Name: Sierra Finn

Subject: Saw you at Sundance

Hi Vanessa,
 
My name is Sierra Fein and I spoke with you for a few minutes after your live performance at the discussion group after the screening of The Tribe. I was very touched with your piece and felt connected to many of the things you said.  The delivery of the live piece also was very moving for me to watch in contrast to the mainly voice over style on the film. I will be contacting some people at my university to see if we can have you come because I think it would be a wonderful performance for students, especially in a slightly conservitive area to hear.  I also am curious about you as a person and how you came to develop your talents. I have thought about doing a short film about slam poetry, either in a fiction or documentary form, and would love to interview you at some time.
 
 I am Jewish, a poet and a film student. I have been very interested in "slam poetry" for quite a while and have developed my own style of poetry that I call "freestyle poetry" because rather than thinking through what i write to make sense, i write whatever comes to my mind and then re-read later to gain insight on my current feelings and thoughts.  Most of mine are about relationships and are inspired by intense emotions, but I am now interested in experiementing with more cultural and "controversary" subjects for my words.
 
I hope that you have enjoyed your time as Sundance and feel very priveledged to have had the opportunity to see your perform and spend a few minutes talking to you in person. Hopefully we can keep in contact because I would love any advice or insight you can give me. Thank you again for your time and for your powerful words.
 
Sincerely,
 
Sierra Fein

Name: Cassie Owens

Subject: You Inspire Me

just want to say, that I think that you are amazing. I am an avid watcher
of Def Poetry, and you are one of my favorites. When you did the Hebrew
Mamita, it spoke to me. It spoke to me in waves piercing and flowing, and
stays with me to this day. I'm the typical Cosby kid who perpetually finds
herself trying to prove her blackness. In Black and White circles, it seems
that my family's financial status and even more demeaning my intellect
inexcorably separates me from African-America. I've struggled with it for
as long as I can remember. See, my parents molded me into a Black pride
machine before I spoke in complete sentences. At one point when I was a
little girl, my mother would tell me a fairy tales I'd ask, "But what about
the African people! Where were they?" So you can imagine how much of a
letdown it was (an is) every time I go someplace, people get to know me, and
they say, "Wow, you know you don't act like a Black person AT ALL!" It
doesn't matter how much slang I know, or how much black trivia I can spew,
or even how much collard greens I eat, for some people I will never be Black
enough.
During my sophomore year of high school, everything started to change. My
father died, and my classmate (and role model) died. My writing teacher's
compliments made me face the possibility that I might actually be a good
writer. I realized that choosing to be in ASP. classes would distance me
further from the blacks in my school. I made friends with a Lithuanian girl
who looks like the archetypical blond-haired blue-eyed European supermodel,
but writes for the war scars her grandparents bear. I didn't have time for
teen angst. My world kept spinning, and I was trying to mold myself like
clay on a potters wheel hoping I'd look alright in the end. My Lithuanian
friend wrote a poem about me. It was about the precise moment that she
realized that I was Black. It was months after we met. I was talking about
affirmative action and most likely cursing Clarence Thomas' existence. I
was flattered that she wrote a poem for me, but it left behind a tinge of
confusion to linger. Why did my blackness have to be realized? Why wasn't
it like my name or voice or something else recognized from the start? Or
did I want to be something recognized from start? Did I want to be labeled
Cassie, the black girl? Sophomore year was a very confusing time.
Sophomore year I listened to your poem. I was amazed and overwhelmed with
understanding. I felt shamed that I was ashamed of who I was, of what my
parents had worked for.
I start senior year in a month. I've stopped wearing Kente only for the
sake of February. I gladly admit that muscially I listen to Jay-Z and Franz
Ferdinand hand in hand and worship to altars of both Freddie Mercury and
Stevie Wonder. I use slang when it applies and I feel like it. Now, I'm in
the top ten of my class, and the girls I avoided to avoid alienation now
cite me a source of pride. They tell me. I'm finding myself. And your
poetry had a little something to do with it.
I went on your site to print out a copy of the Hebrew Mamita for a Jewish
friend of mine who doesn't have cable. I thought I'd email you to thank you
in a short paragraph but here I have given you this long shpiel (sp?). Some
things just don't work out like how you plan. I'm not close to being done
the road of discovering the writer or the me I want to be, I just want you
to know that on the long misinformation superhighway you were an exit on the
pathway to take me home. You the New York poetry-weaving Hebrew Mamita, me
the Philly movie-music-lit-enthusiast Cosby Kid. That I really didn't plan.
Thank you.
Cassie

