I am currently playing Mrs. Johnson in the cast of Depaul University’s production of A Raisin in the Sun. It is truely an awesome experience knowing that not only is it the 50th anniversary of the play, but  also showing at the original theatre Sidney Poitier stood on, The Blackstone. This story is one of hope, loss, community, family, money. It is full of a family’s ambition and dreams. I am encouraging any and everyone who is a Chicago native to come see it and realize the drastic connections between 1953 and today. The pressure of gentrification and racism are only a few factors in the journey of this family. Come see and draw from it a spirit that cannot be denied, but expounded upon.

Cast:

Ruth Younger–McKenzie Chinn
Walter Lee Younger–Levenix Riddle
Travis Younger–Elijah Griffin
Beneatha Younger–Kristin Ellis
Lena “Mama” Younger–Brittani Green
Joseph Asagai–Sean Parris
George Murchison–Chris Boykin
Mrs. Johnson–Shannon Matesky
Karl Lindner–James Gasber
Bobo–Nicholas Harper

To recieve tickets and information visit:

http://theatreschool.depaul.edu/theatre_school_showcase_0910_raisin.php

This is a poem I created for solo performance class. It was staged as my first visit to her grave-site saying some, words. My whole class joined me in the journey to the site and ended with throwing flowers as tribute. Enjoy

Mother

Out of all the things you’ve given me

I wish you held this one back

I break my back over and over

bending over and over

my insatiable need for flesh

Legend has it

That it’s in our blood

To fuck like rabbits

And have babies

So I pop birth control pills like tic-tacs

Pray as if I’m Christian

Cry away images of skin

But still end up wanting it

Dear Lord,

I wish I did not Lust

Ashe

Ah Ah Shay

They whisper, scream, yelp

I cant help but love it

Makes my face heat up

Ears tickle

And tongue go numb

I have been the cause for crazy

As I’m sure you were

And all the hers in our family tree

Like strands of hair off Eve

We have fell victim to temptation

Spewing ropes of passion to trap em

Catch em in between our toes

Thighs

Eyes

Mama,

I wish mine weren’t Grey

Blue

Green

Of fresh female venom

Addictive to the animistic hunger of need

I do not want to solve the mysteries of

Bashful Bisexual Male fantasies

Confused Androgynous Lesbians

Or Lost Boys

I can’t confirm a treasure map

Will come combined to my seed

I know I’m good

But they say shit they don’t mean

When they are in between feeling great

And I’m in between

Feeling used again

And used to gain for them

Just a casualty

Warm only for a second

or a few hours

Been given a gift to cast a spell

That don’t keep

And mama,

I don’t want to be temporary

I love Fafi! She is a graff artist from France I’ve been trackin since her and Miss Van were doin nude cartoons on walls. Thats way back. Now she’s a super star who’s work has transcended to the category of high art and design. I love her style. Her art, comics, apparel features some of the most beautiful, sassy, curious cartoons ever. Her powerful women have always taught me to be fierce and fabulous in the best way. Forever current and fun she is #1 in my book. I need to track down these kicks! If i wasn’t an actress I’d have a jungle of Fafinettes running down my sleeve, but shoes will have to do!

Check Fafi out at http://fafi.coolcats.fr/

Yo, thanks for rollin through. Great to be in acquaintance with ya! Hope to see ya a many more times. So many things have been goin on in the Universe, it’s good to have a site and reach out to my people. These updates will be full of style, news, calls to actions, rants, raves and wildness.

So my people, for my first drop I have to bring to attention the  disaster in Haiti real quick. Although last night there was aprox. 58 mill raised during ‘Hope for Haiti’ more needs to be done. Since Jan. 12 many people have struggled through this disaster.People in Haiti were struggling before the disaster! It was the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere! It is our duty to help our brethren. If you like music hit up your favorite act’s benefit for Haiti. Most of the dopest stars are participating in one. Please be informed about what is going on and MOVE! We can do this.

Had to get real. Let the maddness begin.

Welcome to the brand new site for Shannon Matesky, the Chicago-based/Bay Area-raised poet, activist, and educator!  We’re still under construction, but please stay tuned for updates very soon!