Francesca Choy-Kee and I have been working on her one woman show, EARTHA, a cabaret/memory play centering on the life of Eartha Kitt. It explores her personal and political controversies, as well as the unique voice that made her famous. I’ve learned a lot about Eartha’s amazing cannon of songs, many of which I associated with the more modern artists who have re-appropriated them over the years. I’ve also been getting schooled in the politics of Johnson’s administration, blacklisting (which didn’t end with McCarthy) and the unbelievably stunning collection of folklore that is Eartha’s personal history.
We had a very informative, small showing at NYU Graduate Acting, from which a new draft is emerging. Be on the look out for May performance dates at Jimmy’s #43, a fantastic cabaret space in the East Village.
