A Change in the Seasons

Looking back at my posting here, I’m ashamed at how long it has been.  I’m also struck by the irony of the fact I hoped for a better February after the loss of so many wonderful artists in January.  Of course, the list of loss kept on growing—I am particularly saddened by the passing of the incomparable Hazel Dickens—but I stopped paying such close attention.  Soon after I wrote my last entry, my focus shifted –not to loss of others—but to keeping my own name on the list of the living.

 

On the day of the first preview for THE SUNSET LIMITED, I had a stroke.  This stroke followed a week of strange neurological symptoms that I assumed were connected to the stress of season selection and rehearsals.  A visit to the emergency room two days earlier was unhelpful as I was assured that I hadn’t had a stroke, but should see a neurologist sometime in the future as my symptoms might be a number of serious conditions—talk about stress!  But Sunday, as the actors wondered where I was, I missed my very first preview in Triad Stage’s first 10 seasons.  I also missed the second and third preview.  But, I’m proud to report, I was back for the final preview and delighted to share in the excitement of opening night.

 

Genetics, lifestyle, diet, and stress ensured I was a prime candidate.  I just assumed it would happen later.  But, as a friend recently told me, wake up calls that actually wake you up are a good thing.  I’ve spent the past two months re-inventing my life.  If there is such a thing, I suppose it was a pretty good time to have a stroke.  My teaching load is light and I’m not due back in rehearsals till May 10.  As a result, I’ve been able to take the time to breathe, relax, change my daily patterns and radically re-invent my diet.  There is an apocryphal story in my family that one day my grandmother was found frying bacon and tossing it into the trashcan.  When questioned why she replied, “My doctor told me not to eat bacon for my high blood pressure, but I still need something to fry the eggs in.” I was determined to be a bit healthier in my own response.

 

So, in other words, I haven’t written anything here for over two months because I have been going through BBQ withdrawals.

 

But what wonderful withdrawals they have been.  I feel healthier, stronger and more positive about life than I have in years.  A big part of that change is walking.  I’ve always loved to walk, but seldom found the time except when I travelled.  But now, I’m a traveler in my own city—a  flaneur—roaming neighborhoods I’ve only passed by in my car, experiencing daily the coming of Spring, and delighting to discover that walking time is great time for thought, prayer, and dreaming.

 

Kierkegaard said:  “Above all, do not lose your desire to walk.  Every day I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness.  I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it.”  Had he lived in Greensboro, he probably would have added:  “And if you walk to Friendly Center, you can get a really great smoothie at Red Mango as long as you don’t get killed crossing Green Valley.”

 

Of course during all this re-inventing my life, Triad Stage has kept going strong.  I was so proud of the two actors in THE SUNSET LIMITED.  I was proud, too, of our audience for embracing the play.  And I’m thrilled with success of STEEL MAGNOLIAS.  Some of my theater friends seem astounded that I would produce STEEL MAGNOLIAS.  It is one of those handful of plays that have been critically doomed by their own commercial success.  Triad Stage has a core value of fostering a unique southern voice.  I don’t know how we can look at the important works of southern theater without looking at STEEL MAGNOLIAS.  Trusting the play to six extraordinary actresses and a great director (as Triad is proud to have done) the play works.  It isn’t especially deep, provocative, or ground-breaking.  But it is true and authentic.  And it has the power to move an audience to laughter and to tears.  I’m proud of our production. 

 

Come see it. 

 

If you can get a ticket.

 

I’ve also been travelling a bit—some for work and some or research.  As a result I not only have an excellent list of restaurants that can make a good gluten free, heart healthy, low sodium meal, but also updates to come on some interesting theater.  So, next time:  WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF and AT HOME AT THE ZOO at the Arena Stage’s Albee Festival, a glorious silent production of KING LEAR by Synetic Theater, Punchdrunk’s SLEEP NO MORE, Tony Kushner’s THE INTELLIGENT HOMOSEXUAL’S GUIDE TO CAPATALISM AND SOCIALISM WITH A KEY TO THE SCRIPTURES, Rajiv Joseph’s BENGAL TIGER AT THE BAGHDAD ZOO, and Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre’s SPOON LAKE BLUES and AUGUST : OASAGE COUNTY.

