Cast Party With My Wild Things!

Holy Cross Stage Debut Opens to Rave Reviews!

It is Saturday, and I have been on the island since Tuesday evening. Unbelievably, this is the first time I have had a window of time to write!

Between grading, packing, flying to Belize City and riding a boat, I literally face planted it into my bed at The Tides upon arrival.  I am too old to not sleep for 40 hours.  Wednesday morning I wasted no time in getting over to Holy Cross and see my kids.  Ok, I will admit it, there is nothing like the rush of love that happens when I walk onto the school ground. Then, when I entered Standard 4 – the classes that have been working on their plays since January – I was physically enveloped with hugs.  There was no time to waste; we had a play to polish.  Yes, there were to be 2 plays, but one of the classes had some difficulty so the teacher decided to withdraw.  I was a bit disappointed, but now we can directly focus on our production of Where the Wild Things Are.

I went back and retrieved the costumes that I had brought with me.  Here’s a known theatre fact…it doesn’t matter if the students are 12 or 21, when they first get their costumes, they all become a bit crazed and revert to about the age of 5.  There is no fighting it – just take a deep breath, stand back and let them emote.

We practiced until school got out, and then I was off to work on the costume’s final touches back at the hotel.  Thank the Lord for glue guns!  Also, thank goodness HC had one with extra sticks. By the end of the night, my room was littered in fabric scraps and ribbon.

The class was going to meet me at the high school auditorium at 9ish.  Since it is directly next door, I assumed I could roll out of bed at 8:30 and still beat them there.  Wrong. At approximately 8:20, I heard voices downstairs by the pool, by 8:25, they were chanting, “Ms. Kim, Ms. Kim, Ms. Kim.”  At 8:30, Ms. James was at my door. Holy Cow, they meant business.

Unfortunately, the auditorium was in use, so they had to walk back to the Holy Cross. I had a few things to pick up and by the time I got back to the school for our final rehearsals, Ms. James had been pushed to her last nerve.  The kids were sitting on the back porch of the school. Ms. James walked by me and said, “I am not doing this anymore.”  I asked the kids what happened, and they all spoke at the same time, each with a different story. This was exactly the problem.  Evidently, one girl was so awful, she had already been sent to Principal Grace, and Ms. James had told the rest that she was, “going to cut their tongues out.”  She also declared that she was no longer attending the festival.

I took off my directing cape and put on my counseling crown.  Poor, dear Ms. James was sitting in her classroom with tears streaming down her cheeks; plus, she was mad as hell. This woman is a tough cookie and the best teacher in the school -  they really did it this time.  In reality, we all want the same thing… to be heard and respected.  I assured her that all plays come together like this.

 I used my “theatre is birth” extended metaphor.  When the play begins, it is like one finds out they are expecting.  There is excited anticipation and delusions of grandeur. Somewhere in the middle of the gestation, things switch. It all becomes daunting; people get irritable, and it seems like it is never going to end. As the due date approaches, it is a mixed bag of emotions with fear looming in the back of the brain and heart. Then there the moment of delivery – this chaos includes mandatory screaming, a few tears, and even nasty words blurted in the heat of the moment. But in the end, the play opens and the baby is born. The most amazing part; however, is the amnesia that immediately replaces all the previous emotions. As mothers we forget the pain, and as theatre people we forget the long nights, brutal rehearsals, and the irritating qualities of our cast mates. Also, with each child and play, our hearts grown more open.  It is like a long, refreshing drink of pride, joy and love.  It is this amnesia and euphoria that are responsible for families with more than just one child and the multiple performances that those of us in the theatre have on our resumes.

She wasn’t buying it. She was sad and pissed and just needed time away from these “wild things.” I went back to the kids and told them that they had succeeded in making their beloved teacher cry. You should have seen their eyes.  Ms. James is a battle ax, and the thought that they made her crack unsettled them.  It was the best thing that could have happened to the rest of our rehearsal time.  They focused and worked. We polished dances; we worked on projection; we solidified staging; we sang like fools!  When Ms. James came back 90 minutes later, she had her war face on. Even I was a nervous as the kids did their final run-through. Miss James sat stoically. She then turned around to me and whispered, “It was perfect.”  The students were dismissed and told to congregate at my hotel at 4:00, as the festival was to begin at 4:30.

