Serotsky's In Flight, Afternoon Delight

See I made a Starland Vocal Band joke out of Shirley's last name. And who says puns aren't funny?

Anywho, here are the answers that Shirley gave to DC Theatre Scene for their feature on Helen Hayes Nominees. For further reading visit them HERE.

I read something somewhere that Shirley was concerned about sending them a picture. I personally think that Shirley couldn't take a bad picture if she tried. But I'm just the Moon what do I know?

Shirley Serotsky, Outstanding Director
References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot, Rorschach Theatre

Why this play?

I have wanted to work with Rorschach since I saw their production of LORD OF THE FLIES in 2002. I dig the gutsy, visceral work they do and Casa Del Pueblo is an exciting, provocative, challenging space to work in (may it rest in peace). Then I read the play. And it was stunning and beautiful and difficult and heart breaking. And daunting in the way that it combined a completely theatrical world with talking cats and dancing moons with the gritty, realistic, kitchen sink drama of two people who are totally in love but failing miserably at making that love work–trying desperately to come together and love each other again. And I thought it would be really hard to meld those two worlds without discounting either one of them. And the more I do this, the more I realize that the greater the challenge the greater the pay-off.

Most difficult scene

The quick answer is the sex scene, because it was the first time I’d directed an all out sex scene, and those are just tough–both technically and emotionally. Because it is such a personal thing and there you are putting it on stage. And the audience is two feet from Gabi and Andrew’s heads, and it might be your grandmother sitting in that seat. And where does Gabi throw her shirt so that she can find it later? And what happens when the wooden fence/bed creaks? And will they get splinters? And why does the damn sheet keep coming off the corners? As it turned out however, I think the two Benito/Gabriella scenes were simultaneously the hardest and the easiest to “get”. Because we can all connect with the relationship struggles that these people are going through, on some level we get that. We KNOW that. But because of that, it’s just not a fun place to go to for hours on end, night after night. And it was a challenge to find the shifts in the landscape of their argument, the rises and falls, the flare-ups and the moments of breath, so that it didn’t sound like one long rant.

Surprise

I think the most surprising thing happened during auditions, and that was finding Gabriella in the first place. I’d had artistic directors of several theaters in the area say, “We thought about doing that play but were not sure we could ever cast it”. And here’s Rorschach, a small theater using all non-Equity actors, trying to do the play justice. And that meant finding actors for several of the roles that were, indeed, Latino. I knew Andrew was of Columbian descent and have admired his work for years, but I did not know if we would find an actress with the chops and background and spirit to play the role of Gabi, not to mention the fact that everyone in the play has to totally fall in love with her. And there was a somewhat exhaustive search. And then like, three people emailed me Gabriella’s info. And she came in and she tells us she’s of Puerto Rican decent, born there and raised here, and she’d lived in New York, and she’s gorgeous, and then she read the side and left the room and I think Randy and Jenny and I looked at each other and said, “We can’t let her leave the building. If we have to kidnap her and keep her here in Casa for eight weeks we will do that, but we have to have her in this play.”

Favorite moment

Ahhhhh. Hard question. I can’t pin it to just one. I loved the Moon’s tuneful serenading and melancholic speeches from up above. I loved the eerie moon-glow light when he landed on the ground (thanks Andrew and Connor). I loved the perfect tango music (thanks Matt!). I loved the look in Martin’s eyes when he was peeking over the fence. I loved the Moon/Martin fight with the belly check (thanks Grady). I loved Cat coming back from her torrid night out all rumpled and wheezy and then climbing into the cupboard. I loved many moments that Robbie Haye’s brilliant set made possible. I loved Coyote’s tight, tight jeans (thanks Pei) and his passionate howls and heart-broken ghost. And, okay, look, it got to a point where watching Benito and Gabi interact was so laden with charged moments that now, reading back over the script, I can’t pin just one. Seriously, I loved watching those two. Can you tell? I loved this cast, I loved my design team (and I have to thank Tim Getman for putting that together). And I have to also say, I couldn’t have done this show without guidance and wisdom from Jacqueline Lawton’s dramaturgical input and overall smarts and clear-headedness.

If you could work with anyone in the theatre, living or dead, who would it be and why?

