Theater Amigo - Hal's Diary

The Arrivals Part 2- 10 Augusto 2007

2007-08-15T06:52:00.001-07:00

Karla, Juan and Oscar arrived from Nicaragua and emerged from customs about a one hour and twenty minutes after landing. That was good cause my train to the airport had been late. The were glad to be here and Juan has some English so between my broken Spanish and his broken English we did alright. I took them to a restaurant as we had a couple of hours before the next group would arrive from customs and the hotel didn't have rooms till 3pm. I gave them envelopes with their per diem in cash for the day. They signed for them and we all ate. We split the bill, used the restrooms. I tried to buy dollars with my left over Bolivars. I had asked and the gal there said they would buy them but when I brought them to the the booth, they said oh, Bolivars no they didn't by them and no foriegn exchange would take them. We then when down and soon met, the group from Ecuador Tatiana, Wilson, America, and David Pacheco (who likes to go by only Pacheco). I call the Hotel van shuttle and we went to the Hotel, the Hampton Inn South. I tipped the driver $20. It was a nice reception and I got everyone settled in their rooms and then returned to the Airport to pick up Franniev from Venezuela. She had come alone as the other person from Venezuela had had a longer wait for a Passport and had to book on a different flight. I got Fanniev to the Hotel and returned for Bladimir and Lenia from Bolivia. Bladimir's door key didn't work and we had to go up and down three or four times till eventually they had to open the door manually and I had to to Juan's things and Bladimir had to wait in my room as I returned to the Airport (now 10pm) for Leonardo from Venezuela. We finally got everyone settled and the people at the hotel were great. It was midnight by the time I got to bed, which would have been okay but I had to have everyone in the Lobby at 4:30am for a 5am departure to the airport...

10th THE ARRIVAL (S) Part I

2007-08-14T07:12:00.000-07:00

Not everything goes as planned today. I'm up at 7, showered and dressed almost ready to go...Dad has ordered a typewriter which needs un packing and setting up. I begin. Marie (who has a day off and her sub is in) comes in saying urgently that she needs help. I'm outside in seconded looking at a flat tire on her truck. It's really flat with a big nail. Would I change it for her. I get the jack and other equipment out. We get the spare out. I raise the jack at the point I believe it's meant to be raised. The lug nuts are on so tight I have to jump on the wrench to loosen them finally get the tire off and the truck is too low to get the other tire back on or even the flat back on. The jack is raised as far as it will go...I'm covered in dirt. I call AAA and they say they will be there in an hour. It's 8am my cab is due in 15 minutes. I rush back and shower again and change. The cab calls he is lost. Triple AAA has come. Maire says cancel the cab she'll take me. I cancel the cab. Marie gets me to the train station 15 minutes and...the train is delayed for an hour due to a truck breaking down on the rails. A long wait. A nice ride, arriving at the airport at 12:30. No one out from Customs yet.

Thursday the 9th

2007-08-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

Up at 7am to eat with Dad and then phone and e-mail catch up. I was still doing that when Dad and his helper Marie were in the car ready to leave for lunch. A nice lunch out at Seafood place on a lake and then some shopping. Returned home and then went out to pick up movies for the evening. We watched 3!! Found I would take Tri-Rail to Miami airport at 9 am. I would get there at 10:45 to meet a flight at 11:30 the passengers of which would have to go through customs, so plenty of time. Ordered a cab for 8:15. To bed at midnight.

Wednesday August 8, 2007 Off To Florida

2007-08-14T07:02:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday night, I stayed at the Days Inn in Tukwila near the airport and the hotel the group will be staying at. It was fine. I caught a cab to the airport at 4 am. I had been upgraded to first class for both segments of the trip and it was all fine. I arrived in West Palm Beach at 5pm. Called my father (where I will stay till the morning or the 10th) and went to the cab stand. They asked me if I want to pay by the meter or a flat rate for $45. They reminded me it was rush hour. I took the flat rate and ended up the sole passenger in a stretch Limo!! Never done that before.
A quiet evening with Dad.

Support the Documentary!!

2007-08-03T13:56:00.000-07:00

Theater Amigo T-shirts are now on sale. Help support the film only $20!!!
S-M-L-XL available in Vibrant Rose, Brilliant Green, Deep Sky Blue, and Sun Bright Yellow.
To order go to Suzilah and get a t-shirt now!

Theater Amigo in the US - The Participants

2007-08-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

The visiting participants:

From Bolivia:

Both of these people work with Teatro Trono an ensemble based company run by Ivan Nogales.

Yhovani Bladimir Mamani Paco 27 years old Lenia Esmirna Orellana Gomez 16 years old will be 17 on August 23rd.

From Venezuela:

Leonardo Hidalgo Gibbs 21 years old is training as a professional actor at college in Caracas Franniev Alejandra Ramos 16 years old will be 17 on August 21st wants to go to be a veterinarian

From Ecuador:

WILSON ANTONIO JIMENEZ LOOR 21 years old training as a professional actor at college in Quito AMERICA FERNANDA GUARANDA MORA 25 years old a teacher and dancer/actor CAMILO DAVID PACHECO RUALES 21 years old a teacher and actor

TATIANA ELIZABETH ARROBA CHIRIBOGA 35 years old a dancer, teacher and chaperon on this trip

From Nicaragua:

Karla Vanessa Acevedo Nuñez 37 teacher and dancer/actor.

Juan Carlos Barberena García 24 dancer/actor Oscar Francisco Valladares Hernández 18 actor

In the US some of the teachers and organizations are:

Kerry Skalsky Seattle, Actor, Director, Stunt Man Christian Swenson human jazz Rose Cano Actor/Director/Teacher affiliated with Langston Hughes Cultural Center George Lewis, Actor/Director/Teacher Freehold Studio Theater Sheila Daniels Actor/Director/Teacher CHAC and Cornish College Michael Rohd Sojourn Theater Portland J. Walters Hand2Mouth Theater Portland Rebecca Martinez Portland Actor/Director/Teacher Olga Sanchez Miracle Theater Portland Jorge Folgueira and Tony Duran FITLA Los Angeles Michael John Garcia Cornerstone Theater Los Angeles

Cultural events will include: Theater trips: Young Frankenstein (Seattle), Richard Foreman Mini Festival (Portland), Misanthrope(Portland), Taming of the Shrew(Ashland), Wicked(LA), and Cirque du Soleil(LA).

Other events include Native American Dance, Museum visits, Imax, Disneyland, city tours, backstage tours, viewing rehearsals and more.

Three times there will be ‘public sharings’. Brief evenings of cultural exchange in an open forum situation. Hopefully those interested in Latin American Theater, Latino Theater in America and others will attend. In Seattle the evening is being hosted by Cornish College of the Arts on Thursday August 16th at 6pm. Room 109.

Hal Ryder coordinated these tours.

Phase II is in count down mode

2007-07-21T12:24:00.000-07:00

After leaving Nicaragua, and knowing that Phase II was happening, I traveled on vacation to Aruba...then visited parents in Florida and California, coming back to Seattle the end of June with no real place to leave....Cornish had meetings that first week and the Department of State hadn't released the funds yet to us. Actually that took till the beginning of July. So we are scrambling like mad to get the program together. There are some wonderful things coming up. A great number of guest artists, master teachers, cultural events and more. Suzilah, Inc is prepared to commit to filming Phase II and is still working on raising funds for that. Some of the events planned are seeing two Broadway Musicals, Young Frankenstein in Seattle and Wicked in Los Angeles, Seeing Harry Potter in Imax 3-D, Disneyland, Tilicum village (a ferry ride to Blake Island, Salmon dinner, and a native American dance presentation. Master classes by many artists, visits to museums sight seeing tours, Taming of the Shrew in Ashland. I've been busy, booking teachers, venues, events, and hired John Wilson to help me and he's been organizing the schedule doing research and helping to organize translators and transportation. I fly down to Florida on the 8th of August, and everyone flys in on the 10th. We all fly to Seattle August 11th. Then Seattle August 11-17; Portland August 17-22; Ashland/Medford August 22-23; Los Angeles August 23-28 when everyone flies home. I'll fly back to Medford on the 29th and meet Dallon and we will take a couple days to drive home. Then School starts the day after Labor day. It's busy!! But good. Stay tuned for more.

