As I've mentioned in an earlier post, New York is experiencing its first heatwave just in time for me to be here (I hate hot weather). The A/C in the theater went out Monday, but the cast & crew performed the show anyway. As of Tuesday night the air in the theater still wasn't working, and we received word early Wednesday morning that all shows scheduled for the Lynn Redgrave Theater on Wednesday had been cancelled.
This was a big letdown for us, but obviously nothing could be done about it. The cancellation gave me a free morning, so I took advantage of it to do some work, then headed into Manhattan for the afternoon. I met up with some of the cast for lunch at Katz's Deli. I'd never been to Katz's, but I will certainly be back. A pastrami sandwich from Heaven, plus a chocolate egg cream, and I'm sold on the place. Great food, great environment. The place was packed, the walls lined with pictures of the famous people who've been to Katz's over the years. There's also a sign hanging from the ceiling pointing to the spot where Meg Ryan & Billy Crystal shot the memorable diner scene in "When Harry Met Sally."
We then took in one of the other plays that is part of the Fringe festival, a comedy. The show was well-done and we enjoyed it, but there were some elements that got me thinking in a theological vein. I'll share those thoughts in a later post after my NYC trip.
We then headed down the street to the famous Schillers bar, spending much of the evening there. After taking in more of the Lower East Side, I made my way back to the apartment well past my normal bedtime, but having enjoyed a great day in the company of great friends.
In thinking back on the day, although it was disappointing to lose one of our shows, I'm also grateful we had the opportunity to relax a bit. Whether you're in a theater company that produces a play about sex trafficking, or you work with an anti-trafficking non-profit, the issue of trafficking sometimes feels just a bit too heavy, both your body and mind wobble under the weight. Wednesday allowed us the opportunity to remember some simple joys, and experience those joys in community. I need days like this, as I have a tendency to get lost in the work and the issue.
Victims of trafficking desire to experience humanity to the fullest, a desire I believe we all share. To take a day to simply be a human being living a day of joy, fellowship, laughter, great food and drink, as well as inspiration, is not a luxury...it's a necessity, no matter what type of work you do. For me though, I know the more often I give myself this kind of day, I'm better able to serve the survivors with whom we work.
Wednesday was not the day I expected, but it was definitely the day I needed. And for that gift, and again paraphrasing what the old gentleman said to me during my walk around Brooklyn on Saturday, "Tanks be to God."
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