Talking With... Jennifer Schelter

Playwright & Performer of LOVE LESSONS FROM ABU GHRAIB

Conducted by Rebecca Wright, InterAct's Literary Director & Dramaturg

InterAct: How did you end up accompanying Susan Burke to interview tortured Iraqis, and what was it like?

Jennifer Schelter: I accompanied Susan Burke to interview the tortured Iraqis because I teach yoga and she was one of my students. She came up to me after a yoga class and asked if she could hug me. I said, yes. She hugged me. She appeared very shaken up and had tears in her eyes. She told me she had just gotten back from listening to and collecting testimony from tortured victims from Iraq. She asked me if I would consider going with her. As she believed they needed healing energy and perhaps I could help or be a note taker of the testimony.

I can honestly say working with Susan Burke and accompanying her team of lawyers to collect testimony was one of the most “out of my comfort zone”/eye opening experiences of my life thus far. It’s completely unexpected, how much I would learn and grow from one of the darkest parts of humanity.

The Iraqi men I met were generous, kind, and humble. Their forgiveness and faith enlightened me and inspired me. I am grateful to have listened to the darkest stories I have ever heard a person go through. I am grateful to be a compassionate witness to what humanity is capable of both in fear and in faith.

These men inspired me to go beyond my depression about the subject and have faith in the power of God, however you conceive of that force. They deepened my faith in humanity. It’s counter intuitive.

InterAct:  What made you choose to adapt these interviews to a performance piece enlisting this unique kind of storytelling?

Jennifer Schelter: I choose to adapt the interviews into a performance piece out of pure need. I needed to understand my depression and desperation. I needed to release the pain of listening. I needed to find something beautiful out of the experience. My soul wanted to value. I believe stories, when told, can transmute pain and depression to beauty and miracles.

My story telling is my natural way of trying to communicate the complexity of “Truth”. I was finally diagnosed “dyslexic” in Graduate school. Before that I struggled a lot with self-esteem and wondered why I have such a hard time reading scripts out loud and communicating what I really felt and needed. I think from all angles. I read books from back to middle to front. I love to put information together in non-traditional ways. I enjoy seeing things from all sides. It’s not because I’m trying to be a rebel. It’s because I need to process information through all my senses. It’s hard for me to focus at times. So I have to embrace my mind and tell stories with all my 6 senses. And I tell it anyway I know how. Since I am a professional actress and love the theatre, I think in terms of monologues and dialogue. And since I love to write poetry and short stories, I also think that way too. I love to paint as well. So each medium brings its ability to appreciate and adore that which I’m trying to share. So this piece is a collage of the way I process what I love and care about.

InterAct:  What challenges did you encounter in this process?

Jennifer Schelter: It’s been a challenge to resurrect and champion these characters. It’s an emotionally challenging piece and at times I really didn’t think I could hold it together. And frankly, it’s still a challenge. What keeps me going is the unstoppable mojo of Abdulwahab (the protagonist) and what’s possible in sharing stories.

InterAct: You have performed LOVE LESSONS many different times in many different settings. How has it evolved over time?

Jennifer Schelter: The piece has evolved over time due to audience comments and sensibilities. And each time I went back to listen to more torture victims stories, I’d include more material in the play.

InterAct: How has it played differently in different places?

Jennifer Schelter: It has played differently given who is in the audience and what they have to bring to the content and how they open to the subject. I have become aware how much an unstoppable passion and non-judgment of subject matter matters to veterans and those who have been through similar situations in their own life. Non-judgment and staying open makes the piece work.

InterAct:  What connections do you see between wellness, art, and politics?

Jennifer Schelter: Art, wellness and politics - when in alignment - can unite us in greater love and appreciation of differences and similarities. We can experience our connectedness. What I love is the power of all three to come together in the original Greek sense of Education: “To draw forth.” Ultimately, we are all here to draw out the best in ourselves and each other.

InterAct:  Do you consider your yoga practice an artistic discipline?

Jennifer Schelter: Yes, I do consider my yoga practice an artistic and spiritual discipline. Yoga – my body – is my sanctuary, it’s my tool as an artist. Yoga to me means “I need to honor what is being born from within me.” I need to listen to what is emerging, my leading edge of awareness. Yoga to me is the art of listening for God’s funny bone and direction inside me.

InterAct: Do you think of it as political?

Jennifer Schelter: I don’t think of it as political in the sense of any bi-partisan popularity or an agenda. I do think of it as political in the sense of the mind-body connection being fragile and a non-negotiable sanctuary and home. It’s my livelihood and job to stay healthy. I think our country could benefit from people taking more accountability for their personal health.

InterAct: Do you consider yourself a political artist?

Jennifer Schelter: No. I’m a woman sharing what I see, think and feel. That’s all Rosa Parks or anyone “political” ever does. They take a stand, share their heart and a revolution starts. Do we really want to be known as the democracy that tortures? What are solutions and possibilities other than violence and inflicting suffering? I know listening, non-judgment and creativity lead to positive shifts in health and happiness. My only political thoughts are, we need to raise our expectations and standards in terms of what matters in this country.

Mind – How can we nurture it to be open, inclusive and creative?
Body - How can we nurture it to be aligned, flexible, strong, and healthy?
Spirit – How can we nurture it to be open, to communicate, grow and flourish?

InterAct: Thanks for talking with us.

THE 2010/2011 SEASON

Introduction

Silverhill

Lidless

Love Lessons From Abu Ghraib

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About The Play

Running Time

The Playwright

Playwright Interview

The Director

Calendar

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Etched In Skin On A Sunlit Night

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