June 1st, the end of Phase I

2007-06-02T09:28:00.000-07:00

Today is it. The show goes up this evening and tomorrow is off. Picked up at 7:30 as usual. My group is in the theater first. We had to wait for the tech crew, but then we started a run through, then the crew showed up, then they weren't ready. By 10:30 we had done the tech on the show except the gun shot which we would have to pick up later. Rebecca's crew into the theater and mine to the studio where we continued to work till noon. We now have a 3 hour break and are back at 3:30. We were late leaving as Ann was filming with Rebecca's group and they were having a good discussion. Back, showered, it is really humid today, and some business, lunch and then time to go back. 3:30-6:30 we had a dress rehearsal. The audience was late hora/Nica as they say. (Nicaraguan time) The audience was about 100 less than we though would show but we started around 7:20 and the show went well. Some tech flaws but all in all good. Questions from the Audience and then certificates. Some good byes, but not the picture taking that we had had with all the other groups. Ben and Jose took us out for Beer (I had lemonade) and chicken wings. Back to the hotel about 11 or so. It's over, we are done with all the work. We did it!!

Thursday May 31st the penultimate work day.

2007-06-02T09:22:00.000-07:00

Today Kerry is working tech in the theater as Rebecca and I struggle to get our shows in shape. It seems like the time has flown. We will have some time in the theater tomorrow, but this is the last regular workshop day. Gathered everyone at the end and made an announcement about tomorrow's schedule....It's pouring out, we could barely hear ourselves it's coming down so hard.
Home stopping to get cash to pay the translators tomorrow and a pineapple as a prop for my show.and communicating with the embassies and Washington about schedules and grants. Overstimulated, so I stayed up too late.

Wednesday May 30th

2007-06-02T09:12:00.000-07:00

Ambassador Paul A. Trivelli is stopping by the workshop today. Well Lizzet came early and told us there was a concern about Kerry's play, because it might be offensive. After a small flap, that all got settled. We will take him a Theater Amigo T-shirt (which by the way will be going on sale to support the documentary). He did come by at 11:30. Kerry has been working with the entire group in that half hour on stage combat. We ended when he arrived and I went to greet him and hope I said appropriate things. The best part was he asked the participants what they were learning and what they thought of it. It all went very well and reports are that he was very pleased. So that official duty is out of the way. Home, afternoon devoted to letter writing for the second part of the grant. I have heard from half of those we have asked back. Did an accounting. We need $4750 to finish with the bills from this part of the filming. Then I have to start raising funds for filming in the US, and for making a 5 minute sample of the film we have shot.

Lot's to do.... I got two new people to sign up for the student tour I'm leading to London in January.

Tuesday May 29th

2007-06-02T08:51:00.000-07:00

Kerry doing T'ai Chi with the group

Not much new in terms of the daily routine. Did I mention I have two translators. Jose and Joswe.
They trade off days. They are good. I'm going to hire Jose as an administrative assistant to help with the translations of letters back and forth for the second part of the grant.
That is what is taking much of my free time now. Back and forth with Washington about the phase II part. We are now setting that for everyone to arrive in Miami August 10th. I've begun writing letters to the participants we are inviting from Bolivia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. Saturday I will write the ones from here. Lot's to do. Calendars etc. In the afternoon, I ate ouside and read, Kerry was talking to someone by the pool. I swam and sat out. Sun was hidden but it was a pleasant day. Going to rain tonight.
Publicar entrada

Monday 28th of May

2007-06-02T08:41:00.000-07:00

Our last week begins. We all got in the van...we are now 5 with Ann and left for the Workshop. Ann scoped things out and it was a good day. I got a lot of rehearsing done. Afterward, we went back to the hotel for about 30 minutes and then Jose took us in his car and a cab to one of the active volcano's. We then drove to a restaurant by a lagoon and had a very long relaxing lunch, with Kerry paying the musicians to play sad songs (they didn't really have any) It was a wonderful time. We came home and had a quite early evening. Some pictures from the volcano, the lagoon and restaurant.

Sunday May 27 A day off

2007-06-02T08:31:00.000-07:00

It really was a day off. Kerry and I went to the Mall. We got a cab driver, that took us around to two malls looking for the right one to see Spiderman III at. So that it was in English and not dubbed. I was surprised that Kerry was interested as he's not really a comic book sort of guy. We end up at the Central Mall, a modern mall. We bought our tickets had tea. Not really very crowded. Saw the movie, ate too much popcorn. It was alright. When the movie was over, the mall was packed. We got a cab. As we slid into the back seat, I had this feeling we should clarify the price, but didn't say anything. We got to the hotel and the drive asked for $10. Now the cab we had before was less than 5 and we went to two malls and the driver came in to check that we were at the right movie. Kerry literally blew his top and jumped out, cursed in Spanish, threatened to call the police, started inside, came back yelled more. Meanwhile I'm sitting trying to figure out what to do. When Kerry stormed off, I looked after him, looked at the doorman that was sort melting, and then gave the cabbie $6 which I think at that point he was happy to get. Went upstairs, Kerry cooled down and we went swimming. Quite evening. Although I had though Ann arrived at 5, as it turned out it was 8. I went downstairs at 8:30 wondering where she was and the van had arrived and there was a big crowd in the Lobby. But she wasn't there. She called me about 10, there were too many people for the van and her luggage was last so she took a cab.

Saturday May 26

2007-06-02T07:57:00.000-07:00

A big day. We were picked up at 7:30 to go to Leon with Jose and Lizzet form the Embassy. Leon is a city that was built in the 1500's and is the oldest city in the New World. Our first stop was a cultural center. An old hotel or house that the Sandinistas had taken during the revolution. We got a tour and met some of the artists. A great print studio with home made papers and prints of every type lithographic, etchings, and almost anything you could print with. A mask maker, a painter. There was a celebration for mother's day ( a big deal here) which is on the 31st but weekend events centered around that. We then sat down with about 10 theater artists who had their own companies. The discussion turned to the problem of a lack of a defined Nicaraguan theater. Something Pepe had told us in Granada yesterday. And the hopes that this group had that now that a leftest government was back in power, there would be more money for the arts. But this government hasn't yet done anything really and they have had three ministers of culture in 6 months. So there were others who felt that this is a false hope. We then went to the big community theater. We climbed a ladder/stairway to an attic office and met the administrators two elderly women. They greeted us and then took us down to the theater where they gave us the history of this very grand European type theater, that had was in need of some repair but was in regular use with programs that used theater in the schools to teach Spanish and to create theater competitions. They send one man to all the schools and he teaches drama and then all the schools come together for a drama competition. We then toured the old Cathedral, climbing to the roof and looking out over the city. We then drove to the beach and sat in an open restaurant and had fish for lunch. It was very relaxing. Rebbecca and Dennis decided to spend the night. Kerry and I returned to the hotel. It rained in the evening.
Here some pictures from the trip.

Rebecca

Dennis and Kerry

Picture from the Cultural Center

The Cathederal

Jose and Lizzet

A Guardian

It's ME!!

On Top of the Church
From the Top look at an even older Cathederal

Friday May 25th

2007-05-29T05:07:00.000-07:00

Up at 5:30, breakfast, and off at 7:30. Kerry did some T'ai Chi. Then I had a 40 minute Shakespeare Class. Went well I thought. Rehearsal, blocking for the rest of the morning. Back to the hotel then off to Granada (about 45 minutes away) and to Casa de los 3 Moundos. Mete with Director Pepe Prego and some of the students from the workshop. Senior Prego gave us a lecture and video demonstration of the groups work. It last 2 hours and it was very hot! A quick tour around Granada and home. Kerry and I ate together. Checked mail. To bed.

