Post Natyam Collective - January 2007 Newsletter
Dear friends,
The year 2006 ended with the sad news of the passing of one of our biggest
inspirations- Chandralekha. All of us were greatly influenced by her
revolutionary contribution to Indian dance and her radical vision of sensual
bodies, movement, and space.
We are deeply saddened by her passing.
Post Natyam
Post Natyam News
Last month, we had the opportunity to share a night of performance with Hari
Krishnan in The Park's Other Festival <http://www.theotherfestival.com/> in
Chennai, thanks to Anita Ratnam, Ranvir Shah and their incredible team. We
thoroughly enjoyed meeting the festival team, the fellow artists as well as
the audience at The Other Festival <http://www.theotherfestival.com/>.
Following is a review from the Hindu:
"…exploring the inner reaches of the heart and mind…Post Natyam,
explored through dance, areas beyond the traditional realms of dance. The
three artistes who took center stage expanded and enriched the idiom of
dance with their diverse experiences, varied dance styles, fluidity and
grace, as they explored women-centric themes ranging from sensuality and
shame to freedom."-Devika Natarajan,The Hindu, Chennai, December 6, 2006
And Nritarutya Dance Collective <http://www.nritarutya.com>, Bangalore, was
so generous to have presented us along with Veena Basavarajaiah in Adhaya.
There we met many other incredible artists and we hope to feature their
upcoming performances in our future listings so that you get a chance to see
their work as well!
You can see pictures of our 2006 shows on
www.myspace.com/postnatyam<http://myspace.com/postnatyam>
On December 8, Sangita's film Dancing Kathmandu premiered at the Gurrukul
Performance space as a highlight of the Kathmandu International Mountain
Film Festival <http://www.himalayassociation.org/kimff/kimff06.htm>. The
screening was delayed by more than 30 minutes due to the extremely, and
overwhelmingly large numbers of people who showed up for the screening. The
Himalayan review states it well:
"For Shresthova, a person of mixed lineage (father's a Shrestha, mother a
Czech), she could not have received a greater love, a better audience, and a
better venue and festival for the premiere of her documentary, than she
received on the afternoon of December 8...Many questions were asked, many
issues raised but... judging by the audience's reactions, the documentary
was well received as many a guffaw of laughter roared throughout the film."
(The Himalayan, December 9, 2006)
Post Natyam Performances:
Los Angeles
27 January 2007, 8:30pm to 11:00pm
Shyamala will be performing with
Artists for Humanity
Awakenings Coffee House in Lomita
24100 Narbonne Ave, Lomita, CA 90717
$5 Admission (2 for the venue, $3 to the Rainforest Foundation
www.rainforestfoundation.org , SOS Children's Villages www.sos-usa.org, and
Women & Youth Supporting Each Other www.wyse.org)
Artists for Humanity is a showcase of artists from all mediums and walks
of life who have come together to not only advocate the arts but promote
awareness of the social and global issues of today and positive peaceful
solutions to these problems.
These artists (including spoken word, dance, mixed-medium studio art,
film, photography, music, and theater arts) have all volunteered their time
and talents to bring their communities messages of acceptance,
understanding, compassion, and hope.
Artists Include:
Jennifer "Tehani" Sarreal www.islandbeatentertainment.com
Marguerite Kusuhara www.GypsyMagic.com <http://www.gypsymagic.com/>
Veronique Chevalier www.cabaret4choice.org
Orlando Greenhill
Neil Rivas
ReyRonald Flores
Jay Richardson
Catherine “Katerina†Cruzan www.katerinadance.com
Eve Del Rosario
Shyamala Moorty www.shyamalamoorty.net
D'Lo http://www.mtvdesi.com/news/story.jhtml?id=1538467
Jane Boyd
Sean Duenser
Jeffrey Kanjanapangka
Post Natyam Pointers:
Summary of Listings: (detailed listings below)
Events:
1. New York City, USA: 2 -27 January 2007: Liberated: solo exhibition by
Asma
Shikoh
2. San Francisco, USA: 6 January 2007: Himalayan Project/Oblique Brown
3. Birmingham, UK: 11 January 2007: CultivAsian Conference
4. New York City, USA: 13 January 2007: Inside Man Film Conference
5. New Delhi, India: 11-14 January 2007: New Architecture and
Urbanism:Development of Indian Traditions
6. Addison, TX, USA: 17 January 2007: Comedy by Paul Varghese (headliner)
7. Los Angeles, USA: 30 January 2007: Anurupa Roy puppetry for social
change
Workshops:
1. Van Nuys, USA: Saturdays from January 20- March 10, 2007 2pm-6pm,
Final
Public Showing (required): March 10, 2007: Performance Workshop for
Women
of Color, with Kristina Wong.
2. San Francisco, USA: Mondays, January 22 - April 2, 2007 Two Truths
and a Lie:
Writing Creative Non-Fiction a 10-week writing workshop with Bushra
Rehman
3. Bali, Indonesia: Gamelan Music and Dance Summer Institute, Ju ly 2007,
application deadline 5 January 2007, or until enrollment filled.
Check it out:
1. In Plainspeak, Issue 4, publication
2. New Website for South Asian Film: www.jaman.com <http://www.jama.org>
Calls for Applications/Submissions/Work
1. Call for writings and photography international journal of literary
nonfiction.
Los Angeles, USA, deadline, 5 January 2007
2. Call for Literary and Visual Arts Submissions, SCRIPTS.
Mumbai, India, deadline 7 January 2007
3. JOB- coordinator, National Poetry Day.
London, UK, deadline, 12 January 2007
4. Tasveer Film Festival Call for Submissions.
Seattle, USA, deadline: 15 January 2007
5. Call for Submissions: ITCH.
Los Angeles, USA, deadline: 15 January 2007
6. Job Vacancies at India Foundation for the Arts.
Bangalore, India, deadline 15 January 2007
7. Entry Call Cinedans International dance Filmfestival.
Amsterdam, NL, deadline: 20 January, 2007.
8. Call for Papers, The Ethninc Memoir.
Philadelphia, USA, deadline 26 January 2007
9. Call for Films: Outfest. Los Angeles, USA, early deadline: 26
January 2007, final
deadline 31 March 2007
10. Performing arts funding opportunities.
UK, various January deadlines
11. Call for Submissions, Playwright Residency and Playwrights Week
2007.
