Archive for April, 2008
Friday night, we experienced Sunday in Park with George at the Roundabout Theatre Company.
An enchanting evening, it was intimate, and a much physically smaller production than the 80’s original. Innovative technology was used to pull us in and marvel at George’s (the spirited Daniel Evans) painting as he is painting it.
This virtual “seeing” brought an immediacy that cut-outs never could. And though I had always wanted to see this show, I’m glad this was the version I saw.
But, the technology even stretched to the marketing of the show… There was an insert in our programs about the Dot Project. As the website explains, it’s a way for audiences to “Connect with audience members, fans of the show, and even Sunday cast members!”
The most amazing thing about this is that the painting becomes more complete as more people “connect the dots” and fill in their own dots…
Art, whether as a painting, poem, or play serves as a touchstone — connecting us to the world and ourselves by giving us a way of seeing, and ultimately, a way of being.
This past Friday was an amazing “Sunday;” I found myself connecting my own dots as an artist, and it already seems like the picture is more complete…
–Sue
April 28th, 2008
Tonight’s episode of Top Chef combined cooking with comedy, namely the art of improvisation.
Not only were the intrepid group of chefs set upon the task of creating dishes from the suggestions of the drunken patrons at Second City show, they also had to do it without mechanical equipment. They were then abruptly moved from a large kitchen to a much smaller one in the middle of preparation.
Thankfully, most pulled it off. Richard (the heavy favorite) and Dale (his stiff competition) pulled off “Perplexed, Green, Tofu” (pictured above).
There were so many theatrical elements I recognized in this episode, it made my head spin and heart sing to watch these artists take these things in stride and just run with it — which is the essence of improvisation.
But, the thing that really made it for me was watching how fantastically Richard and Dale complemented each other. One of the comedians picked up on it immediately. She said, “I loved how they complemented each other… It’s like that in improve too.”
I’ve heard it, read it, written it, and said it myself, “Theatre is a collaborative medium,” and honestly so is any art… when you’re creating something out of nothing, it’s the people who make it happen…
You don’t have to be a chef to know that oil and water don’t mix, and of course, the personalities and egos can get in the way of artists working with one another, but I think this dish won tonight because each chef was willing to bring his knowledge and expertise to the table and be open to his partner.
THEY REALIZED THE DISH WAS BIGGER THAN ANY ONE OF THEM.
And that, in the end, is the essence of collaboration… Realizing that everyone has his or her own unique talents in bringing art to life.
It takes a lot to take turns steering the wheel, but that’s how you end up going places you would have never dreamed of, and being better off for having taken the ride.
–Sue
April 23rd, 2008
I was at a networking event last night and a director said he gets “nervous” during down time, the times in between projects when he doesn’t have a project already waiting in the wings and doesn’t know where he is going to land next.
It was in that moment that what he said made me realize that I carry around a similar fear, that I suspect most writers face… “What are you working on now?” is usually the third question people ask when they find out I’m a playwright. (The first and second being “Wow, how did you get into that?” “Have I seen any of your stuff before?”) (Editor’s Note: Sad but true, Susan has been asked what a playwright does, since the questioner assumed actors made up their own dialogue.)
Luckily, I have something I am currently working on, and I’ve been refining some older pieces to make them a bit sharper… But, the point is, I won’t always have something I’m working on at the moment.
There was a good stretch of time when I was working on my life, and making a life with my husband… And at the end of the day, isn’t that as important as creative output?
Paul Simon had a really great interview with Charlie Rose about a year ago (a little less) where he spoke about his process, and how he finally goes to write a song after he’s lived his life for a while and the urge finally just bubbles up inside. When I heard him say that, I recognized the way I work, and knew that if it’s good enough for someone as prolific and talented as Paul Simon, it’s good enough for me!
So, here and now, I’m embracing those “down times”…
–Sue
April 16th, 2008
I am reminded of that old school yard refrain, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me!”
I finally got it today, my first piece of heckling, to probably one of the most innocuous posts on this site, The Game of Life, someone commented that I was making things up and using “unusual words” to do it…
Well, at least I got a complement in there, it’s nice for a writer to hear she’s using “unusual” words.
I deleted the comment, naturally… It was aggressive and had cursing in it… So why bring it up here? You wouldn’t even have known about it unless I called attention to it.
I’m a little surprised, because the post was so benign, and because I didn’t realize the reach of the internet and this blog… So, I guess that’s compliment #2…
But the biggest reason for mentioning it is that I thought it’d sting more… and it really doesn’t… And that makes me happy… because I feel like that was an initiation of sorts… and the comments are only gonna get more pointed from here, but so what?
Some people will just “get” my work, and some won’t… and that’s it!
–Sue
April 11th, 2008
Right at the top of a sloping hill, is the Arts Society of Kingston, a building with art bursting at the seams… Saturday night was opening night for a very special exhibit celebrating Israel’s 60th birthday and the Jewish experience in the US. It was all the more special since we were there heralding the success of the art world’s newest sensation, Dina Hodara!
Dina’s work was wonderfully displayed, showcasing her vivid use of color and humor to portray her subjects with tenderness, care, and that special something that makes you want to take another look.
I was corralling anyone I could to explain the relevance of her work and the costumed subjects she captured during the masquerader’s delight, Purim.
We admired the other work on display, those of the artists and a construction crew. In addition to the bustling downstairs gallery, the second floor is being overhauled to become the future home of a 99-seat theatre and playwright’s lab, in addition to an intimate lecture space.
Make the time to make your way to Kingston to support a budding artist and this wonderful Society, I promise you’ll be glad you did.
–Sue
April 7th, 2008
My six year old niece was in a talent show at school. She sang for us the songs she sang, one about the joys of peanut butter, the other was the Hannah Montana theme song.
She introduced the second selection by saying, “You’ve all heard this so many times, so I’m sure you know it by now.”
Being the proud auntie that I am, I couldn’t get enough, but what really made me happy was that she was asked to prepare a “Broadway song” for the upcoming talent show. Then she jumped out of her chair and giggled with delight. “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! Yeah, Mary Poppins!”
That a six year old knows the song (the same song I sang in grade school in music class) was music to my ears… But, the song was a little too long for her to memorize… So, auntie suggested a shorter song, “How about, Let’s Go Fly a Kite?”
I had forgotten what a sweet little song it was until I started singing it for her. It honestly made me want to run out and fly a kite. (I had only flown one once before, the weekend after my husband proposed to me, on the beach at Montauk.)
I saw her two days ago, and I’m still humming the song, and will even break out into, “Oh let’s go, and fly a kite!” every now and then…
It’s nice to remember from time to time that songs can be about anything, even the simplest things, and still be wonderful! Thanks for giving your auntie that reminder, little one…
–Sue
April 3rd, 2008
