The World of Ambidextrous, LLC

Sirius Pictures Music Video: 'Blind, Crippled and Black': Psychedelic Version

Happy Birthday, Nabil Shaban!!

Today is, for me, the most wonderful time of the year.  Why?  Because it marks the birthday of the person who has inspired the greatest positive changes in my life -- Nabil Shaban.

My first encounter with Nabs was in the late 1980's.  PBS had been running the BBC's 'Doctor Who' series for some time, and they had finally reached the episode 'Vengeance on Varos'.  In this episode, Nabs portrayed Sil, an evil gallactic slug whose turnons were making money and eating marsh minnows.  Nabil's performance was wonderful and dynamic.  It takes a gifted actor with the love of a production to make such an uncomfortable costume look natural.  He even gave Sil a unique reptilian laugh which endeared the character with fans as a favorite villain.  A laugh everyone tries to imitate, but only few a rare few succeed.  I did wonder who this fellow was and hoping to see more of his work.  Little did I realize how that wish would come true.  Words cannot describe how incredibly grateful I am that it did.

In late 2006 I was surfing the web researching the messages and mentions for the late David Rappaport.  I was absolutely stunned at the amount of rude and insensitive material I found there.  But among the trash was a powerful gem of an article called 'Disability in the Performing Arts: There is No Fair Play'.  The prologue of this article spotlighting the reality of discrimination focused on Dave and the conversation they had shared shortly before his death regarding the horrendous treatment suffered by Dave and his fellow co-stars on the set of the movie 'Time Bandits'.  As I read this part of the article I began to cry.  It was the first time I had found any write up on David Rappaport that was not abusive, tried to force him into the dwarf stereotype, or punish him for fighting this discrimination during his life.  This prologue was obviously written with love and respect.  I couldn't even read the rest of the article.  Simply had to write to the author right there on the spot.  I swear I don't remember seeing Nabil's name anywhere on the page, only his email address.  I thanked him for his beautifully written prologue, promised to read the rest of the article (which I have many time since then), and told him about my work to save David Rappaport's legacy from oblivion.  Two months later I was suprised by a lovely response from Nabs.  I wasn't expecting anything in return, really.  This was a wonderful gift that just keeps on giving.

I'm not sure if Nabs has ever regretted writing back to me.  I have certainly tested him (and the capactiy of his email inbox) from time to time.  Yet he has always remained a chivalrous and compassionate gentleman.  It hasn't ever mattered one iota that I am neither disabled nor a dwarf.  He treats me as an equal.  Nabil also possesses an incredibly blunt, no-holds-barred integrity.  All of this is within the capabilities of each and every one of us, yet is so hard to find anyone else willing to bring this out completely in themselves.  He chose to be a survivor when most of the non-disabled people I know choose to live their lives as victims.  The challenges he takes on are not just done for himself, but done with the idea of creating a better world for all it's inhabitants.  He embodies the true meaning of "Pro-Life".  Yes, he has bad habits, too.  He is human, just like the rest of us.  I love and admire the total package --two feet tall, brittle bones and all. He is the strongest man I've ever met.  Nabs has guided me by word, deed, and example to bust out of my old, unhealthy comfort zone and take the world by storm to make it a better place.  How can I ever repay this?

If you have not experienced the works of Nabil Shaban, I strongly urge you to find out more.  Of course, you can just ask me if you need help finding information.  He has plenty of brilliant videos on Vimeo and YouTube.  Just look for the ScabsNabs channel.  His movies are available for rent and sale on Amazon.  Be sure to check out his books, 'Dreams My Father Sold Me' (which also contains fantastic graphic art), 'The First to Go', and 'The Ripper Code'.  Also the book version of the play 'D.A.R.E.' is an excellent choice.  You can also hear this artist on his album, 'From Little Acorns', available on iTunes.

Happy birthday to the man I am blessed to call friend and mentor -- Nabil Shaban.

