THE ALPHABET MONOLOGUES" FEATURING MUSICAL GUEST: "WORD PROBLEM"
“Good morning, class! Sit your asses down, open your books, and prepare for a transformative journey back to basics! Only this time, with adult risks at stake!”
"The Alphabet Monologues," directed, written, produced, and performed by Ramon Shiloh, isn’t just a lesson in letters. It’s a journey through today’s most pressing issues, using the building blocks of language to expose hard truths. Shiloh has captivated audiences at venues like "The Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute", "Annex Theater in Seattle", and "Chehalem Players Repertory" in Oregon, with his bold approach to reimagining our familiar alphabet.
With powerful musical accompaniment by guest artist "Word Problem", Shiloh transforms each of the 26 letters into a portal to the challenges and choices that define our times. What starts as a nostalgic return to the ABCs quickly becomes a survival guide, with each letter unveiling a story or poem, illustrated with vivid art, that dives into topics like environmental crises, racial divides, and the existential risks we face.
Through art, spoken word, and live music, Shiloh invites us to listen, absorb, and reflect. As each letter peels back a new layer of meaning, we’re called to confront the state of the world and our role within it.
In this classroom of rediscovery, the show taps into a childlike curiosity only to reveal the gravity of our adult responsibilities. Imagine hearing that future generations might one day say, “Thank you for not being the douchebags you were in 2025.” This show aims to make that sentiment a reality, challenging viewers to rekindle compassion, question biases, and work toward a better tomorrow.
More than a performance, The Alphabet Monologues is a call to action. Shiloh’s vision returns to the basics to inspire critical thinking and foster meaningful change. With every letter, he reveals what it means to wield language as a tool for repair, empathy, and hope. This journey is designed to leave each viewer with a “Certificate of Appreciation,” a symbolic testament to the fresh perspectives gained.
In The Alphabet Monologues, Shiloh’s letters are lessons, his words are warnings, and his art is an invitation to grow. Through nostalgia, necessity, creativity, and critique, The Alphabet Monologues guides you from learning to action. Prepare to be schooled in the most unforgettable way.
ARTIST STATEMENT:
Since my accident on November 11, 2021, which resulted in a fractured skull, I’ve been navigating challenges like dizzy spells, anxiety, insomnia, mild depression, and memory loss. For those who know me, storytelling has always been my foundation, carrying me through various Native communities across the country and shaping the narratives I felt driven to share.
After the accident, I returned to my roots in food as a private chef, but the stress and intensity of commercial kitchens was toxic for my brain health, risking further injury. So, I made the decision to step away from those environments.
Today, I am a full-time artist, seeking ways to support myself and create stability. I see this one-man show as a form of art therapy which is a mental exercise to help me strengthen my mind and counter the effects of my injury. This project is a chance to understand my own journey and explore how creativity can aid the healing process.
I owe deep gratitude to Donna Gentry Birnbach of Chehalem Players Repertory, who introduced a structured approach to my show that I hadn’t previously considered. Before meeting her, my one-man show had a more improvisational structure that I loved, but now I see how a defined format can elevate the message and bring clarity to the complex themes I need to convey. With each page I’ve created, I feel this show offers something truly impactful both for myself, and for my audience.
Looking forward to the possibility of collaborating with my good friends David Levin and Bob Lovelace again, if the time calls for another jam session with yours truly.
As I navigate theaters in the Pacific Northwest, rest assured that "The Alphabet Monologues" will be performing in a neighborhood near you in 2025. I'll keep you updated in the coming months. Thank you and be well everyone.
Art Medium: Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils and Sumi Ink Show Details: 18 and Over©Ramon Shiloh 2024-2025
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