Hit the Wall - A Night to Remember

History is important. There's no denying that. Even more so is history told right. In the wrong hands, many lessons of the past can be lost, forgotten, or downright ignored. With all the controversy surrounding the upcoming Stonewall film, I'd like to take a moment to spotlight a most appropriate counter to the Hollywood film's take.

Hit the Wall


Residents of Los Angeles are currently being treated to a brilliant production of a much-needed subject. Hit the Wall is a play that explores the moments leading up to that infamous Stonewall riot of 1969. It explores the lives of 8 distinct LGBT characters. Tano and Mika (played by Roland Ruiz and Blake Young-Fountain) sit atop their self-proclaimed throne of a stoop, dropping insults and throwing shade to any passerby. Their comedic wit and synchronized jeers make for a light-hearted introduction to the show's narrative. The externally confident Roberta (Shoniqua Shandai) frequently shuts them down while proudly promoting her all-female, internationally diverse group (of 1); W.I.L.D.

Across the way lies the A Gay (Burt Grinstead), the oh-so-macho, straight-acting stud who occasionally propositions "lesser" gays, only to toss them to the curb once he's had his fill. Newbie (Jason Caceres), just recently arrived to town, is his latest victim.

Our stoop-top divas continue their mindless banter until coming across Carson (Matthew Hancock). This drag queen is in no mood for their self-hating bashes, and is quick to deliver a most accurate lesson in r-e-s-p-e-c-t to an unsuspecting Tano. The display of internalized homophobia here kicks off one of the many still-relevant issues of the show.

Eventually, we find all of our characters arriving at the Stonewall Inn. Carson, having met sweet-talking draft dodger Cliff (Adam Silver), agrees to take her new suitor for a night of cocktails and dancing. Tano and Mika plan on having themselves a grand ol' time, while working on becoming certified A Gays. Downtrodden Peg (Charlotte Gulezian) is in wicked need of a drink, and finds a connection with the outspoken Roberta, whom she met earlier in a humorously flirtatious encounter. Drinks flow and music fills the air as our characters enjoy a silent tryst on what feels like hallowed ground.


 All is well until the boisterous Cop (Donnie Smith) announces a raid on the club, something read from the character reactions as an all too common event. Carson and Peg find themselves detained in the bar's restroom. Their choices in clothing have garnered them extra attention from the spiteful officer and soon find themselves victim to an onslaught of homophobia in what can only be described as a breathtakingly powerful, yet disturbing scene. The vulnerability of the characters invoke a great sense of fear and heartache. After an agonizing few minutes, tensions hit the ceiling and the two can no longer stand the abuse and degradation. They rise up against their oppressors and invite their onlooking brothers and sisters to do the same. What follows is a series of events which unite our characters in a way unlike any other. No longer can they stand idly by as they are mocked and humiliated. No longer can they hide in the shadows like vermin, stricken from society as ill-fated outcasts. No longer can they just watch. It is time to act. It is time to fight back.

Overview

The cast is absolutely electric. Every emotion they express elicits a response within that pulls you right into their shoes. Their flawless delivery leaves not a single doubt about who they are and what drives them to be there on that stage. Shoniqua Shandai delivers from beginning to end. Her presence onstage is one of power and tenacity. This young woman carries an energy within her that you cannot help but be inspired by. Roland Ruiz perfectly captures the hidden fears and self-loathing still present in many of today's gay men. His wise-cracking routine takes a back seat to an important revelation of self-respect and false idolization. Matthew Hancock, in all his brilliance, brings a sense of class and dignity into this world that would see him otherwise. Amidst the insults, abuse and suffering, he holds his head high and eloquently releases words from his mouth in silk-like procession.

It's not often you find such a well-rounded and equally powerful cast, but everyone involved in Hit the Wall shows such passion and devotion to their craft, as well as this project. It's an amazing story to tell, and should have no one less than amazing to tell it. From the instant the doors opened and the cast welcomes you in with a dance, you know you are being treated to something truly special. The inventive use of the Davidson/Valentini Theatre provides an immersive experience in which the audience becomes a part of the set. The actors utilize the space meticulously, which allows for actions to take place in all directions. I sat next to the stoop Tano and Mika claimed as their own, looking across as they ogled the A Gay across the room, standing in a corner stairwell between the audience. It was a truly engaging experience that quickly made me feel as if I were part of the cast. As if I were involved in every scene and action. Ken Sawyer's direction of this production was bold and creative. He took this show to a level not many can reach, let alone dare to try. It was beautiful, intimate, and profoundly entertaining.