New York City, USA, deadline: 15 February 2007
12. MAP: Multi-Arts Production Fund.
New York City, USA, deadline: 16 February 2007
13. The Asian Arts Initiative invites Gallery Proposals for Spring
2007.
Philadelphia, USA, rolling deadline
Detailed Listings:
Events:
1. New York City, USA, January 2 - January 27, 2007 : solo art exhibit
titled
'Liberated' by Asma Shikoh
at The Ceres Gallery, in New York City.
Opening reception: Saturday, January 6th, 2007, 2-4 pm, Show Dates: January
2 -- January 27, 2007, Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 12- 6
Location: The Ceres Gallery, 547 West 27th Street, New York, NY 10001
The show 'Liberated' is an exciting acrylics and mixed media interplay of
popular icons and the 'hijab' (the head scarf adorned by Muslim women),
highlighting the role of individual practices in the shaping of a unique
national identity. The work includes personal involvement of more than a
hundred Muslim women across America.
2. San Francisco, USA, 6 January 2007, 8 pm : Himalayan Project/Oblique
Brown
Show
Canvas Gallery
1200 9th Avenue (at Lincoln)
San Francisco, California
US
Cost: $5
Description: Himalayan Project, Oblique Brown, Swap (Karmacy), DJ Diversify
(Beatsauce) and others spinning til 2am.
3. Birmingham, UK: Thursday 11th January 2007: Conform or Out: Your Shout
conference
Vaughan Jeffries Lecture Theatre, Education Building, University of
Birmingham, 10:15 -16:00.
see conference schedule at
http://www.cultivasian.org /article/36/%22Conform+or+Out
%3A+Your+Shout%22+conference .htm
To register please contact
CultivAsian via: email:eve...@cultuvasian.org, Tel: Vik on 07956 341375
The 1990 Trust: email: ru...@blink.uk.org, Tel: Ruhul on 07908 750748
4. New York City, USA: 13 January 2007: Inside Man Film Conference
Brooklyn Young Filmmakers Center
'INSIDE MAN' CONFERENCE
How To Get Jobs in Film
co-sponsored by The New York City Housing Authority Resident Employment
Services & The Workforce Development Center at NYC College of Technology
SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2007, 10AM - 7PM, 2007
$20 (prior to January 12, 2007), $25 (at the door) , REFRESHMENTS
INCLUDED
Location:
Spike Lee Screening Room
Long Island University - Brooklyn Campus
TO REGISTER:
i...@wearebyfc.inf
(718) 935-0490
The conference will open with a screening of Spike Lee's 'Inside Man'
followed by workshops explaining how different departments worked on the
film and informational panels on how to get started in film careers without
going to college.
www.wearbyfc. www.wearbyfc.org for information on BYFC classes 'In
Assistant' and 'Intro to Scriptwriting' and sign up for our free email
newsletter
5. New Delhi, India, 11-14 January 2007: Conference: "New Architecture
and
Urbanism: Development of Indian Traditions"
The conference aims to bring together strong voices from all corners of the
country and the world, in an effort to retain and reinforce the belief in
the strength and vitality of traditional building and urbanism, and for its
promotion and usage in the development of mainstream architecture and urban
design.
Conference theme: Within India now, its globalized economy is based on
the ideals of change and modernism. This evolution into modernism
initially came about on the premise of inclusivity, but has over time
propagated a mass transnational culture to the ultimate exclusion of local
identity. This sense of loss of identity and tradition permeates art,
culture, cuisine and lots more, and has led to a certain endemic cultural
loss.
All around us, we see symbols of a dislocated rootless global paradigm
dominating our skylines. Our built environment shapes our sense of self,
our sense of place, our reverence of our past and our traditions. Building
traditions have modified and evolved with the social, economic and cultural
needs of the age. Tradition in building serves us in creating a balance
between nature and society, optimal utilization of natural resources and of
local skills and craftsmanship. As strong forces currently drive the
creation of new architecture and urban design in India, the time is now or
never to instill in this huge process a sense of "appropriateness" to the
local context.
http://www.intbau.org/indiantraditions.htm
.
6. Addison, TX, USA: 17 January 2007, Comedy by Paul Varghese (headliner)
Improv Comedy Club
Doors open at 7; Show's at 8:30
www.improv.com or (972) 404-8501
7. Los Angeles, USA: 30 January 2007, 4 pm-Anurupa Roy puppetry for
social
change
UCLA, Kaufman Hall, Amber Studio
Info: (310) 835-3951
The UCLA Department of World Arts and Cultures presents Anurupa Roy,
Director of Kat-Katha, a puppet troupe based in New Delhi, India. Roy
believes that puppetry is one of the most powerful tools available for
initiating social change. Her work addresses such issues as gender,
conflict resolution, and AIDS awareness
Workshops :
1. Van Nuys, USA: Saturdays from January 20- March 10, 2007 2pm-6pm, Final
Public Showing (required): March 10, 2007, Performance Workshop for
Women
of Color
When: Saturdays from January 20- March 10, 2007 2pm-6pm
Final Public Showing (required): March 10, 2007
Where: Mid-Valley YMCA, 6901 Lennox Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91405
Cost: $35 for all eight weeks! (Full and partial scholarships are
available.)
To Register/ Questions: Participants must register with Kristina in advance
by phone, 310-435-4817. Spaces are limited.
Because you are overflowing with stories yet to be told,
Because you don't get enough opportunities to roll around and make animal
sounds at your cubicle,
Because you need more strong women of color in your life,
Because you owe it to yourself,
Because self-expression is sometimes our only means of psychic and cultural
survival.
BECAUSE
An eight week performance workshop for Women of Color
Facilitated and led by Kristina Wong, with special guest artists
BECAUSE is a performance workshop for women of color to explore, find, and
exercise their right to be creative and self-express. BECAUSE is focused on
creative process and over product. We'll play with movement, dance,
symbolism, ritual, text, site specific work and visual art to find our own
unique creative voices. We will dig deep into the stories located within our
flesh, histories and daily lives and find the stories we share as women of
color. BECAUSE encourages the building of a supportive creative community
among women of color and reckless experimentation across the lines of
artistic mediums, genres and styles.
