Show me someone’s blog that opens with an Emma Goldman quote, consider me hooked. If that quote refers to small communal interactions forming the kernel of possible societal change, consider me sold. Let me introduce you to the Reverend Billy and his Stop Shopping Choir.

Who am I talking about? A group of activists/artists who do both concert stage performances and agitprop actions to raise awareness of how we are mistreating our planet and our neighbors. They fight for earth justice, against consumerism, for first amendment rights and much more. Their recent visit to Portland was once again a coup by Boom Arts – bringing progressive artistry to an audience that is in need of and grateful for cutting edge theatre.

The NYC-based troupe is led by Billy Talen, an actor who uses comic theatre and music to get out the message – in ways that often risk persecution by the powers that be who are quite aware of how he lifts the veil on capital’s agenda. The link spells it out in more detail:

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/nov/27/reverend-billy-church-of-stop-shopping-black-friday

On Sunday night the artists met with members of our community, including Portland Resistance and Portland Tenants United for a community supper.

And since this week’s blog is dedicated to women’s issues, let’s focus on the women I encountered.

There were young women of the choir who managed to travel across time zones with infants and toddlers, putting in full performances, and still had the energy to meet new folks; young women who sang with beautiful voices.

 

There was the director of the company, who writes beautifully and provides organization and structure. There was her daughter who clearly shared her mother’s fierceness as well as the theatrical brilliance of her father.

http://www.revbilly.com/about_savitri_d

There were the Portland activists who lead the cause;

There were the folks from Boom Arts who surprise me every year with procuring ever better acts; doing their magic in getting people to return, fostering relationships, helping to keep the company afloat –  a special welcome here to the recent NYC transplant!

And then there was the kind of woman who models for all of us how to bring more peace and justice to the world in everyday life, managing the Sunnyside Community Center. She was celebrated and shown expressions of gratitude that her kind deserves and yet so infrequently receives.

It was an evening that conveyed energy, activism, community and above all hope – so direly needed in these times.

The troupe is off to England for their next adventure – friends over there, be on the look-out. These are performances you might not want to miss.