In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

56 Camera Obscura Black box of the studio and I am the subject in the light: my television debut, fifth grade, local winner of a talent show. I am Alice, singing twelve-bar bits from the musical—clever medley and hand motions too—on a smooth and silent sound stage, bright spots hot, my thick hair pinned. All around dark—wires and mics snaking into shadows, the on-air sign winking red, then steady. To one side a serious girl waits with her flute, a young boy scuffs his cowboy boots, my mother motions for me to smile. And then I am the rabbit and I am Alice, pinafored and bored, smiling and singing Follow me, I’m late 57 to the camera’s wide and darkening eye, tumbling, tumbling upside down and small, tumbling, out into the world. ...

Share