Urban Possibilities Responses April 2015
Once again our sincere appreciation to our partners at the Geffen Playhouse. This play resonated with our students in a profound way. It prompted one of the most inspiring post show discussions we’ve ever had. Everyone around the table was impacted by the insights, the honesty and the stories prompted by The Night Alive. Their hearts open and compassion flowing, they embraced the characters like members of their own families, talked about love in its many incarnations, the duality of man and the commonality of experience that connects Ireland and Inner-City Los Angeles. In this report we open with our student George Warner. George joined our program at a Skid-Row shelter. He was living there at the time. Angry, disconnected, combative --refusing to talk or share the first six weeks of the class. Then the shift we work for happened, and George then penned more pieces that any other students we’ve had. Over forty pieces in six weeks. We were burning the midnight oil to keep up with his work. He began sharing his work and his feelings, his compassion came alive, he became an enthusiastic supporter of his classmates, set new goals for himself, began healing relationships and more. George has now left the shelter, has his own apartment, is a writer in training for Urban Possibilities and is getting his ducks in a row to attend Los Angeles City College to major in writing as well. George saw his very first play through our partnership with the Geffen Playhouse and is now an avid fan of the stage. Like the wonder of that first experience, The Night Alive worked its magic on George, as it did for all of us. Again it shows how theatre in our program is so much more than entertainment – it can heal the deepest parts of us and open a vast new world of possibilities. Thank You!
Eyvette Jones Johnson Executive Director Urban Possibilities
“After the play George couldn’t sleep. The story and the characters were still living in him. He wrote the poem “The Geffen” and sent it to me at 3 am and once he got it out, he could then fall asleep. And the beauty of his words so lyrical . . . ” – Eyvette Jones-Johnson “Writing is the spring back to an abundant summer So that in the fall we can harvest Our hopes, Our aspirations , Our dreams.”
The Geffen by George Warner III
As people we always have things to say So often why does our negativity get in the way Poetry is life always in revise At least in poetry we can rewrite our goodbyes Rewrite our demise Rewrite our lives We just write with hopes they don’t despise Poetry is life as long as there’s Ink in the well We’ll rewrite Giving us new life chances to try Making things better For time already past We never know who’s listening onstage were stuck in the spotlight Like the magnifying glass is to the ant Life prepares us for the winter Writing is the spring back to an abundant summer
So that in the fall we can harvest Our hopes Our aspirations Our dreams While we get caught up in the moment life is all about the weave Life like writing Not about the beginning or the end Not about the peaks and valleys It’s about the mountains in our path And the rivers that start off just as streams The more they flow the more we row It in between It’s not always about peaches and cream Doesn’t the fall taste better with the good times in between. For you never feel cold without first feeling warm And you can never know happiness without being sad . You can never feel anger Without first feeling glad Just remember this one important fact All that really matters in the end is that you just felt something from what I said. “THE NIGHT ALIVE” RESPONSE So if you think you can do better I urge you-- I dare I was a little confused because I thought you -- I beg you to pick up a pen.
I was attending a show about life, poverty, and how “the struggle is real” but it was much Don’t worry what they say As long as they feel deeper than that. It was a play I feel about the Your work is complete duality of man through the looking glass of But first before I hear what yours will say I have love. I feel it was a love story in a non-tradionly one humble thing to ask tional way.
It’s to look in the mirror And write what you feel
“ I was a little confused because I thought I was attending a show about life, poverty, and how The struggle is real. But it was much deeper than that! It was a play, I feel about the Duality of man and love. This was a love story in a non- traditional way” - George Warner III.
It also displayed the Alpha male and beta male. Tommy was a beta with doc until uncle Morris enters and Tommy becomes passive, submissive and switches from an alpha male to a beta male. Doc, is firm and of strong mind and will. But, also he’s a hopeless romantic. Doc wants Aimee so does Tommy; but she chooses her boyfriend who has a false and possessive love. But, after her return she has love for Tommy because she saw a piece of the real loveTommy has for her. - George Warner III.
