Perspectives / Naomi Iizuka Naomi Iizuka's numerous plays include 17 Reason (Why), 36 Views, Polaroid Stories, Language of Angels, War of the Worlds, Aloha, Say the Pretty Girls and Skin When I think about the Humana Festival, I think about a thousand moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. I think about rehearsals of Polaroid Stories, watching Jon and the designers figure out how an actress was going to transform into a twinkling star in the night sky of the Victor Jory Theatre. I think about the run of Aloha, Say the Pretty Girls, taking notes backstage as actors in grass skirts and fur-lined parkas ran past me. Or rehearsals of War of the Worlds, sitting on the floor with the pages of my script spread out in front of me, the whole room vibrating with the sound of stomping feet. My most lasting impressions of Humana have everything to do with the rigors and pleasures of process, the moments when you figure something out, and all the hours and days leading up to those moments. They have everything to do with the remarkable group of individuals I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with at Actors – Jon, Anne, Michael, Deb, Marcia, Darron, Marty, SITI, all the actors, the apprentices – their generosity and hard work, their daring – watching them, listening, rewriting and rewriting some more. I think, in many ways, I came of age as a writer through my experiences at the Humana Festival, and for that I am immensely thankful.