At 4:20 there was no Ms. James.  I began to think she was really serious with her boycott. However at 4:30, she came all dressed up and ready for a show. This brings me to the topic of Belizean Time.  Now, I know anyone reading this is thinking, “Really Kim?  You, of all people, are going to complain about things not starting on time or people not showing up on time?”  I want to assure you that I am not complaining – just informing my general public – that when a Belizean event is scheduled to begin at 4:30, 6 pm is probably more of a reality. Even this morning, my neighbor was supposed to begin his snorkeling lesson at 9.  The instructor showed up at 11.  

Back to the Festival of the Arts.  Every school from the island was included in the program. We were to perform 6^th out of 22 acts.  They did great!  The only real snafus came with the narrator (who lost her place for 2 huge pregnant pauses),  and only one microphone worked, so they had to pass it from character to character.  They danced the wild rumpus the best they ever had.  It was fun, colorful and they were beaming.  I wish I could have captured their faces when they heard the audience’s applause, but I was too busy with a standing ovation.

I know I am biased, but it was the most creative entry of the evening. They were the only play.  All the rest were dances and solos.  In the end, we received a silver.  Of course, I am disgusted that the kids are being adjudicated in the first place. Also, the middle judge did not even look up.  Who were these three experts? What were their qualifications? Of course, I do not share any of these thoughts with the students.  When they asked me how they did, I replied, “It was exactly the way I pictured it!  I loved it; you are all brave and talented stars!”

The next day, I brought a cake and juice to class for a little cast party.  Of course, there was some Monday morning quarterbacking, but they were still all reeling in post-performance ecstasy. I knew the project was a success because our toughest critic, Ms. James gave me a hug when I leaving and said, “So what do you think we should do next year?”

Saturday Morning Homework with Garielle and Emiline - Belize Bingo Babes

and in other news on the island...

Of course, I spend a lot of time with my 8 year old Mayan boyfriend Garielle.  Thursday night after Festival of the Arts, he and I went to his home to see if he could escort me to the chicken drop.  His parents, Shelby and Gloria, invited me, and we had a lovely visit. Gloria is fighting throat cancer, so they have just returned to the island after spending almost 4 months in Mexico where she is seeking treatment.  Garielle has been with her and not in school this entire time, so he and I are working of lots of homework.  This morning we worked on spelling for hours.  He is so dear.  He is working hard, but yet so far behind. Yesterday (Friday), I hung out with my friend Ari and then went to Bingo at the Lion’s Den.  My same posse of Bingo girlfriends were there, so I bought a round of Cokes, and we got to down to business. For the second time, I won blackout!  An extra $100 is always a plus! I have been doing my own water aerobics each day (Garielle counts out my reps for me), running on the beach and eating right.   I feel so much better physically, mentally and spiritually. Tonight a storm rolled in which means staying in and reading. I couldn’t be happier.

Life after Christian Liberal Arts...

Each of us is born with the gift of art within. It is my passion and calling to leap with others as they peel away layers of fear, insecurity, judgments, doubt and even bad habits. As they recognize their authentic talent and voice, I am by their side. It is not my job to create a series of hoops for them to prove themselves. It is my job to help them reach their highest and to champion them as they do so.


I have continually advised my students that the bigger the risk, the larger the artistic payoff. Whether studying a subject that seems greater than they are, taking on a leading stage role, beginning a business or moving to major city, students have routinely succumbed to their fears, questioned their knowledge, examined their choices and second-guessed their worth. It is at this moment - when they are the most apprehensive and frightened - that their best work often happens. When we step forward without knowing where the next foot will fall, our most profound work can happen.

As I leave formal teaching and head into a world of my own making, I am scared, apprehensive and nostalgic…It is now time for me to walk the walk and practice what I preach. Imagine the art that will follow.
As a college professor and artist, I maintained a rigorous schedule of activity and still managed to nurture multiple external projects focused on the arts, service and marginalized populations. As I leave the academy, I am ready to dive into those external projects fully. Each opportunity makes excellent use of my skill set as an artist and professional, offers career development opportunity and - hopefully - enriches arts, culture and community. Following are a list of the projects that I am currently passionate and committed. 