Thursday May 24th

2007-05-29T04:54:00.000-07:00

I heard from Steve and Michele today that they were ready to fund the grant for phase II and needed a revised description and budget. Will have to do that this evening. Breakfast: I asked for tea with milk and they gave me a tea bag and hot milk, no water. I don't know if I mentioned breafast's both at the Tamanaco, Hotel Quito and here we have had fabulous buffets. Usually here I have rice and beans some meat, a piece of fried cheese, fried plantain, melon juice, melon, papaya and pineapple. Picked up at 7:30 for the workshop. Rebecca and Kerry took the first hour. Rehearsal for the rest of the time. It went well. Jose my interpreter got into it. After the workshop we went back to the Hotel for an hour then off to meet the Arts faculty for UAM. We saw a presentation of dance, music and drama. This is a business college that has a very active arts faculty and very talented kids who take art classes because the college feels it's important for business!! The faculty is very interesting. A Cuban guitarist, and A Spanish Music teacher and the drama teacher was coming to our workshops! The head of the arts area is a woman who is a real character, I can't recall her name right now but she had a sandwich and drink prepared for us in a cafeteria which was like Florida in the 60's. Went back to the hotel worked on a Small Shakespeare class for tomorrow (my first in Spanish) budgets and descriptions till 10. Then to bed.

News Flash

2007-05-25T06:14:00.000-07:00

Phase II has been funded! We will be brining 10 students and a chaperon back for workshops in Seattle, Portland and LA with hopefully a stop in Ashland. This will hopefully happen in July/August and we will be contacting people to help set up events, housing etc. This also means the documentary is extended. We still need about $6,000 to finish this phase. If you haven't invested, now would be a great time.
Thanks

Wednesday May 23

2007-05-25T06:10:00.000-07:00

Early Breakfast, Workshop. I began to work on Kerry's play with half the group. Kerry taking time out this time and the play I brought was voted out. Rebecca is working on an original piece. It went well. Will cast tomorrow. Back to the Hotel.Lunch a small rest. Then picked up to go to the only independent theater school and professional theater in Managua. Met with the Artistic Director in her office and then saw a play about domestic violence. Very well done. Many police were there and there was a discussion afterward, facilitated by a professional intervention specialist. Seemed like Open Door Theater to me. It was great. Home by 5. Dinner with Kerry in the room, ate too much and then to bed.

Tuesday May 22

2007-05-25T06:03:00.000-07:00

Up at 5:30 to face the day. Early buffet breakfast. Included. I had rice and beans and beef and some corn thing and bacon, fruit and melon juice and tea. Picked up at 7:30. Kerry did T'ai Chi. Rebecca did singing. I did theater games. We broke into three groups for an hour. Worked on various material. I worked scenes form Romeo and Juliet in Spanish. Got the whole group together and read all the material. Had a good passionate discussion with the group about the direction of the workshop, and then ended. Went back to the hotel. Swam in the afternoon. 15 laps met with Rebecca and Kerry about direction of the workshop ate with Kerry and crashed early.

Monday May 21

2007-05-25T05:58:00.000-07:00

We were picked up at 9:30 and taken to the location of our workshop. It is by the old house of representatives that was destroyed in the big earthquake and near a very large church, still standing but too dangerous too enter. The Cultural center was an old hotel. Now an arts center that people can cheaply take classes at. We meet with the head of the theater department and the head of the center in an air conditioned office. Did I say it was hot and very humid? Whew... We then got a little tour. Saw our classrooms all not air conditioned. Then met with the students. Many older students, and teachers. Kerry did 30 mintues of T'ai Chi, Rebecca did 30 minutes of Singing and I did 30 minutes of theater games. A short session. Back to the hotel where Kerry and I had lunch in his room and then each collapsed. Took it easy the rest of the day. Went to bed early as we are being picked up at 7:30 tomorrow.

Sunday May 20th to Managua!

2007-05-21T14:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Susan!! Up around 7am to finish packing, clean up, have breakfast, get ready, check out and go to the airport at 1pm. We got there at 1:30 for a 3:30 flight. Nice airport. We all had to pay $56 dollars each in excess baggage charges. We hadn't been charged this before so obviously it's a policy of COPA airlines. Then the airport tax of $39.90 each to leave. Then immigration and our plane was boarding. The flight was packed but there was a nice sandwich for lunch. We landed in Panama City and that was a breeze, lots and lots and lots of duty free shops. We boarded another packed flight for Managua. A bit of a rough landing and we were there. We had to pay $5 each to enter the country. Ben East the Cultural Attachee was there to meet us and take us to the Holiday Inn. Great internet access and nice rooms. We have arrived...We are being picked up at 9:20 am. Kerry and I had steak sandwhiches in his room and then being very tired went to bed.

Saturday May 19th

2007-05-21T14:39:00.001-07:00

Early day as we met with the actors from 9-12 for work. I let my group out about 15 minutes early. A big catered lunch at noon. Lot's of photos taken. I'll add some below. A final dress rehearsal at 2pm. Kerry got upset with his cast and I gave notes to mine. 5pm the Ambassador was there as was a full house of people, about 300. I gave the Ambassador and her husband t-shirts. The show went well, but ran perhaps a little long. Lots of good responses from friends and families of the cast. Rebeca and Dennis and I went out with Elisabeth from the Embassy to the Foundation Cultural Humanitarize and saw their show and ate a fabulous dinner. Kerry had other arrangements. I went home and began to pack. I had trouble checking us all in on line with COPA Air so I gave that part up. Checked again about the shuttle for the airport.....and went to bed around midnight.

Friday May 18th

2007-05-18T19:04:00.000-07:00

Second day of antibiotics. Better. Got up early and did a tour of old town. No one else came. A costumed character took me on a private tour of the cathedrals and buildings. Some pictures below. It was all in Spanish and I understood about 75%. I spoke in broken Spanish to the cab driver on the way back. Lunch and dealing with Wells Fargo till back to the last regular workshop. In the theater for Tech, Rebecca has taken on production and stage management. Went very well, I let my group go early and watched the last part of Kerrys rehearsal. Tomorrow is the performance. Watching Phatom of the Opera and will hit the hay early as we are at the theater from 9-6 tomorrow and fly out on Sunday. Web article published...check it out

Thursday May 17th

2007-05-18T18:58:00.000-07:00

Wells Fargo made an error in direct pay and have faxed me forms to get filled out. My laundry was over charged. I had to start on an antibiotic for tummy stuff. But feel better for it.
Internet problems, wrote to my friend Lynne for her birthday. Missed Peter L's and Bob S's...sorry guys. Kerry and I taught the 3rd y ears at Central Universidad again. Had a interesting class attempting to get into some transactional acting things. Kerry did Stage Combat...we both felt good about that Jorge said he'd love both of us to come back. Back to the hotel for an hour. Kerry and I both ate in my room. Back to the Universidad for the workshop which went well, though some people were really late. We got into the theater for the first time. Home, and I had dinner in my room and dealt with e-mail and business. Then to bed.

Wednesday May 16th

2007-05-18T10:46:00.001-07:00

Slept in, went for a swim did ten long laps and got a little sun. Checked things online. The automatic per diem checks haven't gone out..hmmm. Sent some laundry out. Had a salad and quiche for lunch. Tummy still a little funny. Had a good workshop. Rebecca, Kerry and a friend of his Suzannah, and me went to a dance of mixed modern and traditional Ecuadorian dance. Very professional. Very good. And had some traditional foods. Excellent! Back at the hotel, checked e-mail and this darn connection. Did I say how I had to move the chair and put the suitcase on it to get a connection and then it is very slow...argh!! Some pictures here.

Theater where we saw the Dance

View from my room

Kerry and me (looking too tubby)

Some of the students

more students

Tuesday May 15

2007-05-18T10:40:00.000-07:00

Kerry and I met in the Lobby to go to our class. I wasn't feeling great and it seemed like a long day ahead. So we canceled. He called and nobody was upset. We will make the Thursday morning one.
I went back to bed for a while then feeling a bit better, went to the pool. I finished Artemis Fowl and the Arctic something and took a quick dip. Bathing caps required but they provide them. It felt good to be in the water albeit briefly. Came back to the room and order some light lunch. Went to the workshop. Rebecca took the first hour, so I could relax a bit. Rehearsals went fine. Came back, did some e-mail and chatted online. Went to bed.

Monday May 14

2007-05-14T18:59:00.000-07:00

Slept in had breakfast in the restaurant. Came back did some work on the computer, read some and then went to lunch. The workshop this afternoon was upset by someone having a purse stolen which was found in tact in the men's bathroom. I got the play blocked. Tired, don't know why, really, a little homesick maybe. Early day tomorrow. Will read and sleep by 10pm.

