Nov. 18th, 2018

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The Accidental Activist (Jewish Womens Theatre / TAS Sisterhood)It is interesting how the theatre we have scheduled dovetails. For the longest time, we had planned to see Finks, at Rogue Machine Theatre (FB) in Venice: a story about artists having to testify in front of the House Un-American Activities Committee. But then my wife got involved with sisterhood at our congregation, and they scheduled a theatre night on top of Finks. So I arranged to move our Finks tickets Sunday night, and we arranged to go to the Sisterhood show. By now, I’m sure you’re asking: What show was it?

I’ll wait.

Funny that you should ask. The show was called The Accidental Activist, and it was a presentation of the Jewish Women’s Theatre (FB). The show, which was much like an evening at The Moth, was less a fully-staged theatrical production (with sets and costumes and the whole gevalt) and more a staged reading. The show consisted of 11 short stories — all true to my knowledge — built around the theme of being thrust into activism. These stories were:

I won’t attempt to summarize the stories here. I can say that all were interesting, many were very touching, and all fit with the theme. I did find quite a few of them inspiring — especially after a week of thinking about the impact of Jewish Summer camp on my life and seeing how it has instilled activism in people. They were certainly worth hearing.

I’m sure you’re curious about which ones are sticking with me the most. I think the ones that struck a nerve with me were My Blessed JourneyThe Chairs, and Worthy of Love. Why did they stick? That’s harder to say. What I think I can reliably say is that that at least one or two of the stories will resonate with you, and that this production (if it comes near you) is worth seeing.

The stories were performed by four actors: Arva RoseVicki Juditz (FB), Emma Berdie Donson, and Robert Keller. All were strong. I urge you to pay special attention to their faces during the performances, for they do a great job of becoming different characters, as opposed to just reading the story.

The production was adapted, curated, and produced by Ronda Spinak (FB), with additional production by Suzanna Kaplan. Susie Yure and Rose Ziff were Associate Producers. The production was directed by Susan Morgenstern. Barbara Koletsky was the Asst. Producer and Stage Manager. Daphna Shull was the Artistic Associate.

I don’t know when JWT will be doing this production again, but they do have a show, Not That Jewish, coming up in early December and three shows schedules so far for 2019. Information is available at the Jewish Women’s Theatre (FB) website.

***

Ob. Disclaimer: I am not a trained theatre (or music) critic; I am, however, a regular theatre and music audience member. I’ve been attending live theatre and concerts in Los Angeles since 1972; I’ve been writing up my thoughts on theatre (and the shows I see) since 2004. I do not have theatre training (I’m a computer security specialist), but have learned a lot about theatre over my many years of attending theatre and talking to talented professionals. I pay for all my tickets unless otherwise noted. I am not compensated by anyone for doing these writeups in any way, shape, or form. I currently subscribe at 5 Star Theatricals (FB), the Hollywood Pantages (FB), Actors Co-op (FB), and the Ahmanson Theatre (FB). Through my theatre attendance I have made friends with cast, crew, and producers, but I do strive to not let those relationships color my writing (with one exception: when writing up children’s production, I focus on the positive — one gains nothing except bad karma by raking a child over the coals). I believe in telling you about the shows I see to help you form your opinion; it is up to you to determine the weight you give my writeups.

Upcoming Shows:

Sunday brings our second show of the weekend: Finks at Rogue Machine Theatre (FB). Thanksgiving weekend has Steambath at the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble (FB) on Saturday and Remembering Boyle Heights at Casa 0101 (FB) in Boyle Heights on Sunday. December starts with the Annual Computer Security Applications Conference (ACSAC), followed by a hold for the Canadian Brass at the Saroya [the venue formerly known as the Valley Performing Arts Center (VPAC)] (FB).

January is much more open, especially after the postponement of Bat Out of Hell at the Ahmanson Theatre (FB). Right now, all there is is a Nefesh Mountain concert at Temple Judea and a hold for the Colburn Orchestra at the Saroya [nee the Valley Performing Arts Center (VPAC)] (FB) but the rest of the month is currently open (as few shows run in January due to complicated rehearsals over the holidays). We’ll keep our eyes open. February starts with the Cantor’s Concert at Temple Ahavat Shalom (FB), Hello Dolly at the Hollywood Pantages (FB), and Anna Karenena at Actors Co-op (FB).  There’s also a HOLD for 1776 at the Saroya [nee the Valley Performing Arts Center (VPAC)] (FB), and Lizzie at the Chance Theatre, but much of February is also open.