“I was totally surprised that I enjoyed The Night Alive given its setting and cultural background. However, the show represents the universal themes of love, honor, intimacy, self respect, compassion, and redemption...” - Kerry Lee Riley “THE NIGHT ALIVE” RESPONSE The Night Alive is a show about a number of universal themes which impact all of our lives. When I read that it was set in Ireland, I thought I would have to maneuver through their thick Irish accents to experience the play. I was worried that I would not be able to relate to the play given that my background is from another time, place, and reality. I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that the play had commentaries on love and relationships which cross all boundaries of culture and circumstance. Firstly, the play represented the theme of love and the need for intimacy. The relationship between Tommy and Aimee was especially touching. Love comes and grabs us at the moments that we least expect it. Tommy rescues Aimee from her brutal and abusive boyfriend, and in doing so, he gives what he has despite his own meager existence. The power of Tommy’s compassion teaches all of us that we can still give to others even though we have little ourselves. I was, however, disappointed in the fact that Aimee was portrayed as a “loose” woman who primarily satisfies men sexually, due to her lack of self respect and self esteem.
Women are constantly demeaned through representation of them as “whores” who will do anything for money, and this sexualized female character contributes to the objectification of women in society. Easily, she could have been portrayed as a woman victimized by her inability to see her options, as opposed to her surviving as a hyper-sexual being. Yet, Tommy sees beneath her sexualized exterior and loved her for the woman that she is, instead of defining her by what she did. Secondly, I was greatly impacted by the relationship between Tommy and Doc. It is very clear that they have developed a brotherly bond which is strong and sincere through which BOTH men benefited. Although it seems that Doc is the irresponsible “little brother” who needs Tommy more than the opposite, the reality is that “big brother” Tommy needs Doc just as much. The universal theme is that sometimes we create our own families based on unspoken covenants, as opposed to blood relationships. In my own life, this has proven to be true. (con’t.)
Lastly, I was also heavily moved by the relationship between Tommy and his uncle. It is VERY clear that they have created a father and son bond which sometimes belies their behavior with one another. While they bicker constantly and engage in conflict, the fact of the matter is that their bond as “surrogate father” and son is unshakeable. Often, men have trouble expressing their feelings, and the only way that these two men can express intimacy and love for one another is through conflict. In conclusion, I was totally surprised that I enjoyed The Night Alive given its setting and cultural background. However, the show represents the universal themes of love, honor, intimacy, self-respect, compassion, and redemption. Kelly Lee Riley
(David (left) attended the play with the supervisor from the hallway house where he lives. Attending the play together help them forge a stronger bond as David continues on his path to self sufficiency.
“ I liked Tommy the best because I like how he saved the girl and always protected Doc. It really drew me in and caught my attention; because Tommy is a nice Guy very Humble. I related to Tommy because I’ve been that guy. . . Always trying to protect women who were vulnerable, who need help . . .”- David Calegan
“THE NIGHT ALIVE” RESPONSE
“THE NIGHT ALIVE” RESPONSE by Michael Williams I really value our play conversations, they give the space, the time and the chance to really express how we feel about the play. Doc was my favorite character because I was able to identify with a time in my life where I questioned my own stability as a person. Thinking maybe I was like Doc, extremely intelligent but yet seemed to be slow from a societal perspective. I didn’t have any expectations as to what I was going to get from the play. I just wanted to experience the art in its rarest from. I got more than I bargained for, and much, much, more; even without expectations. In the, end; I believe that the writer gave me the opportunity to continue to write the play, even in my own life .
