Three nights ago I ventured into an actual movie theatre (a rarer occurrence than one might imagine) to see “Hello, My Name is Doris” starring Sally Fields. A friend asked me if it was a “cougar” movie but plopping this gem of a senior “coming of age” film into that category would be a travesty. It’s so much more. Doris (Field) had put her life on hold and, with the help of a handsome, new employee (Max Greenfield) and a feisty, old friend (Tyne Daly), she ventures forth in life with gusto without being a parody. A grownup movie to be sure but one that younger folk may appreciate as they venture into the work force and realize the decade one is born does not determine one’s awareness of life.
Two nights ago I drove hundreds of miles to be entertained in the most unlikely of venues: Purdy Women’s Correctional Institute in Washington State. Under the guidance of Freehold Theatre Lab/Studio more than twenty-five residents wrote, acted, and crewed their original production, “We’re About Olive Us – Women Warriors.” More than sixty friends and family members waited patiently before passing security checks, being guided though locked areas, and finally being escorted into a gymnasium filled with folding chairs facing a makeshift stage.
Not that many years ago I was an instructor at the Clallam County Jail in Washington. I remember the sound of the secure metal door clanking behind me after the eight to ten students (men for the first hour/ women the second) filed into the classroom. I started each class with the same litany, “I’m your teacher, not your lawyer. I don’t want to know why you’re here because there’s nothing I can do about it. I want you to learn. Let’s get started.” It got to the point that my opening remarks were chanted by the regulars before I could finish a sentence. My students were awaiting trial and would either be released or sentenced to another facility within the year.
Prison is a different ballgame. During the Q&A it became apparent that many of the women were long time residents looking at more years in the system before the possibility of freedom. Having the opportunity to participate in an artistic endeavor once a year was definitely a special occasion, The women wove part of who they were throughout the play by dramatizing their creative writing. It was clear performing hardly came naturally to most, but they gave a hundred percent and for a moment at the end of the play they heard cheers from an audience and praise for their work. I’m guessing a rare occurrence in their lives.
Today, just be chance, the kettle whistled (yes some still do that) at 10:15 and I turned on the TV to see who of interest might be on The View while I slowly sipped a cup of Irish tea.
Hillary Clinton was seated in the center of the ladies and for several segments (and one cup of tea) answered all kinds of questions, frequently being interrupted by audience applause.
In my now considerable years of life, I have never experienced an election preamble as lengthy and tedious as the one ongoing. Months ago I stated I would pay closer attention once the candidates were in place and the convention gavels were at the ready. I still feel that way, but I have to say, that Hilary has my vote. She’s smart, she’s determined, she’ll work at getting stuff done.
Women. Experiencing different life circumstances using different ways to connect. Being strong. Speaking out. That’s my three cents.