Hit the Wall runs every Friday-Saturday from September 18 - October 25 at the Los Angeles LGBT Center's Village at Ed Gould Plaza. 1125 N McCadden Pl. Los Angeles, CA 90028.

Tickets are available at http://www.lalgbtcenter.org/theatre.

EDIT:  Hit the Wall has been extended through December 13 due to high demand and ticket sales. Don't miss your chance to see this amazing production!

WeHo Celebrates Landmark Victory for Marriage Equality

In celebration of today's Supreme Court ruling, the Los Angeles LGBT Center hosted a rally in West Hollywood Park on San Vicente Blvd. The crowd quickly gathered in cheer and celebration as members of local organizations took to the stage to share their insight on this important day in history. The Center's CEO, Lorri L. Jean spoke first, reminding us that while we need the stop and appreciate all that today means to us, we cannot lose sight of all we still have left to do. We need to take the momentum of this victory and continue the fight for true equality; a fight that will not end until all humans are treated equal. The fight isn't over, but today love won.

While we still have a long way to go, let us not get distracted by negativity. I have seen too many posts criticizing today's celebrations in favor of issues still at hand. The fight is made pointless if we do not stop and celebrate all our victories, big and small. Allow love into your heart today, and use its strength to continue fighting tomorrow.

What a great turnout!

Victory for Marriage Equality

The internet is ablaze today in what can only be described as a momentous victory in the fight for equality. The Supreme Court has ruled marriage bans unconstitutional in all 50 states and US territories. Can I get a woot woot?!

All across social media, people are expressing their joy and excitement for what this means to the LGBT community. Victories like this remind us all that we're in this fight for a reason, and all our efforts are worth it. Progress is made every day and everything up until now has led to this very moment. Now, the fight may be far from over, but it's definitely important to take a second to stop, look back, and take it all in. Pray for those we've lost and remember that no death is meaningless. Many tragedies we've suffered have sparked greater involvement from the community and inspired others to carry on even stronger. Never forget those who have come before us, and never lose sight of the path they've set us on. The road is long, but together, as time goes by, we take greater steps in much shorter amounts of time. Equality is the future. Let us take today to enjoy victory as the present.



On a less serious note, I can already hear my mother asking me four years from now why someone my age hasn't found a husband yet. Le sigh.

Legend of Korra Finale - Baby Steps

I may write a full review of The Legend of Korra's series finale later, but this moment shown above deserves its own mention. While I may not have been a huge fan of the way the scene was written (dialogue was a bit weak), I did enjoy the fact that the creators, as well as Nickelodeon, had no problem depicting a clear and obvious indication of a same-sex relationship. Korra and Asami have been growing closer to one another for some time now, and the series ended last week with the two of them headed off into a new life together. It was beautiful to see the development of their relationship lead into something non-platonic, but of course there were limits. A kiss would have probably been too much of a statement, but it was unnecessary regardless.

While many LGBT outlets take things like this and hold it to a much higher platform than it deserves, we should definitely celebrate any baby steps toward full representation in media. The Avatar universe is already one of diversity, balance, and acceptance. There's no statement being made here other than one of consistency. It is for that reason I write this post commending the show.

If you missed last week's finale of Legend of Korra, catch it on Nick.com or look for showings on your Nicktoon network.



Love yourself. Be true to who you are, and don't allow yourself to be defined by the desires of others. This world belongs to everyone and we should celebrate diversity, not reject it.

Pride 2014 - A Day to Remember

This year has definitely been one for the record books. Having graduated from college late last year (thank you, but please hold your applause), I've opened up time slots previously unavailable in order to experience more of LA. I've been volunteering like a madman, learning more and more about the exciting events and fundraisers that surface each month. The highlight so far was attending Pride in West Hollywood with friends who had never experienced an LGBT gathering, let alone one on such a grand scale as the annual festival. It was a day of wonderful firsts, and having been trapped with our noses buried in books for the past year, they were all happily welcomed.