This Way Is Up
Right now, I could:
a.) Wait for signs like these to show me the way, or
b.) I can keep reaching out and see what comes back.
I’ll go with option B.
–Sue
Add comment October 30th, 2009
Archive for October, 2009
Pared Down, and Just Right
Last night we went to see “Overnight” and the other short plays that are a part of Estro Encores, an encore of plays featured in the Estrogenius Festival.
As a playwright, I tend to write prop heavy pieces… it’s just part of my style and how I populate my worlds, with people and things.
Last night’s show was as simple as can be: Three chair, a table with a table cloth, a remote control (and lighting/sound cues to suggest a television set), two glasses, and a bottle of wine.
In addition to Natalie Bates’ restraint with props/sets, she managed to keep a level of restraint in the writing, keeping the play from getting too sentimental or weepy.
Two women, one in the throws of grief for her deceased husband, and her best friend (who feels guilty for living a “normal” life) navigate having a “normal” conversation with two eight-hundred pound gorillas in the room, loss and guilt.
In addition to the pared down set and simple premise, the direction by Andi Cohen was uncomplicated, and at times elegant. Both actresses were given the room to play physically in the small space, and emotionally to create a charged tension at crucial points.
Ann Rickoff (playing the widowed Nancy) was especially convincing as someone who is free-falling into the depths of loneliness faster than she can figure a way to get out.
Elizabeth Claire Taylor’s performance as Joyce was sometimes uneven, but overall strong, as a friend trying to do right by her friend, while still being true to herself.
I wasn’t a fan of the ending, but I understand what Bates was going for.
If you’re in the west village and you want to take in an interesting evening of short plays, stop by this week and take in Estro Encores.
Enjoy!
–Sue
Add comment October 29th, 2009
Next Leap Forward
"Lily Pad Flowers" from Nature's Wallpaper -- Daniel Malewitz
Look closely at the picture… amongst the myriad of lily pads, there’s a frog, deciding where to jump next.
The possibilities are endless…wonderful and scary all at the same time.
I’ll let you know where we land.
–Sue
Add comment October 28th, 2009
One More…
In recent posts, I’ve highlighted some of the reviews that we got for this run of “Disillusioned.” There was one more I want to mention. It was our most glowing review, and the reviewer was the closest to understanding and translating our artistic intention and vision.
Click here to read what she wrote.
Enjoy!
–Sue
Add comment October 27th, 2009
Standing O
Last night was our last performance of “Disillusioned.”
It was easily the performance I most enjoyed. For though it was in many ways bitter-sweet, there was a part of me that didn’t want it to end, it was a time for really watch the show and see how far we’ve come.
I was so proud, and grateful for everyone’s hard work… and even more grateful and surprised at the end of the show.
Our actors said a few words about working with us, and then gave me a bouquet of blue hydrangeas.
As I look over at the full blooms, I look forward to many more opening nights and doing it all over again.
–Sue
Add comment October 26th, 2009
Two Birds (no stones)
As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, last night’s performance was largely attended by high school students and their mentors.
The performance went well, and I think the kids really enjoyed it (and probably understood it on a level that some adults can’t, since they are the same age as the protagonist).
The best part was the talk-back session we had afterward. I not only had the opportunity to explain how the play came to be, but everyone involved got the chance to be recognized, and add to the discussion.
In addition to the kids, we did have a reviewer last night. It seems like she got it (and also understood some of the limitations of the space and this incarnation of the production, though I wasn’t thrilled with the title of her piece).
We have our final performance this Sunday… and I think it’s been a great run. If you haven’t seen the show yet, get your tickets here.
–Sue
Add comment October 23rd, 2009
Intersection
It’s not often in life where two (or more) of the very things you hold dear come together to make something wonderful happen.
I have two very clear missions with theatre: Get the next generation of theatre-goers to the theatre; and Teach and touch the hearts of the audience through theatre.
Tonight, I get to make both happen.
We’re in our final week of performances of “Disillusioned,” and at tonight’s performance, we’ll be having teens, and their mentors in the audience to watch the show.
I know the show will be great, and I hope the kids, and their mentors, get inspired… Just thinking about the possibilities of tonight, I know I sure do!
–Sue
PS — Catch our final show on Sunday, October 25th! Buy your tickets here.
Add comment October 22nd, 2009
The Secret Ingredient
Last night I had a wonderful dinner with one of my best friends in the whole world. We laughed, we talked, we had a drink. We had such fun, that long after we’d finished eating, we lingered a while to keep talking and be together.
And you know what?
The song I’d been trying to come up with all day, started happening on the car ride home.
And if I had to say there was a secret ingredient to writing, I think it would be giving the mind a chance to play… seeing people, doing things, having a good meal, driving to a place you’ve never been before… in other words: being out in the world.
Because essentially, isn’t that what we’re doing… creating a world and peopling it with characters who will one day come to life?
As solitary as writing can sometimes seem, I was reminded last night that it’s a good idea to pick your head up from that blank page every once and a while and put yourself out there.
–Sue
Add comment October 21st, 2009
Bravo!
One of the nicest parts of theatre is that you work with other folks to help make your vision even bigger than you could have originally imagined.
With each person’s input, the show grows bigger and bigger, and it becomes a world.
This feature in the Washington Square News gives props to our actors.
Good show!
–Sue
Add comment October 20th, 2009
Gross (and I don’t mean Box Office Receipts)
Actors are vulnerable. They literally put themselves aside to become someone else right before our eyes. They have to go out on stage night after night, even after a bad review. They have to essentially be the face of a show.
And at the end of the night, they get to strip it all away and become themselves again.
I’m protective of my actors, as I’m sure most theatre professionals are, so I was HORRIFIED to read about this pervert.
Friday was a sad day for theatre indeed…
–Sue
Add comment October 19th, 2009
