Celia welcomes your comments about GITA: God in the Army.
From an audience member at Nakai’s Homegrown Festival May 11, 13, 15, 2010:
“Very powerful and real; was a great medium for verbalizing my feelings about war since I never seem to find the right words to express – thank you.”
Back to GITA page for photos, YouTube interview and synopsis.
Thank-you, Corliss! These comments are very helpful. I will reflect on them in Banff as I delve into the re-writing of the new draft. I’m so glad you came and I am grateful to you for your feedback, thanks so much.
Hi Celia,
Your production was thought provoking, emotionally heart wrenching, and very well executed. I have a few comments that might be helpful in the process of re-writing, which you will be engaging in in Banff in May:
1. Length – are there any possible redundancies or repetitive sections that could be eliminated without sacrificing the overall effect?
2. Ending – the revelation/insight that June experiences might be a good place to end the play, rather than re-entering the trauma, etc. This point (the insight) just seemed like a natural and powerful conclusion.
3. The counselling relationship – this is a classic example of where the Motivational Interviewing (MI) way of working with people would be so effective. MI is currently the most widely recognized method of working with clients who are in conflict. It is non-confrontational and its purpose is to have the client explore his/her dilemma/conflicting views, in order to reach a resolution and make changes. The approach of the Chaplain in the production would, in reality, probably not have resulted in the resolution experienced by June. The “counselling” portion of the play was a bit distracting for me, because of the confrontational nature (even though it was very “low key”) of the interventions (ie arguing with the client, constantly presenting an alternate view, not reflecting the “clients” views back to her, etc.). These are generally thought of as unhelpful interventions.
Maybe this is irrelevant, Celia, but I thought I would share my impression of this portion of the production, for what it’s worth! All the best as you continue to refine this production. What an important topic, and what a contribution to our
thinking, in regards to the issue of violence as a way of resolving conflict. Well done! We are so fortunate to have you here in the Yukon.
Corliss
I think I know what you mean, Sid. I appreciate the feedback. Another woman said she was struck by the power of me sitting in the silhouette of the monk and it was the most amazing moment for her. So for each person it will be different. I will think about your idea and thank you for taking the time to comment. Hope you had fun with the movie stars! Celia.
Hey Celia,
Bravo encore for GITA ! Looking forward pour la suite… I wanted to tell you about the self immolation photo of Thích Quảng Đức but did not have time until now… I was busy and also working on a movie with Steve Martin, Jack Black and others on beautiful Dempster… But back to this picture,this is only my opinion… It is such a strong photo of determination,hope,belief and many other representations that one can imagine or not. Being an observer and details oriented person; thank to nature and my Dad… The thought of you sitting facing him at 45* angle or less would have a greater impact on my emotional and visual side…. as the photo would not be hidden by you, it would trigger in me a stronger sense of respect and reflection toward him and ourself. Maybe we can talk more about what I mean when we come across each other. Bonne continuation !
Yay! Thanks, Anna! Loved your play, too. BRAVO!
I loved the starry backdrop too, and the energy, it got me hooked right at the very beginning. I also can’t wait to see where it goes.
Thanks so much, Jason. So glad it had an impact.
I thought your GITA excerpt was thought provoking and interesting. Loved the use of the starry night as a back-drop. Can’t wait to see where this goes.