No experience is required, only being open to the workshop process. The
workshops culminate in an informal public showing.
Participants must commit to the entire workshop process and final showing.
This workshop is open to all adult women of color. There are no restrictions
of age, sexual orientation, or physical ability.
Master Classes led by Guest Artists:
Paul Zaloom (puppetry) http://www.paulzaloom.com
Shyamala Moorty (dance) http://www.shyamalamoorty.net
Anida Yoeu Esguerra (movement/writing) http://www.atomicshogun.com
About Kristina Wong (Facilitator/Leader):
Kristina Wong is a solo performer, writer, filmmaker, actor, activist and
educator. Wong's third solo show Wong Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest recently
premiered to sold out crowds in the Bay Area and received support from the
Creative Capital Foundation and the National Performance Network. More
information on her is available at http://www.kristinawong.com .
BECAUSE is made possible through an Artist-in-Residence Award from the City
of Los Angeles' Department of Cultural Affairs.
2. San Francisco, USA: Mondays, January 22 - April 2, 2007: Two Truths
and a Lie:
Writing Creative Non-Fiction a 10-week writing workshop with Bushra
Rehman
All ten sessions meet Mondays, 7 - 9pm, at KSW's space, 180 Capp Street,
@17th Street, San Francisco. The workshop will not meet on Monday, February
19th, 2007.
Class Description:
Writing from life can be a tricky business. There are people to protect,
faulty memories of events, and the pitfalls of self-censorship and
self-aggrandizement. This is where creative non-fiction comes in. It's a
form of writing that is drawn from real life, but employs techniques of
poetry and fiction. Permission is given to veer from the facts, to change
names and the order of happenings, to start with a true story and end it the
way it should have ended. Creative non-fiction recognizes that our lives are
too rich not to write about, but that our imaginations are too strong to
ignore.
In this class, we will write by drawing on memory, family myth, and the
truth and lies of our lives. We will cover literary techniques such as
character, dialogue, setting and story arc, as well as performance. We as a
collective will give ourselves permission not only to share our life
stories, but to re-write them into the stories we want them to be.
About the instructor:
Bushra Rehman's mother says Bushra was born in an ambulance flying through
the streets of Brooklyn. Her father is not so sure. Since there are no
definitive records of the time of her birth, there is no real way of
knowing, but it would explain a few things. Bushra is a vagabond poet who
traveled for years with nothing more than a
greyhound ticket and a book bag full of poems. Now, she performs her poetry
regularly in theaters and colleges around the country. Lately, she's been
spending her time flying through the streets of Oakland and Brooklyn,
writing an on the road adventure novel for Muslim girls.
Bushra is co-editor of the anthology Colonize This! Young Women of Color on
Today's Feminism (Seal Press, 2002) which has been adopted as essential
reading material in women's studies and ethnic studies classes around the
United States. She has been featured in The New York Times and NY Newsday
and her work has appeared in ColorLines, Mizna, Curve, SAMAR, and
Bottomfish. Her writing is forthcoming in Writing the Lines of Our Hands: An
Anthology of South Asian American Poetry (Creative Arts Press), Voices of
Resistance: Muslim Women on War, Faith and Sexuality (Seal Press)and Stories
of Illness and Healing: Women Write Their Bodies (Kent State University
Press).
Registration fee is $215 regular, $195 for KSW members. Class is capped at
14 registrants; first come, first serve basis. To register with credit card,
please click on one of the buttons below. To register by check, please send
a check or money order for full amount to KSW, 180 capp street #5, san
francisco, ca 94110, and include your full name and contact info:
http://kearnystreet.org/programs/calendar/2007_01.html#22
**
*** 3. Bali, Indonesia: Gamelan Music and Dance Summer Institute: * *
www.cudamani.org* <http://www.cudamani.org/>
* Two week program: July 2-13: Three week program: July 2-20, Application
deadline
5 January 2007 or until enrollment filled
* *For the first time, internationally acclaimed Çudamani ensemble will
invite a select group of 35 individuals from around the world to participate
in a rigorous study of Balinese Music and Dance in Pengosekan.*
*APPLICATION*: online submissions - *www.cudamani.org*
*Fees*: 2 weeks $1,400. 3 weeks $1,950. Includes instruction, shared
housing, breakfast, lunch, and excursions. Discount airfare available.
Non-refundable application fee of $25.
In addition to *intensive classes with master artists/teachers*, the program
will include: visits to temple ceremonies and sacred sites; observations of
a wide range of performances including Çudamani rehearsals; and daily
encounters with the local artists and the community. This program is *a rare
opportunity for participants to be a part of one of the most vibrant and
creative cultures in the world*.
*Çudamani *has provided gamelan and dance instruction to hundreds of young
people over their nine years of work in Pengosekan. To their credit they are
one of the few organizations in Bali that teachers gamelan to girls--a realm
that until recently, was reserved for males. *The company's technical
accomplishments on the seven-toned Semaranandana are unparalleled* and their
musical versatility is respected in educational circles and sought after by
major American composers such as Evan Ziporyn of MIT and Michael Tenzer from
the University of British Columbia. Çudamani and its members have toured
Italy, Greece, Japan, and the U.S. In 2001, Çudamani received a grant from
the Ford Foundation for their work in preservation, innovation, and
education.
