G-20 at Bricolage Part 1

When we heard the G-20 was arriving in our town we ere excited about the opportunity to share our brand of theatre (at the moment Midnight Radio) with the rest of the world, who would be watching and learning about Pittsburgh, some for the first time ever. Our show was scheduled for the G-20 (perfect timing) and we were prepared to invite media and out of town guests to experience what Pittsburghers are buzzing about. Our momentum came to a halt when we were told that we had better not plan anything during that week as security would keep people out and away from regular activities. What a disappointment. We thought Pittsburgh was chosen because we are a great example of a thriving community successfully reinventing itself yet again. Why wouldn't these leaders and their media be interested in what the locals are doing? It is the people and not its politicians that define the heart of a community. Or am I wrong? We postponed Midnight Radio until the following weekend and decided not to try and force ourselves in where we clearly weren't wanted. Our schedules are very busy so why not take this opportunity to enjoy a break. But, as the event grew closer I felt a driving need to participate in some way. An active way. I lived in NYC for 10 years. It was only after the first election of W that I found my political voice. 9/11 came and changed our lives completely. I saw devastating things, experienced the stories of heroes and witnessed the Everyman trying to come to terms with our new and violent world. I joined the steering committee for THAW (Theatres Against War) and MC'd their 2004 presidential election party (a horrible night for many.) I marched in many anti-Bush protests, and spoke my mind in town hall style debates. Been there, done that. At this point in my life I'm not interested in protesting anymore. All my past protesting left me feeling unheard, dismissed and insignificant. Plus the sore throat didn't bode well for my career. Breaking things and disrupting events speaks more of anger than of peace. I want to contribute, not contaminate. For the g-20's visit to Pittsburgh I decided to host an Emergency Art Show along with my friend and fellow artist David Connely. He would paint a live mural, I would cover the Bricolage lobby in butcher block paper and invite any and all inside to express their feelings in writing. A silent sort of protest; Reflections of G-20. So many people are full of anger, but it's hard to hear people when they are yelling. I wanted to create a space where people of all beliefs, faiths and walks of life could be heard. Below is a sample of some of what the over 300 people who came through our doors wrote. I will be posting all of these thoughts (no matter how irrelevant; who am I to censor) over the next few weeks. Some are poignant, some violent, some ridiculous and some downright hilarious. I would love to hear your thoughts on this project. My idea is to take these words and use them in a theatrical documentary. I've already created a G-20 segment for the last Midnight Radio (visit our podcast of episode 4 The Smackdown on this site to hear it) and people responded enthusiastically. I look forward to your thoughts. "Dykes Rule. Fuck Shit Up!" "Thanks for fucking up my bus schedule G-20." "Demand Education. Demand Healthcare. Demand Reliable Media." "Strippers heart riots!" "I will not consume your dictatorship of corporate collusion, swine flu/climate change/terrorism propaganda/war on drugs or your bottles of SOMA." Curtis. Representing Canada. "Free Tibet. Never forget Darfur, the Holocaust, Stalin’s secret war on millions, Native American Genocide. Pray the rosary. Love our city. Lifetime Pittsburgh Resident." "6 billion ignored. We will be heard." "6 billion hamburgers sold. McDonalds has been heard." "Homosexuals are people too." "Weed is a plant. Legalize that shit." "Peace and Justice. Social dignity!" "Please do not ask which Korea I am from. I am Korean, okay?" "People need more jobs, not less. Smashing windows hurts poor people not CEO’s. The corporate glass companies thank you for your patronage." "Dear God in your infinite wisdom please smite Dick Cheney with death." "I worked everyday during the G-20 and made no money. They don’t tip. Assholes!" "This is our city. Stop breaking stuff. Down with the hippies. GO STEELERS!" "It’s always a great day when the cops call you faggot. It’s nice to have no rights as an American!" "Pittsburgh needs smarter not angrier. Think before you break, jagoff!" "Will the buccos ever win?" "The human condition is a losing proposition" "Man it looks like a carefree post apocalypse." "I love gay people. You should too." "Barakah my boxah" "G-20, G-21 whatever it takes." "I Love state troopers!" "PIMPS!" "Drop beats not bombs!" "Check your independence. Know your rights!" "It took me all day to find weed in this city." "I live here please don’t fuck up our city." "Say no to martians!" Stay tuned for more postings and photos. Plus some G-20 Haiku's