Name: David

Subject: A shout out from Bagdad Iraq

Comments: Dear Vanessa, I first saw your show at JCC college in Watertown earlier this year. I had just got back from my first tour to Iraq. And low and behold I am here on a second tour again. The War is a lot different now and the objective now is just trying to stay alive. There has ben more deaths now than when the War first started. Hopes are high and the belief of returning home safe lays firm in everyone's mind.
I wanted you to know that you have placed a positive influence in my appreciation to the Art of poetry. It seems like just yesterday that I was listening to your poetry of the Cuture Bandit. I wish you were here in Camp Victory, Iraq. I know a show like what was put out in JCC that day would really raise the morale of the U.S. soldiers fighting over here. We don't aways get the pick of the litter during these USO shows that the Army puts out for us. I am very proud and glad to see that your show is a continuing success. I hope all goes well in your future endeavors.
Thanks again for taking the time to read this e-mail. And I hope that I would someday I would get to witness another one of your graceful and magnificient shows. Take care and may God bless you. I often try to imitate your performance and share it with the other soldiers. I am not good at it but what little I remembered from your show I share it with them. For these guys just a little entertainment is all it takes to get their minds free again and give them a little taste of home. I have to run now because there is a long line of guys trying to get a couple minutes of internet time. I chose my time today to write to you. Take care and best wishes. Sincerely,
DAVID L. SAMMY
SGT(P), USA
Camp Victory, Iraq

Name: Karen Drennan

Subject: Just another fan letter

Hey I just had to write and tell you how much I love your poetry.

I've searched for weeks to find out your name and the proper name of the
"fucked me like Brooklyn poem.
I watched the HBO Def Poetry jam right before falling asleep one night and
your poem blew me away... but all I could remember was that part of your
poem... not your name or anything... so all I can say is thank god for
Google and the ability to just type in "he fucked me like brooklyn" I
know thats not the name of it, but apparently it's what makes it
identifiable.
anyway, I wish you continued success.

thanks,
Karen Drennan
Round Rock, Texas

Name: Mattiyahu Benyamin Ortiz-Stanger

Comments: YO mami V its me that kid from the JCC on 76th and something... I just wanted to tell you that your shit is really good, and I wrote that poem plus a few- just to let you know my style is alot like yours, just free rhyme and verse- left my teacher salivating and collected my props from the rest of the class. I want to thank you for inspiring me, it was hard to really come directly from the heart using the most pure of influences, even the pain its all beautiful cause G-D is ever-present, one and infinitely blessed. con mucho carino, amor. Shalom!
-matt

Name: michael rudman

Comments: Saw you perform in San Francisco.Your were great.
I was moved by your words and emotion.
Michael

Name: Sara
Website Address: www.saraphotography.com

Comments: Vanessa,
Just saw you in Atlanta at the Nice Jewish Girls Gone Bad. You were so wonderful. My two girlfriends and I were talking in the car ride home about your powerful words and delivery. You painted such a tangible picture with your ideas, you had us captivated and nodding in agreement. I can't wait to see you again. Much continued success!

Name: Alex Winnett

Comments: Saw you at Earlham College in Indiana last night. You moved me so much. Thank you for sharing you life and words with us.

Name: Allison

Comments: Girl I love your words. please continue with it, in helping females find the humor and seriousness in this world. you are a mouse that roared, thank you for waking me up.

Name:Derek Rada

Comments:Dear Ms. Hidary, I would like to thank you. You see, last night I attended the performance of NJGGB at Fez. I'm not quite sure if you will ever read this, or for that matter, get this; but I had to thank you. I entered Fez one person, but left, quite another. I enjoyed the whole show, but your performance of "Hebrew Mamita" really hit home for me. My name is Derek Rada. My last name was changed during the Holocaust, so that it would sound less Jewish. When people, especially teachers, hear my last name, they often ask me what I am. They always offer a few ideas, suggesting that I am either Italian or Spanish. I politely reply that I am neither. "I am American," I tell them, and "I am Jewish." They look surprised. But it's more than a surprise, it appears to be more of an unpleasant surprise, the look one gets when they open a birthday present, only to find that the shirt is in the wrong size and of the wrong color. I rarely gave this a second thought. But then listening to you, all of the memories, all of the unpleasant looks suddenly appeared in front of me. When meeting new people, I am often told, "You do not look Jewish." Like you, once upon a time, I said nothing. It was simply easier that way. I apologize, for it seems that somewhere in this rant I lost my point. But I did want to thank you. So Ms. Hidary, thank you. You have an incredible gift, one that I hope the world has the pleasure of receiving, just like I did.
Sincerely,
Derek Rada

Name: Sheltonya Henry

Comments: I have just seen you perform at JMU and I just wanted to tell you that your poem about your father truly touched my heart. You are an inspirational poet and speaker. Thanx, you have truly inspired me.