*Artistic Team*
I Dewa Putu Berata: Program Music Director
Emiko Saraswati Susilo: Institute Dance Director
*Bring your children to Bali*: The Institute is considering a parallel
program for the children of participants. For more info call:
+1-310-206-1335
4. San Francisco, USA: Call for Applicants: Intergenerational Writing
Lab, deadline
19
January 2007
INTERGENERATIONAL WRITERS LAB 2007 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
*CALL FOR APPLICATIONS *
The 4th Intergenerational Writers Lab (IWL) 2007
A program of Galería de la Raza, Kearny Street Workshop, & Intersection
for the Arts
*A unique program with three of SF's oldest arts organizations to thoroughly
explore and develop your writing. Accepted applicants will participate in
workshops led by accomplished writers, have the opportunity to perform/read
work at public events, and be published in a
new chapbook.*
For more information, please contact either:
Samantha Chanse, Artistic Director, Kearny Street Workshop, 415.503.0520
s...@kearnystreet.org, www.kearnystreet.org
Rebeka Rodriguez, Program Director, Intersection for the Arts,
415.626.2787ext106
reb...@theintersection.org, www.theintersection.org
Marc Piñate, Program Manager, Galería de la Raza, 415.826.8009
marcpin...@galeriadelaraza.org, <marcpin...@galeriadelaraza.org>
www.galeriadelaraza.org
*To request a copy of the IWL 2007 Application Form via email,
fax, or snail mail, please contact KSW. *
For more information on KSW please contact Kearny Street Workshop
at...@somarts.org;
415.503.0520. or check out our website at www.kearnystreet.org.
We are looking for local (SF Bay Area) emerging writers who wish to develop
and expand their writing skills by experimenting with new forms and taking
risks in creative expression. Selected participants will participate in nine
workshop sessions of three hours duration each (all workshop sessions will
take place on Saturday afternoons) and will have the opportunity to attend
and participate in the four public events at Galería, KSW & Intersection.
Writers need not be published, but must demonstrate a consistent pursuit of
literary arts and a deep interest in participating in an experimental
writing program.
TO APPLY:
Please submit the following:
1. An IWL 2007 application form (Contact KSW for an application form);
2. Writing sample, 12 point & double-spaced, not to exceed 7 pages;
3. A description of why you want to enroll in the IWL program, not to
exceed 500 words.
4. A submission fee of $10 (check or money order made out to Kearny Street
Workshop). Please note: submission fees are used to cover artist fees,
chapbook publication, and partial and full scholarships. Submission fees may
be waived on as-need basis, and per applicant request. To request a
submission fee waiver, please contact KSW.
Please submit all materials to:
Kearny Street Workshop
Attention: IWL 2007
180 Capp Street, Box #5
San Francisco, CA 94110
TUITION & SCHOLARSHIPS:
The tuition for accepted IWL participants is $250- 350 sliding scale,
with two full scholarships available. Tuition levels will be determined on a
case-by-case basis, based on individual participant needs. If you wish to be
considered for a partial or full scholarship, please submi an additional
description of your circumstances and why you believe you deserve a
scholarship.
Check it out:
1. In Plainspeak: Debate. Analyze. Critique. Discuss. Learn. Write...
...Art. Activism. Sexuality. Images. Rights
In Plainspeak...
In Plainspeak is published every quarter, electronically and in print. You
can visit our website and view the PDF and HTMLversion of In Plainspeak at
the following link: http://www.asiasrc.org/in plainspeak.php
The South and Southeast Asia Resource Centre on Sexuality is excited to
announce the fourth issue in 2006 of In Plainspeak! As the name suggests,
In Plainspeak talks about basic as well as complicated and even contentious
issues of sexuality and rights in simple (but not simplistic) language, in
the hope that this will increase dialogue and debate on these issues in the
South and Southeast Asia region.
We hope that it facilitates a critical dialogue amongst us - activists,
health professionals, students, academics, researchers and anyone interested
in issues of sexuality in our region. Because sexuality encompasses a wide
spectrum of issues, In Plainspeak includes writing and images on a range of
topics from a sexuality-affirming and feminist perspective.
2. New Website about South Asian films: www.jaman.com
SAIFF proudly introduces you to Jaman, the premier internet community
bringing South Asian films to you online.
It's Easy: Click, Sign In, and Enjoy the Show
Simply click on the link below, register, browse the South Asia Channel
and GO… Check out and comment on world class films including Black, Paheli,
Raincoat, Calcutta Mail, Choker Bali and more. Jaman is a great place to
meet people that are as passionate about cinema as you are. Spark a
discussion, join a group where you share your insights, and generally mix it
up on all things related to South Asian cinema!
Do you Know a Great Filmmaker?
If you're a SA filmmaker or know a filmmaker whose work simply must be
seen, you can submit your film to the Jamanwallah film contest to win a
professional Panasonic Camcorder and featured distribution through the Jaman
network, by clicking: http://www.jaman.com/jamanwallah/index.html
Jaman is building the largest collection of South Asian films online.
Join the beta and tell them what you think!
Click the link below to start the Jaman experience:
http://www.jaman.com/register.php?it=0pDIgwf4WNQw
Calls for Applications/Submissions/Work
1. Call for writings and photography, international journal of literary
nonfiction.
Los Angeles, USA, deadline, 5 January 2007
GOT TRUTH? THE TRUTH ABOUT THE FACT
International Journal of Literary Nonfiction
thetruthaboutthefact.com
INTERNATIONAL CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Nonfiction literary memoir, essay, commentary 1000-5000 words
High quality, narrative, nonfiction poetry
Black and white art and photography
Submit via email: edi...@thetruthaboutthefact.com
2. Call for contributions to Scripts.
Mumbai, India, deadline: 7 January 2007
Call for contributions to SCRIPTS,
the queer zine
by Lesbians and Bisexuals in Action (LABIA)
Issue No. 10 "Mother"
The last date for submissions is
7th January, 2007.
Janani is Editor Rinki Bhattarcharya' s tribute to mothers, daughters and
motherhood. An impressive collection of contributors, from Jasodhara Bagchi,
Shashi Deshpande and Nabaneeta Dev Sen to danseuse Mallika Sarabai and
painter Rekha Rodwittya, has contributed to the finely written book.
While several aspects of being and having a mother have been expressed in
the book, there is no mention of queer women and their mothers or what it
means to be a queer mother, or what it meant for a child to have a queer
mother. 'Mother', whether adoptive, or step or biological has been defined
in the domain of the biological woman. There is no reference to the hijra,
kothi or gay man as mother. There is no mention of how it must be for a
child to have two lesbian mothers or what it means to be a single lesbian
mother… The combinations that may be achieved when one ceases to see the
world in hetero-normative binaries are vast and dynamic. When asked why they
had left out the queer voice, Rinki smiled and said, "That is a book in
itself and I hope that someone who knows more about the subject will write
it." Then in a just bought copy of her book she inscribed, "Hope your book
gets written."
