In the Recording Studio



Matthew Marsden and Garcelle Beauvais in
"Eyes to See."  Photo: Caroline Choi photo

Just finished in the recording studio for Eyes to See. The film is based on true events surrounding the work of a relief team I covered in Haiti last January after the massive earthquake. 

The film's director asked me to voice the role of a newscaster for the opening scenes. This was my first time seeing footage.  Some scenes brought tears to my eyes.

The film's stars were at the recording studio when I arrived. Matthew Marsden (Transformers, Rambo) and NYPD Blue's Garcelle Beauvais needed to re-record some lines.

Between sessions, Matthew brought up  George Clooney's work in Sudan;* I had expected light-hearted from the funny Englishman.

"How can I help standing here in a recording studio in Hollywood?" the director ended the conversation - frustrated at our own inability to help, and also wanting us to stay focused  since we were running behind schedule. 

We went back to our lines but the question nagged at me. How can we make a difference when the need is so great? Sudan. Haiti. Hollywood - even here hundreds of homeless people sleep in alleys and beg tourists for money.

"At least one hospital..." I started the script again, grateful that at least my voice might draw attention to the plight of a country in need.

*(There are safety fears with concerns that the upcoming South Sudanese cessation vote may cause civil war.)

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Freely

On Tuesday, I will get up and choose what clothes to wear.
Somewhere else in the world a woman will be forced to cover her face, hair and skin in black cloaks.

On Tuesday, I will wear a gift--a necklace bearing a cross.
Somewhere a man will be executed for revealing his faith.

On Tuesday, I will drive to my appointments.
Somewhere a woman will face imprisonment for breaking the law by driving a car.

On Tuesday, I will make dinner with friends.
Somewhere a woman will be murdered for talking to a man who is not her husband; an "honor killing" her family will say.

On Tuesday, I will go to the store by myself.
Somewhere a wife will remain trapped inside her house, forbidden to travel, get an education or go out alone.

On Tuesday, I will dream about my wedding night.
Somewhere a girl will be subjected to genital mutilation; later, even while still in puberty, she will be forced to marry a man who may treat her worse than his livestock.

On Tuesday, I will flirt with my neighbor.
Somewhere a woman will be stoned for a suspected "sexual indiscretion" that she may never have committed.

On Tuesday, I will watch kids play in the park.
Somewhere children will be gang-raped and tortured; "spoils of war" soldiers will say.

On Tuesday, I will go to my polling place.Somewhere a man will die fighting for his voice to be heard.

On Tuesday, I will say a prayer of thanksgiving.
Somewhere from behind bars prisoners will pray for freedom.

On Tuesday, I will Dress. Drive. Work. Play. Dream. Love. Pray. Vote...freely. Please vote on Tuesday.

© 2010 Shay Holland

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