As always, I’m keeping my eyes open for interesting productions mentioned on sites such as Better-LemonsMusicals in LA@ This StageFootlights, as well as productions I see on GoldstarLA Stage TixPlays411 or that are sent to me by publicists or the venues themselves. Note: Lastly, want to know how to attend lots of live stuff affordably? Take a look at my post on How to attend Live Theatre on a Budget.

===> Click Here To Comment <==This entry was originally posted on Observations Along the Road as Speaking Up, Making Change | "The Accidental Activist" @ JWT/TAS by cahwyguy. Although you can comment on DW, please make comments on original post at the Wordpress blog using the link to the left. You can sign in with your LJ, DW, FB, or a myriad of other accounts. Note: Subsequent changes made to the post on the blog are not propagated by the SNAP Crossposter; please visit the original post to see the latest version. P.S.: If you see share buttons above, note that they do not work outside of the Wordpress blog.

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It has now been a week (but it seems much longer) since we learned that Camp Hess Kramer and Gindling Hilltop Camp were essentially destroyed in the Woolsey Fire (together with a number of other camps, including Camp JCA Shalom, Camp Bloomfield, the Salvation Army Camps, and I’m sure many others, including former BSA, GSA, and other camp facilities). At CHK, all that I know remains are one or two cabins that were cinder-block, the Arts and Crafts area, the new dining hall (although it sustained some damage), the conference center/infirmary/office complex, and of course, Inspiration Point. At Hilltop, all that remains are some cinder-block cabins, the Arts & Crafts center / Pool / Roth Room, and of course, the menorah at the top of the hill.

We know, of course, that camp will rebuild. The facilities were insured, the congregation has both means and motivation, and the alumni are an active group. The camping may be away from Malibu this summer while construction occurs; there is no formal announcement of the 2019 location yet, but camp will happen for the kids. My hope, for 2019, is that the kids can return to the Pioneer spirit: returning to the grounds to recover artifacts and material, and creating new art out of the old memories to ensure that what was camp is remembered in what camp becomes.

For those of us who are alumni of the camps — from the old-timers who were there in the very beginning going back to the Presbyterian Conference Ground days to the first days in Malibu, to the folks there when only CHK existed in the 1960s, to the pioneers and kids of the 1970s (my generation), to the generations since in the 1980s and beyond — for all of us this has been an interesting week. Memories that were in the background are resurfacing. Facebook groups are providing an avenue of reconnection within camp generations, and establishing new connections between the generations. We’re sharing pictures, stories, artifacts. Most importantly, there’s a sense that we’re here, camp lives within us, and we will be there with boots on (and walkers, as necessary 🙂 ) to rebuild however and whenever we can. Camp was a safe spot for many, a formative spot for all, and it made us who we are today. From a group that was created last Sunday morning, we are now over 1,500 strong. Unified and voice in spirit. We’re ready to take the values of Al Slosha D’varim and use them to bring camp back through Torah values, our hard work (avodah), and donating funds (g’melut chasadim).

For me, the destruction has reopened the good memories of the period from 1969 to 1979, the good people, the good times. It reminded me why I go to Malibu whenever I can afford to (either in terms of time or funds). The place and the beauty will return; the scars will heal. Out of the ashes something stronger will form; there will be a new generation of pioneers rebuilding camp.

And it will be good. Very very good.

===> Click Here To Comment <==This entry was originally posted on Observations Along the Road as And The Processing Continues ... But #KramerNeverStops and #HilltopNeverStops by cahwyguy. Although you can comment on DW, please make comments on original post at the Wordpress blog using the link to the left. You can sign in with your LJ, DW, FB, or a myriad of other accounts. Note: Subsequent changes made to the post on the blog are not propagated by the SNAP Crossposter; please visit the original post to see the latest version. P.S.: If you see share buttons above, note that they do not work outside of the Wordpress blog.

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