This, then, is a small attempt to address the possibilities of that book
getting written. It's a big task to address a subject as monumental as
'mother' that is mythology in itself. In a queer context it can perhaps fill
several issues of SCRIPTS to come. Our desire is to put together some
writings, musings, reflections, memories, from a queer perspective, on a
subject that has shaped our entire lives.
To explore mother as a concept, as an ideal, an icon, the good mother, the
bad mother, the step mother, the fairy godmother, the Godmother, the woman
with the womb, the woman without it…the genesis of life, the absence of it….
We hope to encourage a variety of writing that moves beyond notions of
mother that are defined by the binaries of gender and sex.
What does the word 'mother' evoke? A swarm of conflicting ideas, clichés,
emotions, memories of wounds and precious moments all swim to the surface in
one overwhelming surge. All of us have had mothers past and present, dreamed
or real, and here we encourage people to relish what has become an integral
part of all our existences. How the presence or absence of the mother image
has had a part to play in our lives and loves as queer people. How we have
often to redefine that idea of mother for ourselves.
If the mother is usually the first adult to be put on a pedestal, she is
also the first to be toppled from it. Mother is the first wall we bang
against, the first being whose sexuality is wrapped around us like a
protective blanket. We have held mother so close that often she is neutered
and no longer a sexual being. Her breasts spewing milk are so wholesome they
are seen as desexualized.
Do we dare talk of our Oedipal side as queer women? If Freud is to be
believed, the lesbian woman 'may not become resigned to her castrated state,
hiding from herself the absence of the penis and remaining fixed on her
mother for whom she is ever seeking substitutes.' Freud also reasoned that
gay men like Leonardo da Vinci who lack strong male figures model themselves
on their mothers and seek in their partners a strong father figure… giving
the term 'Who's your daddy?' a whole different sexual aura. Strange that we
never hear such innuendo towards mummy who remains shrouded in her chaste
casket, like a venerated Pharaoh, sacred but sexually dead.
But what does the queer mother feel about her daughter/son/ trans/
child's lovers/partners? What are the dynamics when two women face each
other 'competing' for the attentions of daughter/lover? Or does that ever
happen? Does the mother of a queer son feel even more pampered because she
has not one but two sons? Or does she trade beauty tips with her son's
lover?
Last but not the least, do queer partners mother each other? Do queer people
look out for mother figures—maushis, maas, ammas—among their friends and in
their community? Do we cuddle and stroke our friends with maternal love?
What are these lines that we cross daily and do we even want to define them?
The arena is open. Join us.
Guidelines for Submissions
Please remember that this issue is open to all queer and queer friendly
folks, the theme is the thing.
For Literary submissions: Poetry, prose, essays, letters, scribbles, fiction
– all are welcome.
Submissions must be sent by email as text, or as word document
attachments. While we welcome hand written works also, it is infinitely
easier if you can send them as word documents or typed. You can send us
hand-written documents by post mail or scan them and send them to us as TIFF
files (though we must admit that this hasn't worked so far due to the
quality of the scanning and the length of the submissions).
Submissions must not exceed 1000 words.
We are especially seeking literary contributions in Hindi, Bengali,
Marathi, Gujarati, Urdu or any other regional languages. We would, in fact,
like to reserve 20% of the pages of this issue towards work in Indian
languages other than English. Works will be printed in their original
language. Wherever possible please send us word documents with the font
used, and an English translation transcript along, especially if you would
like it printed along with the original language piece.
Safety. Many people may not feel comfortable or safe publishing their
writings under their names. If you so wish we will be willing to publish
your work under your pseudonym as well. If there are any other precautions
that you would like us to take, kindly alert us of the same.
For Visual arts submissions: Photographs, sketches, drawings, paintings,
doodles – are all welcome. Kindly send us your work scanned as TIFF files in
high resolution by e-mail, burnt on CD-R's, as Xeroxes or copies by
post-mail. PLEASE DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL ARTWORKS.
Safety. Again please specify under which name the artworks should be
printed.
What other info do we need from you?
*Kindly send in your submissions clearly marked with the name of the
writer/artist. We also encourage you to send a brief write up along with the
work if you would like to give it some background.
*Do send us a very brief 2 line Bio which we can publish at the end of
the book as a note on contributors. Again, if for issues of anonymity and
safely you chose not to send this to us, we will understand.
*Some kind of postal address so we can send you a copy of the printed
zine. What we can do in return for your precious contributions (besides
sending you a copy and ensuring as wide a distribution as possible)?
*Copyright for all accepted contributions will remain with the authors.
We do not reserve any right to place any of the accepted material for any
other publication without the prior written permission of the
authors/artists.
Address for submissions:
labialist@yahoo. com
Postal address:
LABIA/Stree Sangam
P. O. Box No. 16613
Matunga, Bombay 400 019.
And finally a bit about us:
Lesbians and Bisexuals in Action (LABIA), formerly known as Stree Sangam,
is an autonomous, non-funded collective of lesbian, transgender and bisexual
women. LABIA is a campaign and activist group with a focus on queer and
feminist activism. We have been in existence in Bombay since 1995. Our
activities have included networking with individual queer women as well as
queer groups in India and in other countries, campaigning for the rights of
peoples and communities of marginalised genders and sexualities with other
like minded groups, and organising jointly with the struggles of other
marginalised groups, feminist and people's movements. LABIA intends to
further this activism and sees SCRIPTS as a vibrant space for multiple
conversations of queer/feminist/ activist/creative voices
3. JOB- CO-ORDINATOR, NATIONAL POETRY DAY,
London, UK: deadline, Friday 12 January 2007
Reply to: l...@colmangetty.co.
Fixed term contract for two years
Annual fee: £15,000
Approximately two days per week
National Poetry Day is the biggest celebration of poetry in the UK.
Held every year in early October, NPD was launched in 1994 by William
Sieghart working in partnership with The Poetry Society, ACE and Colman
Getty. It played a vital role in transforming the poetry landscape of the
UK. Over the years, partnerships have been created with all sorts of
organisations around the country, from the BBC, schools, pubs and clubs, to
local literary and arts festivals.
