the truth about me...

plans changed for me immediately after graduation. what was supposed to be a move back to Baltimore ended up being a move to Phoenix, Arizona instead. "I need you, sis" is what my sister told me. it wasn't even a thought. i came.

my brilliantly beautiful sister shattered her back in fourteen places at the tender age of 32 back in 2000. long story short, she needed a caregiver that wouldn't neglect her physically, or abuse her mentally, emotionally or financially. last June, my sister came to the conclusion that the relationship that she had with the two live-in "caregivers" was "no longer working for her," and asked them to leave by August 1st. it's been real peaceful around these parts since. i have been my sister's caregiver since i moved here nearly three years ago. i love my sister, but i'm still an artist...it's in my blood.

breaking into the arts community here in Phoenix has been more than a notion. i did all of the things that actors are supposed to do when looking for work, but the work just hasn't been happening despite the fact that every single one of my auditors say that i audition well.

last September, after a two-year drought, i had the opportunity to do a stage reading of a new play by up and coming playwright. it was humbling to go back to stage readings when i've been trained to be a professional actor, but hey, someone in Phoenix needed to know that i was here. afterwards, other auditions...more "thank you, we'll keep in touch," and nothing. 

this same playwright posted on a local theatre network that she was casting for a new play to be presented at a major theatre. during that time, i was also asked to assist writing for a one-man show for a dear thespian "son" of mine, Robert Lee Hardy. his show, I Carry My Own Spotlight debuted to critical acclaim in Baltimore the night before our show premiered here in Phoenix. no tea or shade to the sista, but i spent more in carfare than i made on the project. "at least it's something, right?" nah, you can't tell that to someone whose got a taste of professional theatre in her mouth. it just doesn't jive.

fortunately, i have friends who get that, and get me. currently, i'm a contributing writer to a production that is to be held in Baltimore that visits the history of African-American dance music from the Great Migration forward. i also get to hit the stage. Jah willing, we will see what becomes of that, i've also been revising two scripts, one of them being my own one-woman show. 

what i'm saying is, i can't wait for people to know my worth if i don't show my worth...so in the words of my baby, Robert Lee, it's time i carry my own spotlight. what's beautiful is that i go with my sister's blessings. don't get it twisted, i'll still live in Phoenix because my sister still needs me; but today, i am reminded of the words of Mama Zora Neale Hurston, "the Universe is my oyster, and i'm already sharpening my knife."

'sup world? y'all ready?

jaki

i've been quiet long enough, dontcha think?

it's been a minute since i've blogged; nevertheless, i feel compelled to in lieu of the fact that i'm in the midst of research in order to create new work. the last show i did here in Phoenix has made me hungry for the craft again, and i must say, working again with Troy Burton after a twelve year hiatus is long overdue.

i never thought i'd read my master's thesis again after i confirmed my degree, but it's proving to be quite a reference for this new piece (details to follow, so stay tuned).  i recently assisted a friend with the composition of his one-person show, and word around the water cooler is that it was received with critical acclaim. i know that it was due to the fact that the brother is a stellar actor, but i must say, it is an honor in being a contributor to his evolution...and he's remounting it again in May! hopefully, i'll get to see this one.

to paraphrase from the title of his work, sometimes, one has to carry their own spotlight. time to pick up mine.but first, a moment to give thanks to the city that made me. Baltimore. here i come!


jaki

(S/O to Robert Lee Hardy...luh u, hear?)