Ghost Waters project begins with World Water Day

Monday March 22, 2010, marked World Water Day, and an exceptional event put on by Matrix Theatre Company with support from the People’s Water Board and Detroit Evolution. Matrix and their allies brought World Water Day to life for the community of Southwest Detroit. The event served not only as the showcase for the Matrix School of Theatre's winter semester, but also the kickoff event of Ghost Waters, Matrix Theatre’s new three-year project about water consciousness and the hidden and buried rivers of Detroit.

The event was held at St. Anne’s Parish Hall, and brought together a diverse gathering of Southwest Detroit to rejoice in community building and the valuable resource that is our water.

Ghost Waters, which began in January 2010, is an eco-awareness and eco-education community arts program which will include field trips to various sites throughout the Detroit area, involvement in different social justice and community events, puppet-building and showcasing and street theatre performances. 

The event began with a showing of posters from the water awareness poster contest and an exceptionally delicious dinner provided Detroit Evolution's Corktown Community Kitchen, who help bring local, healthy food to the city of Detroit, Avalon Bread and the Matrix staff. The opening libations ceremony was performed by Charity Hicks of the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, and set the uplifting and hopeful mood for the remainder of the evening. We had fantastic, beautiful performances from the Living on Stage and Playwriting Is… classes, as well as an excellent presentation and performance of the students’ new puppets, created for the Ghost Waters’ Water Stories performance. A water dance was then followed by a showcasing of the recycled puppets.

We also had a number of theatre performances, all focusing on water awareness and eco-education - a great beginning for Ghost Waters! Performances included Lesson Learned, The Water Cycle, and News from Waterville. In addition to these, Jen Boyak showcased the Spirit of the Water Masks, with performances of The Moon’s Power and Friends at the Beach written by Rosario De La Cruz-Martin.

Overall, the event was a fantastic success with amazing local food, beautiful art, exceptional performances. and a great hope for the state of water use and awareness in Detroit.

You can become involved with Ghost Waters by contacting Ken Srdjak at 313-967-0999 or ksrdjak@matrixtheatre.org. Come and be a part of the workshops, field trips and fetivals.

See more pictures of the event here.

This post was written by Jenn Vanaman, who is a student intern from University of Michigan School of Social Work.

Sculpting the visionary in all of us

I arrived on a quiet Tuesday afternoon to work on the puppet with my friend and colleague, Elizabeth, a professor at Schoolcraft College. No kids today, there was only the artist, Megan, leaning over the left hand of the giant clay puppet, immersed in its palm. She intently swished, slashed and smoothed the clay with her small sculpting tool. I was in awe of how confidently she removed chunks of clay around the thumb. “It looks like a real hand, Megan. How do you do that?” I pondered as I stared at the unfinished right hand awaiting me and Elizabeth on the other table.

I missed the kids’ energy and chattering. And yet it’s lovely to have an uninterrupted conversation with Elizabeth and Megan. We covered many topics, especially the need for children and adults to rediscovery their imagination, to just have the opportunity to dig into the clay without restrictions!

We asked for Megan’s guidance as we tried to sculpt the clay hand to resemble a real hand like the left one she’s completed.

With self-assurance, Megan instructed us to use our own hand as a model. She told us to hold up our right hand in front of the clay one and really see the twists, creases and open spaces. She reminded us not to rush. Then Megan told us to transfer what we see in our hand to what needs to be done to the puppet hand. I squinted, hoping to focus better.

She pointed to the space between the puppet’s thumb and pointer finger, “See, there is too much clay here. You’ve got to swipe away globs of clay around the thumb. Open it up.” We both gasped as she chunked out a huge piece of clay. She was right, all of a sudden a defined thumb appears. Slowly, with her encouragement, we timidly cut out a tiny bit of clay, and then more and more. And a more precise hand suddenly appears.

