Miriam Feder

I posted A View from the Stutthof most recently in December 2007. It is a part of The Vestibule. It wonders whether I needed to go to Poland to see the concentration camp where my Grandmother and Aunt were imprisoned. All of those performances finally convinced me that the answer was yes and I recently returned from a trip that included The Stutthof and Auschwitz and other points along the destruction of European Jewry. This puts the question and an answer–the answer that appears to me now–together.

Also in print.

If you’re interested in more about this subject find a more journalistic account of our trip.

 

 The Stutthof: a question and an answer: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (7)

I imagined talking to my former lover’s new squeeze.  How frustrating that she was so worried about all the wrong things and missing the best he had to offer.  If only I could tell her…but of course, no.

Also in print

 

 Making a Lover [1:38m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (23)

How a business encounter can turn into a deep revelation in one small comment.

 

 Dog Hair in My Coat: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (51)

The start of the year seemed like a good time to revisit Blessings. What’s important? Who’s important?  All the big questions sneak up on us this time of year.

 

 Blessings [4:18m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (10)

Well coming into the Holiday buying season I always remember the appliance years–first apartments and all– and my tribute to the last appliance-gift I received.  It’s a beauty–and it’s season is coming so I thought I’d revisit it.

 

 What an Appliance: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (36)

When I fell from marriage, home,
bland feats of life-as-I’d-known-it,
coupled-into some twenty-plus years ago,
suddenly everything was a question again.
What is? What isn’t?

All my assumptions broke into pieces:
sharp; slithery; and none-too-shiny.
Portland spoke through my ticklish in-step.
She pressed into the soles of my feet with
rose-and-tumble acceptance,
as I skirted puddles known and unknown.
Restless possiblity swayed along my sides
while Portland steadied my stride—“It’s ok.”

Who knew that asphalt could be a tender touch,
that this patient, old-friend town of mine
would roll out padding and take me easy,
while the stuffing in my head blew ‘round
many cups of coffee: many thanks, Portland.

This piece from About Love has gone thorugh a lot of transformation–from problem piece to oneof the centerpieces of the show.  I’ll feature this piece at Scratch–Portland’s wonderful performance lab. In the meantime, what do we do with that detritus from love gone bad?

 

 Broken Hearts Seem Such a Waste: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (54)

I’ve always had an active Fantasy life.  In love you’ve gotta have it.  But, moderation in all things, I suppose.

 

 Fantasy: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (67)

Can you go back into a relationship? Can you process out of a relationship? Maybe–maybe not. Doing anything constructive with love seems to be a bit dicey, but worth the try…These are 2 short Haikus–Love Retroactive and Love Lost, but not Forgotten, from About Love:the bittersweet heart, debutting February 22 in Portland.

 

 Love that Was: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (63)

It’s rejuvenating to remember the common and uncommon blessings we enjoy each day. It’s expansive to offer recognition to those we embrace in our field of plenty. But we might find an even greater share of peace by offering some recognition to those who often stir our less attractive emotions. Sharing a moment of contemplation in a season ripe for it.

 

 Blessings: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (42)