I know that Color Me Badd comes to mind for me, as well as many of you, when reflecting on 2011. I am not ashamed to admit that this was one of the songs I liked off of their debut album, which was released 20 YEARS AGO. The title very obviously states what I am attempting to do with this blog entry.
Every year I do these entries to try and gain some perspective on the past year's highs and lows, and how these events may potentially catapult me--gently--into the following year.
I entered into 2011 crazy about my then-girlfriend, a full PS3 addiction, fiending for the next acting project, and praying for my younger cousin, Larry, who was blessed to survive a horrific crash last December. I can honestly say all of those things were elevated in some way--touched and blessed.
January brought a fresh short film project, called "The Favor," written by Anthony Greene, directed by Demetrius Parker, and co-starring John Moriarity. A ten-minute comedic riff on the N-word. I could not be happier with a project. I had a blast and it was shot in around 5 hours. Below is the full film. (Warning: Wields offensive language in a hilarious manner!)
The Favor from Anthony Greene on Vimeo.
"The Favor" was later accepted into the World Music & Independent Film Festival, where both John and I received nominations for "Best Actor in a Short Film." The festival took place in August, in DC.
Toward the end of January, I finally received word from Dan, the casting director, at Arena Stage, regarding a November audition and call back for Lynn Nottage's "Ruined," being directed by Charles Randolph-Wright. The saints had gone marching in, and I was in that number--HALLELUJAH! That news made me soar. God knows He was just showin' off! I was in shock for weeks.
Around the same time, I received news of being cast in Nubia Filmworks' next feature film project, "Nocturnal Agony," and it seemed like they were aiming to shoot around the same time frame as "Ruined" was aiming to rehearse. I still had a couple of months before either project and I'd already started to worry about a potential conflict. So I prayed, because I did not want to have to give up either. #Selfish
So then comes March. I'd been scheming and plotting one of my biggest decisions to date--to marry, or not to marry. Sonal and I had been together at that point for a year and a half, and I thought that just wasn't long enough. I wanted her around for LIFE! (Sounds like a prison sentence. I'm a bit of a glutton for punishment.) I called upon our mutual friend, Tuyet, to do some investigative work to find out ring information, etc. Then I took the intelligence and went out and made a purchase.
Finally on the night of March 18th, I completed a short staged reading of Edward Albee's "Fam & Yam" at Arena Stage, directed by Dr. Angelisa Gillyard, and featuring the incomparable Craig Wallace. The reading was at 10:30pm. Sonal came to support, though she was barely hanging on to consciousness. (We'd just seen Salman Rushdie speak at the Kennedy Center earlier that evening). Afterwards, we went back to her place. I knew I had to be quick as she was fading away for the night. So there was no big creative stroke of genius. I just grabbed the ring, shook her awake and asked her to to be my wife.
Instead of a simple "yes" or "no bamma, get out of my face," she groggily replied, "Let me see that thing--" referring to the ring--lifted her hand into the air and placed it on her ring finger. After giving it a once-over, she stated matter-of-factly, "We're already married."
And with that, it was done.
Not a lot of room for sentiment in this relationship. . . and for that, I love her.
(Sidenote: As of today, December 30, 2011, we are still unable to pinpoint an exact date or location for the wedding, but I made a resolution for 2012 that we will have one or the other. . . and with a bit of luck, BOTH.)
Less than a week after the proposal, rehearsals began for "Ruined." The first days of rehearsals for me were spent just getting my eyes adjusted to seeing so many Black people together in one cast--and Larry Redmond, the wonderfully talented, token, non-Black actor in the cast. The cast included 20+ actors, at the mercy of the masterful hands of Charles Randolph-Wright.
From beginning to the end, the production was a DREAM job. We got along swimmingly. We also made it a point to laugh as much as humanly possible, because "Ruined" is a tale heavy with human atrocities, and we could not let the darkness overtake us. We still had to live outside of that world.
 |
| "Ruined" (Arena Stage) |
As the end of the run neared, I think we all felt a collective sadness. We knew we had just experienced something so amazing that just doesn't come with every production. I know I wanted to hold on to that feeling forever.
I'm certain many of my colleagues from that production have gone on to do many great works since then. I have not been on stage since then, but will return to my "sweet spot," Imagination Stage, in a couple of weeks, for "P. Nokio," a brainchild from fellow "Ruined" alumnus, Psalmayene 24.