1. In Development

a. Staging across South Dakota: Ephemeral Productions

Background: Ephemeral Productions was created in 2001 with colleague and best friend Julia Bennett (formerly a theatre professor at Augustana College). Ephemeral Productions creates outstanding theatre productions and brings award-winning literature and strong roles for women to South Dakota stages. In the past three years, Ephemeral has written and presented two original scripts: Great Women; Great Plains and Riveting Rosie: Dakota’s Women at War. EP has also created two original productions over the past two years for a charity event that raises support for Theresa’s House, an orphanage in the Congo that specifically cares for girls. Theresa’s House was founded by current Sioux Falls resident and Congolese native Theresa Kashale.

Projected activity: We have been asked after every production to consider touring our shows – Great Women and Riveting Rosie: – as they would be well received at every corner of the state. We have declined in the past because of other professional obligations. Now is the time to finally extend Ephemeral’s outreach by sending our excellent, entertaining and educational productions across the state.

Ephemeral Productions is also in the planning phase to produce the play Mrs. Klein by Nicolas Wright in an Off-Broadway venue. Tony Award Winner Michele Pawk has agreed to play the lead role. As a South Dakota theatre company we are thrilled by the challenge to show NYC "what we got!" and to bring that work back to our state.
b. Stage to Page: Melody Off-Key

Background: Melody Off-Key is children’s book and stage play. It has been performed in Sioux Falls as part of Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation Summer Theatre performance. Also, it is currently in rehearsal to be performed by Holy Cross’ Standard 4A Class at the San Pedro Festival of the Arts on the island of Ambergris Caye, Belize in May, 2012. It will be the first time Holy Cross School will be included in the festival. This is particularly important as as HCS reaches the poorest children on the island; available faculty for enrichment activities is non-existent. Since January of 2011, I have traveled to Holy Cross three times – twice alone and once with a group of 18 University of Sioux Falls students. In addition to creating athletic grounds and opportunities as well as teaching in the classrooms, we have brought theatre (and this play) to the school.

Projected Activity: I am committed to seeing Melody Off-Key to publication as both a children’s book (complete with original music) and playscript, and I am in conversation with a professional children’s book illustrator.

c. Blog to Book: Theory of Dakotivity.

Background: I author a popular blog called The Theory of Dakotativity. Many of the essays included are about growing up in rural South Dakota and being raised by blue-collar parents - also native South Dakotans. The stories are rich with lesson, love and humor.

Projected Activity: I am working with a South Dakota publishing company to create a book from the blog.

d. Children at Risk - Arts Education

Background: Since 2007, I have devoted time in my daily routine as a professor, director and mentor to create and teach a theatre course at Joe Foss High School, a high school for alternative learning in Sioux Falls. In my tenure, Foss students have written and performed - under my tutorial and direction - a musical entitled Second Chances, several children's books that have subsequently been read at local elementary schools, and local commercials celebrating the legacy and impact of Joe Foss High School. I have also created camps and other performance opportunities for children locally (Sioux Falls and the surrounding communities), nationally (New York City) and internationally (Belize, Central America). I have designed syllabi, organized and trained counselors and directed the projects.

Projected Activity: I will continue constructing and actualizing fresh ideas and performance possibilities with students from Joe Foss as well as in other venues nationally and internationally


e. Television Pilot

Background: I have developed an idea for an HGTV program. The project not only provides a history of Americana architecture; it showcases compelling examples of structures in a dilapidated state that are subsequently renovated. The featured sites include one-room schoolhouses, railway depots, silos, barns, warehouses, and more. By showcasing regional sites, this project can increase national awareness of South Dakota’s rich history and beauty.

Projected Activity: I am commited to finding the financing to shoot a pilot to shop.


2. Currently In Progress

A. Theatrical Theory Trade Text. Since 2007, I have been interviewing Broadway playwrights, directors and actors on their responses to a series of concepts advocated by theatre theorist and director Anne Bogart. Ms. Bogart has "green lighted" my writing of a book to complement her theories and production work. I am currently completing interviews and will begin compiling the data into a final draft this year.

