"Change" Takes the Stage

MODOT closed the main highway going downtown. There was icy rain. I had a tooth tip crumble days before the performances and a quick repair job. But, so what? It all came together.

We have just completed our two days of performing “Change, the Subject.” It was exhilarating. And Carol and I are sad it’s over. Fifty people saw the event over its two days. It was terrific that with our investment of time and energy, it all worked: the poetry, music, pictures all talking to one another … poem dialogues between Carol and me … nice space to work in, lighting, sound system … receptions afterwards to talk to everyone … poetry book sales … lots of help before, during, and after. Doing this piece before a live audience (and doing it two days in a row) was energizing, different each time, nerve-racking, and wonderful. We have an amazing group that worked on bringing all this together. It could not have happened without all of them.

We had lots of feedback we should do this again at different venues. How does one market something like this? Even with the wonderful publicity we received via mail, email, online calendars, and print media, I think when many people hear it’s “poetry,” they don’t consider coming. Is it a concert? Theatre? Certainly it’s a performance of some kind. Performance art? What’s its audience? People near my age who share similar memories or people of all ages who relate to stories that resonate not only about themselves, but also their parents or grandparents?

So, where do we go next with this project?