[Mb-hair] Katie & Ross

[Katie Kasben]

I have been wanting to update all of you~ but have not had a second to 
breathe....thank you for the nudge...

The roller coaster continues, but all aspects of the ride are a joy.
After sitting down with many different people, I finally got a group of 
three women and three men to come out to rehearsal- the boys seemed excited, 
and the girls suspicious.  Their choral director from their church, Mr. 
Smith, came with them.  As they were incapable of deciding what to do on 
their own, I could only talk to Mr. Smith.  I showed him the score, talked 
at length about the different aspects of the musical, and my vision...so 
they left me with the impression that they would think about it.  Five days 
later i had not heard from anyone, so I went back to the HillCrest Center 
(which incidentally is like an island, across this bridge into the 
projects...and at the foot of the bridge there is a sign that says, "dead 
end"...wow)  So, I went in to find him and he said, "we are not going to be 
able to do it", "none of you?", I said. "Something else is going on that 
weekend"....
and Mrs. Butler, the woman I had talked with for over an hour, who was so 
excited about the project, couldn't meet my eye as I gave her a hug goodbye.
That was hard.

So, I get to rehearsal, that very evening, and who should show up, but three 
beautiful, black men!
(seems awesome, and here is where i have to fight the cynicism:
two of them have not come back to rehearsals and the last one, showed up to 
the next rehearsal with 62 stiched from his ear to Adam's Apple, as someone 
had tried to cut his throat with a kitchen knife the night before!)
If any of you want to start a novena, that would be cool :)

But some of the cast and I are going to the Cherokee reservation tonight to 
see UNTO THESE HILLS, the outdoor drama about the story of the Cherokee.  We 
are going to talk to some of the cast afterwards, and hopefully will 
establish a connection up there.

I'm trying to get the local high schools involved, and hope they will let us 
come in to talk to the kids about social activism through theatre and talk 
about the '60s with them.  Fingers crossed.

If only I were three people, then I know I could get it all done and get the 
sponsorship I need.
I believe in the power of intention- please send some positive, 
organizational vibes my way! :)

I hope everyone is having a wonderful day.
Peace,
Katie


ALOHA NUI LOA!