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I was invited to join the Desert Playwrights Retreat, and I spent the week in Palm Springs as one of ten queer playwrights. We were in two houses (across the city from each other), the guys in one house and we three women in another.
The first evening, after we all arrived from our various residences, we gathered for dinner out. We introduced each other, after a lovely introductory speech from our leader, and the man who founded this retreat, Sean Abley. The energy was warm and excited. I know I was excited to have this time to focus on the new play I'm writing.
My last play had it's final Fertile Ground New Works Festival performance on Saturday. On Sunday I attended choir rehearsal and packed. I left very early Monday morning for Palm Springs. The entire day was spent in the company of other playwrights, once I arrived at the Palm Springs airport. Before dinner, we all went grocery shopping for the week ahead.
On Tuesday I found places I thought I could get writing done. After trying a few, I spent most of my writing on my bed, pillows at my back and under my knees.
Our house had a hot tub and a pool, but it was Wednesday before I actually swam. We figured out how to heat the hot tub, but the heated pool was not all that warm. Not that I went there to swim. I just really like to spend time in the pool. I prefer to go early morning, and this past week early mornings were pretty chilly. By the time the water warmed up, I was writing and didn't want to interrupt my day.
We were a quiet trio, which suited each of us.
There was talk of touring a theater, going to see a play, a meet & greet with the Artistic Director of Coachella Valley Rep, and of course of time for each one of the playwrights to share their work and receive feedback.
On Thursday evening we women decided we would share of bit of our work with each other. We did this after dinner.
By Friday morning we still weren't sure of the day's schedule, but I was up early and had everything ready to go before noon. As it turned out, we weren't getting together until 3 pm that day. The guys were coming to our house, we would share, then make and eat dinner, and share again. Four of us shared that day, including me. (I shared the first three scenes, including a song and two poems.)
Saturday morning we learned we had tickets to see Other Desert Cities by Jon Robin Baitz at Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre. We would see the show, go to the guys' house, share, have dinner, then share again. As I was flying back to Portland early Sunday morning, I packed my suitcase with everything I could, and making a checklist for the things that had to wait until the last minute.
The week was packed, and consequently, I didn't write a great deal. But I thought about the play all the time. I made notes, and I'm considering some of the ways the play might go as I continue writing it. All in all, a week of many experiences and insights, not to mention making a lot of new friends.
There is much to be said simply being in the presence of people who are pursuing similar goals. There is support, empathy, sharing, and opportunities to share one's own insights. I came away with much more than I arrived with. I'm grateful for Sean Abley inviting me, based on the recommendation from another playwright.
I carved out time every day to rehearse the songs the choir will sing at our concert on June 26. I'm proud to be a founding member of Portland Sage Singers, and I will do my best to do my part. I did however miss rehearsal the afternoon I returned to Portland. Having slept only three hours, and traveled many more, I was not in physical shape to sing for two and a half hours.
This week I will return to my normal schedule (including calling my representatives and protesting on May 1 and May 3). The last performance of my play, A Window into Tennessee was Saturday before I left for Palm Springs. It was a good performance, with so many good wishes after. And we received an excellent review from Bob Hicks of Oregon ArtsWatch.
I will work on my pitch this week to theaters who might be interested in touring the show, with Michael J. Teufel as Tennessee. I've been encouraged by several people to do so, including directors, and theater owners.
I hope to also spend time in my garden this week. The roses need attention, for sure. Everything is blooming or about to bloom. The garden is a bit wild, but hopefully we will find someone this week to come work with us to get it into shape for the summer.
I look forward to reading your comments, to hearing what you are doing this spring, how you’re fighting fascism.
This is such a happy post, and you capture it all so well. “There is much to be said simply being in the presence of people who are pursuing similar goals. There is support, empathy, sharing, and opportunities to share one's own insights.” Love this!
Sandra! You are living the life!!! So happy for you and your play's success!! And that review!!! Will be looking forward to updates about it. So encouraged by the generosity that made your retreat possible. And that they knew to invite you! Have a great week and pamper your vocal chords. :-)