The War Shirt: A Dialogue with the Ancestors

Michael Downey holds a Ph.D. in Dramatic Art from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and taught for 28 years in the Department of Theatre Arts at Santa Barbara City College. As a dancer he performed in various companies based in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara that operated in the 1980s. For the last fifteen years he has worked in the Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, leading groups for patients in creativity and self-care. His autobiographical video performance, The War Shirt is his most recent theater endeavor. 

 

The War Shirt A one-person play

THE WAR SHIRT is a video performance of a one-person play that I wrote in response to the exceptional closure I experienced with my father when he died in 1994. What were the dynamics that moved our lifelong encounters from fear and conflict to mutual respect? This major theme interfaces with my reflections on my sexuality as a gay African American man coming into adulthood amid the turbulent events of the 1960s. THE WAR SHIRT is also a tribute to my ancestors, whose influence has always impacted me through my grandmother's stories. 

 

https://www.thewarshirt.com

Setting Imperfect Prayer

by Kim Shuck

Stitching old stories with types of 

Love we actually know 

All of the rivers changed to 

Bring us closer 

Hiding nothing as is 

Essential for both and 

Someone right now is 

Trying there is no 

Book in particular 

Rhetoric damned 

Carrying a central truth closer finally there is 

Just

Truthshiver and the most complete 

Ache of intention it is 

Possible to offer 

Copyright © Kim Shuck. All rights Reserved.

Kim Shuck is the 7th Poet Laureate of San Francisco Emerita. Shuck is solo author of 9 books, co-authored one, edited another ten and has contributed to a vast array of anthologies, journals, curriculum guides, tours, and protests. www.kimshuck.com