| I have been haunted by a performance that I saw last week Saturday, December 3, 2005 at the National Black Women and HIV/AIDS Conference in Los Angeles, presented by the Black AIDS Institute. I had received an invitation to see a work in progress performance of a piece written and conceived by actress/AIDS activist, Sheryl Lee Ralph titled, Sometimes I Cry. The show was inspired by the life struggles of real women infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. I don't know what I was expecting but it sure wasn't what I experienced.
For starters, I entered the performance space and sitting under a spot light, still as a sad doll was Ms. Ralph dressed simply in black with black tape over her mouth. The image was startling and uncomfortable, which set the tone in the room immediately. The lights went down and she seemed to scan the room, looking at all of us. Sadly scrutinizing what she saw. Then she ripped the tape from her mouth and spoke, "Silent for so long; So many things to say." And that was the beginning of one of the most powerful pieces of theater I have ever seen. Presenting only three women's stories, Sheryl Lee Ralph moved me to tears, made me think and laugh out loud, all in less than ninety minutes.
First there was the woman who thought AIDS happened to other women. Certainly not women like her who dressed in Chanel, wore Manolos and owned her own home. But when she describes her AIDS infection and what she calls a "good day" you can only pause to think. Then there was the sex addict who proclaims that "masturbation is the new abstinence and the safest sex, Just you loving yourself!" The audience and I rolled with laughter. And finally the teen who has had to deal with the kind of monsters no child should have to battle. I cried. HIV/AIDS is not the front page story it used to be, taking a back seat to war, bird flu and gas prices but with this piece of Performance Theater, Sheryl Lee Ralph places each woman's HIV/AIDS story upfront and center, right in your heart.
I was amazed to see Ms. Ralph become each one of these characters, breathing life into them and their stories with every move and simple gesture. Sheryl Lee Ralph processes a wealth of talent that has been hidden behind her beauty for far to long. Actress, singer, producer, honored AIDS Activist and now writer!
I don't know what Ms. Ralph's future plans are for "Sometimes I Cry" but when it hits the road and it must, I hope everybody gets to see and experience them both. Don't miss it! Sherry Smith December 9, 2005 See the performance.
Saturday, April 1, 2006
6 to 9 p.m.
Arizona State University - Main Campus,
Murdock Hall
Tempe, AZ Parking meters will be available and vistor parking will be in parking struture 1. Murdock Hall is North East of the Memorial Union. Where is Arizona State?
Directions to Parking Structure 1
Arizona State University Map
For more information, call 602.263.4231 Here is the flyer
|
