Find the inspiration

Theater lab at Emory University

Last night, I had the pleasure of being a part of a workshop series called "Breaking Ground" with the Department of Theater at Emory University. It is a series of informal Monday evenings devoted to the development of new work. I presented excerpts from my one woman show, "I Will Not Calm Down" and workshopped with students on ideas for staging solo work, inspiration and innovative ways to interact with audiences. I had a wonderful experience and have pages of ideas and notes to use as I continue to develop my show. I love collaborating to create theater. Its truly magical and liberating. Below are some notes/quotes from the participants that stuck out to me and still leave me inspired:

- "Everyday write something in your journal that inspires  you to create."

- "Don't let your audience get comfortable. They are not static. They can participate in the work."

-"You should be constantly creating your own brand of theater."

-"You can create a battleground of lights on stage. Bring the streets to the stage."

I left with so many ideas on how to use sound and lights during my theater creations. I hope to come back and learn with the students again. The energy and spirit of the room left me high with possibilities for new work. Thank you Emory!

All arrows point towards inspiration.


 

Art Obsessions

I am a self taught artist. I studied Public Health and Sociology in undergrad. I completed 1 year of a MFA in Poetry then left because of lack of finances and the need to just experiment and write. I have always created art because it came natural to me as a young girl and later in life it became a necessity for me. Writing and creating saved my sanity many times. I adore those who are self taught and create because its a part of them, and if they didn't something would feel missing inside. These are the artists that inspire me and cause me to spend hours on YouTube researching. My newest obsession is a Storyboard P, a dancer from Brooklyn that has created his own style of dance called Mutant. With his b-boy foundation he experiments with boundaries and I love how he interprets words. I wanted to share some of his vids so you could also live!

                                                Who are your ART obsessions and inspirations?

I am so hyped!

Why am I so hyped you ask? I am proud to announce that I was awarded an Idea Capital Idea Grant This amazing Atlanta organization awards grants to a diverse group of Atlanta creatives whose work embraces disciplines from public art to spoken word and from performance to photography. This year they awarded 9 grants to Atlanta artists and I was one of the 9!!

This is my first grant as an artist and I am so excited to use the funds to install art in our communities. I have always believed that art in communities can change the entire spirit and energy of its residents and ultimately help to empower and uplift.

My project will take Poetic Therapy to the streets on Atlanta with a bullhorn, soapbox and mobile desk engaging residents to create and perform poetry on corners.

Here is the press release for the award and more details on my idea.This project will hit the streets in Spring 2013! Stay tuned for lots of video and photo documentation of the stunt.

One Night Only. Created mini poetry shows outside of liquor stores on South Side of Chicago.

  





 

I AM

I Am ART Hustler

I AM ARTist Entrepreneur

I am still Lady Terror (a kinder, gentler Lady Terror but still pissed at poverty)

I AM a Do it Yourself advocate 

Empowered by GOD (Liberation Theology gets me jazzed)

I AM Bout that Artist Life

I like contracts when you book me for a show

Folks still talking bout the Lady Terror Experience they had

I Ain't scared of much.

I tear down stages. The  STREETS are my Stage

I have a reason for my ART

Bring me to your university departments as an guest artist or to create a community art project 

My one woman shows have HIP HOP, poetry, crowd participation, ranting and a bullhorn

I AM ART

Now booking for 2013! Email me ladyterroreducation@gmail.com

 

The video so nice, I had to post it twice!