The missing rivet
Tips, tricks, inspiration, and encouragement for storytellers of all stripes
Greetings from Colorado Springs—
I’m here at Fort Carson with my amazing LAST OUT team, getting the show ready for audiences full of active duty soldiers and Families of the Fallen.
At every stop, the cast takes an “album cover” photo. This time we did it in front of the Trojan Horse Fallen Soldier Memorial.
Every design choice for this memorial is intentional. Michael read us the details from the plaque.
Why a Trojan horse? Because members of 10th Group wore a Trojan horse crest on their Green Berets in the 1950s.
The memorial is ten feet high, again representing 10th Group.
The breastplate’s 72 rivets signify the six twelve-man Special Forces Operational Detachment Alphas (SFODAs) that comprise the formation’s core.
One rivet is intentionally removed and stored within the monument to represent a fallen soldier. The monument also stores totems and keepsakes of fallen soldiers. The belly opens, creating a time capsule.
I’m forgetting the reason, but even the width of the wheels holds signifcance, and family members of fallen soldiers were invited to press their fingerprints into the design.
Every detail throbs with meaning, honor, symbolism.
When you tell your story, however you tell it, the audience/reader will assume that everything is intentional. They will explain away accidents, create reasons for mistakes.
Once you understand this, you become far less precious about controlling your story.
I’m not saying it’s fine to be sloppy in your storytelling. This pre-forgiveness in the audience/reader isn’t a “get out of jail free card” for lazy choices or half-assed structure.
Don’t abuse the grace your audience/reader gives you.
Let it inspire you toward a level of intentionality you wouldn’t normally attempt.
ENTANGLED
The show opened last night and runs through May 25 at the Cook Theatre on the campus of Asolo Conservatory in Sarasota.
Created and performed by acclaimed improviser and storyteller Will Luera, this electrifying production is equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. Blurring the lines between personal narrative, and theatrical innovation, ENTANGLED takes audiences on a ride through identity, self-doubt, and the moments that define us.
Sidenote—I’ve been honored to be a part of this show as a dramaturg and storycoach. I’ve watched Will start the process of writing and starring in this show all eager and bright-eyed, and then held his hand when he suddenly realized just what the heck he had gotten himself into! Very much like the process of CLOWNS LIKE ME—and very much like a river flowing!—Will has dug deep and landed in a place of inspiring vulnerability. I’m impressed by and proud of him, big time.
Click on the purple button and grab yourself some tix!
100 Plays
Don’t forget to check out the most recent episode of 100 PLAYS!
In this episode, I talk about the joy and anxiety of auditions, holding a safe space for actors, and the power of a committed cartwheel.
You can listen on the Substack App, and all episodes are also available on Apple or Spotify.
Or, if you want to put a face with a voice, you can watch the video version of this podcast over on YouTube.
The Page&Stage Podcast
The next episode of the PAGE&STAGE PODCAST will land in your inboxes on Monday.
Legendary Broadway producer Albert Poland shares his journey from a young fan of Judy Garland to a prominent figure in the theater world. He discusses his transition from performing to producing, the evolution of Off-Broadway, and the importance of storytelling in theater. Poland reflects on his memoir, STAGES, and the process of writing it, as well as his experiences managing productions and collaborating with talented artists. He offers insights into the art of general management and shares anecdotes from his career, emphasizing the significance of passion in the performing arts.
You can listen on the Substack App, and all episodes are also available on Apple or Spotify.
And if you want to put faces with voices, the video version will be available over on YouTube.
Thanks as always for reading, and have a great weekend!
Jason “Mile High” Cannon