Fortunately, I was able to work out the "Nocturnal Agony" shoot with "Ruined" rehearsals. I didn't have nearly as much to tackle with "Nocturnal" as I did with "Too Saved." I also got to work with my dear friend, Deidra, and her daughter, Kathryn, who plays my daughter in the film. I had a chance to meet Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs and Vernee' Watson on the set. It was very cool! Below is the trailer:
The weekend after the closing of "Ruined," I booked it to Brooklyn, NY. My MAIN man, Will Mason, and his long time girlfriend, Lydia, were finally making it official with OPERATION: MATRIMONY. It was a fantastic evening. Mason and I go back to 1993. We entered VCU's theatre program at the same time, hit it off, and have been boys ever since. He has a wonderful family. His parents and sisters are my Richmond family. I love my sister-in-law, Lydia, and all the kids. It was great seeing all of them, and even got to see our homeboy, Cedric, from VCU. Hadn't seen him since 1999, when we sat out on his balcony in the Fan district in Richmond and analyzed Eminem's first album.
 |
| Will and Lydia on their wedding day (June 2011) |
The week after NY, I was on a plane with Sonal, heading to Michigan, to her parents' home. My 2nd time there, and this time I had the honor of meeting her older sister and her niece and nephew, whom she absolutely worships. After meeting them, I can understand why. Her nephew and I quickly bonded over a game of Modern Warfare on his Nintendo DS. I was a complete sucker by the end of Day One in Michigan, when they started calling me "Uncle JJ."
Then came August. Sonal and I packed our bags and took a road trip down to Hilton Head Island, in South Carolina. My friend, Gena, was marrying her man, Anthony. It was a beachfront wedding, complete with live singing from Gena, her son, John, and others. I got to see some of my ATLiens: Auntie and KK. It was a great weekend. A much needed getaway.
 |
| "The Henchman's War" |
*snaps finger in disappointment*
For the past few years, I've been dealing with an internal struggle. Feeling as if my auditioning ability was slowly giving way to self-consciousness and lack of confidence, I finally decided at the end of this past summer to take a step to counteract that feeling. I contacted legendary acting teacher, Vera Katz, who taught at Howard University for several years. I have many colleagues who have taken her on for private coaching. I decided to follow in their foot steps.
I first met with her in early September, at her home, and within the first minutes knew that I was in the right place. She dealt just the right dosage of honesty and love. Raw honesty, which is exactly what I've longed for. She called me out (and still does) on my old habits and challenges my weaknesses.
Outside of her acting guidance, she has allowed me to use her autographed copy of Isaiah Washington's autobiography, "A Man from Another Land." We also went to see a show at Adventure Theatre together. She is an absolute gem. I just wish I didn't wait so long to call on her. . . but all things in time.
About a month ago, I happened upon the Rolling Stone magazine article, "100 Greatest Guitarists." I didn't realize it at the time how big of an effect that it would have on me. Having not grown up a fan of rock music, I've only dipped my toes in its waters within the last decade, enough to grow a genuine love for it. This article unleashed an intense curiosity. With Youtube by my side, I began to listen to many of the guitarists mentioned, only to find myself fiending for more. To this day, I am still listening to and downloading songs from artists in that article. Some of my favorites: Rolling Stones, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Howlin' Wolf, Allman Bros. Band, Rory Gallagher, and Buddy Guy. I'd already been fans of many others: Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Prince, Hendrix, Santana, Clapton, Joni, Robert Johnson, etc. Of course, the order of the list could be argued till the end of time, but the list has been priceless to me.
In 2010, I was re-introduced to the world of gaming. This year I've continued walking that line of addiction. I can't help it if they be puttin' they foot in these games! (Grammically incorrect for effect.) My love for the RPG has continued to grow as I took on the thirteenth installment of Final Fantasy--my first introduction to the series. I easily sank 150+ hours into completing the main quest and all of its side quests--1 of which nearly took a month (that frickin' Vercingetorix!!!) Then there was Dragon Age 2, for which I almost wet myself in anticipation. (TMI?) Not as good as the first.
 |
| The Vercingetorix (Final Fantasy XIII) |
However, NOTHING--ab-so-lu-tely NOTHING could've prepared me for the best game ever. I went to Game Stop at the latter part of the summer, in search of a great RPG. I asked the sales associate what he would recommend. He said that a co-worker of his went completely nuts over Demon's Souls. I'd actually read a review of that one prior to the visit to Game Stop, so I went ahead and picked it up. Basically, everything that I'd read stated: "THIS GAME IS @#$#@#$ HARD!" I should've run.
After 2 days of attempting Demon's Souls, I resolved that I was going to return it. I was completely defeated. I was not getting anywhere and I did not want my breakdown to end up on Youtube. LOL! Then something happened. . . I gave it another try and I made a little progress, and it felt GREAT! So I took a deep breath and gave it another go. Slowly, more and more progress was being made. Yes, it was kicking my butt, but I would kick back. Ninety hours later, I completed my first playthrough. Then 45 hours after that, I completed my second playthrough, as a new character. Then 18 hours after that, I completed my third playthrough, as ANOTHER character!
I'd finally gotten the hang of it. It is truly my favorite game. I look forward to its sequel, Dark Souls, but for now, I need a break. So I have introduced myself to Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion--a new RPG for me, while also starting Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, Arkham City (YES!), and Call of Duty: Black Ops. After the Demon's Souls ordeal, all of these games feel like a vacation.
This year has been extremely memorable. A lot of great events took place. I am an extremely blessed man. I know this, and I accept it.
I double-dog dare 2012 to be better. . . for all of us.
Peace and love!!!