Later, while cleaning up, we comment that Megan has done with us what all great leaders do: she encouraged us to take risks and to envision a new possibility. That’s what visionary leaders, like Justin Dart, do - envision a new possibility. I thought of his famous greeting, “Lead On!” came from his deep understanding and sense that everyone can be an artist. Everyone deserves a sense of their own empowerment to create. Justin Dart wanted a new world that worked for all, and he was wasn’t afraid to dig his hands and heart into the clay to create it.

The creation of the Justin Dart puppet is being documented through this blog by Janice Fialka. Check back through June as she documents the birth of this giant puppet. If you want to come and help with the project, call Ken Srdjak at 313-967-0999.

We’re all in this (puppet) together

A lot can happen in a week, especially when you're watching materials become a piece of art. The kids loved slapping more gooey-clay onto the puppet’s head and hands. We adults can learn a lot from kids at play. They lose themselves in their amusement, it’s their meditation. Nothing else exists at the moment, just sheer fun.

Several kids wanted their photos taken with the puppet’s head and hands to show their families of their fine work as artists. Tony asked, “So, will we be famous because we’re making the giant puppet?”

This led to a conversation about Justin Dart and the Americans with Disabilities Act passed in 1990. I realized I never really explained the ADA to children. Learning to make it relevant was a good test of my creativity. I wondered, “How do I talk about it with kids?”

I immediately thought about curb cuts. “Pretty soon, you’ll be riding your bikes, right?” Several kids started telling me about their bikes. I continued, “You know when you come to the end of a sidewalk and there is no curb, and you ride your bike without having to bounce down the curb?” They were listening.

“The curb was cut that way so that people who use wheelchairs can roll easily onto the street and not get stuck, or have to bump down the curb.” Kyle shouted, “My uncle Sam is in a wheelchair, and he sometimes gets real mad because he can't get through a door.”

The conversation took off from the kids talking about people getting mad, and ended up being about how sometimes you have to fight hard to get laws passed to get your rights. Ana, as if reading her fourth grade book report, shared, “Martin Luther King had to fight to get civil rights for African Americans.”

It was the perfect lead in “Yes, that’s what Justin Dart and many, many other people had to do. They worked hard, talked to a lot of people, had marches and protests, and eventually got the ADA passed. It’s like the civil rights law for people with disabilities.” Not a lot was said at that moment. It was like the idea of civil rights for all people was sinking in to their minds, like their fingers were sinking into the clay.

Enough talk for now. Enough puppet making for today. Hands got washed. Aprons were hung up. The clay head and hands were covered in plastic bags to keep them moist.

Next week, our artists, Carl and Megan and the kids will smooth and carve away the unnecessary clay. Then it will be time to paper maiche the puppet. Maybe there will be time for a few more talks about standing up for our rights and making a world where everyone belongs. Maybe these are lofty wishes on my part, but then again so were women’s suffrage, civil rights and the ADA.

The creation of the Justin Dart puppet is being documented through this blog by Janice Fialka. Check back as she shares her insights and documents the birth of this community project.

Justin Dart flyer: Spread the word

In case you want to come help out with the building of our Justin Dart puppet, or if you want to let other people know, check out this flyer:

Feel free to print, distribute, share!

'Vanished': A play on immigration rooted in real stories

Photo by David P. Anderson

Clockwise from top: Actors Tim Seneca, Megan Smith and Benito Cruz, depict a home invasion where an I.C.E. officer tries to detain an undocumented father working and living in Detroit.

DETROIT MARCH 3, 2010 - Based on the experiences of friends and family, the Matrix Young Playwrights will premiere “Vanished,” a poignant and personal look at how our country’s immigration policy has impacted people’s lives, on March 12 running weekends through March 28 at the Matrix Theatre, located at 2730 Bagley in Detroit’s Mexicantown. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $10 for students and seniors, and $8 for children 10 - 16 years of age. Call 313-967-0599, or go to matrixtheatre.org for further information.

