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I drove down Union Avenue, crying. I think Union Avenue is the most frequent road for that way-too-common combination, tears-with-steering-wheel-in-hand. I am guessing it is because it is the road I drive to-and-from the theatre.

Hal recently said “Theatre may become your mistress, or like in Julie’s case, theatre may become a whole new life.”

He was right. On occasion that “new life” frustrates me into tears.

Most of the time I am in awe as I cry and drive.

Yesterday I was crying and driving because I allowed myself to realize I would be performing in a Shakespeare production for the first time this October as a part of the Kern Shakespeare Festival. Me! Speaking words scribed by William Shakespeare!

Sometimes I think the reason for my long hiatus from the stage was for this exact reason – so that I would really appreciate the wonder, the beauty of such happenings. Shakespeare! What a privilege this is!

I am writing this right before we begin Tech Week for the 20^th Annual One Act Festival at BCT.  This is going to be the most diverse One Act Festival ever. Three of the plays feature African American actors. Five of the plays feature what some people call “minorities” – I just call them “incredible artists who grace me with their time and talent.”

I am so proud to be a part of this project.

I have been watching “I Wait for Sleep” unfold with last Thursday being our best rehearsal yet. The women looked gorgeous, Pablo was perfect as our Man.  The music of Alasdair Fraser and Paul Machlis filled the space with exactly the right energy to accompany the words in the script which began as poetry I posted at Bakotopia due to a friendship that started right here, at Bakotopia.

Ah, yes. The tears are coming, again.