When Is a Dwarf Not a Dwarf? : Inequality In Showbusiness

Over the past decade I have watched in horror and confusion as more and more roles either specifically calling for, or typically given to, an actor with dwarfism, disability or small stature are being cast with non-dwarf, non-disabled, average size actors.  It isn’t as if there is any kind of vice-versa in the casting of “normal”, “average” characters.  Nor is there a lack of actors with dwarfism, disabilities, or above/below average size out there.  So what is going on?  What makes one Dwarf role suddenly worthy of an actor with dwarfism when others do not?

The answer is actually very obvious: STEREOTYPE.  When the storyline and script call for a Dwarf character who does not fit the stereotype of sub-human / butt-of-a-joke / meanie-who-scares-the-normal-cast, an actor without dwarfism is cast.  The warrior Dwarf and other characters in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy are a prime example of this.  But a Dwarf character which is expected to fulfill these stereotypes in some form or another (even just for visual purposes), must be filled by an actor with dwarfism.  The same casting guidelines are used for disabled characters, with the exception of today’s trend in casting disabled former military personnel even when they are not actors.  It is inequality just the same. 

When confronted with these very obvious discriminations of casting, both film makers and the groups meant to fight such discriminations (i.e. Little People of America and the Restricted Growth Association), alike, have either put this issue on permanent ignore or united in a ludicrous cry that this type of casting is acceptable because it is carefully upholding an equality in the Entertainment Industry that simply does not exist.

In the movie ‘Elf”, for glaring example, Will Ferrel’s character is supposed to be a child-man human being who was adopted and raised by Santa’s Elves -- none of whom have dwarfism, they are simply shorter.  When this main character travels to the world of humans, every person he meets looks exactly like the elves.  Not once in his entire life has this character ever met a person with dwarfism, and never mistakes these other humans for elves.  Yet, upon being introduced to a person with dwarfism, he instantly declares this person an elf. 

Additional examples on television and in the movies go on and on.  Most recent is yet another retelling of the fairytale ‘Snow White’.  According to every commercial heralding this particular project, ‘Mirror, Mirror’, is different in how it handles the character of Snow White.  Rather than remain docile, she takes up the fight for her own life and love.  However, this change is countered by the movie’s embrace of another glaringly obvious stereotype -- The Seven Dwarves.  And, yes, in this movie the roles of the Dwarves are actually portrayed by actors with dwarfism.  Why?  Because the characters in this movie are meant to fulfill the stereotype. 

Equality cannot not exist when casting is decided on a stereotype.  By any definition, that is discrimination and segregation.  Until there is vice-versa of actors with dwarfism demanding and regularly being cast in roles which do not specifically call for a Dwarf, and/or whose main reason for existing is not to fulfill the stereotype, will there be any type of equality.  This has already been accomplished very successfully in the past by Michael Dunn and David Rappaport, so it is obviously possible now.

Farewell and Thank You, Sarah Jane Smith (Elizabeth Sladen)

Last evening, while flipping through the Twitter feed, I once again came across sad news of the all-too-early passing of someone who touched my life in a positive way through their work on television. This time it was none other than 'Doctor Who's own Elizabeth Sladen, the British actress best known for her Companion character Sarah Jane Smith. Ms. Sladen had been battling cancer for some time before passing away at the age of 63.

Sarah Jane Smith was a breakthrough "female companion" character for 'Doctor Who' in terms of The Independent, Modern Day Woman; intelligence, independence, self-reliance, chutzpa, working *with* the Doctor rather than being simply a shadow...and not screaming every 2 seconds at every breeze and shadow. Series lore states that a favourite Doctor and/ or Companion is usually based on the first time one views the programme. Yes, my introduction to the series was 'The Ark'. However, for me, her status as favourite definitely had to do with the character of Sarah Jane Smith and Elizabeth Sladen's portrayal. For a teen girl with no self-esteem or self-confidence, this was a woman, in character and person (warts and all) who became one of my rare and precious role models and inspirations to get my shy, introverted self out in the universe and go for it!! - whatever "it" is.