National Poetry Day is now administered through The Forward Arts Foundation
and is partially funded by a three-year grant from Arts Council England.
The Foundation has ambitious plans to build on this very tangible success of
NPD and bring poetry to an even wider section of the British public.
The Forward Arts Foundation is seeking a part-time co-ordinator to develop
and expand the reach of National Poetry Day.
The co-ordinator would be expected to:
* Act as a passionate advocate for NPD and co-ordinate activity across the
UK, linking with arts, community and leisure organisations, schools and
retailers, and developing a broader audience for NPD, specifically
encompassing new media new technology
* Work with Act IV (NPD's fundraising and sponsorship agency), Colman Getty
and The Poetry Society to create an NPD business plan, as outlined by ACE
* Manage the ongoing relationship with ACE
* Manage the NPD budget
* Co-ordinate steering group meetings
* Take responsibility for the design and management of the NPD website and
online development
* Produce a quarterly e-bulletin (to go monthly from July to October)
* Oversee the production by the Poetry Society of the NPD education resource
pack
* Liaise with Act IV over fundraising and sponsorship
* Liaise with Colman Getty in matters relating to PR
* Organise the Poet-in-Residence with the Poetry Society
* Co-ordinate the promotion of NPD to libraries and book retailers
* Co-ordinate the design and supply of all supporting marketing materials
Please apply in writing with your CV to:
Lois Tucker
Colman Getty
28 Windmill Street
London W1T 2JJ
mailto: l...@colmangetty.co.uk
Closing date: Friday 12 January 2007
4. Tasveer Film Festival Call for Submissions,
Seattle, US: deadline: 15 January 2007
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Tasveer, an independent film organization in Seattle, seeks short films,
experimental films, documentaries, and narratives of any length for
submission for "Aaina: South Asian Women Film Focus".
If you would like to submit your film, please include the following info
along with a vhs ntsc/dvd preview copy: title of film, brief synopsis,
length of film, production year, country, previous screenings, filmmaker
bio, and contact information and send to our
mailing address:
Tasveer, 9053 36th Ave South, Seattle, WA 98118.
Deadline for submissions is January 15th, 2007.
If you have any questions, email i...@tasveer.org .
Website: www.tasveer.org.
The event will take place in Seattle in March 2006 on the occasion of
International Women's Month. Film themes must have primary focus on issues
pertaining to South Asian women (living anywhere in the world). "South Asia"
includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan,
Sri Lanka, and Tibet.
5. Call for submissions to itch #4! Subject: E v i d e n c e
Los Angeles, USA: deadline: 15 January 2007
How might we record our efforts, in a way that might inspire new ways of
thinking about art, or living in general?
thoughts from the itch generator:
How might we act as our own historians?…
Capture the ephemeral. define it, serenade it, critique it, massage
it in to being…
Create an unprecedented moment or scenario that can be
documented…
Consider, through action, what it means to be controversial,
proactive, performative…
Invent scenarios that intervene in the everyday…
Be the see-er and notice what goes unnoticed…
Be the seen and challenge inappropriate view-er-ship…
Make history. interview a mentor or other artist
that you--
or other people would
like to get to know…
Start a dialogue (or fight) across
disciplines, desires, aesthetics, politics, etc…
Make a scene…
For the fourth issue of itch we are asking for submissions that are
evidence of an experience, process, intervention, or experiment. Please
submit a transcription, description and/or translation of an event you
created, witnessed, or facilitated. Documents (drawings, receipts, maps,
equations, still images, etc) may accompany your submission, keeping in mind
it must be small scale and legible in black and white photocopy. As always,
experimentation is welcomed.
Also, for our rolling dialogue section, please submit your responses to
issue #3: Systems of Support.
send submissions to tpb...@hotmail.com . Further questions, concerns,
etc can also be sent to tpb...@hotmail.com .
coming soon.... itch website.
www.myspace.com/anatomyriot
itch is an evolving art project in the form of a journal that aspires to
serve the community of dancers and other artists of the Los Angeles area and
beyond. Practice participation in the developing LA dance culture: insert
your thoughts, your body, your voice. help itch grow should you be enhanced
by it...
6. Bangalore, India: vacancies at IFA, deadline, 15 January 2007
INDIA FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS
Vacancy for six positions
India Foundation for the Arts (IFA), Bangalore is looking for a Programme
Executive, a Head of Programmes, a Head of Finance, a Manager: Public
Relations, a Manager: Individual Membership and Arts Services, and a Graphic
Designer
About IFA
IFA makes grants nationwide for research and documentation in the arts, arts
education, extending arts practice and new performances. Please visit IFA's
website ( www.indiaifa.org) for further information.
The deadline for receipt of all applications is January 15, 2007.
Applicants should include a detailed resume, a statement of their interest
in this position, and any supporting documents.
Applications labelled with the relevant code should be addressed to:
The Executive Director
India Foundation for the Arts
Tharangini, 12th Cross, Raj Mahal Vilas Extension
Bangalore - 560 080
Tel: 080-2361-0583/84
Or sent by email to contac...@indiaifa.org
7. Entry Call Cinedans International dance Filmfestival.
Amsterdam, NL: deadline: January 20, 2007.
You can find our entry form plus details at www.cinedans.nl/> entry 2007
We are looking for dance films within the following categories: animation,
choreography made for screen, documentary, shorts, and experimental,
abstract or narrative titles.
Performance videos are not considered but adaptations of existing stage
performances are welcomed.
Good Luck!
Cinedans team
8 . Call for Papers, Working Title: Ethnic Memoir.
Philadelphia, USA, deadline, 26 January 2007
Proposed Panel for ASA 2007 (American Studies Association)
Abstract Deadline: January 26, 2007
Conference: Oct. 11-14, 2007, in Philadelphia, PA
This proposed panel will look at the way memoirs written by American writers
of various ethnic backgrounds correct and supplement historical accounts of
their personal, group, and familial experiences. Philip J. Deloria, director
of the program in American Culture at the University of Michigan, will chair
the session. We are currently looking for 2 other panelists (traditional
20-min./10-pg. paper) and a commentator for the session. Please email
abstracts of 250-300 words OR a statement of interest w/CV if you would like
to do commentary for the session to Gene Gorman, Boston College
(gormange_at_bc.edu) by 1/22/07.
