Editor's Pick Award
Richmond Magazine
August 1, 2005
Sarah K. McDonald
Slashtipher “Slash” Coleman wrote a one-man play in October for
someone he hadn’t yet met. The beneficiary of this creative surge is a
10-month-old. The play’s inspiration is the child’s father and Coleman’
s best friend, Mark Jamison, a neon-glass blower from Roanoke who
died in 2004 while hanging a neon sign — before his girlfriend even
discovered she was pregnant. Coleman will read selections from The
Neon Man and Me at C3 on Aug. 17 at 6 p.m.
The play chronicles the friendship between the two men, which
spanned 20 years. Coleman is quick to point out that though the
piece does deal with Jamison’s death, it’s primarily about their
friendship, so it isn’t totally melancholy. “I didn’t want it to be very
dark like it was pages ripped from my journal,” he says.
The complete play premieres in October in Roanoke, one block from
Jamison’s neon shop, and in November at Comedy-Sportz Improv
Theater here in Richmond. He has also authored a book of poetry,
Is My Chakra Pretty?, and several short stories. When he’s not
writing or performing, Coleman’s creative juices are put to use at his
family’s upholstery/restoration business. Profits from Neon Man
benefit Jamison’s son, Mark Jamison Thomas Jr. Suggested
donation of $10. 1801 E. Cary St. 474-3639 or www.slashtipher.com.
© Slash Coleman 2006
The piece is primarily
about our friendship.
Photo: Claire Folger