With much admiration, gratitude, and hope that I will have the opportunity to see more of your work someday soon, all I can put into words right now is:

Thank you, Ms. Sladen.

'Doctor Who: Mission To Magnus' (a trip within a trip)

Tomorrow I will be traveling to the UK for second time.  The main reason for this trip is the honor and privilege of watching the fabulous, haunting and openly honest movie 'Morticia' with our friend (and film creator, writer, director, and co-star) Nabil Shaban, along with the rest of the cast, on the first night of the 2010 Edinburgh People's Festival.  On the way to this long overdue world premiere, I get another special treat.

A trip within a trip.

When I first listened to the Big Finish Production audio recording of Philip Martin's 'Doctor Who' story 'Mission to Magnus', I was thrilled to discover this production is the theatre-of-the-mind equivalent of the TARDIS and the WAYBAC machine all rolled into one.  An effect certain for anyone who watched 'Doctor Who' during the Colin Baker/Nicola Bryant years.

For those not acquainted with 'Doctor Who' history, 'Mission to Magnus' was one of several episodes shelved when the series was on its way to an abrupt halt culminated in the unceremonious firing of Colin Baker in the mid 1980's.  This episode was doubly special and significant as it was meant to be the original return of the most beloved villain/monster in 'Doctor Who' history - Sil, the galactic slug, portrayed by Nabil Shaban.  When Sil was brought back in 'Trial of a Time Lord', Nabil was left with a watered down version of the character he had so brilliantly crafted.  From that time to this, no one else in the 'Doctor Who' dynasty has possessed the imagination, intelligence, or cojones to bring Sil back in the newest series.  Or, better still, cast the series' original #1 fan in the role of The Doctor.

Fast forward 23 years later when the folks at Big Finish Productions approach Philip Martin to turn these lost episodes he so lovingly saved into audio productions.  As the included interview extras will tell you, it took a lot of hard work and courage for Martin and the original cast to recreate these roles in audio format.  But it is certainly easy to hear and feel the love and belief these people have for their creations.  Colin Baker's performance is a timeless gem.  Cheers to Nicola Bryant for taking this chance to dress Peri in the costume she wanted to wear rather than the very uncomfortable costume she was forced to wear on camera.  It is wonderful to hear that American-with-a-touch-of-British accent again.  A touch that gives Peri a unique quality amongst Doctor companions.  For Nabil, it was a chance to discover that it was he who brought Sil to life rather than the costume.  That wonderful snake laugh, which co-star Maggie Steed can imitate quite well (I'm sure both Colin Baker and my dad are incredibly jealous of her for it), is there in all its brilliance.  This time there is no mistaking the emotions Nabil infuses into each laugh.  A laugh that sparks a bevy of emotions in this listener - but, I promise you, fear and loathing are not among them.

I certainly look forward to taking a this trip again at many thousand feet above the Atlantic tomorrow.  A trip within a trip I hope you find the opportunity to take very soon.

Big Finish Productions: www.bigfinish.com

WAYBAC Machine: The time machine created and used by Professor Peabody, and his pet boy Sherman, to travel throughout history.  Part of 'The Rocky and Bullwinkle' cartoons.

Reprint of Msgs to @CODEPINK & Ludicrous

The first two (2) messages below were originally emailed October 12, 2009. In light of very recent events, it seems a highly appropriate time to send them again. The last message is for today.

Message to CodePink from The MGT.:

"Dear Ladies and Gentlemen;

This morning I excitedly logged in to Twitter hoping to join your petition pointing out the fact that President Obama has not earned the Nobel Peace Prize recently "awarded" him. My enthusiasm was brought to a screeching halt when I read your petition Tweet which begins with the word "Congratulations". I cannot, in good conscious, congratulate him for receiving a prize he has most certainly done everything but earn. Giving it to him because he just so happened to replace George W. Bush in office is not a valid reason. His skin color, political party affiliation, and not being as outwardly war-mongering should not be good enough reasons to merit this award.

