DAVID LEGORE
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Portfolio
  • Writing
    • TRIGGER WARNING
    • SILVR BULLETZ BLAK DUZT
    • FLAGS
    • DOOLIE
  • Contact

Facebook Post, June 7, 2020

6/7/2020

 
The following entry was originally posted on Facebook.  I share it here in response to several requests from readers. —DL  

It’s often said that silence is complicity.
 

I agree.

Yesterday, my son took a knee during the National Anthem at his high school graduation. As valedictorian of his class, he did so while onstage in front of several thousand people. He knows that Black Lives Matter and chose to express solidarity with the movement. Although I admire his academic accomplishments, I’m more proud that he demonstrated the courage to express his convictions. 
It’s high time that I demonstrate some conviction of my own on this platform. At the risk of saying nothing of significance, I humbly share these thoughts with whomever cares.

I define myself as a son, brother, husband, dad, student, teacher, artist and human. I am a Christian, although I chafe at what that has come to mean in our polarized world. I have been a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (and predecessor) for my entire life. I have been a professor at an ELCA university for 22 years, and am an alumnus of that same institution. I value love, inquiry, truth, reason, compassion, equality, diversity, creation and collaboration. Despite my human imperfections, I attempt (as best I can) to model those qualities with those I know and encounter. I have been blessed to know all of the friends who may read this—including hundreds of students. You have helped shape me, and for that I am grateful. 

But as a white male, I have been privileged. Despite that privilege, or perhaps because of it, it is incumbent upon me to be vocal when others suffer because of hatred— whether they be the targets of racism, sexism, ageism, misogyny, abuse, or any number of other brutalities and indignities that humans perpetuate on each other.

Thus, the events of the past few years (and recent days in particular) have disturbed me to my core. Despite my stoic heritage (Midwestern, Scandinavian) and desire to remain above the fray, silence is no longer an option. Near the end of this post, I’ll share a statement of some important personal beliefs and values. 

However, I also believe that social media, or any mediated communication, is an imperfect forum for dialogue. In spite of the positive ways it has brought people together, it has also served as a platform for hatred, disinformation, psychological manipulation, division and radicalization. It’s one of many reasons that I resist posting about the causes that concern me. Though I appreciate heart-warming pet videos or friendly life updates like the rest of the world, I have refused to engage in an endless loop of digital banter about those causes and policy matters that are truly important to me. Social media, which may be perfect for diversion and serving as an echo chamber for our own interests, is compromised by the lack of non-verbal cues, body language, and immediate real-time feedback that deep communication requires. If I can’t engage with someone in a personal, authentic, immediate, and intensive way, there is far too much risk for misunderstanding and the perpetuation of division. Human communication is difficult enough even when we’re in the same room. It becomes even more compromised if we rely disproportionately on text, media-bytes, emojis and like buttons—all of which can be manipulated to achieve nefarious ends. If I can’t be with you, I can’t fully understand you. If you can’t be with me, you can’t fully understand me. 

But again, silence is not currently an option. 

What we need right now is true dialogue that leads to action and change. That dialogue will require people of different viewpoints, faiths, creeds, races, sexual orientations, and identities to come together. With humility. With empathy. With compassion. With the goal of listening first, hearing without judgement, and speaking only if it moves us closer towards reconciliation and understanding. It will also require us to collectively seek truth, even if that truth runs counter to our biases and beliefs. 

In the current incarnations, I feel that most (if not all) social media platforms are incapable or unwilling to be a responsible part of that dialogue—preferring to create amoral platforms that are compromised by design. Facebook, for example, has a long and notorious history for turning a blind eye to falsehoods and misleading content, preferring not to alienate any users or lose any potential revenue streams. Twitter is rampant with automated bots and paid trolls that sow discord and amplify agendas that seek to divide us. YouTube has empowered and democratized personalized content creation, but has also provided powerful tools to malicious extremists. Instagram, Reddit, TikTok, etc. (and platforms not yet created) all face similar problems. In these cases, corporate and governmental policy has been slow to address the ways in which unethical agents have used these platforms as weapons against humanity and civility. Though I understand some of the many complexities of this matter, including the profit motive and protections to free speech, it is maddening to witness the destruction and mistrust that has resulted. On a personal level, it has consumed precious time that would be better spent with my own family, or on pursuits that fill my spirit. 

So how do I give voice to my concerns, while despising elements of the very platforms that provide me with the opportunity to write this post? How do I engage in dialogue with those who are willing, without relying upon the imperfect and often damaging tools of social media? I don’t have the answers. I do, however, know what is right for me at this moment in time. Specifically, it is right for me to speak with clarity about what I value and believe. I will continue to give voice to the human experience through my art, through my vocation, through my faith life, and through my relationships. It is also right that I minimize my use of any platform that prevents effective dialogue and reconciliation. Thus, this note will serve as a personal creed of sorts, while also serving as a “pinned” post (and perhaps a parting shot)—at least for the time being. And despite my fondness for those whom I have met and known over the years, I don’t intend to engage with you via social media about any of the following. If you wish to engage with me, I invite you into a personal and direct dialogue.