Sunday May 14

2007-05-13T20:14:00.001-07:00

Mother’s day. Did nothing most of the day, read, ate, slept and worked on catching up some things on the computer and throwing some paper away. Talked to Mom briefly, who sounded happy to hear from me. Plan to go to bed around 11pm.

Saturday May 13

2007-05-13T20:13:00.000-07:00

Workshop from 9-12. Kerry is meeting a friend and expecting to spend the weekend away from the hotel. I got an hour’s massage for $15! Went to the Casino, won $6. Watch a dumb movie on tv.
To bed by midnight.

Friday May 12

2007-05-13T20:12:00.000-07:00

I had a chat with Ann about the documentary and we said goodby till Managua as she will out filming today. I went down to buy an internet card at the desk and they asked how the wireless signal was in my room. I told them it was very week. They said they could move me to a room in the ‘tower’ where the signal was stronger. I agreed. So I packed, and moved. Great new room with a wonderful balcony. But the only way I can get an internet signal is by moving the small armchair against the balcony sliding glass door, putting my little suitcase on the arm of the chair, and then I put my laptop on top of the suitcase so the laptop is over 5' in the air. Then I can usually get a signal. Workshop in the afternoon with a discussion toward the end about attendance and tardiness which is becoming an issue. The students suggested one absence.
Everyone was tired and we have a workshop tomorrow from 9-12 so we all went to bed early.

Thursday May 11

2007-05-13T20:11:00.001-07:00

Kerry and I have a master class with the 3rd year students this morning. Jorge’s students. The embassy car was ½ an hour late but we got there and I did an hour on text and improv and Kerry did an hour of stage combat. We came back to the hotel for an hour and then back to the University for the workshops. We had a discussion toward the end about the workshop and how it was going and what they perceived regarding the differences/similarities in our cultures. We have a similar discussion with each group that has been filmed. We returned to the hotel and Kerry and I had dinner in my room. Tomorrow is Ann’s last day here and I wrote her some checks.

Wednesday May 10

2007-05-13T20:10:00.000-07:00

A morning off! Catching up. Rebecca and Dennis have some tummy bug. Kerry was having a minor tummy problem. I rested but was too tired to swim. Workshop in the afternoon. We took a cab as the Deputy Secretary of State Negraponte was in town and all the embassy cars were in use. It went fine. I cast my piece and started blocking it. It went well. When we got back to the hotel, I went to the Casino for an hour.

Tuesday May 9

2007-05-12T14:50:00.001-07:00

Kerry and I had a master class with the 2nd year students in the theater training program. I played some games and did some improvs and Kerry taught stage combat. I think it went well. We returned to the hotel with one hour before we left for the afternoon. Kerry and I had lunch upstairs in the restaurant, a buffet of unbelievably wonderful foods for $14.50. We then took off for the afternoon workshops. One hour of class in three groups and then in two groups one with Kerry and one with me to work on the plays. Finished and went back to the hotel tired. I spent a few dollars at the casino.

Monday May 7

2007-05-12T14:49:00.000-07:00

A busy day. Elisabeth from the Embassy met with us for breakfast ( a fabulous buffet for $5) at the hotel restaurant. We then had a mini tour on the way to the University where our workshop would take place at the theater department. We met with the Department Chair Jeorge, who was leaving the position in the next few hours. We saw the spaces and the theater. All very acceptable. We then got a further tour of the city it’s interesting to note that the median age in Quito, a city of about 1.5 million is somewhere in the 20's. There are lots and lots of colleges and universities. It’s a big city and lots of pick pockets and robberies like any big city. We then were taken to Fundacion Cultural Humanizarte who is the actual host organization for our stay. We had a wonderful lunch there and by the time we were finished we had time to return to the hotel for half and hour and then go to the workshop. We have 37 students here, a combination of first year at the University theater program and community members. We had our opening talk and introductions, then Kerry ran a warm-up, Rebecca taught a song and I played theater games. We had a break half way through with catered hot food and fresh juices and drinks. We will have that every day. We had the students do some readings and improvs. We finished at 7:30 and went back to hotel. We were all very tired. Kerry and I shared dinner in his room. Less than half the price of the Tamanaco.

Sunday May 6

2007-05-12T14:48:00.000-07:00

Carlos stayed in bed as Kerry and I got ready. We said our goodbyes and headed downstairs where the embassy had a car for us. We got to the airport in less than an hour. I had taken enough money to pay for the airport tax for us. We got there before the Avianca Airlines had opened their counter, but there was a long line. We waited for over an hour. Then we found that the tax had been paid when the tickets were purchased. There was no legitimate place to change money at the airport to dollars. There is a federal law against it. So I figure I will try to sell the bolivars when I get back to Seattle. We ate some breakfast and then got on the plane. I had gone to Avianca’s office at the Tamanaco to get our seats assigned, but Rebecca and Dennis’s were changed. Kerry found that we had about a 10 minute stop over in Bogata.
The flight was nice. We landed in Bogota and only after landing found we had to get off the plane and change planes. I was concerned as we only had one boarding pass. We had to pass through two security checkpoints and found the gate for our second flight to Quito. We heard two stories. It was open seating and then as we boarded that we should keep our original seats. The flight was fine. We arrived at Quito. We easily went through immigration and then finally got all our baggage. A hotel shuttle was there waiting for us. We got there and check in was a breeze. The Hotel Quito is old but nice. The rooms really old. The bathrooms from the 60's with pink tile. I had a pretty small room. We all met for dinner in the restaurant. What a view, we all fell in love with Quito immediately. Went to bed early.

Saturday May 5

2007-05-12T14:47:00.000-07:00

At breakfast, a pretty female friend of Carlos joined Kerry and me. She didn’t stop talking and didn’t look a me the entire time. I went back to the room and started to pack as we have to leave the hotel at 8am tomorrow. Kerry came up and joined me in packing his stuff. Carlos and his friend came up when I was in the shower and stay for a short time and told Kerry they would meet us at the show. We left the hotel at 11:30 to rehearse. We arrived just before noon and of course no one was there. The students dribbled in over then next two hours. At three forty people started wandering in. The embassy hadn’t done any publicity. We heard two stories. One they had a security concern that there would be protests. Two that Gabriella just hadn’t gotten to it. We had a bunch of extra t-shirts which I began to give away. The show was announced for four, we started at 4:20. I led the group in some theater games and improv’s including the audience and then a movement piece to a poem by Rebecca; and Kerry’s play. The reaction was very positive. There were promises to carry on the work, and parents moved to tears. Everyone thought the process and the product were very beneficial. We felt good. Gabriella wanted to have dinner with us all. So we went back to the hotel. Carlos and his friend and Kerry took a cab and rest of us rode with Gabriella to a local restaurant where we all ate too much. Afterwards we returned to the hotel and I finished packing, almost. Carlos went to sleep right away, Kerry next and me around midnight.

Friday May 4th

2007-05-10T08:16:00.000-07:00

Went swimming in the morning. Kerry's friend Carlos called this morning and is flying in from Bogata this evening. Kerry had a third bed put in the room, and Carlos will be here about when we get back this night. A pretty good workshop today. Gabriella showed up and provided rides home but Kerry went with Ann and Dennis and one of the students we were interviewing. Rebecca and I went back to the hotel. Carlos arrived about 15 minutes later. He and I had dinner and waited for Kerry who came back about 2.5 hours later. Kerry and Carlos went out for a drink. I went to bed. Very Tired.

Thursday May 3

2007-05-10T08:12:00.000-07:00

Not much new, a relaxing morning and workshop in the afternoon. I went over some improv stuff but most of the time went to Kerry and Rebecca. Tomorrow is the final regular workshop. Afterwards, Kerry, Rebecca and Dennis went with some of the Students out dancing till 2am. I didn't go. Just too much for me...Getting old I guess.

