First week of rehearsal

        Our first full week of rehearsal has just finished.  Last week we finished auditioning the girls (our actresses are from St. Vincent Academy here in Newark), and began work on the script.  We spent one day sharing what we know, or think we know, about gangs.  Some, like me, have little or no previous experience or knowledge.  We're the ones playing catch-up.  Several of the actors have direct experience via their families.  At least two cast members have lost relatives to gang shootings.  Usually, when we are doing a play, I come into rehearsal with the advantage of my theatre degrees and the simple fact that I have just lived longer than the kids.  With this production, I am in the unique position, for a director, of knowing less than other members of the company.  This time, I am definitely the student.  Anyone wanting to learn about gangs would do well to read GANG LEADER FOR A DAY, by Sudhir Venkatesh.  He was a graduate student at the University of Chicago when he made the acquaintance of a local gang leader, and with his "blessing" became privy to the inner workings of a gang.  A great read.