A few weeks ago I made a quick trip to catch a friend’s show in the Atlanta Fringe Festival. (Yes, Atlanta puts on a Fringe as do lots of other cities in the US!) My friend’s show was in a theater where I spent some time performing improv during my Atlanta comedy tenure. I was never a cast member there but those who were had their names hand painted on the walls of the lobby. These lists included both past and present members and covered quite a bit of area.
Since my time performing there, the improv company that occupied the space has disbanded, ownership of the venue has changed, and as I discovered on my recent visit, all of the names that were emblazoned on the walls have been painted over—the physical legacy of that improv company and those improvisers who occupied the space erased.
“Some things are more precious because they don’t last long.” -Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray
My name was never on the wall at that theater, but I wondered if it had been whether I would have been more likely to feel pain or relief at its erasure. Performing improv in Atlanta was one of the highlights of my life but it came at an emotional cost I’m still processing years later. I may not have left a mark on Atlanta improv, but it certainly left a mark on me.
Where I have left my mark
It was a lucky coincidence that the weekend I visited Atlanta for my friend’s show was the same weekend Oakland Cemetery hosted a member appreciation party. I was able to catch up with a bunch of my volunteer friends there who I might not otherwise have seen. I was also able to find for the first time the brick I’d purchased to help fund Oakland’s new visitor center. I may never be buried in Oakland, but I’m glad to have my name on something there.
I also spent time wandering the cemetery checking out the gardens. One of my friends has been involved in the landscaping of the African American Burial Grounds, and it was so cool to see the stunning results of her multi year effort.
There are many ways to leave a mark! How have you left yours?
Nice! Those flowers are beautiful!!
I always felt I left a mark at the Zoo with Pollinator Carnival and Tree Carnival. I know hundreds of kids & adults took home little trees and planted them. Of course, a lot probably didn't make it, but I know a lot have. I have seen pictures of them. What really warms my heart is the one of an offspring of the old red oak in the middle of the Zoo.