Wednesday May 2nd

2007-05-02T19:38:00.000-07:00

Gee time is moving fast. Kerry has gone out to do a stage combat workshop. Rebecca has gone to do a dance workshop. I'm finishing budgets, Cornish evaluations, chatting on the internet, and spending some self-care time. Kerry came back and we had lunch and then it was time to leave for the workshop. The driver from the embassy had a lot to say about the harm Chavez was doing. It turned out he didn't know where he was taking us. We arrived about 11 minutes late. I introduced Ann and the fact that we would be inviting two people to the US. Kerry Rehearsed, Rebecca rehearsed, I coached an acting scene took pictures, and opened a conversation for the documentary at the end. The car wasn't there to pick us up. We waited and finally Kerry went to a pay phone and called Gabriella, who said she would call and see what's going on. We waited, called again, Gabriella said she would call two cabs and to let her know if they didn't show up. We can't take a cab off the street as there is the danger of being kidnapped and or robbed. The cab didn't come. Gabriella and a friend showed up within 5 minutes of the third call. They drove to a safe place and got cabs for us. Kerry and I had dinner (French onion soup and Salad) in the room.
Chatting on the internet, watching tv, reading....and resting.

Tuesday May Day

2007-05-02T19:22:00.000-07:00

Called Ann to let her know she got breakfast and met her and Rebecca and Dennis on the terrace of the restaurant. Ann was pooped from her long journey and we went over a few things and then all went back to our rooms. I turned a copy of grades into Cornish, and started my evaluations. I did some other business stuff and then the rest of the day was pretty easy. Ann and I met by the pool in the afternoon, and Ann wanted to film Kerry and Rebecca. They got set up and were about to start when the hotel shut them down saying they didn't have permission to film here. A drag.
We all had dinner together and Kerry told stories of bears and cannibals sort of non-stop. We went up to bed and I stayed up late talking to Dallon and doing a budget.

Monday April 30th.

2007-05-02T19:07:00.000-07:00

After a morning of talking to Gabriela about putting Ann up at a hotel at the airport and finally deciding to send a car for her, I contacted Ann at the Atlanta Airport where she is in the ladies room. I call back in five minutes and tell her to connect with the car and that the front desk will direct her to the room Kerry has been using and he is going to share with me for the week. There is a law here that everyone in a hotel no matter when they check out, must close out their account on the last day of the month. So I went down in the afternoon to that and clarify that everyone got breakfast with their room. Also, they have had Kerry and I mixed up with our room numbers since we checked in. But I didn't have time to complete things before the car came for the workshop. We go to the workshop and are missing about half the kids. Well tomorrow, is May Day and a national holiday, so it's not totally unexpected. Kerry is trying to get the show up, Rebecca is working on a poem, and I'm teaching acting. Some pictures are included here. I was locked out of my room, where my credit card was cause I didn't yet close out my account, so I had to get the key reprogrammed. Then came back and it took about 45 minutes for them to get everything cleared away. Even Ann's room. I was up late doing paper work, Kerry went to bed early.

Sunday April 29th

2007-05-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

It was a lazy day, I got some of my Cornish work done, and worked with Gabriela to work out how to get Ann from the Airport. She arrives very late on Monday night. And the roads are dangerous at that time. I work on the grant for the new part of the program. And don't do much. Everybody is glad to have a down day, we spend it at the hotel and just relax. I swam 15 laps in the pool

Saturday April 28

2007-04-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

Slept late, swam ten laps at the pool sat in the sun and had a fresh pineapple juice. Dennis filmed me talking about things for the documentary and we had lunch together. I took a nap, and then Kerry, Rebecca, Dennis and Gabrila and I went to see a play, that one of our students is interning in. It was not a bad play but the production was average, a couple of good performances about a nun who hides someone from the police, when the man is caught in her room, she is taken to jail and then has to choose between death and a life of shame.

We came back Kerry and I watched tv and ate in the room. Tomorrow we have off.

Friday the 27th of April.

2007-04-27T20:29:00.000-07:00

Went swimming and lay in the sun a little this morning. Answered e-mail and then went with Kerry to a mall near by to buy some swim goggles as I had left mine at the Marriott and we ate a very nice and not too expensive lunch in this mall. Picked up water and snacks at a mini market and back to the hotel right at 2pm. The van was waiting today and we told him we needed 15 minutes. He didn't seem to mind and soon the four of us were off to the workshop where we arrived 25 minutes early. One of the boys is in a play and we all gave him money to buy us tickets to see him tomorrow. Rebecca is getting some beautiful sounds from this group. They brought in observed characters for me and Kerry continued to block his show. We came home I checked e-mail and...we got another note from Pilar, her plans to start a drama program have met some enthusiastic supporters. We are happy to hear that....and....Steve wrote that phase II of the grant has been funded. EARS, Inc. will bring two actors from each country back to the US for 2-3 weeks.
Need international theater workshops? Know who to call :) We had a great dinner at the Cabana restaurant by the pool. More fireworks tonight. Kerry came back to my room to check e-mail. Talked to Dallon on Skype and am now doing laundry in the sink as there are no washers and dryers at this hotel as advertised on their website. It's $4.50 per pair of underwear if I use the valet service.....hope everything drys.

Thursday April 26th

2007-04-27T09:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Ma!! (85!!) We moved from the Marriott to the Tamanaco
Nicer pool but checking in was weird. We thought the Embassy had told them we would be there early. The line to check in took over 1/2 an hour. And then they only had two of the three rooms but said that the third would be ready when we came back in the evening after the workshop.
We settled in and ate a rather expensive lunch by the pool. Then off to the workshop...well not exactly we were supposed to be picked up at 2pm. The van came at 2:50. We were 7 minutes late for the workshop. Rebecca sang, I taught acting, and below is Kerry rehearsing.

When we arrived back at the hotel. They didn't have another room ready. They found one finally. The safe in my room doesn't work. They can't fix it. Kerry and I ordered dinner in the room and then went to bed.

Wednesday Caracas April 25

2007-04-27T09:07:00.000-07:00

We went to Fundación Bigott (this is a cultural institution dedicated to the preservation of folklore and oral tradition, they have dance and music lessons) Casco Histórico de Petare With Gabriela from the Embassy. A very long drive, Dennis got some grafitti on film.

Dennis, Gabriela, Rebecca (still need some help with the film)

From the roof
We were suppose to give a talk to teachers but only young students were there. Rebecca was kind enough to play some theater games. We left directly for the workshop, we got there a bit late. We had some additional students. Kerry will cast the play by tomorrow.

Tuesday in Caracas

2007-04-27T08:48:00.000-07:00

Tuesday Morning Gabriela picked me up for a master class in improvisation. Kerry was kind enough to accompany me. We went to a large performing arts center. That makes it sound easy. The traffic in Caracas is horrible and we drove a long way through areas that aren't too friendly to Americans. We didn't take an embassy vehicle as they would be targets. Apparently from what we are hearing, with gas prices around $.03 a gallon, Chavez gave money away about year ago so everyone could own a car. They seem to. It makes a terrible traffic situation. We met with Miguel a scene designer and choreographer and dance teacher at a big performaning arts center. We had tea/coffee with him and then Kerry and I drove with him to a college where we were led into a theater and students were waiting for us on stage.

These students were more advanced and we did theater games and improvs for two hours and then Miguel brought us back to the Marriot. The drive back took about 1.5 hours.

At 2:30 we were picked up for the regular workshop which is now switched from 4-8 to 3-7 because of a misunderstanding with the school. Some of the kids were late because they got confused but we had some new ones. Rebecca led us off with some singing. Kerry did a warm up and I did some acting games, we then read plays and had a discussion. It looks like we will do more acting grounding and one play here.

Monday Day one in Caracas

2007-04-26T06:26:00.000-07:00

Got this e-mail from Pilar:

Dear Hal:

It's my turn to thank you, Kerry and Steve for your time, friendship, dedication and good willing by listening about my goals and coaching me in my theater project. In twenty years you were the first interested people to understand what I desire to leave to my countrymen.

Thank you again for everything and congratulations for your beautiful work with those kids in El Alto. It was a new vision, fresh, cheerful and beautiful. We enjoyed it very much and my students are already 'loving' you.

Hopefully I will have the proposal for Denise and Valerie ready by tomorrow.

With my best personal regards and wishing you all the best in Venezuela.

Pilar.