9. Call for Films, Videos, Screenplays, Outfest.
Los Angeles, USA: deadline, 26 January 2007
Now accepting film/video AND screenplay submissions for Outfest 2007 and the
Outfest Screenwriting Program. You can apply online through Without-a-Box
via www.outfest.org
OUTFEST SCREENWRITING LAB
deadline for submissions: January 26, 2007
OUTFEST 2007: THE 25TH LOS ANGELES GAY & LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL (July 12-23,
2007)
early deadline: January 26, 2007
final deadline: March 9, 2007
10. Assorted Arts funding opportunities
UK, various January deadlines
*The Lisa Ullmann Travelling Scholarship (Dance)*
deadline: 25 January 2007
The Lisa Ullmann Travelling Scholarship Fund supports individual journeys in
movement and dance and enables movement and dance practitioners to travel to
enrich their practice and pursue a personal passion. The aim of this small
charity is to provide financial support to individuals who wish to travel
abroad or in the United Kingdom to attend a conference, to pursue a research
project or undertake a short course of study in the field of movement or
dance.
Application forms and further details are available by sending an A5 SAE to:
The Secretary, Lisa Ullmann Travelling Scholarship Fund, 24 Cuppin Street,
Chester, CH1 2BN or visit www.ullmann-trav.fsnet.co.uk.
*The Fenton Arts Trust*
The Fenton Arts Trust aims to give encouragement and financial support to
those actively contributing to the creative arts in the UK. It seeks to
assist, through grants and bursaries, individuals and groups who are making
a worthwhile contribution to the artistic and cultural life of the country.
The Fenton Arts Trust grants are available to support individual works,
activities, performances or prizes in the fields of drama, painting,
sculpture, ballet, music and poetry. The Trust has three objectives:
(i) to support final year or postgraduate students through the award of
scholarships or bursaries,
(ii) to provide grants which will support or reward work or performance by
individuals early in their careers, and
(iii) to provide grants for institutions or organisations which have the
same aims.
For further details and to download an application form, visit www.moxie.u-
net.com/fentonar ts.
*Paul Getty Jr Charitable Trust*
The Trust aims to fund projects to alleviate poverty and misery in general,
and unpopular causes in particular, within the U.K. The emphasis is on
self-help and enabling people to reach their potential. The Trustees favour
small community and local projects which make good use of volunteers. There
are four main beneficial areas: Social Welfare, Therapeutic Use of the Arts,
Conservation and the Environment.
Grants are usually in the £5-15,000 range, for both capital and revenue.
Those for salaries or running costs can be repeated on an annual basis for a
maximum of 3 years. Applications are processed all the time, and three
months is the least it usually takes to award a grant. Some small grants of
up to £2,000 are also made in between the quarterly trustee meetings. For
more information on how to apply, visit www.jpgettytrust.org.uk or phone
0207 486 1859.
*Rupert Rhymes Bursary*
deadline: Wednesday 31 January 2007
Stage One is now accepting applications for the Rupert Rhymes Bursary. This
award is aimed at those in the early stages of a career in theatre
production or administration. The bursary was founded as an opportunity to
provide successful candidates with a unique opportunity to do something that
is not catered for by other bursary schemes, through a financial award of
£2,000. Further information, including application details, can be found at
www.stageone.uk.com/bursaries .htm or by e-mailing
enquir...@stageone.uk.com<enquiries%40stageone.uk.com>.
*NESTA Launches New Initiative
*
deadline: 22 January 2007
NESTA, the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts, has
launched a new initiative entitled 'Starter for 6'. Working in partnership
with the Six Cities Design Festival and Highlands & Islands Enterprise,
'Starter for 6' will build the enterprise skills of up to 300 budding
entrepreneurs working in Scotland across science, technology and the
creative industries, as well as providing start-up grants.
Training activity will focus on six city areas: Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh,
Glasgow, Inverness and Stirling, although applications will be accepted from
any part of Scotland. The project will provide follow-on bespoke support,
mentoring and the opportunity to apply for a small start-up grant of between
£5,000 to £10,000. Applications can be made by either individuals or teams.
The deadline for applications to the Idea Generation Workshops is 22nd
January 2007. The deadline for full applications to the 'Starter for 6'
programme of training is 12th February 2007. For more information,
visit http://www.nesta.org.uk/programmes/starter_for_6/index.aspx
or e-mail starterfor...@nesta.org.uk <starterforsix%40nesta.org.uk> .
.
__,_._,___
11. CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS - PLAYWRIGHT RESIDENCY AND PLAYWRIGHTS WEEK 2007.
New York City, USA: deadline: 15 February 2007
SOUTH ASIAN DIASPORA PROGRAM
The Lark Play Development Center and the Indo-American Arts Council Seek
Applicants for Two Programs: IAAC Playwright Residency and Playwrights' Week
The Lark Play Development Center and the Indo-American Arts Council are
seeking playwrights from the South Asian Diaspora for Playwrights' Week and
a year-long Playwright Residency Program to commence in September, 2007.
The selected IAAC Playwright-in-Residence will receive:
a.. $1000 Honorarium,
b.. Three roundtables, led by Lark leadership and professional directors
and actors, to develop a new play during the 2007-08 Season,
c.. Complimentary seats to all Lark readings and public performances.
The IAAC Playwright-in-Residence is expected to become an active member of
the Lark community by attending at least one Lark event each month. Active
participation will enable the Playwright-in-Residence to exchange ideas with
peer and established writers in a meaningful way.
The selected IAAC Playwrights' Week winner will receive:
a.. Inclusion in the Lark's 2007 Playwrights' Week Festival- a weeklong
event focused on developing new and unheard voices for the theatre through
targeted outreach efforts, growth opportunities for playwrights and theatre
artists, and organized forums for community discussion,
b.. Creative teams, including a director and actors, and ten hours of
rehearsal time,
c.. A public reading to address specific developmental goals.
ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE LARK AND
THE INDO-AMERICAN ARTS COUNCIL
The Lark and the Indo-American Arts Council began collaborating in 1999
when IAAC Executive Director, Aroon Shivdasani, approached the Lark to
discuss the ways and means to support voices from the South Asian Diaspora
community in the theater. The two organizations have collaborated annually
on outreach to playwrights and theater artists locally and nationally.
