Going to Italy to write in the cultural hills was always a dream and nothing more.
I can’t afford a trip like that. I’ll never get to go until I’m well into my 50s or 60s. By then, I probably won’t want to go anymore.
The cost of my student loans seemed to loom over me. Following the news that there wouldn’t be any loan forgiveness, I felt my debt swallow me whole. So, when my cousin mentioned an international writing retreat program through an experimental art studio based in New York, I ignored it. The tuition costs alone made me dizzy.
It will just have to wait until I can save up enough to go.
But then he told me to not worry about it. “You just have to get there,” he said.
I couldn’t believe my luck. Was this going to be a possibility for me?
I’d never heard of La MaMa before my cousin brought it to my attention. Their website says they’re “dedicated to the artist and all aspects of the theatre.” Created in 1961 by Ellen Stewart, La MaMa is a studio that embraces people from all walks of life. They use art as a “force for change” and have communities all over the world, one of which being their Umbria program in Italy. I recognized the names of artists who’d been “nurtured” in the studio: The Blue Man Group, David Sedaris, Harvey Fierstein, Diane Lane, and even Bette Midler!
Before I knew it, I’d been signed up and was corresponding with the director of the program. I did my best to convince myself that I’d earned this break. I’d just needed one break. Maybe my luck was finally turning around. News quickly spread that I was getting the chance to go to Italy. It hadn’t hit me yet that this was my reality.
I don’t know how I’m going to afford my flight.
I’d been working numerous part time jobs; but the minute I’d get ahead, something unexpected would happen to set me back financially. I wanted to enjoy my life and not feel the weight of living paycheck to paycheck while tip-toeing over overdraft fees like a poor ballerina. But I’d been spending my money to keep up with the Joneses, and it was coming back to bite me.
I was treating my friends to meals with money I couldn’t afford to spend, brushing it off as something I’d figure out later. My hospitality burned a hole in my pocket, and it left me with nothing but ash. Now I needed my luck more than ever, and my good karma kicked in right at the best time. I received a letter in the mail from a close family friend. We’d correspond from time to time, so she knew I was heading to Italy at the end of the summer.
“Hope this helps with your trip!” was all her card read. A check slipped out to help cover my flight, and I gasped audibly.
This is real. I’m going to actually go to Italy and write.
I’m not afraid to admit that I cried tears of relief. I was going to make this happen. I had submitted a dream to the universe, and I was feeling its response. At first, I didn’t let myself get too excited about the trip. A million things could happen in that time to reverse all my good fortune. The wheel of fortune had to return me to the bottom at some point, right?
But nothing came along.
When I finally held the euros in my hand, the realization washed over me. I’m not dreaming anymore. My flight is booked. I have my money. All of my travel arrangements have been made. I’m going.
I’m going to Italy.
I’m going to Italy!
So, I guess that’s my big announcement. I will be leaving on my first flight to Europe August 9th and returning on the 20th. I can’t believe this is happening for me, but I most importantly can’t wait to tell you travelers all about it. Thank you to everyone who has helped me get this far. You can check out how to support La MaMa and more on the retreat itself below.
But for now, arrivederci tutti!
La MaMa Umbria International Playwright Retreat
