Rss Feed
    Showing posts with label Lehman Stages. Show all posts
    Showing posts with label Lehman Stages. Show all posts

  1. My Comedy Process

    Monday, October 10, 2022

     








    Some comics seem to always think funny.  Some have talked to me and I thought it was a conversation, but they were working comedy material.  I told one man that I couldn’t tell when he was being serious or doing material.  He said, “That’s the way it should be.”  I thought, not if you want to truly communicate.  I got so turned off.  We were having a meal together, and I, disappointed, just ate in silence.


    Another time, I shared a troubling story from my childhood with another comic.  I thought we were having a conversation, but instead of having empathy, she was laughing.  It wasn’t a funny story (though one could get comedy material from it).  I felt very uncomfortable.  “You think that’s funny?”  She said, “Yes.  If you don’t do something with it, I will.”  I couldn’t understand why someone with a life of her own would want to use a piece of my life as if it were hers.  I told her I will be writing that story but maybe not as comedy.  I haven’t shared much with her since.  I suspect she did use my story in her comedy, but I wouldn’t know that for sure.  I presented the story in a storytelling event at Lehman Stages.  I did include a bit of humor in it, but, overall, it was a serious and troubling story.


    So, I am grateful to be part of a memoir workshop and also a poetry workshop, both meeting weekly.  I need to get through the seriousness and pain of much of my life stories before I can begin to find the funny.  It’s a longer journey, but that seems to be my process.  I’m not a joke machine.


    I’ve also had the pleasure of talking with comics who get what I’m saying.  One shared that she took a long time before including comedy about her mom.  Another shared in a serious conversation about his upbringing.  There were no jokes in the conversation.  When I saw him perform on stage, he turned some of that into hilarity.  I knew the back story which made me appreciate it even more.  Most of my comedy material did not begin as funny experiences. 


     


    https://youtu.be/8ZDMtue_0Z8

     

     

    Love to CGG-M  ❤ ❤ ❤


    Mindy Matijasevic

    October 2022

     

    Posted by Mindy Matijasevic at 6:32 PM | Labels: , , | 0 comments | |

  2. Hair; Here; Hear

    Monday, May 21, 2018



    Sunday morning after having breakfast with my best bud, I went home and did something I never did before.  I gave myself a haircut.  I didn’t see the back of my hair.  I did it by feeling it.  I’m still not sure how it looks in the back.  I have my doubts.  My hair was at my shoulders, so I cut a lot off.  I might dye it.  My short hair was so easy to wash.  What a load off.  I am still not sure if I like how I look though.  I managed to take a pic with my flip phone.  But now I forgot how to get it on the computer.  Oy.


    On Monday, I wrapped a colorful scarf around my head and went to work 
    like that.  I still haven’t dyed my hair.  When I got home, I took the scarf off and began to like my hair better than the day before.  I snipped some more that I could see needed it.  But as far as the back goes, I’m concerned I gave myself a patch shorter than all the rest.  I think I will not cover my hair when I go to work on Tuesday.  No guarantees though.  I could change my mind.


    This evening, May 22nd, I’m going to see Bronx Tales – the storytelling 
    event produced by Lehman Stages, directed by Dante Albertie.  It is free and at 7pm at the Studio Theatre on the campus of Lehman College on Bedford Park Blvd. in the Bronx.  This time, I’m not in it.  I’m going to watch it.  No anxiety.  I’m going to sit back and be audience.


    Saturday, May 26th at 6:30 is the Funny Underground Comedy Show at 
    Broadway Comedy Club.  I’m on the line-up.  I would love to see you and hear you laughing.  

    Cheaper to get tickets on line than at the door.

    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/funny-underground-comedy-krew-supershow-tickets-45476651890

    Posted by Mindy Matijasevic at 11:00 PM | Labels: , , , , , | 4 comments | |

  3. Is it Spring Yet?

    Monday, April 23, 2018









    Since I last delivered here at She So Funny, I served two days of jury duty in Bronx Criminal Court.  I am relieved that I wasn’t even considered for a case.  I can do without hearing about horror day after day.  I rarely can make it through a whole newscast.  I spent most of the jury duty days napping in the chair.  I had no idea how tired I am, or how much I just have to be unconscious and dreaming.  I slept, was awoken for lunch, after lunch came back and slept some more.  Brought a book and never read one page.  I think the folks at my job felt my absence.  Someone had to substitute for my first math class of this cycle.  He was good, so I felt okay about who was going to sub.  I knew my students would have a worthwhile experience.  But it is an inconvenience to the program when someone is out.  It’s not bad for people to miss my presence.  And it surely was a luxury to sleep.


