As the national news gets worse, I have become reliant on the arts to not only cheer me up but remind me of the power and influence we can still have in today’s democracy.
First Amendment rights kept lingering in my mind as I watched the webinar and one-man show, “I’m Not a Comedian … I’m Lenny Bruce” by Ronnie Marmo.
These themes similarly came up in my conversations with Joe Malihot about the Olympia Free Jazz Festival on July 10-14, and Marcus Wolf who played Romeo in Harlequin Production’s “Romeo & Juliet” earlier this year.
Marmo participated in both a webinar and live performance, both hosted by the Washington Center, and spent his free time exploring local interests, including the Olympia Famer’s Market and Pride Festival. I admire how kind both Marmo and his wife, Janelle Gaeta, are and how genuinely interested they were in our community.
The webinar and performance both discussed our First Amendment rights, especially emphasizing our freedom of speech and religion. Exercising these rights and trying to navigate through a polarized society is complicated and daunting, yet empowering when we choose to walk with open minds, a readiness to critically think, and an overall stance of love, equality, and compassion. I am beyond grateful for the gritty honesty and dedication Marmo brought to his depiction of historic comedian, Lenny Bruce.
Bruce was arrested on numerous occasions for his obscenity displayed through vulgar language and controversial ideas discussed on stage. Arresting anybody for using swear words is abundantly ridiculous and the enforcement of White Christian Nationalism in government is entirely unconstitutional. May history stop repeating itself.
Marmo and Bruce’s message on stage filled me with hope and reminded me of just how important it is to use our constitutional freedom of speech to speak on what is important, and to continue to support the journalists and news platforms we trust to inform us and speak the truth. You can donate to The JOLT News here.
Jazz lovers, listen here — the Olympia Free Jazz Festival is excited to bring you diverse and quality Free jazz next week! The overall festival will be hosted at a different venue each night.
There will be solos, duos, trios, string-based jazz bands, percussion, vocalists, electric bass, and even a harp paired with an acoustic guitar. Thurston County musicians will be performing, as well as some from the Bay Area, Vancouver, Seattle and Tacoma. You can learn more about the performers here.
Why does jazz matter today? According to Olympia jazz artist and festival host Joe Malihot, jazz is a musical display of democracy and cooperation as everyone improvises, does their own thing, yet finds a way to create music together.
There are many performances for a suggested donation; others will require you to buy a ticket so please read over the program and plan accordingly.
Full time, Seattle-based actor Marcus Wolf remembers his time in Olympia with great fondness. Anyone who saw Wolf play Romeo in Harlequin Production’s “Romeo and Juliet” knows just how talented he is and can see his passion and dedication to theatre.
Wolf had the time of his life here and hopes to one day return to Olympia, but until then we can cheer him on from a distance as he continues to enjoy a Summer Stock in Montana with shows, including “The Play that Goes Wrong,” “Rock of Ages,” “Annie” and “Newsies.”
When considering the importance of art today, Wolf reflected:
“Art in any form allows people to come together for a short period of time to enjoy something together as a collective. The togetherness is so important in a world that can still be like Romeo and Juliet’s two houses divided.”
Wolf commented on how "Romeo and Juliet" provides insight into our world today:
When you think about that show, nobody in it really wants to fight or bring harm to anyone else at the end of the day. Both in the show and real life, people just stop communicating with one another.
When Romeo is discovered in the Capulet household, the only one who is really upset is Tybalt, even though the father of the house isn’t even upset and is like “Oh just let him be, let him have some fun.”
We need that logic just as much as we did in Shakespeare’s day and Lenny Bruce’s day: if nobody is bringing harm to another, then let them be.
Rachel Benton is a columnist, freelance writer, performing arts enthusiast and a Thurston County local. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in History and Political Science and minor in Music. When not writing or enjoying the arts, Rachel can be found spending time with her family, friends and two golden retriever puppies (Elliot and Ernie).
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Good grief, “White Christian Nationalism.” Really?
Wednesday, July 2 Report this
Boatyarddog
Exactly! White Christian Nationalism IS A DISEASE. And one that IS being Implemented in Immigration, Deportation proceedings, and Many Other Forms of Political Attacks on LGBTQ+ And many of Brown skin color. Our Country HAD a policy of being able to apply for Citizenship while residing in a country that was not trying to kill or Threaten them during the Process... NOW MAGA, and The current Adminestration of FEAR and Criminal Actions, is attacking ALL THAT WOULD apply Legally or were in the process of Applying. Trump would ISOLATE Americans without hesitation. FIGHT THE FASCISM, Fight THE FASICIST NATIONAL CHRISTIAN MOVEMENT that Threatens A Free AMERICA!
Thursday, July 3 Report this
Southsoundguy
lol hey boat, you’re going to the camps!
Thursday, July 3 Report this
CobraCommander
Southsoundguy doesn't even hide it anymore. Racist, misogynist, pro-fascist, advocating for death camps, all with a measly high school education.
Thursday, July 3 Report this
wolfmanner
Boatyarddog needs some real help with his mental problems.
Saturday, July 5 Report this
Dee2love
Well written Rachel. Knowing your love for the Lord, love for people, and love of community, I admire your gumption!
Wednesday, July 9 Report this