1986 - Deb Randall

1986, October
I remember turning 19. My friend took me to see a show in DC. This was a good idea to me at the time because the Grandfather clause said that I could legally drink in DC, but not in MD - where I was from. I'd seen shows on Broadway and done theatre in school. What I was about to experience was something that would change my outlook on theatre forever.

I walked into the Georgetown Foundry on something like 33rd St. It was a bar. There were tables. We ordered food and drink. And then there was a show.

"A, My Name Is Alice" was performed by Horizons Theatre. I'd never seen anything like it in my life. In particular I remembered an amazing African American actress in the hair salon monologue. She was getting her hair shampood by an invisible person and I could sense every touch...Every intricacy...Then there was the woman with the sub sandwich who shouted back at construction workers. For some reason my brain opened up a little that night.

The power of the piece for me was immeasurable and my work would forever be effected by that birthday outing.

-Deb Randall