 

Also, I can’t wait to share a dream realized:  a trip to Howard Finster’s Paradise Gardens.

 

But now I’m going to the UpStage Cabaret to watch rehearsal of Suzan Lori Park’s mind-bending THE AMERICA PLAY.  I think that Parks is one of the finest of all American writers, especially her earlier work.  If you live near Triad Stage, I encourage you to come see this amazing play.

Comments

[Laura Lomax]

Preston,

My husband Phil and I are big fans of yours, and long-time season subscribers to Triad Stage. So sorry to hear about your stroke, and very thankful that it did not do more damage to you than it did! Take good care of yourself-- you are precious to all of Greensboro.

Fondly,
Laura Lomax

[Claire King]

Doesn't this mean you have to stop table dancing?

Did you get a chance to see UNC-G's Orpheus Descending? I love Tennessee Williams.

Usher, Claire

[Swillis07]

I'm glad to know you've recovered, Preston, and it sounds like the changes in diet, routine, etc., are really working for you. Walking is an amazing activity. I do a lot of it with my dog. We move pretty slowly: he's a pug/beagle and, thus, is required to sniff nearly every blade of grass along the route! It's still exercise, though, and a kind of meditation--for me, anyway.

BTW, if you're ever up for a yoga class, let me know. You'd be welcome in any of my classes, or, if you'd like to start with a Level 1 or Gentle class, I'd be glad to recommend some teachers.

I'm glad THE SUNSET LIMITED was on the season. I really enjoyed the play and the production. Probably my favorite of this year's season!

I'll look forward to hearing more about all these plays you've seen recently. I'm a fan of Suzan-Lori Parks' work, too; looking forward to THE AMERICA PLAY and very happy it's getting done locally.

Peace, blessings, and all good things, Steve

[Junious Leak]

Happy to hear you are well and prospering. I know how the stresses of everyday life can be, and I had my fair share lately, so I had to reivent myself and let go...and let God.

Junious

[Rick St. Peter]

Preston-

I am glad to hear you are on the road to recovery and that good things are happening at Triad Stage. I fully understand the job pressure you are under, when I was still running AGL in Lexington, I went to the ER after weeks of an excruciating headache I could not shake only to find out my bp was 210/140...combination of diet, genetics, and stress of the job nearly killed me. It is easy to take for granted things like this happen to other people, never to us....I am glad you are being given a second chance...Keep walking and keep producing great theatre!

Warmest regards
Rick St. Peter

[Ed Pilkington]

Well said, o Bermanesque one. Saw Dad this morning at Lowes. He looked good. Gkad you are making adjustments. They are truly good things that make life taste, feel, smell and absorb better.

"May the good Lord take a likin' to ya." Tennessee Ernie Ford

[Deb Hosey White]

Preston,

We wish you well - you are a VIP in GSO's cultural world.

When my husband and I moved here three years ago from the Washington DC suburbs, one of the first checks we wrote (after the settlement check) was to Triad Stage for a season pass. We continue to be season pass subscribers, and usually walk to the shows. We too are Walkers - we long distance walk in Europe, and chose our home in GSO for its proximity to downtown and all that it offers us without getting in the car. Eat well, live in moderation, exercise daily, breathe clean air, create for the good, love and be loved.

We're looking forward to your involvement in much more fine entertainment in the months and years ahead.

Best,

Deb Hosey White

[Peggy Hickle]

Wake up calls are a remarkable gift, and you seem to have truly woken up to the wisdoms of a new day -- the wisdom to create a new life for yourself and the wisdom to recognize just how lucky you were.

As I'm sure you are aware, most stroke survivors are left with significant deficits -- and many are literally left speechless. My mother is one such -- although she, too, was comparatively lucky and can speak more than many. Thanks for sharing your story -- you have a powerful voice in your community. I hope you will continue to use it for those who no longer can.

[Keaton Brower]

I second Claire's comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts on Orpheus Descending as a play and as UNCG's production, as well.

I'm glad to hear you're recovering, Preston. You've really made an impact on me as a young artist, and I look forward to seeing great theatre at Triad Stage for years to come.

Keaton Brower