Name: Nikki

Comments: Hey Ms. Hidary,
You recently performed at a theatre festival in Albuquerque. I just wanted to tell you that you are truly awesome. In a world where only Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera are my only idol options I choose you. You are a great actress/poet and I loved your show. You made the audience laugh while getting you point through. I really don't know what to say to tell you the truth. I don't think I heard one Negative response about your show. I absolutely loved it! I wish everyone would be able to hear your story. You are such an inspriration to EVERYONE! My friends are always telling me shut up because I talk about your show so much. I'm really glad that you are doing this and opening everyones eyes. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!! Please respond it would mean so much to me because you are my idol!
Love,
Nikki

Name: Maya Azucena

Comments: Dear Fans,
I write this to you because VANESSA HIDARY is one of the most inspiring
artists to me of the past two years. For my money, I have not been able to
see her CULTURE BANDIT piece without balling. I'll tell you why: Her piece
is a beautifully laced one-woman show that affectionately tells her story as
an inner-city youth, with Sephartic-Jewish roots, Puerto-Rican and Black
bestfriends, and HipHop influences. Vanessa is a marriage of all these
things, and I relate to her eclectic blend and adoration of cultures. Beyond
that, I relate to her burning desire to see all people respect each others'
differences and to defend the struggling and oppressed.
Performed with great humor, her life-story begins in 80's childhood,
exploring all the insecurities, false pride, girlfights and painful crushes;
then builds to harsh College-age realizations about racism and Justice for
the oppressed. I cannot say enough on her behalf. My Mother is an
African-American graduate of Howard University. After seeing CULTURE BANDIT,
she emphaticaly expressed that as a New Yorker, surrounded by converging
cultures her whole life, SHE truly felt she could personally relate to
Vanessa's voice in CULTURE BANDIT - One's frustration with Society's need to
partition us racially; the so-called bad race-relations between Blacks &
Jews; the intense love of all people and the embracing of their differences.
Holocaust survivors, and African American Professors are a few of the huge
range of fans for this piece. I love VANESSA HIDARY and highly recommend you
find the time to support her piece. It might really touch you.

Name: Simon Waldman

Comments: I saw your performance on Def Poetry Jam early Sunday morning and I was stunned.I want to be able to send to every Jewish woman out there, my wife and daughters included, the words you so eloquently spoke. I am 51 and the son of now deceased Holocaust survivors. I haven't heard such stirring words in a very long time. May your voice be lifted up so all can hear and understand. I'm not religious at all but I'm still proud to be a Jew. Where I grew up, my father told me it was better to know your enemies. Those who called you "Dirty Jew" to your face, well, you knew where you stood. Those who smiled and shook your hand politely, those were the ones with knives behind their backs to stab you when you turned around. But I'm still tall, still proud. Zolst leben bis hundert tzwantzig (ask your older relatives what it means.) Hag Sameach - a joyous Passover to you.

All progress is change but
not all change is progress.
"The art of progress is to preserve order amid change, and to preserve
change amid order." -Alfred North Whitehead, mathematician and philosopher
(1861-1947)

Name: Adrienne Nadeau

Website Address: www.livejounal.com/users/amouse16

Comments: Vanessa,
My name is Adrienne, but my stage name is Tesha Elisheva and in case you couldn't guess, I'm Jewish. I saw you on HBO Def Jam and I just fell in love with you poetry. I enjoyed exploring your site--reading your poetry which has in turn, inspired my own pen to create dramatic tales of men who loved and left, Jewish women who inspire me and my own world seen through the eyes of a Jewess.

Name: Karen

Comments:Hey I just had to write and tell you how much I love your poetry.
I've searched for weeks to find out your name and the proper name of the
"fucked me like Brooklyn poem.
I watched the HBO Def Poetry jam right before falling asleep one night and
your poem blew me away... but all I could remember was that part of your
poem... not your name or anything... so all I can say is thank god for
Google and the ability to just type in "he fucked me like brooklyn" I
know thats not the name of it, but apparently it's what makes it
identifiable.
anyway, I wish you continued success.
thanks,
Karen Drennan
Round Rock, Texas

Name: Michelle

Comments: You just recently came to Johns Hopkins University, and your poem the Hebrew Mamita could not have put it better. The messages you conveyed are feelings that we all have and you put them into words so eloquently. I was so unbelievably moved. I was talking to a non-jewish friend afterwards and she was saying how she didn't understand why i was so moved by your Hebrew Mamita poem. I turned and looked at her shocked and then i asked her how she would feel is someone told her she didn't look like the group she identifies with. I get it all the time. And I've never really said anything back to it, and your poem has inspired me to respond in the future with something like "well i am Jewish, and I'm damn proud of it!" You are an inspiration to Jewish women all over...young and old. Thank you for sharing your words with us.