B. Consulting. Creative Consulting is the business I began two years ago; through CC, I offer motivational speaking, business communication consultation, creative problem solving and project development. I intend to launch the business at a larger level throughout the upcoming year.

C.Unstuck. For the past several years, I have been leading students and congregations on service trips. This experience gave birth to the non-profit project "Unstuck." An early-stage service organization, Unstuck assists individuals, families, churches, business and organizations in creating vacations that involve a service component. Early target includes trips to New York City and Belize, Central America. To read about previous trips to Belize, please go to www.unstuckbelize.org and my blog at http://www.dakotakim.blogspot.com/.

D. Director for hire. From community theatre to the academic stage to a business conference, I am available.

Dr. Ethan Is In

Here is a story that happened to me on my last weekend on Ambergris Caye, Belize...

I was to show up on Sat. morning at my friend Shelly's house to work on a fund raising event for Mama Vilma's House (a safe house for women and children.) We created a fashion show that featured clothes from all the boutiques on the island. Afterwards, there was a dance etc. Tickets were $25. Anyway, when I showed up at 8:30 am to go to begin work, another woman was there waiting for me. She said that needed my help - that she had heard that I was a child therapist.

I told her that she was misinformend - that I was a teacher. She said that someone told her to find the blonde American who worked at Holy Cross because I had a "special talent" with children. She said her best friend needed my help asap.

Here was the story...Her best friend was married to a man who was a closeted gay. Years ago, they decided to stay together because they had children, but that they would be allowed to live separate lives. Well, he had been diagnosed as having diabetes. In reality, he had kidney cancer.  Sadly, he died the day before. The wife (her best friend) is 8 month pregnant with someone else's child

 

They have one child that is 4 and a son - Ethan - 9. Ethan was not told that his father was ill until 2 days prior. So, one day he finds out his dad is sick and the next day his 31 yr old father is dead.

 

Ethan began immediately acting out. For the last 48 hours he was either dispondent or screaming. For some reason, they thought I could talk to him.

So, what do I am I to do? I - again - reiterated that I am not a child therapist. They said there was no such thing on the island and needed help. I said, "Ok, bring him over to where I will be working on the Mama Vilma's House event, and I will do my best."

So, here comes this goregous little boy. I have return to my house to grab my computer, so I said, "Ethan, do you want to drive along or do you want to stay here and swim?" Unbelievably, he chose to come with me.

We get in the cart and I said, "Ethan, is it true that your dad died yesterday?" He nodded. I said, "Ohmygoodness, I am so sorry. Would you mind if we could be quiet for a while as we drive because I might cry? It is not fair that a 9 year old boy loses dad." He nodded again. So we rode for a while. Finally I said, "Ethan, did they bring you to talk to me because Shelly and Monica knew I was really sad too? Did they ask you to talk to me?" He shook his head and looked confused. Then I said, "Cuz my dad died about a month ago from today, and I came to Belize because I was sad and mad and scared." Then, this kid said after a long pause (this is God's honest truth)...."Well, maybe you needed to come here to clear your head."

The rest of the day, I told him the thoughts I had, emotions I felt etc and let him diagnose me. It was a beautiful day, and I learned tons. At the end of the day, we were going back to my house, and I let him pick out a pair of shoes and a couple of sweaters and toys (i come with a k-mart in my pack)

Then, we talked about his mom having a baby, and his little brother, and how she was probably scared and sad like us. I told him how I always feel better when my sons hug me and tell me it is going to be alright. I asked him if he would consider hugging me since my sons were in the United States.  We hugged a long time

Then he told me that his dad drank too much. I said, "Yeah, my dad drank too much too, but years ago he quit, and it was really hard. But, the good news is that you can't drink in Heaven and my dad was waiting for him to show him around. Ethan, you know what my dad is doing right now? He is pointing down at us and saying, 'look at my silly daughter, she thinks that she can be best friends with a little boy. She has so many different types of friends!' You know Ethan, it doesn't matter if you are 9 or 49 like me...when our dads die it hurts the exact same.

We are now emailing a bit back and forth. I am sure he helped me more than I did him. I guess I am a child therapist - this child did a therapy number on me.

An the Oscar Goes to.....