Freudian slip(pers)

I went the the Sigmund Freud house with my new practices company (Company C, for now) today.  It really is amazing to be able to walk into a house, and experience the personal space of someone so recognized.  Whether you agree with Freud or not, it is still something to stand in his study and be absolutely surrounded by his belongings.  The infamous couch was there.  His desk chair (which looked a bit like a medieval torture device to me) was there and turned in such a way that I could envision him sitting there, welcoming his next patient in.  Quite an extraordinary feeling, especially when I was able to be alone in the space for a moment, with it quiet.  It was almost a feeling of being somewhere sacred.  Could it be the fascination with books that I have had since childhood, reminding me of my academic mother?  Or even more of reminding me of a wall of books at my grandparent's house?  It was worth the trip, for the visual memories, the intellectual learning, and the emotional research into myself.

As with all of these sorts of places, there is always a gift shop involved.  I often wonder how these icons would react to their likenesses being used for the design of finger puppets, magnets, postcards, coffee mugs, and yes, even Freudian slippers.  There is something to be said for selling such merchandise if it goes back into keeping these museums running...but slippers?

Company C

At least, that's the name for now.  Company C is starting off on the right foot, I feel, discussing our backgrounds.  I have not worked with several of the members, and this is an opportunity to get to know a little about them before setting off on an intense term of trying to make a piece of work together.  Tastes and politics.  Got a good idea of who everybody is thanks to the sharing.  And it's good to know that we formed out of the same ideas of not wanting to be harnessed by our research topics, and also being interested in making a piece of work that is completely involved in the here and now.

"Real" world theatre

We talk about taking theatre and performance outside and into the "real" world.  We do it intentionally.  I find it rather interesting when something in the "real" world draws my attention because it is out of the ordinary, to the point where at first I think, "Is this a piece of theatre?", but after I watch for awhile, I realize it's not an intentional piece of theatre, but my attention makes it so.  For example, woman standing outside, apparently waiting for a ride.  Totally normal and everyday.  Except, in the cold, she was wearing a tank top, without a jacket.  I found my attention was totally focused on her, and she was doing nothing more than just waiting.  I watched her for a good 15 minutes, before she decided to move along.  Why was it so intriguing?  I think the answers will help me to bring to the table some interesting ideas about how to make theatre (intentional theatre that is) more engaging.

Going Dark continued

Went to see a workshop production of the piece Going Dark, which we worked on with Tom from Sound and Fury last month. I was really excited to see what our sessions with him had brought to the project. They had about 45 minutes worth of the piece, and I was very impressed. There's so much potential, both on the performing/story side and the design elements. This is the type of project that I want to sink my teeth into! The story was very moving and the use of technical elements, even at this early stage, were impressive. The use of sound was great, and was essential in helping to create the character's world. The moment of realization for me as to what the title actually means was quite emotional, as it is something which is always in the back of my mind. We had a chance to chat with Tom quickly after, and I always find it difficult to express my emotions and opinions immediately after seeing or experiencing something (this is why I don't tend to react in classes after seeing something). I tried to express my enthusiasm for the project as much as possible, and I will definitely email him my thoughts. I can't wait to see where the piece goes!

Mainstream Theatre is Okay

Jon and I went to see The 39 Steps. I had wanted to see it in New York, but never made it.  What an absolutely fun show!  The script was great, the acting was good, and the design elements were wonderful.  The sound design imparticular was really great.  Very creative.  Four actors playing something like 100 characters.  Very campy, but intentionally so, and I found the lighting design rather interesting and fit with the overall feeling of the show.  If you're looking for a fun piece of, dare I say it, mainstream theatre, I would recommend it!