If you, CodePink, do not believe President Barack Obama deserves this award because he has not lived up to his campaign promises, and is showing himself to be more of a war monger than peace maker or keeper, what exactly are you congratulating him for?!?!? There is a fine line between being polite and selling out/undermining your own ideals and messages. I hope you keep this in mind for future messages.

I am currently working with and for two genuine gentlemen who have each truly earned a Nobel Peace Prize, as this prize was originally intended: the late David Rappaport, and Nabil Shaban. Both men have, and continue to, fight for peace and human rights for the entire world. I seriously doubt, however, that Mr. Shaban would ever accept any type of award or honor from the Nobel commitee, as this prize has now become as meaningless as a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In the meantime, rest assured that I will speak out about a peace prize being given without merit to a man who has done everything in his power to prove he doesn't deserve it."

Message from Nabil Shaban:  "Yes, Jessica, you are so right about the sham of giving Obama the Peace Prize. I think from now on we should call it "The Nobel "Taking the Piss" Prize".

This is what I wrote in response to the ludicrous - "Obama - peace prize - why? Its a cheap propaganda exercise. Obama has done nothing to bring about peace. Has he brought peace in the Middle East? No. Peace in Iraq? Peace in Afghanistan? No, he plans more bloodshed and carnage. In Pakistan? No. He is getting the Peace Prize as a precursor to bombing Iran. This Obama is a Trickster, which is why he is getting the Nobel Peace Prize for smiling inane smiles and twittering on about nothing of substance. Yet again the Nobel Peace Prize has been devalued by awarding it to a Master of P.R."

Today's message from The MGT.: We must also not forget that it is the Nobel Committee who is solely responsible for their actions of ilegally (according to their own rules) giving this award to someone who had not fulfilled even one of the requirements. Accepting the award without earning it is entirely on President Obama, and no amount of attempts to deflect responsibility for accepting or earning this award will ever change that. I, for one, do not need an award given either directly or indirectly to continue working towards peace and human rights.

If President Obama was truly interested in justifying his decision to escalate war rather than end it, he wouldn't make any decision he wasn't willing to justify face to face - live and in person - with the civilians of Afghanistan.

(The above views are those of the Jessica and Nabil, and do not necessarily reflect the views and/or opinions of anyone else connected with The MGT.)

'Morticia' (Sirius Pictures, 2009)

This past weekend I had the distinct privelege of viewing Sirius Pictures' newest release, 'Morticia'.  The brief description for this 70 minute movie is "the story of a girl who wants to be a vampire." But the movie packs in so much more without ever becoming a chore to watch.

It is clear from the start that 12 year old Kylie is leading a lonely, lost existence; surrounded by a family and community that would rather ostracize and ridcule her than have a conversation with with the pre-teen.  All Kylie wants is someone to talk to and connect with.  All everyone else wants is for her to not be a problem.  In the search to find somplace where she fits in, deal with the confusion, hardship and evil life has brought her way (including the realization of her recently returned father's military duties as a soldier in Iraq), and understand her own impassioned fascination with death, Kylie decides where she truly belongs is among the living dead.   Her real name is Morticia, and the time has come for this "little girl lost" to find her way home; taking her rightful place as the daughter, and future wife, of her chosen father-figure, Count Dracula.  It is a journey from imagination to reality that leads Moriticia to an irrevocable conclusion she never anticipated.

Filmed on location all over the often fabulously gothic city of Edinburgh, Scotland, 'Morticia' is written, directed and produced by Nabil Shaban, who also makes a brief appearance as the school-recommended psychologist.  Viewers familiar with Mr. Shaban's work will not be at all surprised to find that this is not your typical horror movie.  'Morticia' embodies his usual qualities of honesty, integrity, caring, surprise, and the ability to present a variety of topics in a way that encourages thought and discussions rather than alienate viewers who may have differing opinions or views.

