Disqus - Latest Comments for storyteller

Re: Submitting Like a Man: My year resubmitting scripts as a dude

storyteller — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 12:40:27 -0000

TWM - Submissions are for new work and of course TV and film is contemporary - Maya is not up against Shakespeare or Shaw or famous playwrights (who will be commissioned and a season will be built around that play). We're talking new work and emerging writers, largely. This is absolutely about gender just as the lack of diversity is absolutely about race. Is it about sexism and racism? I don't think blatantly so. I think it is about the familiar. White men still run the majority of theatres across NA, Britain, England, Australia and NZ. Absolutely the top of the TV and film food chain is astonishingly dominated by white men. Scripts are chosen for many reasons, but for sure they are chosen because the reader connects to them, they are moved, they resonate, they speak to the reader. White men are choosing white men because they are familiar. "He is telling my story" Are women guilty for this? Sure. We make up 50% of the audience, not just 50% of the artists. Are we making a concentrated effort to support diversity? What are we watching? For my part, I have decided to stop watching all plays written by white American men for a while. Not because they aren't terrific, not because I can't learn something from them. But because I only have so much time and so many dollars. If I take out the big kahuna, I have room and $ to support female writers and diverse writers. I think what Mya is doing will result in a better response and that makes me a bit depressed. I hope, once she gets accepted, she will reveal her gender.

Re: From the Mouths of Rapists: The Lyrics of Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines

storyteller — Sat, 21 Sep 2013 13:13:29 -0000

When I was raped (and I was a virgin) I was told "don't tell me you don't want it" "you pretend to be a good girl", and there was no question that I was screaming no and trying to get away. The second time I was raped (I know, great luck, eh?) twenty years later in my car by a stranger who followed me, I was also told "you want it, you want it, fucking take it" and other such things, and that time my face also got bashed in. I have never heard pop lyrics so specifically and horrifically rape culture before this. Discord and others who hide whatever personal motivations by intellectualizing this argument obviously don't know what they are talking about or obviously do and want to keep violating others with this sort of dismissal. Thank you very much for writing this article. I will share it and actively protest his concert in Vancouver.

Re: Robin Thicke Vancouver 2013 Concert with Jessie J

storyteller — Sat, 21 Sep 2013 02:49:09 -0000

Robin Thicke's Blurred Lines is pure rape culture. Check out the lyrics, girls. This man is an absolute creep.

Re: Mythbusting tales of Canada’s victory in the 1813 Battle of Ogdensburg | War of 1812 | News | National Post

storyteller — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 13:14:43 -0000

There were only about six buildings in Prescott in 1812 and they housed officers and supplies: the militia wintering in lean-to shacks. I'm not sure where the China stealing women are from...there is no fort yet, let alone a town. I think you may have unearthed another myth! No? Please correct me if I'm wrong. I'd love to know.

Re: Playwright Spotlight: Vancouver, Canada

storyteller — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 15:02:59 -0000

xo Lois! I'm in good company! xo

Re: A Good Sport: Lessons Learned About Love…In a Tent

storyteller — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 01:15:52 -0000

"A good roll in the rain fields"...I am not chomping at the bit to ever camp again but your image might change my mind...! Thanks LT.

Re: Parents And Idiotic Political Views: Valuing the Arts

storyteller — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:27:22 -0000

Never ceases to amaze me the more personal I get the more universal it appeals - happy parachuting across the chasm to you, Mamalooper!

Re: Parents And Idiotic Political Views: Valuing the Arts

storyteller — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 19:47:13 -0000

Fantastic to hear about the artistic evolution in your family, Steve. I want one of those quilts...! Thank you for writing in, like minded soul. L

Re: Parents And Idiotic Political Views: Valuing the Arts

storyteller — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 12:53:06 -0000

what a wonderful note to wake up to this morning, Mojo- thank-you so much! I'm very proud of my Mom for granting me permission to print this story. I'm not usually "political" but was driven to respond to the ideology expressed by our govt. lately: arts are not for the "ordinary" Canadian. Happy to announced the Wrecking Ball event was over flowingly sold out, a huge success. Heartening to see people respond with such passion and support for the arts and culture of our country. Dance on, Mojo!

Re: Tsh Oxenreider asks: In what way are you delightfully conventional?

storyteller — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:42:08 -0000

gotta love a man with great spuds

Re: Tsh Oxenreider asks: In what way are you delightfully conventional?

storyteller — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:41:36 -0000

My husband and I, though both very modern in sensibility, fall into very traditional roles in the home. He does take out the garbage, handles the banking, fixes the car, builds things, handles all things technical. I do all the cooking and cleaning and 80% of the childcare. It reminds me of the way I grew up - in a very good way. When my house is clean and I put on a great meal, I feel my Mom would be proud. And besides, I'm a bit of a control freak, so the house keeps up to the standard I like and I never have to nag "please clean the sink!"

Re: A Good Sport: Lessons Learned About Love…In a Tent

storyteller — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:27:05 -0000

lovely Diana, so glad our stories entwined, yours and mine. Thank you for your generosity in passing the story on and for writing. Bless you.