Which was nice. Kerry and I were picked up at about 10am by and embassy car and driven past the Russian Embassy, up a hill past other Embassies, to a sprawling fortress on top of hill. The American Embassy. There was a large crowd of people waiting to get in. We drove through the security gate. Not unlike Pakistan. The car was searched for explosives underneath and in the hood before being allowed to proceed. We walked up to the main entrance and asked for Gabriella, and traded our passports for badges. Gabriella took us to the cashier. We both had small traveler's checks and the cashier was not so happy because he had to process each check individually. After Kerry he gave me my money and said he would process them later.
We returned to the hotel for a little rest and lunch and then Gabriella picked us up at 3 for a 4-8pm workshop. Apparently about 12 people were not going to make it till tomorrow. I traveled in Gabriella's car and everyone else was in a car provided by the embassy. A We arrived at a school auditorium with an open platform stage with a polish wood floor. There were 4 participants there and we waited a short while and soon we had 17 or 18. We began and had a good introduction meeting, the embassy providing snacks at the break and hoped that all 12 would not show up. Afterwards we went to dinner at a local place Gabriella had recommended. It was good and pretty cheap. We talked about doing one piece rather than two and doing more acting classes. Off to our rooms around 11pm.

On to Caracas

2007-04-26T06:04:00.000-07:00

Sunday the 22nd. I went down at 6am to pay the bill. We brought our luggage down and took two cabs to the airport. We had to wait in line for sometime and the only bag over weight was my big one. They let it go. We then paid the airport tax and noticed that Boris who had shot quite a bit of film for us, had not yet turned up as promised. We cleared security and waited a bit for our plane. We flew TACA airlines they were using airbus planes. The first flight the seats were big and it was a short 1 hour 40 minutes to Lima with a nice snack. We landed at Lima, took a bus to the terminal, had to clear security again, while a monitor blinked that our connecting flight was having it's last call. We made it on to the connecting flight, smaller seats and really packed but a pleasant trip with a meal. We landed in Caracas and followed the crowd to immigration where we stood in line for half and hour or so and finally moved to a shorter line. Very little signage so it was difficult to tell if we were where we needed to be. We cleared very quickly and then had to wait for baggage. I picked up two carts for our luggage. And went to the bank tried my card in the ATM for local currency it didn't work, changed a $50 for local currency at $1=2,500 bolivars. As we walked out of baggage we saw a sign with our names on it and followed the driver to his van. We had been told it could be 2-3 hours to get to the hotel because a bridge had collapsed a year ago and not been fixed yet. The airport is at Sea Level and Caracas is at about 2,000 feet. We made very good time and were at the Marriott in an hour. After we got checked in Gabriela called, she was in the Lobby. It turned out the hotel would not/could not cash traveler's checks. Also there had been some information about rates and things, so we are here only till Thursday when we move to the Tamanco. Kerry and I said we would like to cash traveler's checks and Gabriela said she would arrange to have us do that tomorrow at the embassy. Rebecca, Dennis, Kerry and I went to a pretty pricey Italian Restaurant for dinner. It was cheaper than the hotel restaurants which were unbelievably expensive. A candy bar from the room at the hotel is $5. We turned in around midnight.

Saturday Final Day in Bolivia

2007-04-26T05:56:00.000-07:00

I was up early getting cash for the day and gathering things I needed. We took the t-shirts (you can pre order one by writing me (s-m-l-xl) and color), and arrived at the the Theater around noon. Dennis set up and I interviewed Steve for the Documentary. Kerry worked with the light and sound people. Rebecca had gone with the bus to get the actors. They arrived and we handed out and labeled T-shirts. We then did a work through of my piece and prior to running it, they were all hungery. Rebecca and Dennis went to get the food. We broke for lunch and sat on the roof deck of the building, all marble and ate. A hot day. After lunch Kerry rehearsed his pieces. We ended about 6:15 and the actors from Teatro Trono when outside and put on the most fabulous drum show bring in and welcoming audience. We had almost a full house. Kerry and Rebbecca and I decked out in our T-shirts spoke to the audience and shared some of our process. The shows began and went well. Valerie from the State Department Thanked everyone and the reaction was positive. The actors went outside on the street and did another drum show, then the bus came and it was time for goodbyes. We all went home happy and tired. We have to leave for the airport at 6:30am.

Friday 20th

2007-04-26T05:52:00.000-07:00

At noon Kerry and I went to the Theater at the Palace of Communications to pay them and meet with the technical people. It really is a lecture hall that seats 300 people and has off and on tech capability. But it will do just fine. We walked the stage and set some light cues. Then back to the hotel for about an hour and up to El Alto for our last rehearsal there. Still kinda of rough and lot's of people missing. We have arranged for a bus to pick the kids up and to feed them during the day tomorrow. The drive down in the Embassy car was beautiful and we all wondered what tomorrow would be like. Would we have an audience? Would the actors show? It was an adventure.

Thursday 19th

2007-04-26T05:48:00.000-07:00

Quite morning. Steve was off to view Lake Titicaca. Rehearsal was hard work and it didn't seem to come together too well. Steve had Kerry, Myself and Pilar over for dinner after, we talked or rather she did about her plans for a drama school. Kerry may return to work in La Paz if funding can be found.

Wednesday April 18

2007-04-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

Breakfast with Rebecca and Dennis. I was feeling pretty good. Lot's of schedule stuff and organizing for Saturday's presentation. Lunch with Kerry. We meet with Rebecca at 3pm. She and Dennis had been shopping and filming and bought some coca leaves for tea. They couldn't fill that as no one would let them. Kerry and I and Dennis had some coca tea later in the afternoon. We went to El Alto and Rebecca and Kerry worked first and I ran through my piece twice....it's getting better.
Steve Lebans from the State Department, old friend of Kerry's and the guy who got this grant and my one to Pakistan, had arrived. We all met with him at my place, stayed up talking to late. I had lemon chicken from the restaurant, but probably shouldn't have eaten so much. Bed at about 1pm.

Tuesday April 17th

2007-04-19T07:49:00.000-07:00

I had breakfast with Rebecca and Dennis. Did some business, had lunch with Kerry. At 2pm I headed down to the embassy, about a four block walk. We had and appointment with Valerie O'Brian and then to meet Ambassador Goldberg. I walked down first because I was feeling a little weak and felt I needed to walk pretty slowly. We cleared security and waited till we were shown to the second floor where we were escorted to a conference room. Valerie came in and we chatted about the program and also about cultural envoy grants as a possibility for Kerry to come back and teach and direct at the bi national center. At 3 we went to meet the Ambassador who sat and chatted with us for about 20 minutes. Mainly talking about the political situation and asking how the project was going. He was very pleasant, although his 'elitist' point of view pissed Rebecca off.
We then did a radio interview in the sound studio at the embassy with Kerry and Rebecca translating for me. We said our good byes and headed off to the workshop. Rebecca did a lot of song and movement work and Kerry did a little staging on his show and I had a 'stagger through' of my show, which was a bit rough.
Then back to the hotel with Ivan, Corel and Paublo. We went to my room and all seven of us had dinner there, we ordered up...It was about 450 bolivianos including a tip which is around $70.
We talked about politics, theater and I showed Ivan paypal as a fund raising strategy for Teatro Trono. Ivan is off to Santa Cruz, Bolivia to a theater festival so we won't see him again.

I had soup and then a little of the left over food. I left the maid 50 bolivianos for cleaning cause there was a lot to deal with. It was late I went to bed.

Monday April 16

2007-04-19T07:44:00.000-07:00

Schedules from Caracas and Quito appeared. After breakfast downstairs I spent most of the morning dealing with e-mail and business. Kerry and I had lunch and we had a meeting with Rebecca around 3. At the workshop, Maiah a girl who we had interviewed on film the day before, and who says she was committed to acting, was absent as she left town for 3 days as she felt she didn't have a big role. She has a larger role in Kerry's piece. I finished blocking my show and it was pretty ragged. Kerry and I had dinner at the hotel after.

