Modesty Blaise

A number of years ago my husband and I were involved in a stage play at the Footlight Theater. He had a fairly sizable role and I was a singer/dancer. He played a preacher (Imagine that!) and I played an Indian maiden -- 1 of the 4 in the show. 

Lots of research had gone into writing this script to make it fun but also as accurate as possible. It was decided to bring in a consultant from North Carolina from the Cherokee Nation Cultural Affairs Department who could help with the details and correct any discrepancies concerning the Kiawah tribe. Also, a costume designer, who was willing to take on this complicated production was hired. 

After a week or so of rehearsals it became evident that we had “too many chiefs and not enough Indians!” That was the perfect way to describe those rehearsals. 

Oh my! 

Changes took place on a regular basis which were not good if you were someone trying to memorize lines, music, or dance. There were so many discussions about how accurate certain scenes were and whether or not to change them. Did I say this was supposed to be fun? 

Well, anyway, with all the rewrites and compromises a product was finalized. At least we could “get on with it!” 

Did I mention that through all of this, directors as well as cast members could be very temperamental? I guess you didn't know that, huh? You have heard the term “temperamental artist?” Sure you have. Well it's true. I think every production that we have been in or involved with had a “temperamental artist” or “Diva.” Sometimes those people could be reasoned with, sometimes not. It's very unfortunate but at times those involved were a legend in their own minds, know what I mean? 

Let's face it, this was not Hollywood – this was Community Theater! 

I did mention that a costume designer had been hired to work with us. Measurements and sizes were taken. Costumes were constructed and brought back for the Indian maidens to try. I went into the dressing room and proceeded to try on the costume.  

Hmmm... I thought. 

Something seems funny about this tunic-like garment. 

“Jeannie,” I said to myself, “you must have this thing on wrong.” So, I try to adjust it. It would not adjust. (I've been a costume designer since high school so I was pretty sure I could figure out how to put a costume on myself.) I pulled in tug on this costume and couldn't get it to go over my left boob.  

“Na – this just isn't going to work!” I said to myself as I stared into the mirror. 

Now I wasn't ashamed of my boobs but I didn't want to put them on display either! I was not going out of the dressing room dressed like that. 

So, I took that costume off, got dressed, walked over to the costume designer, handed her the costume and I told her that I would not be wearing that outfit. 

“You didn't even let me see you in it.” She said. 

“No, no I didn't and that will not be happening.” I replied. 

“Well,” she said, “truth be known, they wouldn't have worn anything above the waist anyway.” 

I just looked at her and replied. “My pastor may come to see me in this production and for the life of me I can't see myself dancing naked on stage in front of him. Besides this is a play-- not a documentary!” 

No response from her. 

The Indian Maiden costumes were collected by her and taken back to her studio. Next time she came to fit us at rehearsal she had made us tie-dyed, t-shirts. Those shirts covered all the necessary parts so the four of us could perform and not feel self-conscious about what we were wearing. 

Too many times “artists” try to get away with certain things in the name of the Arts. Could I have done that in the name of the Arts? I think not! 

This was not National Geographic—it was a play. 

It was not a documentary – it was a community theater. 

The situation with the play has always made for interesting conversations and I have laughed about it to this day. Had I not chosen this path; I would not be laughing about it today. 

So be careful, ladies and gents, about the decisions we make in our lives. We would much rather be proud of our accomplishments rather than having to cover them up. 

Get it? Cover them up? (OK—read the blog again and then maybe you'll get it!) 

~ Jeannie Joyner