its own। The 17 characters I portray continue to grow and evolve. My vision for “Little Girl Blue” continues to grow and evolve as well. Through the voice of my character “Wise Woman,” (pictured here), I find that the universe has opened me up to suggestions for what the next logical steps should be. By actively following this quest, I recently attended a very informative and uplifting seminar,
“Get Your Show Off the Ground,” presented by Ken Davenport, Broadway Producer and author of the blog: The Producers’ Perspective. So instead of going forth on autopilot as I usually do this time of year in anticipation of the Philly Fringe Festival coming up in the fall, I am taking a step back to figure out how to expand the horizons (and audience) for the show outside of my comfort zone. As a result of Ken’s seminar, I’ve been exposed to lots of options that I am currently following up on. I have been given fresh wings to fly off in another direction. Can’t wait to see where “Little Girl Blue” lands next.
Asante Sana. Peace & Blessings Always

“Little Girl Blue” Triumphant Return!

Performance in Philly, Saturday, Sept. 12th

These past few months have found me extremely busy with my life as a writer and performance artist. Here in Philly it’s Fringe Festival time and that means “Little Girl Blue” is back for a command performance. I am honored and humbled to say Bassist Warren Oree will join me with original music on his acoustic upright double bass. Once again I will reprise the role of “Little Girl Blue” as I portray 17 characters in this gut-wrenching, twisting tale of a Black woman’s sojourn across the modern American urban landscape. Experience the highs, the lows, the good, the bad, the ugly and the humorous. Everything gets underway Saturday night, Sept. 12th, 8 p.m. at the Community Education Center’s Meeting House Theater located at 3500 Lancaster Avenue, Phila., PA 19104. The evening’s MC is Radio Personality J. Michael Harrison, host of “The Bridge” on WRTI-FM, 90.1. By the way, this new performance photo was taken by the amazing photographer Hannan Saleh. Tickets @ the door; $15 each. Call (215) 877-5165 for more info. Please come out and support us. Asante Sana. Peace & Blessings Always.

Lady Dove Living the Dream

“Little Girl Blue” Returns For 2009 Philly Fringe Festival

Yesterday bassist Warren Oree and I had the pleasure and honor of doing a photo shoot for our upcoming performance of “Little Girl Blue” with the awesome photographer Hannan Saleh and the amazing make-up artist Adama. It was a mystical day - dreamy, sunny, spirit-filled and surrealistic, as Hannan instructed us to “Just follow the wind.” More to come about the photo shoot. As soon as we get the new images, I will share them with you.

I am so blessed with this show because bassist Warren Oree composed an original soundtrack and joins me for performances. There are just no words to describe the sense of gratitude I have for the privilege of working with a musician of Warren’s caliber and integrity. He brings his own brand of magic to each creative collaboration. Trust me, “Little Girl Blue” would not be what it is without his incredible creative contributions and – just as importantly - his spiritual grounding.

My obsession with “Little Girl Blue” will not let up! Producing this play is my passion. This post marks the launch of the “Little Girl Blue” blog. It will keep you informed about the progress of this spoken-word and live musical show that has taken on a life of its own.

Now, exactly what is “Little Girl Blue?”

Yours truly – the Lady Dove – portrays 17 characters in this montage of monologues and spoken-word poetry. “Little Girl Blue” is not for sissies. It’s hardcore truth, in your face and not always pretty. This work-in-progress explores themes of sexual abuse, domestic violence, female sexuality and self-esteem. It deals with African American social consciousness and empowerment. It deals with Black love, relationships, family secrets and the unbreakable bonds that characterize the strength and resilience of the African American people.

“Little Girl Blue” will be staged for the 2009 Philly Fringe Festival, 8 p.m., Saturday, September 12, 2009 at the Community Education Center’s Meeting House Theater, 3500 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Asante Sana. Peace & Blessings.