This is also tough. It’s like that dinner party question–where you have to think, certain people made really awesome contributions to history and to the world–but would they be good conversationalists? Likewise here. Just because someone’s brilliant doesn’t mean they’d be fun to work with. But I had an a-ha moment while up in NY earlier this week.
I’d like to work with my twin brother, who is an actor. Because he’s smart and talented and we shared a womb. I mean, with the short hand (secret twin lingo, right?) we have I think it would at the very least save time. And that would definitely make it into my parent’s holiday newsletter. I mean, I hope. Mom?

Next

CRUMBLE (LAY ME DOWN JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE) by Sheila Callaghan with Catalyst Theater Company, running May 7-June 7. And yes, JT does make an appearance. Several, in fact.

Once Again Someone Else Does the Work and I Write an Intro

Once again our friends over at DC Theatre Scene are running their second annual Getting Personal Feature. This is where they ask questions of the Helen Hayes Nominees and ask them about their roles/jobs, the shows they are nominated for and things that they found enjoyable about working on that show.

This year being our first double nominee year, I have asked permission to run both Gabi and Shirley's contributions to the Feature. Today Gabi tomorrow Shirley.

I would also like to add for as much love as both of these women throw Rorschach's way, it is returned 10 fold by the Company and 20 fold by the blogger.

If you want to read about numerous other nominees follow visit DC Theatre Scene with this LINK. Enjoy!

Gabriela Fernandez-Coffey, Outstanding Lead Actress

Gabby in References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot

The character

Well she has a great name. ;-) and is intensely alive in her dreams. We meet her full of doubt…alone. Still we know she is a fierce woman. She conjures people, animals, elements and planetary bodies….she counts them as her friends…sometimes enemies….always companions. She’s earthy, sexy, bold and wise. I love her very much.

In response to one of Rorschach’s blog questions asking which of the characters would win in an ultimate deathmatch (I love Rorschach), the playwright Jose Rivera responded that it would be Gabby. awww yeah. But really, who else could….she is fighting for life and love. She is fighting to maintain faith. and though we understand that she is facing the most formidable enemy… the shadow of death and war that have eclipsed the hearts of both her and her husband…we want to believe….like she does…that it is possible and necessary to leave the desert and find a way back to fertile soil.

Connecting

Well almost the entire play is in her mind (possibly)…so that helps….I listened to the words. and understood how she talked to the moon. and looked across our cracked wood desert to her husband coming in from the darkness, and her cat crawling out into coyote wild unknowns. I watched as her young neighbor climbed back over to his side of the fence; and her friend the moon said his final goodbye. It was all there. All the actors, designers, Shirley [Serostsky, Director]..had brought to life Gabriela’s most intimate landscape. So I had it easy….i just had to listen and be in the world around me. and I understood her doubt…her questioning. The ground had shifted underneath her feet. Her sky had been blown apart.

Surprise

Not a what…as much as a who surprised me. life is beautiful that way.

Favorite moment

Benito’s final entrance. without a doubt. at the end we circle back and can begin again….maybe.
And also the top….walking onstage in darkness (semi-darkness on matinee days) while Scott took his lunar position on top of the refrigerator and the audience hushed awaiting…laying down on my back in the stillness of their hush and watching the stars in the shattered sky turn on….”fly me to the moon” begins to croon.

Favorite Performances

Performances in The Unmentionables and Solas Nua’s Made in China were fantastic…brave and fun. Andrew Price and Clay Steakley, as the brothers Dukes and Bones in Inkwell’s Underground, were something to behold …“We two is brothers till the lord calls us home.”

Next

Wrapping up the incredible Stunning experience….stunning-stay no doubt. and looking forward to being home for awhile…having more time to develop some work with friends…play.

Overlooked and A New Rorschach Slogan Campaign

So one of my favorite post Helen Hayes announcements traditions is to read what Jane Horwitz felt was overlooked from the previous season of shows. This year was no exception as Jane refers to one of last seasons shows as:

Rorschach Theatre's riotous "Rough Magic";

Jane asks where was the nomination for Rough Magic along with the other over looked shows and performances. Of course we are floating on cloud 9 thanks to our two nominations for References . . . but it is nice to be included with other great shows that were over looked.

Yesterday witnessed one of the most sincere exchange of mutual appreciation that I have ever witnessed in the 17 year I have had e-mail. Cast, designers, producers and directors of References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot exchanged praise and snarks via e-mail for a good portion of the day yesterday.

