Dalit Berkowitz

As actors, it can sometimes be hard to say goodbye to the characters we play. Especially when they land in a sweet spot of our psyches.  Such was the case with Janine. Janine, the fun, cool mom to the titular “Premenstrual Margot” played by the marvelous Giselle Torres.

One of the visual details of the role was red accents: in wardrobe, accessories and fingernails. I never wear red nails. But Janine did. Always.

So when I was done with my filming, and a day later I had an audition for a decidedly non-red-polish-working-class-single-mom in the Middle East, the red needed to go.

Initially, it felt brutal – like prying off Janine in such a heartless, dismissive manner. Wiping her away, just like that.

How can I make this kinder, I thought? Or is it the same as removing the discreet clear tape that holds that tiny microphone to one’s bare skin while filming? Often it’s better to pull it off fast….like a band-aid. Heavy sigh.

What to do?

After some hand-wringing and stomach churning journaling, finally I came up with this:

I love you Janine. Thank you, Janine. 

But now I must remove the polish.

Wishing us all grace and ease as we let go into this new season.

XD