Day 3 — Blessed by the White Chocolate Vulva
Laurien & I read out the first part of Act 1 of Alice Birch’s REVOLT. SHE SAID. REVOLT AGAIN. In English. It is amazing to me how a few simple words printed on white paper can evoke such magic, such intensity, such rawness and depth and humor.
The reading was part of our morning discussion led by Jimena Aguilar, Head of the MA Digital Narratives Program and an alumni of this program. We shared our thoughts on what feminism means to us. Jimena explained her view of feminism as:
“a conglomerate of ideas, actions, and coalitions, that can be categorized as: Political movement(s) — theoretical framework(s)—ethical standard(s) that use the category of gender as a key element for analyzing and understanding the world, our societies and their structures, and our interpersonal relationships, and the differences that arise from that, including particular violences and discrimination.”
We explored different aspects of the play such as theme, structure, space, tone, language, characters and narrative figures.
And then Glitch Unlimited got to work prepping for the interviews that we wanted to conduct, using Trello as our project management tool of choice.
Part 2 — FWT Tour or Blessed by the White Chocolate Vulva
An evening and night so full, I am still finding it hard to describe. It’s been a long time since I had gone to see a play and this one reminded me of how magical the stage can be. How the work of a few can produce something far greater than its sum. It’s one thing to go to a play as intense and raw and powerful as this one. It’s another experience when you add the analysis, discussions, interviews and impressions to the mix. I am still digesting.
We spoke to many there, both crew and audiences, gathering impressions and thoughts. I was particularly moved by a gentleman in his early 50s whom I spoke to before and after the play. He entered with a curious and open mind and walked out visibly touched and vulnerable, and spoke openly about his emotional experience. He said that he appreciated that he was “not being lectured” but given the space to see and reflect in his own way and time.
And the white chocolate vulva that one of the actresses blessed us with during the play? Still hoping I can get a picture of it, that’s if it hasn’t melted by now.
