by Marion E. Gold, IWPA President
From the President's Desk: Searching for the Sunlight
by Marion E. Gold, IWPA President
Choosing the path of a writer is filled with the ups and downs
of acceptance and rejection. I've often felt that being a writer is like the
essence of life: there are good days and bad days -- and always the hope that
tomorrow will bring a new creative idea, a new writing assignment, a friendly
smile.
As we reach the end of 2002 and look to the future, I want to share with you
a poem written by a remarkable and accomplished woman I had the honor of calling
my friend. Anne Marisse's incredible talents ranged from creative development
to directing and performing. On New York City's Broadway stages, people from
around the world saw her in a number of roles -as Tzeitel, the eldest daughter,
in "Fiddler on the Roof" opposite Zero Mostel, Luther Adler and Herschel
Bernardi; as Lady Lucille in "Once Upon a Mattress" with Carol Burnett;
and in "The Wall" with George C. Scott, to name just a few. Her beautiful
voice caught the attention of New York City critics when her role in "West
Side Story" called for her to sing the "Somewhere" solo. She
also played a variety of roles in repertory and summer stock. Among them, Aldonza
in "Man of La Mancha," Annie Sullivan in "The Miracle Worker,"
Katherine in "The Taming of the Shrew," Fanny Brice in "Funny
Girl,' and Gittel in "Two for the Seesaw."
Anne passed away in 1984 of cancer. Throughout her long illness, Anne never
lost her optimism nor her consideration for others. She never talked about her
own pain, but always encouraged her friends to look towards the future. I want
to share with you a poem she wrote that best exemplifies her spirit - the spirit
of creativity and life - of hope and optimism. Here are Anne's "Three Suggestions"
for all of us:
Three Suggestions by Anne Marisse
Don't believe the tales they tell you
Sunlight is around the corner
of your mind.
Ideas
are the stuff
dreams
are made of - have one
today.
In daring
we accept the wandering
for the glorious wondering;
So reach out
for chance rings
beckoning
on life's merry-go-round.
© 1982 Anne Marisse
May 2003 bring all of you happiness, good health, and lots of sunlight around the corner.