The Kiss

Now that I got your attention: I barely made it to director Brant Smith's (OK, DJ Bad Vegan is his nom de cinema) preview screening of "In-World War" last night, fighting 101 North traffic all the way from Silly Valley. It took me an hour an a half. Wouldn't you think a lady in a sports car could make it to a 6 PM SF screening by leaving her office on Good Friday at 4:30? Not. After parking and walking the long 5 blocks from the garage, I arrived, at least in time to see the final 30 seconds on the digital screen.

Brant, the moderator, was on first, followed by sci-fi directors Andrew Gernhart ("Opponent"), Lee Citron ("Android Love"), Lynn Hershmann ("Killer App" with Tilda Swinton), Annalee Newitz (editor-in-chief of io9), and Mark Stolaroff ("Pig"). All amusing and entertaining clips. Android women, killer larvae, that sort of thing.... Glad to see a mature woman (Lynn) on the panel. At least 100 sci-fi geeks in the room. Afterwards, I made my way up to the front and to Brant, who was looking slim and adorable in his trendy 50's hat, and I planted a kiss on his right cheek. In case his wife is reading this....yes, it's true, Trainer Terry left that lipstick mark! As always, he was very kind and thanked me for being a supporter. I gave out a couple of cards to the play I'm in, "Firstborn." Cross fertilization - always good.

Which brings me to today's rehearsal at the Black Rep....We did Act 3 and after the lunch break and delicious lemon cake baked and delivered by director Tiffany's mother, we finally stepped onto the stage and walked through our blocking, mainly for entrances and exits (other shows are booked, so we haven't had access). It's starting to feel real now, although our set has yet to be built. The good news for my character, Sister Jackie...the 2 girls she accompanies in Act 3 will be played by the director's nieces. Yes! No more imaginary children!

Now here's something I am still digesting...One of the actors started talking in a Jamaican accent this afternoon, and by the time we got to the stage, Tiffany and all the actors were speaking in rasta lingo as we rushed through our scenes in fast-forward. It was hilarious. Now I understand how it feels to be mocked by accent (something that hasn't happened to me since I first lived in Paris where my mild American accent was mocked lovingly). So, here's a question: Is Jamaican the last acceptable accent to safely make fun of in the States? My heritage on Mum's side is Jamaican, so I was listening carefully, kind of to hear whose was the best. Months ago I had actually considered playing Sister Jackie with a Jamaican accent, but have gone instead for more of a mild East Texas twang.

Cousin Ramon (from Kingston), if you're reading this, I know you'll enjoy this clip where a Chinese grandmother speaks with a Jamaican accent:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YW3TmlslGo

We gwon be doin da tech rehearsals all dis week, mon.