SATURDAY AT AQLF!!!!!!!
What a richly rewarding, healing, FUN day/night!
The morning began with no folks lined up for the acting class I had planned to give, but that's okay, because it freed me up to take a breath, and attend a couple of wonderful workshops! The first, a Prose Workshop given by Judy Doenges, had us discussing character, and the way setting can influence, and inform that character.
Collin Kelley, when asked about his "Conquering Venus", detailed how viewing Wim Wenders' "Until The End Of The World" and especially, lovely actress Jeanne Moreau, literally created one of the characters in his novel."She became what I imagine Jeanne Moreau--the person--to be."
Ms. Doenges and Kate("For The May Queen") Evans were surprised by this revelation(as was I), and this fueled more discussion.
Ms. Doenges gave us a hand-out which featured a short story by Peter Cameron, a favorite of hers.
The second workshop was with Kate Bornstein. Her views on gender/race/class identity are legendary, but it's still amazing to see and hear her, in-person.
She detailed a heirarchy that rivals the one created by Eric Maslow(Maslow's Heirarchy of Human Needs)--the one all us college kids became familiar with. The difference being, this heirarchy is one that defines methodologies that attempt to control, and/or repress us.
Despite her claims of being a completely depressed, pessimistic person most of the time, her bright light shone through. I daresay if she didn't carry some hope in her heart, she would not bother to teach the rest of us. "Hello Cruel World" is her fantastic book. Get it, read it, follow the survival tips. Her main rule? "Don't Be Mean."
It was nearly 2:00 P.M., so Robin Kemp and I headed to Landmark Diner, just down from the Forsyth Street Library, for a quick bite that turned into a rather leisurely lunch(Her--Dolmades; me--Moussakka, Greek salad, french fries, mozzarella sticks). We tried to get caught up with one another--I seldom get to see Robin(the woman works continually!), and we discussed current events.The political acumen and tremendous care she exhibits for this country was humbling. I think Robin ought to run for office!
After this, I headed back to the Library, and was treated to bookmarks, "book-thongs", and candy.
I took the train to Brookhaven, where Hansoo fetched me, and we headed off to browse at Phipps Plaza(even in this upscale mall--with boutiques like Versace, and Jimmy Choo, I saw NO ONE with purchases. Everyone, even old-money-wealthy, was simply browsing). We trundled down to Candler Park by car, to hear some pre-show poetry from Yolo, and Lakara Foster.
Lakara wowed me with her takes on relationships, women-love, bad men, and body-image(by day, she's a counselor for young women). You go, woman!
Yolo is a favorite of mine--his "We Are Not The Boys We Want" is an anthem to a sometimes-hyocritical gay mens' community."Fags Are Not Responsible", a searing indictment of the bigotry and homophobia all LGBT are familiar with.
"Skin Deep", the play that won the Larry Corse Prize for Playwrighting, a $1,000.00 award, and received its' premiere as part of AQLF was fun...lots of broad comedy, and a drag queen diva, to boot!
Sunday: 3:00 P.M.--Reginald T. Jackson will direct a show he wrote, "69", just after I give "The Woman Who Called Herself Vincent" a debut. Both are "staged readings", which means they are not-quite-polished.
I'm planning to ask for feedback, as it will help me to "shape" my telling of Vincent's life.
Then Sunday night, at Eyedrum Gallery, a big night of music and craziness, to cap off the fun five days/nights we've all had!
Peace, kids.

AQLF UPDATE!!!!!!
Wednesday night--Met Kate Evans, and was wowed by her discussion of identity "We ARE, and we ARE NOT..." our protaganists, our stories(in our works of fiction, and I would add, in our poetry--even in our "confessional" poetry, lies are told at times, to get to the larger truth.
Mark Doty was brilliant--tales of his love who has since passed, and his dogs. Tales of his new love.
And Blair! He channeled the essence of Janet and Michael Jackson, and his voice--ringing in both opera, and in his spoken-word, was deeply affecting.
Many big thank you's to:
Collin Kelley, Franklin Abbott, and the irrepressible Megan Volpert, in planning this amazing event.
I was not present for Thursday of the Fest, but you can read plenty of exciting news on AQLF, at Collin Kelley's blog.
Last night (Friday) we had a great crowd at Charis(BIG THANK YOU TO KERRIE AND ALL THE STAFF!!)--enthusiastic, and very mixed--lots of gay men, lesbians, and a couple of bi's, and some parents of the poets.....
Reginald T. Jackson always delivers in his sharp, fearless work. He read several pieces, including "Jigga-Boo..", a commentary in poetic form on hip-hop.
I read in-between each poet, meshing a bit of serious poetry and finishing the evening with my two "Orgasms"(from my nearly-completed "The Orgasm Poems"). Patrique Vosges was fun, witty and shared a bit of his fear of falling-in-love--he's a fresh voice on the scene!I had Alice Teeter read last, and her work has richness to it, but it goes down like a sorbet. She is refreshing, clever, and at times--her work devastates with its informed humanity.
Afterwards, several folks commented they'll be at Downtown Library on Sunday for the 3:00 P.M. performances from Reginald T. Jackson(who will be producing and directing his edg-y "69")and me("The Woman Who Called Herself Vincent").Sounds like Reginald's is very polished, whereas mine is still "in transition". I think I'll be able to give the audience a "sense" of Edna St. Vincent Millay.
Today, it's workshops, all day!
Check it out, at:
www.atlqueerlitfest.com
Link to Charis Books and More, to the right of this column!
Peace, kids!