Lots of it, this summer. Si reconnaissant.
TORONTO:
Workshopping 2 great new plays by Canadian women. Pamela Sinha’s New @ Soulpepper Theatre, and Anusree Roy’s Trident Moon @ The Stratford Festival.
The Second Woman, presented by Performing Lines (Australia) @ Harbourfront Centre’s Brave Festival. I’m still processing - but suffice it to say, one of the most incredible experiences I’ve had in my career. A 24hr durational piece, performed repeatedly with 100 different men - a theatre/film/performance art hybrid. Rehearsals were a steep learning curve, immersing myself in the Meisner technique that creators Nat Randall and Anna Breckon base their work in. I learned so much: about my craft, about human nature, about physical and mental endurance, about goodness. So much gratitude to everyone who supported this project: our audiences; the Aussie gals - Nat & Anna, Tahni, EO, Liz & Kayla; the Harbourfront amazons - Iris, Laura, Caren and Marah; my shift stage manager den mamas - Jennifer & Judie; my hair and makeup guardian angels - Emily & Misty; the caterers who kept us all fed and watered; and all the rest of the 20 women who were present and essential during this 24 hr marathon. And the men who supported us - my 3 rehearsal actors - and the 100 guys, each of whom walked through that set door with courage and generosity. Thanks much. I’m still recovering from the sleep deprivation, but it was so worth it. Making art is human, egalitarian and life affirming.
NORTH OKANAGEN:
A trip to the Caravan Farm Theatre to see Peter Anderson’s The Coyotes, and celebrate the 41st anniversary and Bill Miner Day. Making good food and music with old friends in Lee Creek, river swimming, field picnics in the back 40, laughing my tits off at the show, carving spit roasted lamb in the cookshack and feasting with good folks I’ve known forever, banjos and mandolins and guitars and voices raised in song, remembering those we’ve lost, dancing till the wee hours. I’ve been away for a few years, and wasn’t sure I still belonged to this place I first set foot in at the age of 23. I was reminded that I do. Always have. Reclaiming places and people here at the Caravan - good for my soul. No matter how much time passes, the people I love here open their hearts and homes to me. Not crosses in the road, but trees in my forest, you are.
PACIFIC COAST:
Tofino, BC. One of my fave places on the planet. A few glorious days of unsheltered coastline and old growth forest. And starlit night skies that knock you on your ass for the beauty. Beach combing and hiking. Watching my amazeballs teenage daughter on a surfboard for the first time since she was a kiddo in pigtails. And getting out on a board myself. I love the Pacific ocean for it’s untamed ferocity. Whether I’m catching the perfect wave, or being savagely tossed off my 8 footer - doesn’t matter. The feeling is heaven on earth. Bucket list: surfing/hunting trip in Haida Gwaii next year…
Glad to be home now. Winterizing the beehives and pulling the last few harvests from my garden.
**Summer stack - Warlight by Michael Ondaatje, Tree: A Life Story by David Suzuki & Wayne Grady, Wildness: An Ode to Newfoundland and Labrador by chef Jeremy Charles - for anyone who loves the stories that go with the food we make and share.