Name: Zachary Beard

Comments: Dear Vanessa,
You are absolutely amazing!! My friends and I were at the Southwest High
School festival in Albuquerque today and watched your performance. It was
absolutely amazing! You are one of the greatest actors that I have ever
watched on stage. You kept my attention the whole time, I don't think I even
blinked-once! You were hilarious, entertaining, and thoughtful. You could
tell that you really enjoyed being on stage. I was sitting in the back row
and I could feel your energy. It was amazing, you are one of the greatest
actors to walk the earth. My friends and I couldn't stop talking about you
because we were knocked off our feet. I just wanted to congratulate you on
all your success and wish you the best of luck! There aren't any words that
can describe how amazing you are in our eyes. You are the GREATEST!!!
Sincerely,
Zachary L. Beard

Name: Erin Barr

Comments: I first saw you on Def Poetry. I LOVED it! I googled you and found your website, which said you would be in Pittsburghm with Nice Jewish Girls Gone Bad. I happen to live in Pittsburgh and I happen to define myself as a nice jewish girl gone bad. I saw the show! It was amazing!! I loved every second of it! Will Culture Bandit be coming to Pittsburgh?

Name: Avra

Comments: hi there! you performed in DC at the warehouse theater with the good jewish girls gone bad and you were my favorite part of the whole thing! your poetry and delivery are amazing. you are very talented. your poem "hebrew mamita" was such an awakening and moving piece for me-i had goosebumps! i wanted to start bawling. thank you SO much for what you do! keep up the GREAT work! good luck, love always ~Avra~

Name: Robin

Comments:Dear Ms. Hidary,
My name is Robin and I am a 19 year old college student at the University of Maryland. I recently saw "Nice Jewish Girls Gone Bad" in Washington D.C. and absolutely loved it. I found out about it and thought it would be great to go see with all of my jewish girl friends from school so i told them about it. It was a fabulous night!
I was just looking on your website and came across your email address so i thought i would write you a letter. I just wanted to let you know that I was extremely moved by your "Hebrew Mamita" You definitely said what many people, especially jewish women and girls my age, think but are afraid to say. Through my various experiences, I have come across many people that just expect me to be cheap or expect
me to live up to some other Jewish stereotype that I obviously dont follow. Many times I try to explain that these are STEREOTYPES... unfortunately, most of the time, my point doesn't get through.
But i just wanted to tell you how moved i was by your poetry. Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Robin

Name: Seve Chambers

Website Address: http://members.blackplanet.com/BlacKnightSC/

Comments: Hey, I went with my sister to see the Def Poetry Jam today over at Pratt in Brooklyn, and I have to say that i thought your poems were off the hook! I can somewhat relate to your Hebrew Mamita poem cause i go to a school with mostly Jewish kids, and though im not jewish, my friends always talk to me about how it feels to be Jewish. I thought your Fling gone awry poem was pretty funny but cool. I thought all four of you that were at Pratt were awesome, and if I hear bout another peformance of yours in NYC, ill be there!

Name: Megan Roberts

Comments: Hey Vanessa!
I just saw you tonight in Wilmington, NC. I really enjoyed your performance and besides a lyrical talent you have a passion behing your words that cannot be taught. Keep it up and good luck!

Name: Danielle Hardy

Comments:Your performance at the southwest theatre festival was
awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think you are an inspiration to us all!!!
It is amazing how you can get through to so many people by acting!! You are
my idol!!!!!! I mean the way you got through to me about racial and
religious segregation just opens my eyes to what it is like being mistreated
because of your skin color or religion!!!! I am amazed at how well your
point got through to all of the audience!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep doing
what you do because you are great at it and you can really make a
difference!!!!!!!! Watching that I can really feel what it is like to be in
your shoes!!! I think you are the most inspirational person I have ever
met, even though I really didn't meet you, you have touched my life forever.
I will always remember you!! The way you get through to people by theatre
astonishes me!!!!!!!!!!!! You are the most influential person in my
life!!!!!!!!!!! I will remember every moment of your performance!!! Your
the greatest!!
-Danielle Hardy

Name: Vanessa Cole

Comments: I was in the audience of one of your performances not too long ago. It was the first of a more 'professional' poetry show i've been to. I've always considered myself, not so much as a poet, but as a writer. I was emotionally touched by, your performance mostly, but by the entire show. I could related to you more because we are female and we are not of the favored race in this country's society. I want to thank you so very much for doing what you love and for opening a window of opportunity in my life. Thank you for touching my life and giving me another inspiration for everything. Thank you for all that you do and appreciating what you do.