I really enjoyed the play, I liked Tommy the best because I liked how he saved he girl and always protected Doc, it really drew me in and caught my attention because Tommy is a nice Guy, very humble and caring; a guy kind of down on his luck , beaten down by life. I related to Tommy because I’ve been that guy. I also related to his attraction to Amy. I’ve been that guy too. Still am. Always trying to protect women who were vulnerable, who need help, who’ve been misused. Even with his Failed marriage, not seeing his kids and unable to have a relationship with them, he still was able to find it within himself to keep persevering and go on being himself, and helping his friends and those around him - David Calegan
Another part of the spectrum of human nature in this play is humor. Doc is claiming money that Tommy owes him. He rejoices that he’s inviting him to lunch at a carver and it ends up being “treated to a carved banana sandwich,”Sill in the end, his uncle Maurice in typical Irish fashion, is willing to help Tommy out so that he is able to progress. This is one strong characteristic of the Irish culture. People take care of their own. The uncle is interested in seeing Tommy do better in life. – Esther Alejandro
“ Light of the street and darkness of the house, What this mostly means is being “good” to an outsider while being “mean” to an insider”- Esther Alejandro
“THE NIGHT ALIVE” RESPONSE A representation of the gamut of human nature and the playing out of such, the Night Alive has it all. On the outside, the characters may look as everyone else, but the way in which they interact, seems at times to be dysfunctional. Tommy is a central character that lives in a small room at his uncle’s home. He offered help to Aimee, who is a prostitute, has been punched by a man on the street bringing her home does not sit well with his uncle. Tommy feels that since he pays rent, he consider the space his to have anyone be there. Ironically, he is a man separated from his wife and two sons. In certain cultures, this display of care could be catalogued as “light of the street and darkness of the house.” What this mostly means is being “good” to an outsider while being “mean’ to an insider. It may not be obvious, but it seems Tommy could have ulterior motives for helping Aimee. He is exposed to violence as Aimee’s boyfriend shows up. (con’t)
Pictured ( George Matos, Chrysalis Senior Employment Specialist with Chrysalis Client and UP Alumni Sally Shahine)
”In man is a desire to do good even when he fails. We all want to do the right thing and we attempt that in different ways. Sometimes in that process we make critical mistakes. . .” “ I can personally attest that even though I am in a career that I believe has much purpose I still search for meaning in all of the things that I do and I believe that I always will.”...–George Matos.
“THE NIGHT ALIVE” RESPONSE by George Matos In man is a desire to do good even when he fails. We all want to do the right thing and we attempt that in different ways. Sometimes in that process we make critical mistakes. I thought that when the main character tried to save the girl that that was a noble thing but I also know that you can’t save someone unless they want to be saved and I did not see that in her but the main character was blinded by his emotion and desire to do the right thing. The other thing that the main character did not take into consideration is that you can’t make someone love you just because you love them. Also people only love the way they know how. I personally related to the main character because I have been there myself but at some point hopefully you learn. I also thought that it was interesting when they started playing Motown Music. In particular when they were playing Marvin Gay’s “ What’s going on”. I sometimes think that that is a metaphor for life. I think sometimes we all ask what’s going on and I also think that is why religion can be so important and central to many people because it gives a sense of meaning that I think most if not all people really need. I can personally attest that even though I am in a career that I believe has much purpose I still search for meaning in all of the things that I do and I believe that I always will.