“Vanished” is directed by 19-year-old Laura Perez who also led the collective writing of the production. The writers spent a year gathering stories from residents, immigration officers, school officials and more. The idea for the play is based on the experience of Perez’s close friend whose father, the family’s provider, was deported as an undocumented immigrant, while his mother was left to fend for herself and their three children. Unable to find work, she was forced to move back to Mexico. Unwilling to give up his education as an honor student at Cass Technical High School, Perez’s young friend was forced to support himself while finishing his senior year. Despite his hardships, he graduated with honors and was awarded a scholarship to the College for Creative Studies. He had to turn it down because of his undocumented status. Today he lives alone and struggles to support himself with low-paying jobs, while attending Henry Ford Community College part time.

“Vanished” includes other personal experiences shared by the cast and playwrights: dignity-stripping home invasions; a parent desperately struggling to find someone to care for his children when his wife is suddenly deported; married couples deported without their children ever being notified. Residents live in constant fear of deportation each time they see U.S. Customs and Border Protection vehicles on their street.

“This play is the voice of a lot of people in this neighborhood,” said Perez. “You can start your day as a family, and that afternoon your parents are gone and you’re forced to fend for yourself.” Perez began working with Matrix at the age of 10. This deeply felt original work is her professional directing debut, and it draws upon her experience as a child of immigrant parents growing up in Southwest Detroit.

Matrix Theatre Company is a non-profit community-based theatre located in Southwest Detroit. Established in 1991, Matrix creates everything from scratch, from puppets of all sizes to over 90 original plays. Matrix Theatre Company uses the transformative power of original theatre to change lives, build community and foster social justice. It creates opportunities for children, youth, adults and elders, especially those in isolated or challenged communities, to become creators, producers and audiences of original theatre. For further information or to follow Matrix on Facebook, Twitter and Blogger, go to matrixtheatre.org.

“Vanished” is the newest play by the Matrix Young Playwrights. Last year’s work “Caution: This Is How Its Caught” was a play about HIV/AIDS awareness. “Vanished” continues to ask hard questions that the Playwrights are known for, and brings the issue of immigration reform to the forefront.

Photo by Francisco Ruiz 

Jose Varela, Laura Perez and Matt Dooley were three of the main writers for “Vanished,” although many were involved in the collective playwriting process. 

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Matrix Theatre Company presents ‘Vanished’ 

FACT SHEET 

What: 

Event: World Premiere of “Vanished”
Synopsis: The story of a family in Detroit literally torn apart by immigration laws and enforcement policies.

Where: 

Address: Matrix Theatre Company
2730 Bagley Detroit, MI 48216
Tickets: Box office - 313-967-0599. $15 general admission. $10 students with ID. $10 seniors 65 and older. $8 children 10-16.

Who: 

Director: Laura Perez
Playwright: Matrix Young Playwrights
Lighting /Scenic/Stage Manager: Kevin Barron
Costume Designer: Stella Woitulewicz
Cast: Megan Smith - Gabriella Gerardo; Justino Solis - Jesus Gerardo; Maria Ayala - Carina Gerardo; Benito Cruz - Hector Gerardo; Jose Varela - Erick, Victor and Pablo; Alyssa Bunton - Rachel and Angelina; Sarah Cline - Stacy; Tim Seneca - Boss and I.C.E Officer; Francisco Ruiz - Assistant Manager; Nicholas Infante - Assistant Manager and I.C.E. Officer.

When: 

March 12 - Friday - 8 p.m.
March 13 - Saturday - 4 p.m.
March 14 - Sunday - 4 p.m. (Spanish Translation) (Talk-back)
March 19 - Friday - 8 p.m. (Spanish Translation)
March 20 - Saturday - 4 p.m.
March 20 - Saturday - 8 p.m.
March 21 - Sunday - 4 p.m. (Touch Tours - 3:30 p.m.) (Audio Description) (Talk-back) March 26 - Friday - 8 p.m. (Touch Tours - 7 p.m.) (Audio Description)
March 27 - Saturday - 4 p.m. (Spanish Translation)
March 27 - Saturday - 8 p.m. (ASL Interpretation)
March 28 - Sunday - 4 p.m. (ASL Interpretation)

(Matrix Theatre Company’s Inclusive Theatre Initiative insures that Matrix Productions are available to all theatre lovers. Services include: Accessible parking, seating and restroom facilities. Assistive Listening devices available at all shows.)