Name: Kara Ludwig

Comments: I saw your performance in New Mexico a few days ago, and
was left bloodied, deafened, blinded, and completely dumbfounded. I was in
tears during so much of your performance, it moved me so deeply, more than
any work of art I had ever seen before my eyes. It actually made me think,
to see what's wrong with the world, to want to change it, and to know that
you can't always be on both sides of the cultural fence. People from both
sides will always see you as being wrong, but you still have to do something
to change what's going on. I was struck by your prose, your acting, and
your entire "aura". Through all the times that were difficult in your life,
you are still able to retain a sense of humor and not give up. I think you
are an excellent role-model for people of all cultures, races, and genders.
Thank you for allowing me to view the world (in a way) through someone
else's eyes, to want to change the world for the better, and to just finally
GET IT.

Name: Artis Burney

Website Address: wjzd.com
Comments: i really dig your work. i'm a radio dj, do you have anything for sale on cd. i want to see culture bandit, but i live in mississippi. you are a fire fire poet. i'd just like to stand in your glow one day, Shorty(sharp and sporty, because you are.
PEACE, your li'l cousin -artis continued success

Name: Jennifer Shaplin

Comments: saw you at Pratt. Fell in love. yOur amazing. I am the other hebrew mamita on campus, with no response to "you don't look jewish..." yea? so? You say what i wish i culd have.

Name: Ãnica Arellano

Comments: Vanessa,
I'm 16 years old, from Northern New Mexico, and I was at the Drama
Convention in Albuquerque on January 15th when you performed... WOW! Oh my
gosh, I can't tell you how much that performance just captivated me. The
entire time you were on stage, I did NOT look away for one second. The whole
time yu kept my attention, and thats amazing, because I have a very short
attention span! I just wanted to let you know how great you were.
Public: Hey Vanessa, please make my comments public

Name: Jackie Truitt

Comments: I saw your show at the University of New Mexico when you
preformed there for a HighSchool Theater Festival. Your performance was by
far the most inspiring, interesting, funny, and the best thing that I have
ever seen. It was incredible. From the minute that it started to when it
ended I was hooked and couldn't look away. It was so beautiful. I would love
to know of anymore performances in the nearby area. Thank you
Jackie Truitt

Name: Ramona

Comments: Hi Vanessa! I'm a high school student in New Mexico and I
was one of the lucky kids who got to see "Culture Bandit" at UNM yesterday
(Jan 15). We all had a lot of fun at the Theater Festival, but I think your
performance really stood out for all of us out of everything we saw these
past two days. "Culture Bandit" was really amazing and we all felt like we
could kind of relate. There were so many kinds of kids at the festival and
you managed to reach all of us in some way. We laughed, we cried, we
learned about each other and ourselves. All of the kids there are totally
into drama but sometimes things get sort of old. I think the one thing that
we really got out of your awesome performance was remembering why we all
love drama in the first place. It was completely inspirational and after
that we were all just energized and ready for the rest of the festival. We
all had a great time and all I can say is we were inspired. Thank you! You
rock Vanessa!!!!!!!!!

Name: Anna

Comments: I just saw "Culture Bandit" and thought it was absolutely
amazing. It was hilarious and meaningful at the same time. Thank you so much
for the wonderful performance

Name: Dasun Allah

Comments: Peace, On June 7th I saw your abridged performance of Culture Bandit at the
festival. I must admit that I was hating on you at first. (That's only
natural to me, I spent many years as a writer for Hot 97's Star and Buc Wild
and I am highly critical of anything in the realm of Hiphop.) But you
converted me, you amazed me, you touched me. You were an insider yet an
outsider and you remained you and true despite the world having a dynamic
that was of a different vibration, you still understood it and can deftly
articulate it. You gave me so many flashbacks, I remember learning to
wop... I never could do the K-Swiss or the Fila though, and I mastered the
Bizmarkie Dance... shit, I was wopping with you in my seat. You words were
so poetic, visual, visceral, your delivery polished to a gleam... You
captured the vibe of the best years of my Hiphop experience.
Again, I was skeptical, but you showed and proved that I cannot judge on
appearances. You not only converted me, you have my higest respect as an
artist and that may not seem like anything, who am I, but if you knew how I
get down and what my principles are then you would realize that this is no
small thing... Anybody who used to listen to Star and Buc Wild could tell
you about DX 21...
I loved it. Keep it up and hopefully we will work together one day.
It was three times dope.Peace.
Dasun Allah
The DX 21 KRAZO SCHIZOPHRENIK

Name: Joe Getti

Comments: Hi Vanessa. I just want to say that your performance on Def Poetry is captivating and thought-provoking to say the least. I have seen that particular episode every single time that it's been on HBO and I find myself melting in my seat every time. I agree with everyone else on this guestbook who state that you couldn't have been more articulate with "Hebrew Mamita." You're a very gifted speaker and a true wordsmith. Your presentation of "Hebrew Mamita" makes it even more compelling. I've been watching Def Poetry Jam since its beginnings and I can safely say that you are by far my favorite. I don't have any friends who are Jewish (at least none that I know of), which is a shame because I am proud to say that I hold Jewish people in the highest regard. THOUSANDS of years of oppression and persecution and they're still standing. I honestly believe that people who hate Jews really need to have their heads examined... I love the fact that you have a website, and an aw!
esome one at that. Your sister is also very talented. You think you'll ever bring your show to Alaska? Def poetry came with Taylor Mali and about six others, all of whom have since performed on HBO Def Poetry. Good luck! You are one classy chick!