Sunday Lake Titicaca

2007-04-15T19:10:00.000-07:00

We left at 7am and returned at 7pm. We had to pay in American Dollars for the tour, but it was a private one so a mini van and driver, Kerry and I and a tour guide named Abraham. The tour was pretty much in English. We drove up to El Alto and then way beyond that through country that is very barren, but there are farms growing barley, and corn and potatoes. Sheep, pigs stray dogs, cows, natives in they're traditional dress. We passed some newer and more expensive homes but the vast majority were not. After about 2.5 hours we came to a little town on the lake and the van took one Ferry and we took another rather packed ferry. On the other side we had tea and meat pies while we waited for the van. We proceeded another hour along winding roads to Copacabana on the edge of the lake. There we left the boat and took a boat meant for lots of people, but it was only the three of us. It was about 55 minutes over to the Isle of the Sun in the middle of the lake. We went a shore and trekked up a trail to Ruins and past farms up to the top of the isle and across and then down into a village, not on the other side of the isle but around the bend from where we had been left off. Abraham was full of tales of both the myths and the current situation on the lake and the isle. We stopped often and it was a very hard hike for me, as I ran out of breath several times and my knee was bothering me. But it was beautiful and we enjoyed it. Then about 1.5 hours back to Copacabana. I dozed on the boat. Kerry sat upstairs in the sun. We were late for the scheduled place we were to have lunch so we went to another and Kerry and Abraham had trout I had carne asada. We had traditional soup and I had coca tea with fresh leaves, which perked me up right away. Then around the church of the black madona who isn't really black but brown and is greeted by many gladioli and candles.
Back to the van and 2.5 hours back to the hotel. We tipped Abraham 250 bolivianos which was thought was a good amount and the driver 100. We felt guilty cause we didn't know if it was enough. Both very tired.

Saturday

2007-04-15T18:48:00.000-07:00

I had a good nights sleep and felt pretty good all day. I did laundry at the hotel in the machines, two loads cost $10 with soap and to wash and dry. I caught up some e-mail. I met with Kerry and decided to go to Lake Titicaca on Sunday. I had to pay $100 for the trip which as it turned bout was a very fair price. So first I had to cash traveler's checks change them to bolivianos. Then change the bolivanos to dollars. I had the bolivianos then and the front desk didn't have enough dollars so they sent someone to the bank to change it. I tipped him, but it was sort of the normal direct-indirect way of doing things. Had some lunch with Kerry at his apartment. Met with Rebecca and Kerry and we took off early to Teatro Trono as Coral had promised to show us the roof top. We got there and there was a break dancing contest going on in the theater and lots of street types some sort of rough looking were there. It was packed we went up to the roof. Here are some pics.

Coral

Dennis, Rebecca, Kerry, Coral

Afterwards we met with the actors, this was Ann's last day with the group and she asked them some questions and got that on film. Rebecca worked on a song, Kerry finished blocking his piece and Rebecca worked with my show in creating some physical movement with the actors.
In the cab on the way home we had to stop half way down the mountain as the cab driver poured buckets of water on his tires as his brakes were over heating....not a great comfort.

Kerry and I shared dinner and watched part of a movie. I got Skype going on my computer so I can talk to people over the internet.

Some Pictures

2007-04-15T18:34:00.000-07:00

Rebecca Leading a Song
Kerry with the actors at Teatro Trono

A quick plug for funds

2007-04-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

We are filming and need help in order to continue!
We are asking our friends and associates to help us by making any size contribution at Suzilah Help us complete this great effort.
Thanks

Friday-getting kinda busy

2007-04-14T10:50:00.000-07:00

At 9:50 I was met by Macelo who escorted me about three blocks to the Binational center to teach a class. They were interested in learning how to find the insides of character so we did exercises, talk and improvs for two hours. Pilar who is in charge wants to start a drama school so we will have lunch next Monday.

I came back ate some lite lunch and lay down but didn't sleep. Had a small headache and that continued for the rest of the day. We went up and did our work with the actors...it was raining when we left and half way up the mountain the cab couldn't go engage so Kerry, Dennis and I walked a ways. Then I got back in and Kerry and Dennis walked a ways. Dennis was feeling very poorly. Ann and Dennis left early, Chris stayed behind to catch up on business and sleep. After the workshop, Kerry and Rebecca and I went up to Ivan Nogales' apartment and had tea with him and Coral and a friend of theirs. I understood much of the Spanish but couldn't speak very much, in fact in rehearsal I started speaking French without realizing it. So a long way to go there still. We took a cab back with the friend but only got part way back and dropped off. We walked the rest of the way. Some papers fell out of my binder, like my script and so I have to get a new copy made for Saturday. Felt much better when we got back, Kerry and I watched a movie and had home made Spaghetti with doctored sauce from the store and ground ox meat. It was...interesting...got to bed about 2am.

Thursday-not that much new

2007-04-14T10:45:00.000-07:00

Thursday we finally met Valerie from the Embassy who met us at the hotel and took us to the Theater where will give our final presentation. She also served to facilitate the contract for the rental. In the afternoon, I caught up on business and that evening we proceeded with rehearsing. After our time with the students Ivan Nogales worked with the students so we could see the kind of work they do. We filmed it too. We got home late and Kerry and I had picked up some fried chicken. He had thought he had ordered a side of fries that came with rice, but it turned out each piece had it's own rice and fries. It was too much food. We watched a bit of Crouching Tiger (I think that's the name) and I got sleepy and Kerry went to his place.

Wednesday Evening.

2007-04-13T11:30:00.001-07:00

Wednesday evening, Kerry and Rebecca went Los Altos to work at Teatro Trono. I wrote a speech and waited from 6:50 to 7:20 for my ride to the place where the Embassy was giving it's presentation. I had understood that I would be picked up at ten minutes before 7, that the presentation was scheduled to begin at 7 but was on Bolivia time and would actually begin at 7:30. Well at 7:20 I told the front desk my dilemma and they said they hadn't heard anything about it. I went to my room tried to call the embassy, but there was only a message. Then I tried to look up on the internet where exactly the place was this event was being held. The phone rang and they called to ask where I was and the front desk told them I had been expecting them to pick me up. In the end I took a cab, which they told I was told the Embassy would pay for but I ended up paying. I arrived and they had a translator for me and I spoke about the state of the American Theater and about the project we were currently working on. Ivan Nogales spoke after me and the event went well. Two people came up and asked for more information and one if I would come Friday to do a workshop for their students and would like to talk with me about setting up a Drama School here. Ann and Chris were at the event filming it. We met up with Kerry and Rebecca and Dennis who had arrived that morning (he is our second camera person and here for the whole trip also Rebecca's husband)at the restaurant at the hotel.

Workshops, Theaters, Groceries

2007-04-11T13:00:00.000-07:00

Last night, the first night of the workshop went very well. We ended up with a group of 22. They have been working together for sometime. They were eager to work and we taped the whole session. We came back and all at at the hotel, all pretty wiped out. This morning at 9:30 Kerry and Rebecca and I, joined by Dennis met at breakfast for a planning for tonights workshop, which I will not be at as I'm speaking for the Embassy on a panel with Ivan Nogales on the the state of American theater....I will write that speech soon. Then I dealt with some business things and then Kerry return from the super marcado...the supermarket and he was kind enough to take me. I bought bannas and apples and grapes and lettece and water, carrots, and green beans and some things to aide a spaghetti dinner that Kerry and I will make together tomorrow. I even bought some ground ox meat...yikes!

The American Embassy didn't book a theater for us to perform in. So we are looking at a theater that costs $250. We will go look there. The other option is Teatro Trono which is very small and the audience is all above the stage. I would like the students to have the opportunity at the larger theater.

Lots of organization via e-mail happening concerning our stay in Carcas. That will be a very different experience as the actors will come from different places.

Well I better attend to my speech.

