Too Long

It's been too long since I last wrote, so I don't know that I can go through my usual day by day synopsis. But here's the scoop on what's going on now and some interesting encounters I've had recently.

So, the power hasn't been very consistent lately in Accra. They say it's because most of the power lines are underground, and they are currently doing a lot of road construction right now. Regardless it's annoying since that's a big part of the reason I haven't been able to update my blog. The other big part is that I still don't have a computer. It was going to cost too much to get the motherboard it needed to be fixed and it would take a long time for them to order the part from HP. Anyways, the plan now is to just transfer the memory from my old computer to my external hard drive. I have most of my files and whatnot, but right before it crashed I had just uploaded a bunch of pictures. So, I am trying to retrieve those. I have a friend here who I trust and who is going to get my memory for me. And by some divine miracle I ran into another friend here who has the exact same computer as me. So, we can just pop my memory card into his computer retrieve the data, put it on the external hard drive and TADA!! PRESTO CHANGO!! I'm excited about it, as you can probably tell. I am hoping to get that done this week, but we'll see.

On another note, I am currently about one third of the way finished with a full-length play that I am writing for my playwriting course. The play focuses on the foster care system and some of the problems within. ALSO, I am now really getting into the directing project I was talking about. I am directing a piece entitled "War Brides" from the Ibsen, Chekov era, for anyone who knows theatre history. It's a very powerful piece about what happens to the women left behind during war. I've been pretty excited to direct it, and last Friday I had open auditions, however I was astounded and saddened when NO ONE SHOWED UP. Yup, that's what I said, nobody showed up for my audition. I sat around for 2 hours and finally gave up, but it was quite a depressing day to be sure. The theatre program here just isn't anything like Fairmont State. I think one of the inherent problems is motivation to be honest. There just isn't a lot of promise and future in theatre here so there aren't those big dreamers like you have in the states, shooting for Broadway or Hollywood. And honestly, the caliber of acting and entertainment when it comes to Ghanaian film that I have seen is sub-par. Very one-dimensional. Even Ghanaians say the movies are crappy. No one has a favorite Ghanaian movie. Everyone just knows Hollywood. Some are also familiar with Dollywood in India. But anyhow, it's been interesting. I am currently, setting up a closed- invite-only audition tomorrow, so I am hoping that from that process I can weed out a cast, if not I am not sure what is going to happen. But I'm trying to be hopeful.

Another note, I finally got my roommate. She showed up just two days ago. She's a Ghanaian 400 level Psychology student with a minor in Political Science. The reason she's so late getting here is that she's been in Sao Paulo Brazil for the summer traveling and teaching high school students there how to speak, read, and write English. She is really cool so far, and I am actually glad that she finally showed up. The room was pretty lonely being there all by myself. Also, she has a TV and a fridge, and a microwave, AND a hot water boiler that she offered to let me use if I ever need them. Again, super cool roommate. Her name is Emefa, by the way. She also invited me to go out with her and her friends sometime AND she said that maybe we could visit her family one night in Accra and have dinner there. AND she offered to cook with me, since I told her I learned how to make some Ghanaian meals. Sooo cooool!! I'm still adjusting to the idea of having a roommate though. It's like last night I came back to the room really late cause I was up watching movies. Usually, it's no big deal, but I realized after a moment of noisily messing with the door to unlock it that I have to be a little more considerate now of when I am coming back into the room. But I'll get used to it soon enough. I've shared a room for most of my life, so to me I feel like it's not that big a deal. Thanks Mom and Dad!

Another different note, we are travelling to Kumasi this weekend. So, I'll be going on that trip. I am so excited, cause that is where the wood carvers and leather works are mainly centered. So I am definitely going to be getting some cool things there.

On yet another note, I am working on putting together my senior project proposals for when I got back to Fairmont. I am thinking that I will do a short African story-telling piece. I'm looking for a one act by this amazing Ghanaian female author, Efua Sutherland. Her pieces are very interesting and well crafted, incorporating modern theatre practice with traditional African story telling methods. It's very cool. Also it requires a lot of audience participation, dance, and drumming. So, hopefully, I'll be using a bunch of different talents and skills that I've picked up in my classes in Ghana.

Finally, my funny experience. I randomly met a group of Chinese exchange students who are here learning English. I gave one of them my phone number and have had some very interesting and hilarious moments since then. First, he speaks very very broken English. Second, he can't understand about 2/3rds of what I am saying to him. And third, he wants me to help him and his friends practice English. So he keeps inviting me to dinner. The other night I went and had an amazing time. The guy who did all the cooking was excellent, even though his English is poorer than probably any of the other students. They fed me well, and laughed as I tried to used chopsticks, only somewhat effectively. It was a really great time. And I am really enjoying that particular friendship.
Also, I have found a very special Ghanaian friend here. He's one of the TAs in two of my classes in the theatre department,and we just get along so well. All in all, it's shaping up to be a great semester in Ghana. I'll try to keep you guys better updated from now on, but who knows what will happen with the power here. All my love!