Name: Sarah

Comments: Hi Vanessa,
My name is Sarah, and I saw your show, "Culture Bandit."  I just wanted to tell you that it was absolutely amazing.  I am only 13 years old, but it touched even me.  People who know me will tell you that I am not easily impressed.  But your show not only impressed me, it also touched me greatly.  I saw your show at the JTS in New York City yesterday with 2 friends.  When we got there, we expected it to be some show for older people, not for teenagers.  We were wrong.  My friends and I payed attention, something we were not planning on doing.  The show interested us, because all 3 of us are white Jewish girls.  I know that although I am still a young teenager, people say obnoxious things, many of which are directed at minorities, including Jews and African Americans.  I don't have many friends of different races and religions, but the few that I do, I love learning about their backgrounds, eating the different foods at their houses, and hearing about their holidays.  My best friend is Israeli, and whenever I hear a comment that is against Israel, it stays on my mind for many weeks after.  Her family moved here about 3 and a half years ago, and we became friends two years ago.  I love eating dinner at their house and listening to her tell me stories about life in Israel.  It hurts both of us to hear any comments directed against Jews, especially when people say something dumb like, "Wow, you don't look Israeli.  I could only tell from your accent!"  To this comment, my friend simply replies that she doesn't know what they mean by that, and she walks away.  I admire her ability to do this, because I know that if someone said that to me, I wouldn't be so calm about it.  Whenever I hear a remark about African Americans, it hurts me just as much, even though I am not one.  It hurts because I know that they go through the same kind of torture that some Jews go though, and it isn't fair.  I have another friend, and whenever she saw someone who looked remotely like a Mexican, she would mutter the term, "Dirty Mexicans."  She got it from a movie, and so when I asked her why she used it, she told me that she thought it was funny.  "Funny?" I replied as calmly as i could.  "Well...yeah.  Why are you getting so upset?" She answered back.  To this question, I couldn't help it, I broke down.  The tears were there, but they didn't fall.  I had pools of water building up in my eyes.  I started yelling. "You tell me how it is even a little funny that you call someone who either is, or looks like a Mexican a 'dirty' Mexican!  Explain it to me please, because I don't think I understand how it is funny.  You think it would be funny if someone who saw you said, 'Dirty Cacausion, or Dirty Jew?'"  She was stunned.  She told me she was truly sorry and that I was right.  I am not mad at her, for she didn't know.  If only she had seen a show like yours.  Thank you so much for showing me that I am not the only one who cares when a stupid comment that people laugh at is made.  I would love to talk more to you, so if you get a chance, please email me back.  Thanks again for a great show and making me understand that my doings are not in vain, and that people do feel the same way as me.
Sincerely,
Sarah

Name: Denise Frias

Comments: I saw your preformce on"Poerty Jam" and I thougth you were great. When I saw you here in Syracuse unveristy I did not know it was you until I read all the things you have posted on you wedsite.I think your work is wonderful. You open up many peoples eyes. I write poerty and I enjoy it because it's the only way I can express my feelings towards anything in life. I wish you lot's of luck and I will see you when you come back in Februry.
Denise Frias

Name: Tiffany Johns

Website Address: www.portfolios.com/TiffanyMJohns

Comments: Hi. I saw your show in DC and truly enjoyed it. The style was so different from any theater performance I've ever seen and I really appreciate you sharing your experience in hip hop. It brought back a lot of memories. I don't think women are heard enough. I'm African-American and grew up in Harrisburg, PA and DC. But it was awesome to hear about a Jewish girl's experience in the Bronx. "Culture Bandit" is definitely a platform for change. Not only can it make people understand how deeply our lives have been affected by hip hop but it can give women a sense of pride and closeness. I lived in Philly for 8 years and I'm certain you'd have a full house there. You'd also be welcomed in London and so on. Rock on. ;D