The Makings of a Giant Justin Dart Puppet, Pts. 1 and 2

Pt. 1 - When a good dream comes true you want to shout it out to the world, so here goes.

After two years of planning, Matrix Theatre Company and friends began the building of a giant puppet of Justin Dart to be used in upcoming social justice events. Justin is known as the “father of the Americans with Disabilities Act,” which was signed into law 20 years ago on July 26, 1990. Most people know of the ADA, but few know Justin Dart.

We’re about to change this.

The puppet of Justin Dart will soon join the distinguished group of Matrix puppets honoring such activists as: Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Jones, Ella Baker, Cesar Chavez and others. These beautiful puppets have a powerful presence at any event and immediately draw the attention of people of all ages. This curiosity with the puppet lends itself to sharing more about the real person the puppet is based on and their social justice activism.

We carried art supplies and the molds of the head and hands for the Justin puppet from Matrix Theatre Company, across the street, to the Roberto Clemente Recreation Center in Southwest Detroit. We set up the small room, put photos of Justin Dart and his beloved wife Yoshiko on the sign-in table, and encouraged staff, families and youth to get involved. Over time we will watch the giant puppet of Justin Dart come to life. As we build it, more will come to have fun and learn about Justin and the disability movement.

Over the next few weeks, visit us to learn more about Justin Dart and to watch the puppet being built by artists Carl Goines, Megan Harris and folks like you.

Consider joining us for an hour, an afternoon or more. No experience necessary. Individuals are welcome Tuesdays 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., Thursdays 5 - 8 p.m. and Saturdays 12 - 3 p.m. Groups should call ahead to let the artists know they are coming, call Ken Srdjak 313-967-0999 or e-mail him at ksrdjak@matrixtheatre.org.

It always feels good to begin the day with a dream come true!

Pt. 2 - I walked into to the puppet making art room to the squeals of laughter of a few young children and the sound of ripping tape. The artist, Carl, with his soft voice and attentive eyes was instructing the kids to “keep the tape tight as you wrap it around the hands and heads of the puppet.”

Balancing the large puppet hand in her own tiny six-year-old hand, Ana looked up to Carl for reassurance, “Like this? Am I doing it right?”

“Perfect,” he said as he handed the scissors to another young boy who was eager to help shape the puppet’s face.

Another young boy, covered in a paint-splotched apron, was helping to recycle the pieces of previously-used hard clay by adding water and massaging the pieces. There was no hesitation about getting his hands dirty.

I arrived at the perfect time. The head and hands of the puppet had been wrapped with miles of tape, and only a bit more was needed. I learned from Carl that the tape kept the inside newspaper from getting wet from the clay that would soon be smeared over the tape. My son Micah jumped right into the final phase of the taping. Micah was relieved that he could tape.

After about an hour Carl announced that “The head has enough tape - it’s time to smear the clay over the tape.” The kids cheered and leaped over each other to be the first one to put their hands into the clay, or as Carl called it “terra cotta.” When I referred to the clay as mud, Ana was baffled, because playing in mud had never been an approved form of play for her. To reconcile this contradiction, she announced, “But this is clean mud, so I can play in it!” And did she ever. 

There was something comforting to me when I heard one of the boys ask Carl, “Is this where Justin Dart’s ear goes?” Before this day, Justin Dart was not a name he knew. Now Justin Dart and the Americans with Disabilities Act are familiar to him. In our puppet making we have fun with the clay and we also talk about creating a world where all people belong, where buildings and buses are accessible, and where we realize that fairness for all is possible.

The creation of the Justin Dart puppet is being documented through this blog by Janice Fialka. Check back now through June as she documents the birth of this giant puppet.