Stratagems: A series of monologues I wrote for The Quieting, a show put on in August 2004 by Chicago-based youth/arts collective Yes is a World. Ted Hearne and I built the show's concept over a long-distance summer and many late-night cell phone conversations; or, rather, he built the music and I did my best to tease out the themes inherent. What came of it was Stratagems, short pieces based on and titled after six Oblique Strategies.

The monologues were read throughout the night by Justine Turner and coupled with short vocal pieces that T.H. was then workshopping with YIAW house singers, The Current. Although I was unable to attend the show, I have been told that it was very good.

(You may wish to start by reading a full introduction to The Quieting. Or you may not. Either way suits me.)

i. Use an unacceptable color
ii. Question the heroic approach
iii. Convert a melodic element into a rhythmic one
iv. It is quite possible (after all)
v. Ask your body
vi. The most important thing is the thing most easily forgotten

mistreater