Together, the Lark and the IAAC have produced three South Asian Diaspora
Playwright Festivals. This has resulted in artistic support for 14 South
Asian Diaspora play projects at the Lark in the past five years, many of
which have moved on to theaters around the country including Mixed Blood
Theater, Center Theatre Group, East-West Players, RASA, and the Public
Theater.
This initiative is made possible with public funds from the National
Endowment for the Arts and from the New York State Council on the Arts, a
State Agency.
SOUTH ASIAN DIASPORA PROGRAM
Submission Deadline: February 15, 2007
All submissions must include: a completed application form, a statement
of purpose (described below), and one full-length play.
APPLICATION FORM
For which program are you submitting your work? (Please circle one or
both)
Playwrights' Week Playwriting Residency
Personal Information
Playwright Name (Last, First):
__________________________________________________________
Representation (Name of company and agent if applicable):
___________________________________
Mailing Address:
__________________________________________________________
Daytime Phone: ____________________________ Evening Phone:
____________________________
Email: ________________________ Fax: _______________________
Payment Information
A $20 submission fee is required for all submissions. What is your
method of payment?
Please circle one. (Checks preferred)
Check (Number:_______________________ )
Cash
Mastercard
Visa
American Express
Name as it appears on card: _______________________
Card number: __________________________________
Expiration date: _________________________________
This fee offsets the costs of the submission process. It has been our
policy to consider fee waivers for those playwrights experiencing undue
financial hardship. Should this be your situation, please include a signed
statement to this effect. Requesting a fee waiver will not affect your
chances of being selected.
Play Information
Synopsis: (Please limit to 2-3 sentences)
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Number of Actors required: Male___________ Female___________
Please list any prior development work and/or productions this play may
have had:
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
How did you hear about the Lark and/or the South Asian Diaspora Program?
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Have you ever had your work presented and/or developed at the Lark? If
yes, please explain:
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Biography:
Tell us more about yourself. Be sure to include occupation, training,
and/or any awards you've received. (Use separate sheet if necessary)
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Please attach a STATEMENT OF PURPOSE which addresses why you are
interested in being selected for as a participant in Playwrights' Week
and/or the IAAC Playwright-in-Residence program and how you and your work
would benefit from development time at the Lark.
Submission Checklist:
One completed application form
Statement of Purpose
One full length play
$20 submission fee (For Playwrights' Week submissions only)
Please make checks payable to the Lark Play Development Center.
Mail submissions to:
Lark Play Development Center
c/o Middle Eastern Diaspora Program
939 8th Avenue, Suite 301
New York, NY 10019
PLEASE NOTE:
We prefer scripts bound in clear front report covers with fasteners. (No
hard cover binders, permanent spiral binding, or unbound scripts.)
Submit single sided scripts only.
If you have any questions or would like more information please email
Literary Associate, Andrea Hiebler: Andr...@larktheatre.org .
DEMOGRAPHIC QUESTIONNAIRE
Please take a moment and fill in the information requested below. This
questionnaire is not a part of the application and will not affect the
review of your play. Your response will be kept confidential by Lark staff
and will be used to monitor our diversity outreach efforts to support
program growth.
Sex (Please circle one): Male ______________ Female ___________________
Age Range (Please circle one):
Under 20
20-29
30-50
Over 50
Race or Ethnicity: _________________________________________
Citizenship: _____________________________________________
Country of Origin: _________________________________________
12. The Multi-Arts Production Fund.
New York City, USA: deadlilne: 16 February 2007
2007 Guidelines, Eligibility Requirements and Online Application are now
available @ mapfund.org
Create an account and begin your application @ apply.mapfund.org
2007 Application Deadline: Friday, February 16, 2007
13. The Asian Arts Initiative invites Gallery Proposals for Spring 2007.
Philadelphia, USA: rolling deadline
"Our Space Is Your Space"
Imagine the unimagined.
Before the Gilbert Building is demolished due to the Convention Center
expansion, take advantage of the space while it's here! Send us a proposal
to curate a show, exhibit your artwork, and/or create an installation any
time through May 2007 when we plan to move Selected proposals will also be
considered for our new Gallery space opening in Fall 2007.
No Deadline. Proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
*You will be contacted within one month after we receive your
application.
Floors, walls and ceilings are open to your medium of choice. Available
space includes: main gallery space, offices, hallways, and restrooms! Our
main gallery walls are currently painted with a mural, but changes may be
possible. Note: Large-scale installations must be mindful of administrative
and program activities that take place in our space.
The greatest resource we are offering is space for your imagination! It
will be your responsibility to coordinate the installation or hanging of
work. The Asian Arts Initiative may provide a nominal supply budget toward
your project; and will provide publicity and support for at least one public
event or reception related to your project.
Sneak Peak!
To Apply:
Please submit the following:
1. Your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address.
2. Description of proposed project (3 pg max) articulating your
artistic vision, materials budget, and specific site requirements for your
installation/project.
3. Artistic resume (up to 5 pgs)
4. Work samples of similar work. CD ROM with 10-20 images labeled
with titles, medium, & dimensions (1240 x 1240 ppi/dpi max) or up to 10 min
of video documentation. Include separate numbered image list or
description.
5. A self-addressed stamped envelope for return of materials.
Please Send To:
Asian Arts Initiative: Gallery
Attn: Rana Sindhikara
1315 Cherry St., 2nd floor Philadelphia, PA 19107
For more information contact Rana Sindhikara at
r...@asianartsinitiative.org or 215.557.0455
www.asianartsinitiative.org
* * * * *
The Asian Arts Initiative is grounded in the belief that the arts can
provide an important political and cultural voice for the Asian American
community in Philadelphia. We serve as a community arts center where artists
and everyday people are developing means to express our diverse experiences
as Asian Americans.
1315 Cherry Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215)557-0455 | i...@asianartsinitiative.org
<http://asianartsinitiative.org >
* Disclaimer: Information is not verified and included in good faith*
--
www.postnatyam.net
<http://groups-beta.google.com/group/postnatyam-network>
|