"Don't go away mad; just go away."
-Deputy Dawg, 1962

Name: Devon

Comments: Hey Sweetie im from maryland i saw you in dc last friday and loved it so much stood in line on Saturday missing Jonzi D Just See you again you are very talented and i am very happy that i was blessed enongh to see Culture Bandit and for free at that . i wish you sold tapes of performances i would defintely buy one your so show is to amazing to descirbe with words and you were worth both standing ovations Thank You i can wait till you visit again

Name: Candace

Comments: Amazing, amazing, amazing.....
Vanessa Hidary is a powerful poet and an exceptional entertainer. Her
stand-up poetry is refreshing & her one-woman show, "Culture Bandit," is a
must-see show. I saw "Culture Bandit" in October 2002 and now 7 months
later I am still speaking about how much I enjoyed it. It is guaranteed to
take you on a journey of various emotions. Vanessa's sincerity is apparent
through her work. You will tell all your friends about "Culture Bandit" and
you will want to see it again. It is the only show that I will pay for to
see more than once. "Vanessa Hidary" will soon be a household name. Candace

Name:Julie Sunshine

Comments: Hi, My name is Julie Sunshine. I saw your appearance tonight on Def Poetry, and wanted to let you know that it just blew me away. Phenemonal! I write poetry myself and am one of very few proud Jewish teens around my area. Anyway while hearing your piece I could do nothing than sit with my jaw dropped and a feeling of relief. Knowing that someone else feels almost exactly how I do, and can express it so perfectly. It was comforting, as if our thoughts were the same. I just wanted to thank you because you just helped me to realize a lot, even through just one poem. Now having been to your website and reading more about you it has done nothing but made me more interested. My mom told me about a time when she was younger, and helped out on a Kabutz in Israel the summer after she graduated. I am going to be graduating myself in June and now I think I am going to look into doing the same, or at least visit. You helped me to notice that there is so much I can learn ! and at this point in my life I want to do so more than ever. So again I thank you, and please continue to express yourself so greatly and know that it truly does make a difference.
~Julie

Name: Becky Nunez

Comments: Girllllllllllllllllllllllllll, I am so proud of you. Through the years of your struggle through me sitting at your recitals it has ALL paid off and I AM PROUD OF YOU. You are
beautiful and you have come a long way girl. So I holla to you in the
utmost respect. You will be forever my GIRL......And you keep going... I'm
sure one day I'm gonna want your autograph hehehehe. I love you vanessa and
I missed you through out the years. All I remember is your laugh and your
little dance.......

Name: Antonia Dapolito

Comments: Saw you on Def Poetry on HBO. Loved the poem hope to see it up
here soon. God Bless!

Name: Evelyne

Comments: Hi, my names Evelyne- I saw your performance on def poetry and I just wanted to thank you so much for your poem, Hebrew Mamita. I live in middle-of-nowhere Washington and I'm the only Jewish kid in my high school of 1,300. There have been so many times when I have had to choose between making a specific point of standing up for my Judaism, or taking the easier route and just pretending that I didn't hear the stupid jokes and ignorant comments of so many of my classmates. It's nice to know I'm not the only one who has been in that situation, and it was comforting to know there's someone else who takes the more difficult route of standing up and saying something, and not just letting their stupid comments slide. I guess the only reason I find the strength to stand up is the knowledge of how lucky I am to live in a time when the worst thing I am confronted with is intolerant words, rather than death, or actually persecution; and it really touched me to hear someone else say the same thing. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you and I was wondering if you sold books or recordings of that poem because I would love to have a copy.
thanks again and happy Passover,
Evelyne

Name: phil bieber

Comments: I'm a huge fan of def poetry, along with poetry in general. I've tried to write spoken word, but little has come of this effort. I blamed it on being jewish, since I had never heard or seen a jewish slam poet before. Well, I was watching Def Poetry one night, and I saw a poet named the Hebrew Mamita. I was blown away from a poem about how hard it is to maintain a Jewish identity in an increasingly anit-semetic world. Ms. Hidary, I can honestly say that you helped me to realize how Judaism does fit into the main stream and is not reserved for the temple. thank you.

Name: Millicent

Comments: Vanessa!
Again just wanted to let you know that I reeeeaaally enjoyed the show "Culture Bandit" last night. It's hanging right up there with my first viewing of "Rent" from back in '97 (daaaaaaamn!). Most definitely, the highlight of my NYC "vacation". I was going to take my friend to dinner & movie for her birthday this weekend, but now have a much better option. (Plus, gives me another chance to see the show and laugh out loud again!) I have no doubts that this show will very quickly start traveling all across... and when you come out to Orlando, a sista will be out there laughing it up one mo' gin! Peaceout and many blessings to ya!

Name: Joel Jaro

Comments: Mind- blowing show- please read my e-mail for more info- thanx again- Joel

Name: Emily

Comments: Your show was great on Saturday at Nuyorican! I saw you perform at Nice Jewish Girls Gone Bad and you were absolutely the hit of the show. Looking forward to The Mensch on Saturday at Makor.