UP Alumni Franka Maynard & Michael Chan
“When a man loves a women begins to play and Aimee enters the room; the ceiling opens up to thousands of stars shining through, Now The Nights Alive. Love does that!” - Franka Maynard “THE NIGHT ALIVE” RESPONSE Tommy a man going nowhere seemingly nothing to live for a failed marriage, 2 children on the sidelines and a roommate whose disposition is the same as his. Living in a rundown room which he rents from is non-caring Uncle Maurice. Nothing fits his roommate doc doesn’t know why he is called Doc. Dog biscuits, beans and tea seems so be their diet. A poster on the wall with Marvin Gaye’s album cover titled “what going on” and the song playing seems to lead you to his present thought about his life “what’s Going On “All this changed when he meets this so called prostitute Aimee. He now start to dress-up, clean his room and even when he pays her for a hand job her reputation to him doesn’t diminish. Everyone who saw the play asked. Why? Why was there was no blood when Aimee’s pimp Kenneth was killed or when Kenneth hammered doc in the bathroom. Why? Was there was no blood or massive injuries shown. My theory was; it was put in the play to show what type of life they lead with all it’s dangers and pains. Finally the play ends when Tommy turns on the radio and Percy Sledge’s song “when a man loves women” begins to play and Aimee enters the room. The ceiling opens up to thousands stars shinning though. Now! The Nights Alive” Look! Love does that! – Franka Maynard
“The Night Alive in my opinion portrayed five people who feared CHANGE! Waking” up every day feeling lifeless, existing, stuck in time, while time continues to move with you or without you...” - Norma Eaton
“I believe that a lot of men including myself can relate to the main character picking (a women in this case) or situation to fill a void in our lives even through it’s not a good fit for us nor a good match Ignoring all the obvious road signs...”- Anthony Tate
“THE NIGHT ALIVE” RESPONSE I believe that a lot of men including myself can relate to the main character picking (a women in this case) or situation to fill a void in our lives even through it’s not a good fit for us nor a good match - Ignoring all the obvious road signs. We can understand that he still chooses this path out of loneliness, and the conflict with the violent character is an example of what maybe the results of that path. My view of the last scene was that he was experiencing his own personal “heaven”; her coming back to be with him. Acknowledging these points, left me with a lot to ponder and compare to the choices I make myself. --Anthony Tate
“THE NIGHT ALIVE” RESPONSE The Night Alive in my opinion portrayed five people who feared CHANGE! Waking up every day feeling lifeless, existing, stuck in time, while time continues to move with you or without you. In my emotional observation of the characters’; they were all stuck in their own time zone; the zone of struggles, insanity, fears, abandonment, emotional disconnection, hopelessness, sadness, depression, loneliness. What stood out to me? Was the toxicity of the relationships as a whole? The character longed for something? And although; they all had their separate challenges the one thing the characters had in common; they were in desperate need of each other – Norma Eaton
Report Graphic Design by – UP Alumni Michael K. Dorsey
“THE NIGHT ALIVE” RESPONSE Although I wasn’t able to stay for the play, I would like to thank the Geffen Theatre for their commitment to assisting artists. My envolvement in the plays and performances has made a major evolution in my life. I am gratfeul for the opportunities provided by the Geffen.
UP Alumni Student–Michael K. Dorsey is an artist, a budding leader in his community and an entrepreneur. He has overcome the hardest times you can imagine to get there – 40 years of addiction, with times of incarceration and homelessness. Michael is a testament to our work together. Our access to Geffen Playhouse plays, teaching artists and opportunities is a bold investment in the imagination of inner-city men and women which pays dividends. Eyvette Jones-Johnson
We Believe There is a sea of untapped potential in underserved communities waiting to be set free in service to our communities. Thriving people build thriving communities. Within these marginalized groups , are those who have lived through life’s toughest circumstances yet refused to give up. That survival has built muscles in tenacity, courage, and resilience that can be channeled to move their lives forward, address neighborhood problems and serve as a competitive advantage in our cities. Poverty restricts growth and drains city resources. When you don’t invest in the potential of the poor, it doesn’t just hurt them, it hurts us all. Mission:
Report Compiled by UP Alumni- Norma L Eaton Before attending Urban Possibilities Writing Empowerment class, I was suffocating from an overwhelming, indescribable, battle of grief, and emotional trauma; which was the aftermath from Domestic Violence, and Homelessness. Struggling with suicidal thoughts, hopelessness, and despair; on October of 2014, after attending Urban Possibilities, my life changed in an astronomical way. One of the many highlights of being part of the UP family, was having the opportunity to attend my first Play. Beforehand, I had never had the privilege nor given the opportunity to see a live play. “Choir Boys” at The Geffen Play House. left me in awe! And wanting more. That night was amazing! and my heart was introduced to the magical world of Theater! Thank you, Urban Possibilities and The Geffen Play House; for opening my eyes to a new and exciting world of theatrical Arts!
To teach practical skills that help marginalized adults unlock their potential through art, innovation and empowered thinking; and to move the community to action by experiencing what’s possible when we invest in their potential. Clients At-risk adults 18 + who are pursuing training, education or employment programs.