As Mr. Shaban, himself, said, "('Morticia') is about horror movies, and the comparison between the fabricated horrors of the silver screen, and the real horrors of everyday life, for example, the war in Iraq, and imperialism in general, are worse acts of vampirism than anything the screen monsters could perpetrate."

The cast also includes Karen Douglas, Ricky Callan, and introduces Jenni Young as "Moriticia".

Although this movie is not appropriate for anyone under the age of 15, I highly recommend families with teens 15 and older watch this movie together and discuss it afterwards.

Anyone interested in watching 'Morticia' is encouraged to contact your favorite television station to tell them about it.

Television stations interested in airing 'Morticia' can contact Sirius Pictures at one of the following email addresses:

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected] (US/NA)

Nabil Shaban: Memories of Patrick Swayze

This morning, I had the unenviable task of emailing my friend Nabil Shaban with news of a friend's death. As you may or may not be aware, that friend is American dancer/actor Patrick Swayze. Nabil and Patrick had worked together for 12 weeks during the filming of 'City of Joy'. Nabil's character, Anour, was the strong, wise guiding force in the film, and the two men shared some wonderful - if all too few and brief - scenes together. If you have never seen this film, I highly recommend it. When I passed on the news of Patrick Swayze's illness last year, Nabil told me about how wonderful a person Patrick was. Today was no exception. So, rather than wait for anyone from the media to contact Nabil for an interview, and so that Nabil can have time to grieve in peace (and concentrate on today's special screening of 'Morticia'), I have chosen to post his words here for all to read: "Pat was a really lovely, kind, generous, compassionate man, with a genuine heart of gold, and was always prepared to stick up for the underdog. He was untypical of a Hollywood star, not at all snobby or self-obsessed. He happily got his hands dirty, and never considered anyone to be beneath him, and yet was never patronising, and took people as he found them. He may not have been the greatest actor, but he knew his limitations and was always working hard. He was both sincere and humble, easy-going and saw the best in everyone he worked with. At least that was my experience of working with him." Our sincerest condolences to the Swayze family and to everyone who knew Patrick Swayze.

The Truth About the Holocaust

This week cast a spotlight once again on the Holocaust debate.  The first side states that six million Jews died.  The second, often referred to as “Holo-hoax”, states that the calculation of the first is a fabrication.  In reality, each side is as equally right as they are wrong.  Each, meant to disprove the other, instead ends up supporting their opponent.

Did six million people die during the Holocaust?  This is probably a very conservative guestimation since the Nazi party initiated their “gene pool cleansing” policies circa 1933.  Was every victim/survivor Jewish?  Absolutely not.  Although one of the main targets of the Nazis, the Jewish community was not the first, nor were they the last.  They were not even the reason the gas chambers and ovens were created.  Yet, to this day, the stories of victims/survivors who were not Jewish are glossed over or ignored as just incidental “others”.  I think this is an abominable disrespect to every victim/survivor of the Holocaust no matter their religion, abilities, race, gender, etc.

Had British actor David Rappaport (‘The Wizard’, ‘Time Bandits’) lived in a Nazi occupied territory during this time, he would have been singled out not because he was Jewish, but because he had dwarfism.  Yet, his story might have been told where as the stories of the estimated 250,000 disabled victims are deemed unimportant.  It is highly disturbing when Nabil Shaban’s play “The First To Go” is continually snubbed in a way that would be considered inconceivable, unforgivable, and anti-Semitic by the global community were the play in question “The Diary of Anne Frank”, or a movie like “Schindler’s List”.

The Holocaust is not just about one group or a single calculation.  Every story is important.  So is the truth.

Learning to Blog

This blog was started as a way for me to learn how to both blog & to speak my mind publicly. People will ask me if I have an opinion about this & that, but they are secretly hoping I will assume it is a rhetorical question & not answer at all. Any answer given anyway is either an instant conversation-ender or argument starter. This is not how I wish to spend the rest of my life. At the same time, I have no wish to use this as a place to air dirty laundry. It will certainly be a unique challenge to create new posts, but such is life.