    Some of you know I have been a part of Lehman Stages’ “Bronx Tales” (a 
    storytelling event) at the Lovinger Theatre on the campus of Lehman College for the past two years.  It was an annual production, but the director, Dante Albertie, loves it and wants to increase it to twice a year.  The video of the last production is now available to view.  They are all Bronx stories -- from the young Indian woman who lived and experienced rejection in so many parts of the world, then landed in the Bronx where she finally felt at home to me telling the story of when my best friend and I were stopped by the police in front of my building on the Grand Concourse.  These are Bronx stories.


    I have set the video to start at my story for those of you who may not 
    have the time to watch the entire video.






    It was extra special for me since my best friend was in the audience along 
    with a very nice woman he’s seeing.

    Aside from all that, I have to say that Dante Albertie is one of my three 
    favorite directors I’ve ever had the privilege to work with.  I wish more were like him.  And it would be so wonderful if someone could provide an opportunity that would change my financial reality. 

    This Wednesday the 25th, I will be doing stand-up comedy in the Funny 
    Underground Comedy Show.  The tickets are currently discounted.  $7 on line and $10 at the door.  There is even a special going on (I don’t know for how long) where if you get the $10 ticket, you can bring a guest for free!  Sounds good to me.  Mid-week laughs at 7pm.  It would be great to see you.  I promise to tickle your funny bone.

    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/funny-underground-comedy-krew-tickets-44316791717


    With appreciation, Mindy


    Posted by Mindy Matijasevic at 6:21 AM | Labels: , , , , , , | 1 comments | |

  4. Come on Out for Some Entertainment

    Wednesday, February 28, 2018









    Hi everyone.  A couple of announcements and then I have to sleep.

               Thursday, March 1st and Friday, March 2nd, I am in one of these one-act plays written by Lehman College students.  I was cast in Passing where I play a high school principal, a new experience for me.  Admission is free.  Located on the beautiful Lehman College campus.  So if this sounds intriguing to you, come on over.  The D train or the 4 train to Bedford Park Blvd in the Bronx leaves you a few blocks from the college.


                
               Then on Friday, March 9th at 7pm at Broadway Comedy Club, I'll be doing stand-up in the Funny Underground Comedy Krew show.  On-line tickets are $15; $20 at the door.

    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/funny-underground-comedy-krew-tickets-43077885114



    Come out for some entertainment!  I'll be happy to see you!   With much appreciation, Mindy

    Posted by Mindy Matijasevic at 9:08 PM | Labels: , , , , , , | 5 comments | |

  5. "Bronx Tales"

    Tuesday, November 21, 2017



    I was part of Lehman Stages’ “Bronx Tales” at the Lovinger Theatre for
    the second consecutive year.  It is an evening of true Bronx stories and is directed by Dante Albertie.  It is an enriching experience for me, and so good for my spirit.  They want the real deal, and they don’t restrict me.  They help me come out with my stories.  Last year, my story was mainly about the first time I saw a grown man’s penis.  This year, my story was about my buddy and I being stopped by the police.  Dante does his job very well.  He knows how to direct us to develop our stories.  The storytellers are very varied – the people and their stories. 




    This year, a couple of my co-workers brought their evening students.  
    Many of the students (who are adults) know me because I have subbed for their classes when their teacher had to be out.  Many call me ‘Miss Mindy’ though I always tell them they can call me Mindy.  Now they were going to see ‘Miss Mindy’ speak very unteacherly and grab her crotch.  This is an example of worlds colliding. 


    “I didn’t think you had it in you because you’re a teacher,” one man told me after the show.  “You taught our class when our teacher was out.  Remember?”


    “Oh, I remember.  I was very nervous tonight that people who call me 'Miss Mindy’ were going to see me grab my crotch.”