With all of this, I give voice to the following. 

My faith asserts that all humans are made in the image of God, and that all creation is good. It proclaims that we are to love and serve one another. End stop. In part, because of this faith, along with a worldview that has been nurtured by parents, relatives, my wife and children, mentors, friends, and all whom I’ve encountered in life, I believe:

Black lives matter.
Police brutality is cancerous and must be eliminated.  
Bad cops should be removed from office and held accountable. Good cops should support this effort.  
Systemic racism and white supremacy are repugnant.
Our criminal justice system disproportionately punishes people of color. 

The need for justice in relation to the above is paramount at this time, but by no means the only concern that requires our attention. In addition… 

Anti-semitism is abhorrent.
Religious convictions are not a defense for persecution of the other.  
Immigrants are humans. Humans are not illegal.  
Children do not belong in cages, or separated from their families.
LGBTQ+ rights are human rights.  
Misogyny, sexism, sexual abuse, and harassment ruin lives.  
Gun violence is an epidemic and public health crisis.
Severe economic inequality and greed are immoral and unjust.
Poverty, hunger, and homelessness are failures of policy and moral conviction.  
Climate change is real and a threat to our existence.
A culture of perpetual war has numbed and desensitized our conscience, while placing unfair burdens on the members and families of our armed services.
The biblical concept of dominion demands our care for creation, not our abuse of it.  
Environmental degradation dishonors all of creation, including life for future generations.
Science and reason are not threats to my faith. They enhance it.
Fascism and authoritarianism must always be resisted and defeated.
Voter repression is anti-democratic. 
There are many paths to righteousness, both religious and secular. 
I appreciate and am enriched by people from faith traditions other than my own.
I appreciate and am enriched by people who reject faith.  
Diversity is a gift of creation. It is also a natural result of evolution.
Healthcare is a right that should be accessible and afforded to all.  
Women should have control of their own bodies and reproductive health. 
Pro choice does not equate to being pro abortion. 
Partisan absolutism is poisonous.  
God doesn’t favor a political party. 
Anti-intellectualism has damaged civic education and discourse.
Access to education should be affordable and equitable.
And more… 

It’s an incomplete (yet overwhelming) list. It demands our collective engagement and will. Should you disagree, know that nothing you say on social media is likely to change my mind. Perhaps nothing I’ve said is likely to change yours. But now I’ve said it, and am open to the real dialogue/action that I believe is needed. Feel free to be in touch-- in person. 
​

Wishing you love, peace, and justice.
Dave

Award Winning Entry:  48 Hour Film Festival - San Antonio

8/28/2016

0 Comments

 
I recently had the pleasure of acting in SWIFT MICK AND THE BRUSH WITH DEATH, a short film entered in the 2016 48 Hour Film Festival in San Antonio.  The film was produced by Simple Man Productions and Paper Ketchup Productions, with a company comprised of numerous TLU alumni.  The film received seven award nominations and won 5 awards, including Runner-Up for Best Film, Best Writing, Audience Favorite in our Group, Best Integration of Prop, and... Best Supporting Actor.  That last award had my name on it, for a ridiculously silly turn as "Uncle Paul"-- the evil villain of the Toothenati Cult.  You can check out the final cut at the Vimeo page for Ryan Anderson (Director and Cinematographer) at https://vimeo.com/179704490.    
0 Comments

TLU Dramatic Media 2016-2017 Season

8/20/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES
An original adaptation from the story by Hans Christian Anderson
October 21—23
Evenings:  Friday, and Saturday @ 7:30 PM • Matinees:  Friday and Sunday @ 2:30 PM
A TheatreXpress student production, directed by Trey Davis. 
The CAST (Court Annex Studio Theatre)
 
When the famous and vain Emperor demands new clothing to satisfy his unquenchable thirst for the latest fashions, two clever con artists pretend to be tailors.  When given the opportunity to create a new wardrobe for the Emperor, they devise an ingenious plan.  They convince all involved that only those with the gift of vision and competence can see the beauty of an invisible fabric—anyone who fails to see the clothing would be revealed as stupid and inept.  As preparations proceed for a royal parade, the Emperor revels in the opportunity to showcase his new apparel—while concealing his own concerns about the invisible nature of the cloth.  Will anyone have the courage and vision to speak the truth?    
 
This classic and timeless story about vanity, ignorance, conformity, and the fear of truth will be updated for a modern audience with an original adaptation, written through collaboration between TLU students and faculty.  This new adaptation of the famous fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson is fun for all ages—targeted to youth, but with themes that are timely and universal for the kid in all of us.      
 
