I Had the Lasagna

Rahaleh and I spent the night out last night. There was wine and pasta. (By the way the fourth language is Italian.) More importantly we talked the hell out of The Skin of Our Teeth to a group of eager and excited theater goers knows as Footlights.

It was a rare chance to discuss the play not only as a production but also as a piece of literature. So often discussions of shows happen after the show is already opened. Actors, directors and designers have already locked in on what the show means to them and it is more a process of rehashing the table work and rehearsal discussions to a group of folks who have just seen your play. This was a chance to sit down and talk to a group of people who have read the play and get their first impressions on what they think the play is about and how they think that it should be presented.

There were lengthy discussions about the history of the play, about Thornton Wilder and ways in which the play is still relevant. Rahaleh who is directing the show looked on it as an opportunity to get a reading on what audiences will think when they see what promises to be one of Rorschach's most ambitious undertakings.

One high-light of the evening was when of the gentleman in the group shared his memories of seeing the original Broadway production of The Skin of Our Teeth in 1942. His experiences and knowledge of the period gave a keen insight into what it was Wilder was attempting to convey to his audience, as they were just beginning to fight in World War II and had just come out of the Depression.

I just want to take this opportunity to thank Jerry and all of the Footlighters for hosting both me and Rahaleh last night as well as for sharing their opinions and impressions of Skin.

She Once Sold Me the Brooklyn Bridge

So Rahaleh Nassri has directed a show for Studio's 2nd Stage. Rahaleh will be the director of Rorschach's Skin of Our Teeth in the very near future. The Washington Post ran a profile on Rahaleh on Friday and to the left is the picture that ran with the interview, An Unflinching Look at Gangs.

I give the Post reporter credit for running a story about Rahaleh and including the choice details of her various schemes:

She speaks four languages, plays out ornate hoaxes in public -- reading fortunes in espresso grounds in a Swiss cafe, impersonating a would-be spy being recruited in Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe -- and has performed with the Washington Shakespeare Company. She can also speak "diplomatically," having earned a degree in international affairs from George Washington University and served as press officer at the French Embassy.

I wish they had asked her about her life as a Russian Madam or the time we tried to convince everyone at Tryst that the bar was running a contest to give away a schooner. Read all about Rahaleh and her other hijinks and art.

Happy Hour and Rahaleh in Drag

Some of you may have been asking yourself lately "Where the hell has Rahaleh been?" Well if you want to join Rorschach for its upcoming Happy Hour and make your own arrangements you can see where Rahaleh as been.

Rahaleh has been matriculating with the folks over at the Shakespeare Theatre Company. I know it sounds dirty but you can look it up.

Her final projects are going up this weekend and we at Rorschach couldn't be prouder. She will be performing as Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing and 'Tis Pity She's a Whore.

Our plan is to socially lubricate ourselves before we head into the show so meet us at 5:30 pm on Tuesday June 1th at Finn McCool's on 8th Street, SE. Come for the drinks and then stumble on over to the Shakespeare Theatre rehearsal space for some Bard. Do one or do both no big whoop!

Here are the details for Rahahel's shows:

Much Ado About Nothing
(June 11, 12, 15, 16-matinee, 19, 21, 23-evening)
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Michael Barakiva

‘Tis Pity She's A Whore
(June 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22-evening, 23-matinee)
By John Ford
Directed by Christopher Grabowski

Shakespeare Theatre Company Studios
507 8th Street SE
Washington, D.C.

7:30pm Saturday matinees at 2:00pm

RSVP by phone to: 202. 547.1122 and press 9 or email ACARep07@ShakespeareTheatre.org

I have my suspisions where the following photo came from but no proof. I got it from someone who got it from someone. Not sure who she is supposed to be but I have some weird pictures of Rahaleh over the years and this one gives them all a run for their money.