Friday, August 20, 2010

Creating A Role

Hmmmmm...Doing a lot of research, regarding being a heroin-addicted Mother.
In "Just us", the short film about to be produced(filming begins tomorrow!), I play exactly that.A mother who "graduates" from prescription-pain-killers to (eventually) heroin.
Earlier this week, I was researching the effects of heroin on the body, etc., and I came across a poignant essay from a young woman who lost her younger sister, to heroin. You can read about it, at my other blog: "Practice What You Peace".
See link, directly to the right of this column, and scroll down.
Last night, I attended a NA(Narcotics Anonymous) meeting, and in keeping with their required anonymity, I won't say anything other than the phrase "searing honesty" kept coming into my mind.When I was welcomed(and I felt very welcome), I just said "I'm Lisa, and I'm here to understand."
I've gotten to meet some of the other actors who'll be working with me. They are superb. And I like the director: Atlanta Screenwriter/Director, Reggie Price.
Wish me "Break A Leg".
Peace, kids.

6 comments:

Dave Dubya said...

Your research should be quite an education.

By nature I will never know what it is to be a mother. And by the grace of God, and what little sense I have, I will never know the pain of addiction. I do, however, know the pain of losing a friend to heroin. He was intellegent, and talented and never made it to age thirty.

He didn't realize the potency of the dose that killed him. While the tragic error was of his own doing, I know this probably would not have happened except under the insane drug war and prohibition that makes black market products so dangerous. Although the problem is easy to see, the answers are not.

Lisa Nanette Allender said...

Dave Dubya--First, I am so sorry for your loss.
Your friend, I think, was lost to heroin--and the DISEASE of addiction. It truly is a disease.
I've believed for almost 25 years, that drugs should be legalized(we're "in-sync", once again, my friend).
It would remove the "criminal element" of gangsters/mafia and ofcourse, rehab could be provided for those who want to stop using.
And the drugs themselves--while still dangerous--would at least be manufactured properly, etc.
And we could tax the industry too....AND free up the prisons for hardened, dangerous criminals only, and not people who simply have drug addictions.

Harnett-Hargrove said...

Congratulations on your new work!
A very deep and wide topic... -J

Lisa Nanette Allender said...

Harnett-Hargrove, AKA, Cuz Jayne--Thank you, honey.
I still have your BIRTHDAY CARD(for July 30th!) sitting here(!).
And a child's desk/chair, and some books for the kids.
I'll try to get up there, with these goodies, before fall(late September) hits, okay? :)

jmsjoin said...

That was a small part of my world growing up and I lost count of the friends and family I lost. You get lucky or you don't! You are going to be great in your role as you will be acting and you will enjoy it. Can't wait to hear about it. Have fun and good luck!

Lisa Nanette Allender said...

Average Patriot--God Bless You, man, for all your kind words.
Peace to you, in continued success and healing from your losses. ;)