RHINOCEROS
by Eugene Ionesco
November 11—13
Evenings:  Friday, and Saturday @ 7:30 PM • Matinees:  Friday and Sunday @ 2:30 PM
Jackson Auditorium
 
On a tranquil Sunday afternoon, Berenger and Jean meet outside a café and find themselves at odds.  Berenger, an everyman, struggles with the balance between work, his social life, and a fondness for alcohol.  Jean, driven and refined, scolds Berenger for his sloth and apathy, encouraging him to get his act together.  Their dispute is interrupted when a rhinoceros charges through the square, disrupting the placid locale.  As the residents try to make sense of it all, the friendship between Berenger and Jean is tested.  Soon, that tension extends to Berenger’s workplace, where his co-workers struggle to determine the significance and validity of the rhino sighting.  When it is revealed that a sick colleague has turned into a rhinoceros, an expanding epidemic is introduced.  Berenger distracts himself by attempting to mend his friendship with Jean, and developing a romantic relationship with his colleague Daisy.  As more and more citizens become rhinos, however, he finds himself overwhelmed by it all—struggling to maintain his humanity. 
 
Written in 1959, Ionesco’s play is a staple of the avant-garde theatre and political/existential philosophy that followed World War II, combining reality with the ridiculous in a fierce commentary on the human condition.  With themes that remain relevant and timeless, Rhinoceros explores authoritarianism, conformity, mob mentality, morality, and the formation of human identity.  Recently revived in London, in a production starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Berenger, Rhinoceros continues to be what the New York Times called  "An allegory for our times."
 
ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS
by Richard Bean
April 7—9
Evenings:  Friday, and Saturday @ 7:30 PM • Matinees:  Friday and Sunday @ 2:30 PM
Jackson Auditorium
 
Brighton, England. 1963.  Hungry and in need of work, Francis Henshall is employed by his ‘guvnor’ number one—a small-time crook named Roscoe Crabbe, in town to collect money from Charlie “The Duck” Clench, the gangster father of Roscoe’s fiancée, Pauline.  But Roscoe is really Rachel, posing as her own twin brother—recently killed in a fight with Rachel’s boyfriend, Stanley Stubbers.  Roscoe’s arrival (and apparent resurrection!) wreaks havoc on the marital arrangements for Pauline, who had quickly fallen for Alan, the actor son of Harry Dangle, the family lawyer and fixer.  When Stubbers arrives in Brighton, Francis offers his service to a second guvnor, prompting a whirlwind of mistaken identities and farcical hijinks.  As the comic confusion mounts, Francis fights to feed his mammoth appetites for food and a romance of his own, all while struggling to serve two guvnors.
 
Richard Bean's hilarious comedy received 5-star reviews from every London newspaper and was the hit of the 2012 Broadway season, bringing a Tony Award to James Corden, host of the The Late Late Show, for his portrayal of Francis. 
"Splendidly silly…satanic and seraphic, dirty-minded and utterly innocent." —NY Times. "…lifts audiences from mere happiness to eye-watering, comic hysteria." —Variety. "The most glorious comedy on the planet." —Daily Mail (London). "If you're not having a good time at this show, you may be on the wrong medication." —Hollywood Reporter.
 
THE MOVING PICTURES PROJECT 2.0
The second annual original film project
Coming Spring 2017
 
This original story will be developed and produced as part of an initiative to create an annual film/media project.  It continues our commitment to film production, evident in recent projects like “La Llorona” and “Vaguebook”—both original short films that received production support through the department.  The students and faculty of TLU Dramatic Media will collaborate with local artists throughout the various stages of production and post-production on this world premiere.  Will the final “moving pictures” be a television episode?  A film?  Content for new media?  Join us to find out! 
 
XPRESSFEST.17
Apr. 20—22, Specific content and times TBA
The CAST (Court Annex Studio Theatre)
 
The 17th annual XpressFest showcases original student plays, movies, and class projects.  Join the student artists of TheatreXpress for this culmination of their annual work, including senior capstone projects. 
 
All dates, times and content are subject to change.  Visit www.tludramaticmedia.com or www.tlu.edu/drama for current information.
0 Comments

VIRTUAL DEVOTION, by Eric Coble

12/11/2015

1 Comment

 
I recently directed and provided media direction for this play, produced by TLU Dramatic Media at Texas Lutheran University. 
Picture
A satirical look at the end of times as brought to you by... cable television!  Virtual Devotion features a day in the life of a zealous but shattered family, trying to find salvation through—and in spite of—their faith.  Pete, a televangelist for "The Mature Warriors for Christ," preaches violent hate against sinners to his 35 million viewers.  Anne, a sweet young telemarketer for the Happy Halo Ministry is desperate to raise money to send religious CDs to children in Africa.  Ruth is a TV junkie, viewing the world from her armchair until she sees the face of Ezekiel the prophet in her tapioca pudding.  And Jesus, only Son of the Living God, has come back to Earth.  But why now? And will anyone notice? All four eventually meet through the Home Shopping Network selling religious artifacts, just moments before what may just be the end of the world.

1 Comment

    A Few Words.

    Less is more.  

    Archives

    June 2020
    August 2016
    December 2015

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

© 2016+ David Legore.  All rights reserved.