This anthology of Skywatcher ensemble voices has been assembled over our 13+ year herstory. Like our performance work, these poems and short prose pieces center the words, rhythms, songs, and narratives of Tenderloin residents—stories too rarely heard. There are texts from our performances as well as writing created during our workshops. The title, Ain't Nothing Tender 'Bout That ‘Loin, is a tribute to Dino Smith, long-time ensemble member, drummer, and self proclaimed Deity of Self-Education.
This Skywatchers anthology is more than a collection of writings; it is a collective proclamation that the people of the Tenderloin, despite their struggles, are here—living, surviving, and refusing to be silenced.