Name: ItsReaLight

Comments: She stole my tears directly from my eyes. Vanessa
Hidary, The Hebrew Mamita(the ONLY Hebrew Mamita), is
the Culture Bandit. Stealing the souls of the audience
and taking them on a poetic journey through her life.
When I say poetic journey I mean the entire script was
poetry. She set the Nuyorican stage ablaze with her
phenomenal acting skills.
If I were to list all the emotions involved, Siskel
and Ebert will sue me for copyright infringement. I
laughed myself to tears. Her candid humor was the
icing to the cake of reminiscence worthy music. I
almost fell out when her 'Secret Lover' found her
'Juicy' as she did the Wop.
Although, I was born about a decade late, I still felt
like I right there with her. Vanessa's poetic verses
painted a video reel of her life that almost made me
wish I was there. When she poured out her life the
au! dience soaked it up, finding familiarity in every
moment.
She cut the stage wide open, revealing any
insecurities that once flowed there. She did all of
this with the help of Mariana Hellmund, the director,
who is obviously a skilled technician. Her directing
presence was definitely felt. The combination was so
pure that it was cleansing.
It seems to me that the Hebrew Mamita was bitten by
the Harriet Tubman bug. Eradicating rumors and
refusing to be labeled into a corner are the traits of
a true Moses. Vanessa is a destined messenger and this
One Woman Show is her delivery: send, send, send,
send, send! As the final tear drops.
ItsReaLight 05-27-2003

Name: fresh frank

Comments: Vanessa: You are my connection to the world of creativty and aspiration. The sweat of your dreams are a reality. Through you, I know that ALL things are possible. What drives you woman? Your the Hebrew Mamita and I dont think I'll meet another one. Im not sure I wanna meet another one. Stay sweet! Theres only one YOU!
Thank You
Franky

Name: Candace

Comments: I just saw "Culture Bandit" for the second time at the Nuyorican. I had to see it again and I loved it even more this time. "Culture Bandit" is so reminiscent of the 80's and early 90's. Just as everyone has laughed enough from the flashbacks to have stomach cramps...Vanessa hits you with a deep, truthful message about racism that send chills through your body. "Hebrew Mamita" you are the best, continue to shine. Thank you for entertaining and enlightening.

Name: Ofra

Comments: I just wanted to let you know...you are by every definition of the word an INSPIRATION!
If all women, and men could look at life through your eyes...the world would not only be a better place, it would be a place where people shared their views, ideas, fears, and hearts as openly as they did the air they breath. Love, respect, and acceptance will once day become an involuntary human reaction, as long as there are people like you who continue to open the eyes of others, and teach them to look...period.
Thank you Vanessa.

Name: Kirk Nugent "The People's Poet"
Website Address: www.ironicworld.com

Comments: Excellent work. I thoroughly enjoyed your one woman show, you pursued your purpose with passion...and it shows. There are no contradictions in your convictions...see you at the top baby.
Kirk Nugent

Name: Steve Resnick

Comments: I saw you read "Hebrew Mamita" on the Def Poetry Jam on HBO one night, and I fell in love with your words. Everything you read felt like I was saying it through you. You also opened many hearts that night. I am in a Jewish youth group, and at our next meeting, I will be telling my friends to visit your web site themselves and ready your poems. THANK YOU.

Name: Leah Marcus

Comments: Ma nishmah! I unfortunately missed your show this evening, because of a traffic jam. (I live in Baltimore) I can't make it to your show tomorrow night (birthday party for a friend). However, I really want to see your show. As a fellow hip-hop head, it's good to see a Hebrew sista performing with her full identity. If you ever put this on cd, I'll be buying it. Mi segunda lengua es una mezcla de ivrit y espanol (aval soy ashkenazi, litvak, me'al'yad'Philadelphia). Entonces quiero lir'ot ha'poesia shelach. Shalom, paz, salam. Leah :)

Name: Lynne Eisenberg

Comments: Just finished reading more about you and more of your poems. Would love to catch your show. Will you bring it to boston/cambridge? I'm sure you would have a big audience here.
As a middle-aged Jewish woman, your words sing to me. I too am one who can pass as a variety of mediterranean ethnic types. while my grandparents were from the Ukraine, we think Spain was not far behind. Thank you for the real and bold spin on Jewish female identity.

Name: Tyressa Savage

Comments: YOU'RE GREAT, AND I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU LIVE. TILL THEN, I AM OVER COME WITH ANTICIPATION!!!!!!!!! :)

Name: Gina Sierra

Comments: Saw you on Def Poetry and shouted and clapped. Yes! Thank you for being so real and telling it like it is.