Coda (for Freddie Blue)

(Taken from Talia's Acting Journal, 5/29/10 entry)

So, I have been rehearsing for an original play, Coda (for Freddie Blue). Its an original piece, which will be playing at The Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre.

As the lead, it has felt overwhelming at times. Trying to memorize chunks of monologues and very lengthy scenes, along with everything else I have to do in my life. But I'm coming along. I really like the character. All the characterization work I'm doing is really helping me understand her and bring her to life. She is really intense to play. Her emotional arch throughout the play is more like a circle. I think that by the end of each performance, I would have experienced so many hightened emotions a human can experience within 2 hours.

Because of the time constraint, I have made sure to do all of my characterization homework. I haven't put this much effort in a role in a while it seems; scoring my script, writing bios and givens, reviewing all directional notes before rehearsals. It feels good to really engage in the process, which I love. I enjoy the process more than the product sometimes when it comes to doing a show. I have also learned to let go and not become the character, but let her become me. I am so excited to do this production.

AIDS Walk

This past Sunday, on May 16th 2010, I walked in NYC's AIDS Walk in Central Park. This was my third consecutive walk, in which I participated with Nite Star. I think its great, as a Theatre Company to walk to together in this event. The work that we do is so rewarding. It feels so good to participate in an event, like AIDS Walk, where we can feel something bigger than ourselves. Everyone there for the same reason, the same cause, the same frustration. Frustration, because after so many years, there is no cure for HIV/AIDS. For the past three years, I have walked for those I have lost in my family, and those that are still infected today.

This year I decided to bring my dog, Emjae, to walk. She was so excited to be among so many new people. I also put her in an official Nite Star T-shirt. She was our honorary mascot for the day. It was awesome. I'm glad that I was able to share this event with her, as I consider her to be a very important part of the family.

In our gear, here are some pics of us during the walk.