    We both laughed.


    When the video is out, I’ll share it.  Meanwhile, I love that my friend 
    Mindy Levokove took these photos at the end of the show.


    Mindy Matijasevic, Geevanesam Sharun Devakanmalai,  Skaly Cornielle, Jonathan Berenguer, Jose Roldan Jr.





    Future happenings:

    Friday, December 22, 2017 -- "What Were the Sixties Really Like?" at Cornelia Street Cafe, Greenwich Village.  6pm  (I'll be reading a slice of memoir.)  $10 includes a drink.

    Friday, January 12, 2018 -- Twisted Lipstick at Sir D's Lounge, 837 Union Street, Brooklyn; Doors Open 7pm; Showtime 8pm; Investment $10 Online, $15 @Door, 2 Item Minimum  (I'll be doing a 12-minute comedy set.)




    Posted by Mindy Matijasevic at 12:00 AM | Labels: , , , , , , , , , | 6 comments | |

  6. Updates of Sorts

    Tuesday, January 10, 2017






    It is so hard to go back to work after being off for many days.  Once back in the swing of things, it will probably feel good.  I like my teaching job.  There are many good things about it.  Unfortunately, the salary isn't.  I am always in need of additional income.  Preferring it not be from another teaching job, I'm putting it out there that I'm an experienced and very good proofreader, an experienced fine artist's model, creative writer, actress, and stand-up comic. The Divorced Divas of Comedy are available to do divorce parties and other celebrations.  My dear readers, if you know of anything or anyone, please connect me.  Thank you.

    The ASPCA commercials are breaking my heart.  I can't give money.  I owe lots of money.  I can't even adopt a dog or cat at this point.  And I'd like to, an older one whose chances of adoption are less than the young ones.  I would still like to be adopted myself sometimes, so I really can relate to their plight.  Plus it is so beneficial to a human to love an animal.  This human could use such benefits.  I recently went into a store where I sometimes shop, and I told the man, "I really came in to say hello to the cat."  He pointed out where she was, and she and I had our few minutes.  I must need it because I have become closer friends with many animals in the neighborhood since my Luigi had to go to Heaven.

    In December 2016, I was fortunate enough to be a part of the Laughing Buddha Bar Show at Bunga's Den.  I had a great set and enjoyed every moment of it.  The room was packed.  I stayed for the whole show as I usually do, and I liked the whole experience.

    The next day, I was part of an anthology launch reading and celebration with the Riverside Poets.  They make me feel so appreciated as a poet.  Then all the delicious free food at the celebration really helps when I'm so broke and hungry. It always feels special to hang out with people I see only once or twice a year.  



    A cousin who I have yearned to be connected with, but didn't feel able to, contacted me for my December 21st birthday.  It felt really good.  I responded. However, I feel guarded as his sister tried to discredit me with the Bronx Council on the Arts when she realized one of my winning entries in one of their competitions was a nonfiction slice of my childhood.  I think she feels in charge of the victimizing family tradition of not talking about the family.  I believe she was passed that torch, and she took it.  It horrifies me that she's a therapist and would do such a thing.  She even implied when calling them that she was my therapist. Lord have mercy.  I would have thought that a CSW would know that abusive families with a lot to hide typically make everyone feel like it is wrong to talk about your life and that they convince others that the abused are liars.  But as is typical of me, I had overestimated her.  

    Also in December 2016, I was honored to be a part of Lehman Stages' storytelling production of Bronx Tales at the Lovinger Theatre.  We were six storytellers.  We are residents of the Bronx, some are natives of the Bronx while others came here from other places.  These are all our true, approximately 10-minute stories.  

      

    I very much appreciated working with our director, Dante Albertie.  He helped me shape my story.  He appreciated real and my commitment to the truth.  I needed that.

    If you'd like to hear the stories, here it is.  The first storyteller is hilarious in his depiction of other characters.  All the stories are riveting.  If you want to go straight to mine, I'm 28 minutes and some seconds in.  It's called "An Introduction of Sorts."  





    Posted by Mindy Matijasevic at 12:00 AM | Labels: , , , , , , , , | 4 comments | |