Nervous? Me? Absolutely, as I repeat my monologue in my head over and over and over again. I'm working on the piece I will do for this week's Atlanta premiere of "A Memory, a Monologue, a Rant, and a Prayer," by Eve Ensler. The readings are an effort to end violence against Women and Girls as part of VDay. Other performers who will be on stage include Eve Ensler HERSELF, OSCAR-WINNER Jane Fonda, THEATRE COMPANY FOUNDER Kenny Leon... and INDIGO GIRL Emily Saliers! So, yeah, I'm nervous.




My piece is called, "In Memory of Imette," which talks about women's fear of being raped. Imette St. Guillen, a victim of a brutal rape and murder not long ago, is honored in the monologue. One night at home as I was reading and re-reading the piece, my girlfriend "Katie" went online to look up St. Guillen, and as she told me the story of how that fatal night went I had to stop her. I couldn't hear it all, especially right before bedtime. Before that point I had been trying to figure out how to "perform" the reading, without an emotional connection to Imette. But I soon realized in order to truly be responsible for "In Memory of Imette," I had to know. But even then I couldn't take in all the details.

Ladies, if you can't see the play then at least buy the book. But more importantly, share the stories with the men in your life. The whole idea behind this joint effort is to End Violence, and it takes everyone to accomplish that goal.

It will be an honor to say Imette's name on stage.....but I'm still nervous.

UPDATE:  See performance HERE.