don’t be a dick
an evening of insights with rythea lee
Having the right insight at the right time can change a person’s life. Join performance artist Rythea Lee as she skillfully rides your mind and heart into the unexpected epiphanies of her psyche. This is a Memoir Musical, where song, story, and dance ask life’s defining questions.
Who are you and are you acting like a dick?
And…are you sure you’re not acting like a dick?
WATCH FULL SHOW ON YOUTUBE BELOW *Adult Content*
PRESS
First a Dancer
By James Heflin – The Valley Advocate, Jul 23, 2014
When Rythea Lee steps onto a stage, her remarkable calm is striking, even inviting. She looks right at the audience, and seems untroubled by a flock of expectant faces. She often performs in crowded living rooms, where she can look audience members in the eye, up close. Such circumstances might rattle the most seasoned of performers, but she seems at home, utterly relaxed and fearless.
All the same, Lee says, “It totally freaks me out! You have to learn to work with your fear—there’s lots of adrenaline to work with. At one show…[read more]
REVIEWS
“Thank you for so many things. Among them for, without exploitation, turning your childhood disasters and spools of suffering into something so inviting, so redemptive, so inclusive, so funny and brash…so loving.”
~ Sara Nolen, Educator, Writer
“Rythea’s presence astonishes me. I had never met, or even seen, her before coming to the show, but from the moment she walked out, I felt that we were old friends. She maintained this unmitigated connection with the audience throughout the performance, first as she shared with us her joy and beautiful laughter; and then, later, when she moved into deeper and darker territories. I was also struck by the way she combines a gorgeous singing voice with an exceptional sense of humour, so that her songs are both achingly beautiful and uproariously funny.”
~ Toby Vera Bercovici, Theatre Director, Real Live Theatre; Acting Teacher
“I was moved and spellbound by your performance this evening. Your words, singing, dancing, emoting, yeah, wow the emoting! brilliant!!!!! Thank you for coming through, for shining and sharing and gifting us with your talent and your light. All blessings.”
~ Devorah Rosenberg, Midwife, Dancer, Mother
“Wow! What a show! I just wanted to thank you for your performance, Rythea. I had so many laughs as well as tender moments and deep insights while enjoying your show. This area is very blessed to have you living here. I feel like the rest of the nation, especially groups of silenced women, could use your guidance. I hope you consider touring your show.”
~ V Haddad, Performing artist
“Really awesome show. Your poise with getting the audience to hold pauses was amazing as was the content itself. I noticed you would tilt your head slightly to the right I think and we would know appreciation was welcomed, otherwise, we seemed to collectively know that a quiet pause til the next piece was desired. Really brave content, choreography and even braver sit with the audience afterward. Please keep doing the great work that you are doing. it is very inspirational.”
~ Paula Tessier, Visual artist
“Thanks. What a beautiful night. I was really moved by the work, and as I think was partly its purpose, it helped me reflect deeply on some old shit of my own. Amazing, this gift you gave us all. As I also think I said, doing this kind of tightrope work between “oversharing” and authentic honesty, incredibly heavy topics and cynical whimsy, while dancing and singing and playing guitar. Just WOW! Seems incredibly hard to pull off (and so well done!).”
~ Pacey Foster, Musician
“WOW. You were killin’!! So honest, sweet and heartfelt and so harsh at the same time. Searing! Thank you. I was very glad to be there. You worked very hard and and I am better for it.”
~ Mike Vargas, International composer
“Was WONDERFUL! Holy fucking shit, you are such a BRAVE, BOLD, BEAUTIFUL, BAD-ASS-BABE!!!! I sat there in awe of you last night and feeling so honored to know you! I brought a friend who has never seen anything quite like that and she was thoroughly moved, impressed and inspired and really glad to have had the chance to see you. And I got to feel like I made the world a better place by coming out last night and seeing you AND introducing my friend to your inspired and deeply honest art.”
~ Emily Breines, Musician, OT
“Your show had me spell bound. It made me laugh a lot, but also cry, because it brought up my own pain. It is so impressive that you can feel so free to be yourself. I loved your expressions, versatility, the music, the dance, the honest sincerity, and the creative originality. I am in awe of your talent, humanness, and gutsiness! The message at the end was inspiring. I thoroughly enjoyed tonight.”
~ Rhonda Wainshilbaum
“Wow, Rythea, your performance was a knock-out brilliant one-woman show. I kept imagining you doing it in NYC (not sure you even want to do such things) but it was really great in every possible way. My only complaint was that I wanted it to go on and on and it ended too fast!!! I really usually am glad when something is over, but in this case, I was just sad that your show ended….I could have spent hours more watching and listening to you. Kind of amazing…”
~ Peggy Gillespie, Artist, performer
“I attended your solo show this past Saturday and didn’t get a chance to talk to you after the show, so I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it. What an accomplishment to pull off a piece that’s so funny yet so deep. I was really in awe of your bravery in sharing your story, and I loved the songs.”
~ Sarah Marcus, Theatre artist
“Rythea’s one woman show felt like an invitation into a hilarious theme park, where the theme is the affirmation of the human spirit. I felt touched to be invited to such a spectacle.”
~ Brando, Dancer, DJ, teacher of theatre arts
“Thank you thank you! It was such a joy and privilege and pleasure and inspiration to see your piece last night. It’s proven one of the kinds of performance experiences that doesn’t evaporate but continues to feel warm and tasty under my skin, going to sleep and waking up this morning.”
~ Shaina Cantino, Dancer, performer
“Omg, frankly, I think your show is brilliant which is why I want to show it in my HOME. So, your songs are amazing, and funny, and touching, and illuminating, and your voice is off the hook beautiful. The monologues are honest and provocotive and heartbreaking and hilarious all at the same time. What? How do you DO that? And I love to watch you move and dance. I could watch you all day. Your piece is necessary and important so that people know that it is possible to heal from intense trauma. It’s an inspiration in EVERY WAY.”
~ Lizzy Tyler Majka, Movement Arts instructor, performer, mom
“I really loved your show. I was very moved by it; caused me to reflect and ponder through my tears and laughter. Thank you for your funny honesty and your not always funny honesty. Thanks for your music which complements and deepens your words, and thank you for being such an embodied – joyful–quirky-fluid mover and evoker of images and associations. I think living rooms is a great size for this performance. If you were big and famous the intimacy would be lost on that big broadway stage. Thank you for your spark!”
~ Jenny Ladd, Actor, activist
“Talk about turning lemons into lemonade! Rythea’s bold, unfiltered, courageous, and no holds barred honesty in telling her life story and its lessons is at once healing and inspirational and not to be missed. I will be recommending diving deeply into her audacious performances, beautiful songs, and book of wisdom to all the trauma survivors I know and work with, starting with myself.”
~ Asherah Allen, Lic. Ac., L.M.T., MAOM
“Rythea breaks the 4th wall, balancing the intimacy of knowing everyone in the audience in an in-house concert, while holding role of performer. She is fully present, extremely funny, vulnerable, honest, and wise, a fabulous song writer, singer, and a gorgeous mover. She is one of the most natural performers I’ve ever known.”
~ Carolyn Shakti Sadeh, Dancer, teacher