Re: What’s Your Safety Word? Magic Words for Respecting Your Boundaries

storyteller — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 23:06:52 -0000

Obi Wan - such a great idea. I know a couple who have a physical gesture for when they have to stop during an argument. They curl up their hand which is a sign that they are hurt/overwhelmed and need to curl up for a moment and collect- stop- that enough is enough. Such a good idea. Thank you for the reminder, Danielle.

Re: You Smell Good: Is sniffing an act of adultery?

storyteller — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 18:57:09 -0000

I have a dear friend I consider a virtuous and spiritual wholesome loving wife and mother...and she told me this week "men unabashedly ogle women from the moment they're born to the day they die. We are allowed to look too." It's simply appreciation and...a rather safe outlet for that curiosity - I say "Amen sister".

Re: You Smell Good: Is sniffing an act of adultery?

storyteller — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 18:49:11 -0000

Dear Jennifersage - I was thrilled and honored to get your email. Thank you for taking the time to write. I've actually had one of my plays produced in NZ a long time ago - a comedy called Chickens - but would love to do one of my more modern scripts there. (a country that actually supports its artists and has a thriving arts scene - or at least that's what the Canucks think here - our arts community has a crush on NZ and Australia)

Thank you for the validating things you had to say about being a Christian and an artist. I find the more personal and honest I get about where I'm at - the more people from all walks of life grab onto the work and say, "oh my goodness, that's just like me, I've wondered that too - I thought I was the only one who thought that - I wrestle with that too - I love that too" Ironically, the more personal I get, the more universal it is. So I am thinking it's worth the risk - exposing myself as a bit of a "clown for Christ" as Peter Barnes would say (Red Noses - great play about faith). Doing the best I can. I feel very honored to write...God is so good. God is good to reveal Grace to a goof like me who's trying to figure it out one step at a time.

Are you still a nurse? Do you still attend the theatre?

Thank you again and bless you.

Sincerely, Lucia

PS yeah, my pic in SS is so awful, haha! I agree, I shall never wear my hair like that again. Especially not now that I have my style statement!

Re: You Smell Good: Is sniffing an act of adultery?

storyteller — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 01:29:24 -0000

like wine, I love that, Danette! xo L

Re: You Smell Good: Is sniffing an act of adultery?

storyteller — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 20:42:55 -0000

the other senses...one at a time...this one nearly blew my head off, haha! Seriously now, thank you so much Jennifer for writing in, I'm thrilled you enjoyed it and moved with it, and thank you all you sensual women for writing in. xo

Re: Patti Digh asks: What would you be doing today if you only had 37 days to live?

storyteller — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 13:29:04 -0000

I think striving for fabulous, wanting to make our mark on the white page with something of value is natural and excellent - it is our spiritual quest for the Divine - that glimpse of the Light/God/Soul/Worth in us. I hear you. We should strive to do something important before we die. It's as I say to my writing students who can't get "started" because they want to write a masterpiece but can't even put one word on the page because it isn't "good enough". I remind them that you get to write drafts. Start. Just start. You are allowed to write again tomorrow and add stuff. You're allowed to rewrite. You're allowed to change things around. Masterpieces are built in pieces. So, I agree with what Caren says about putting on the real as a way to start and lead you into filling your blank paper with wondrous things...but I also wanted to validate your desire to do something crazy huge and beautiful.

Re: Patti Digh asks: What would you be doing today if you only had 37 days to live?

storyteller — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 13:17:55 -0000

this resonated for me, Mojo, thank you "wish I was bigger"...our neighbor went in for what she thought was a fairly straightforward operation, six operations later and six weeks she was dead from aggressive cancer they found. She was so stunned and angry, she didn't seem to have time to process past into the grief and acceptance part by any stretch. Yet others seem to have a different reaction, a peace that comes...I wonder how to do this...

Re: Patti Digh asks: What would you be doing today if you only had 37 days to live?

storyteller — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 13:06:24 -0000

this exercise shook me this week, Patti - and it gave me courage. Thank you so much and everyone for your heartfeltness.

Re: You Smell Good: Is sniffing an act of adultery?

storyteller — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 00:31:43 -0000

thank you for sharing your scents with me...all of you. I'm all hot and bothered now...women, you're fabulous.

Re: What kind of award would you like to win?

storyteller — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:00:32 -0000

Since we're dreaming here, I would be honored to receive the Order Of Canada for contributing to and fostering Canadian culture, nurturing new talent and helping to further establish Canada as a world player when it comes to the arts.

And for the fireplace mantle...I would also like to have an oscar for best lead actress in a foreign film (my feature indy Canadian) and a best screenplay oscar - why not? Make it an efficient night: two birds with one stone.

Re: Patti Digh asks: What would you be doing today if you only had 37 days to live?

storyteller — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 03:51:54 -0000

there is a love I would admit.
there is a bedtime story I would finish.
there is a husband I would encourage to love again.
there is a daughter I would hold in my arms until I couldn't anymore.

Re: What do you collect?

storyteller — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:55:19 -0000

I used to collect controlling emotionally volatile people...they were just so darn interesting and felt like home...but I had to give up my vast collection. I've only kept a couple of vintage pieces. History, you know.

Now I collect people who are spiritually curious and I have the emotional resources to be a wife and mother and also write twice as much now.

Re: Shake on it: Our Fathers’ Rules For Good Conduct

storyteller — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:51:53 -0000

I love the idea of shaking kids hands! Yeah, respect!