HOMEGROWN!

Jackie called and was like: "hey, i need a pitbull mask, is that something you can do?"

4 days of creative rigor landed me a new & beautiful relationship with Homegrown and playbacktheatreworkshop. I am elated.

As a teenage photographer my novel -like dreams of changing the world with each documentarian click was the only motivation for labeling myself "artist." After I moved on to art school I was convinced that this was an unachievable goal. A concept or process can not be bound by a medium. I ended up moving on to other and almost any medium it took to express my voice. creating for HOMEGROWN, has been a resurgence of my originating purpose and I am thankful.

I began the mask inside out. After determining the form of a pit it was all fun from there. I sculpted the paper mache mask, and it took 3 days to dry! *anxiety kicks in. ..*so I turned to the good old trusty blowdryer, lol.

As an artist I always attempt to balance the dual aesthetics of both Western culture and African. For Clayton (the pit), there was no difference. Guided by traditional masks of Mali and other African nations, I applied my 2d element in representation of 3 dimensional forms. By adding this stylistic character I am attempting to not only heighten the depth of the mask but nod thanks to our inspiring ancestral spirits.

I miss Clayton already. Yet, just like every birthing, I know he must live... and in this fact I find joy for his purpose and journey.

HOMEGROWN will be an unmovable force in the culture of STL that no one should miss. Please come out and be a part of a long overdue and greatly needed conversation. The play will run through out January, each weekend. Check below for more details....

HOMEGROWN-St. Louis' Organic Racism, Loni's StoryA new One-Act play written and directed by Masei followed by a Playback Theatre performance in which audience members tell true moments and stories of racism in St. Louis and watch the actors and musicians play their stories back to HONOR them and allow the audience to b...ear witness to the stories.

WHAT: HOMEGROWN- St. Louis' Organic Racism, Loni's Story followed by a Playback Theatre Performance

WHEN: January, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 and 29, 30 and 31Friday and Saturday evenings 8:00pm and Sunday Matinee 3:00pm

WHERE: January 8, 9, 10- Phyllis Wheatley Heritage CenterJanuary 15, 16 and 17- The Rowen Community CenterJanuary 22, 23, 24 COLT Safety BuildingJanuary 29, 30 and 31- The Ethical Society Tickets are $10.00 at the door. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Group discounts for 12 or more. Contact Masei at (314)397-0733 Reservations are not required, but will be taken starting December 1st.

There is limited seating for the weekends of January 15, 16, 17 and 22, 23, 24 PWT Artistic Director Jacqueline Masei has been creating Homegrown, St. Louis Organic Racism/Loni's story since the fall of 2008. Playback Workshop Theater in partnership with the Diversity Awareness Partnership, The YWCA of Metropolitan St. Louis presents, “Homegrown: St. Louis Organic Racism, a one-act play that tells the love story of a couple who move to Missouri together, one originally from St. Louis, the other a newcomer from another state. While addressing racial diversity issues is inherent and organic in our region, the storyline weaves an authentic patchwork of scenes which show how societal differences in the region became a true challenge to the relationship of the 2 people involved. The play is followed by a playback theatre performance facilitated by Playback Workshop Theatre's Artistic Director and Founder Jacqueline Masei. Masei has over 20 years of experience as a teaching artist and director of playback theatre, theatre of the oppressed and social justice work. After the performances there will be a focused discussion facilitated and supported by professionals in the fields of social justice and diversity. For more information go to www.playbackworkshop.com or call (314) 397-0733