First Few Days in Bolivia

2007-04-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

The flight was fine, and I watched Dreamgirls and the new Bond film. We arrivws about 7:45pm. At the Airport an Embassy official took our passports and luggage tags to take care of all that for us. We were met by Sylvia from the Embassy and Ivan Nogales and his wife. Ann and Chris were filming our arrival. I struggled through with my limited greatings in Spanish and Rebecca, Kerry and Ann help translate. We dropped Ivan and his wife off at Teatro Trono and proceed 1000 feet down the mountain to La Paz. We checked in and got beautiful rooms. Each room has a small kitchenette. Living room//dining area and bedroom.
There is TV which I haven't yet watched, a free buffet breakfast and maid service. We all slept well that night. In the morning I slept in and spent time in my room. at 11am we met with Ivan Nogales and Coral from Theatro Trono. Rebecca was kind enough to translate. We talked about the program, ourselves, our politics, Ann and Chris filmed the meeting although not much will probably used. We gave them copies of the scripts. And are to begin the workshops Tuesday night. Chris, Ann, Kerry and Rebecca and myself then went in search of lunch and a photocopy place as the Embassy was unable to make copies for us. We found a nice little place and three of us had the lunch special which was 15 bolivianos or about $2.25. It included soup and salad bar, lemonade, main course I had chicken and rice, and desert (jello). It was filling. We found a copy store and waited while the guy there collated by hand even though we saw he had machines which could do that. Ann was coming back later and we had one more script to copy so I would give it to her. We proceed back to our rooms, where I checked e-mail (did I mention dsl in the rooms) and did some catch up on reciepts. I then lay down for 1/2 hour. Ann brought the scripts to me and then we all piled into a cab and for 35 bolivianos ($5) drove to Teatro Trono. Chris and Ann were going to meet with the kids to get some documentary ideas, Rebecca, Kerry and myself were going to look at the work spaces and theatre. An impressive facility with classes going on and including a variety of performing arts. They had recreated a mine in the basement where they were doing a kids show about the mining industry. Ann and Chris will tape that the next morning. Rebecca, Kerry and I grabed a cab home and had dinner at the hotel. I had beef and egg on rice and potato with salad and flan for dessert for 37 bolivianos. Chris and Ann came in as we were finishing. I was very tired and headed for bed.

This morning Tuesday I slept till 9, went for the buffet breakfast had pinapple juice fruit and scrambled eggs, returned to my room and here I am. Will work on preparing for tonight, our first workshop with the group at Teatro Trono.
if you are interested in how I'm dealing with health issues, check out my other blog at BeingPositive

And TAKE OFF!

2007-04-08T05:51:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your good wishes. The past couple of weeks have been very difficult, moving out of the Burien House and getting things in storage. Too much in there. And Dallon getting settled up on the land. Whew. That was tiring. We stay at the at the Hilton near the airport Friday night and I left at 5am to catch a 7am plane to Miami. Kerry and Rebecca and I met up at the gate. The flight to Dallas I dozed off and on. And I got upgraded from there to Miami. We got a taxi van to the Doubletree in Coconut Grove. I got to my room and all of a sudden there was noise and I thought oh no..it's going to be hell. But no, I looked out the window and there was a wedding by the pool. We walked around the area and found the C.G. Playhouse which had announced it's 50th season with a host of stars but had been shut down. We were all pretty upset by that. We ate at nice restaurant I only had soup and salad, which was plenty. When we came back to the hotel, Kerry helped me try to reduce the poundage of my suitcase as it's only allowed to be 50 pounds and it weighed in at Seattle with 56 pounds. So hopefully we have take care of that. I spoke to Dallon, my sisters, father, mother. Checked my e-mail and hit the sack. When I woke up with the radio alarm this morning. It took me 15 minutes to hear it. Took my supplements and altitude drugs. Will stretch and shower get packed and then it will be almost time to go back to the airport to check in for the flight to Boliva. It is a 6.5 hour flight from Miami and we will land at 13,000 feet and be met by Embassy personel and the film crew. Well, hope that bring everyone up to date. Could still use funds for the documentary. So friends, check out Suzilah.com and give a buck or two...if you feel like it. More from south of the equator soon.

Less than a week now

2007-04-03T17:56:00.000-07:00

Saturday we moved 80% of everything out of the house with the help of Noah, Aaron, Constantin, and Joe from Cornish College of the Arts. The day was slowed by me, who put unleaded gas into a diesel engine and almost blew up Constantin. It just took time and too much money to solve the problem. Sunday was a bit of a collapse as I woke with a strained back and spent the day hobbling around till Dallon gave me a massage late Sunday evening. He managed to shove a few more things into storage which is full to over flowing as his place is. I’m spending the time running last minute errands, visiting with friends sick and well, packing and trying to stay on top of business. Last night I spent over an hour with my friend Bruce who is in the hospital, we laughed a lot. Everyone send him healing energy please. The T-shirts are in and I’ll pick them up tomorrow, I have to mail pencils and have a meeting, then there is a farewell party to help raise funds for Theater Amigo the documentary, which we are still trying to do at Suzilah.com.

Piles of work here still.

Dallon and I will spend Thursday Night at his place in Port Susan. Friday we will pick up Kerry and head to our respective Hotel's near SeaTac...
The time is drawing close....:)

Moving Forward

2007-03-29T22:52:00.000-07:00

Today I left the house early to have acupuncture and I picked up a set of Chinese herbal remedies for the trip. I also set up to have supplements sent to Caracas and Nicaragua for me. I then went to a faculty meeting met with a student of mine and my bosses from about 25 years ago, prepared materials for a student tour to London January 3rd of 08, met with Chris DeBoer re the documentary, met with my friend Lynne F. I then came home and Sindi, the fund raiser for the documentary had sent me many missives to answer. Grabbed a bit to eat. Ran to the bank, and have been back at the computer since.

Got an e-mail from the State Department they are changing payment systems or something and will I need to draw funds and I should do so before they shut the system down for a few weeks.

Sindi is planing a bon voyage, fund raising party to see if we can get some further investment. Teri T suggested we change the investment structure of the film.

I'm working on grades and final evaluations for my class at Cornish. I'm going tomorrow to see a rehearsal of independent study scenes. I need to fax a number of documents and then get prepared for Saturday when we are having 4 men help us move.

Dallon took things to storage and up to the campground today and will return this evening. Our renter will be moving a lot of stuff tomorrow.

My todo list gets longer rather than shorter but I will try to make an entry everyday. Now as we approach departure. Ann and Chris leave on the 6th so they can be in La Paz to film us getting off the plane....at 13,000 feet...okay watch me pass out!! yikes.
more soon.

Our first small snafu

2007-03-28T02:44:00.000-07:00

I'm sure this is not the last. It's due to my lack of accuracy in planning. We are double booked for the evening of April 11th. We are scheduled to start our first workshop, which is well planned to be the 3 of us working together. However the Embassy has an event going on and I offered our services to be on a panel to discuss American Theater. The workshop is meant to go from 5-9pm and the panel begins at 7pm.

Well we have some sorting out to do...and we haven't even left the area!! The translations of the plays and other documents came in this evening. And Suzilah received it's first on line support for the documentary.

Onward and...onward...

Getting Ready

2007-03-27T15:16:00.000-07:00

It's getting hectic now. Managing the grant, producing the documentary, finishing at Cornish, packing, moving, and a few other smaller things. It's a lot. We are still raising money for the documentary anything helps. Take a look at SUZILAH We have a great team:
Ann Kaneko Director of Photography/Editorher website
Chris DeBoer our Producer
Dennis Mosely second unit

And on the trip:
Myself my resume (a bit dated)
Rebecca Martinez
Kerry Skalsky

The house is in chaos. We have movers coming on Saturday to help get things either to storage or to Port Susan where Dallon is staying. I have got a suitcase, new shoes and clothes, new glasses, a haircut. I'm working madly to sort out what papers I need to take. We have T-shirts that are great that we will be giving the students we work with. I have to get them to the various countries. We have visas, we have hotel reservations, we have a plan for workshop. Scripts that have been translated, still need to be printed. And there's lots more....

But despite all this, I'm doing okay. Staying pretty focused and clam. Somethings I have control over, other things I do not.

I'm grateful that I get to be of service in so many ways.

More soon.......

Getting Started

2007-02-20T08:58:00.000-08:00

Educational Arts Resource Services received a grant and in April 2007, three American teaching artists will travel to Bolivia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Nicaragua to offer performing arts workshops to marginalized youth in a project funded by the U.S. Department of State.

Suzilah, Inc will create a one-hour educational program that documents the transformational powers of the performing arts on the disenfranchised and the people who teach them.

Rebbecca Martinez and Kerry Skalsky and Hal Ryder will be the teaching artists. The documentary is being produced by Chris DeBoer and narrated by Brendan Fraser. Jose Gonzales will score it.

We are still seeking funding for the documentary. A regular report on the trip and pictures will be available here. For further information on the documentary go to Investors