One interesting development was a series of new Rorschach slogans. Here they are listed with their creators.

Jenny as inspired by Danny G.'s rather explicit maternal fantasy:

Rorschach Theatre: Like Your Mother's Womb

From Cesar:

Rorschach Theatre: Taste Them Again, For the First Time
Rorschach Theatre: Our Spirit Rebuilds The Place - Your Money Rebuilds the Space!

From Scott:

Rorschach Theatre: Like your mother's womb with a smoking section.

And over acheiver Yasmin:

Rorschach Theatre: Just like mom used to make.
Rorschach Theatre: Now climate-controlled and vermin-free!
Rorschach Theatre: We do stuff your artistic associate dreams about.
Rorschach Theatre: Bringing sex to the stage in stranger ways for nearly a decade.
Rorschach Theatre: Come for the theater, stay for the pie!
Rorschach Theatre: Give us a fish, we eat for a day. Give us a warehouse, we create for a lifetime.
Rorschach Theatre: Try us hot!
Rorschach Theatre: See a show and still make it to Wonderland.
Rorschach Theatre: Kicking more ass than George Washington since 2000. (Editor: Technically since 1999 unless Yasmin is saying no ass was kicked in 1999, in which case we will have words I promise you. Words!)

If you can think of any others leave them in the comment section.

Just Plain Wrong

Housekeeping

There are so many things to remind you about before you all take your 4 day weekends.

Keep voting for References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot and Gabriela over at DC Theatre Scene. References . . . has a slim edge in first place but Gabi has slipped to the middle of the pack. Make sure everyone you know who loves Rorschach is voting, we can win this one. Click HERE to vote.

Page to Stage at the Kennedy Center this weekend and while there are many plays getting a first read this long weekend, there are none so important as Randy Baker's Dream Sailors. Sunday at 5:30 pm in the Family Theatre. Click HERE for all the details.

Also this weekend the playwrights will get their assignments for Myth-Appropriation: The Brothers Grimm. Then rehearsals start in earnest Monday for a one night only event next Saturday at 8pm and 10pm at Casa. Tickets are just $10 and can be ordered on-line HERE or call 1-800-494-TIXS.

Hope you have been having fun with the How Rorschach Are You? on-line poll. Let me know how you are scoring in the comments area and if I can suggest ways to improve, let me know.

For tomorrow I am working on something special so check in before you head out. All the best, and I am out!

Help Us Win Something for a Change!

I have never been one to try and interfere in elections. I was accused of voting irregularities when I ran student government elections in college. I was cleared of all charges and was given a half hearted apology by the man who did the accusing. That being said I think Rorschach has a shot at winning an on-line poll and I am not demanding your vote but we would appreciate it.

DC Theatre Scene (née DC Theatre Reviews) has created a sort of DC People's Choice Award. They asked all of their staff and critics to list their favorite plays, musicals, actors and actresses for the 2006-2007 Season. They then took the top three choices from each staff member and created an on-line poll to choose a people's choice.

Well Rorschach is up in two categories, thank you very much Ronnie Ruff, Best Play - References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot and Best Actress - Gabriella Fernandez-Coffey for References . . .

Now I am not telling you that have to vote for us, but since you are apparently interested in Rorschach enough to read this blog, I think you might take a minute to help us win something.

Here is what you do:
1. Visit DC Theatre Scenes home page by clicking HERE.
2. Scroll down until you see the on-line poll section.
3. Click in the bubbles next to References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot and Gabriella Fernandez-Coffey.
4.You need to click the vote box at the bottom of each category.

If you want to vote in the other categories feel free, but we need your votes in Best Play and Best Actress. I can't make you vote for us, but References . . . was such a special show and I know that we loved putting it up, we hope you loved it as well.

Inspired Yet? Third in a Series of 4

Season End Review: Designers and Such

I know sometimes it seems like I make it seem like all these shows need is a script, actors and an audience. But obviously that is a lie. There are so many other folks who make these shows possible. Some times they are the true stars of the production, whether it be sets, costumes, lights, props, stage management, dramaturgy, electrics, production management or direction these are the folks who make it more than just some folks talking on stage.

I could break down the designers into new and old, but somehow I know I would mess that up, so lets just thank them on a show by show basis:

Monster
DIRECTED BY: Randy Baker
DESIGNED BY: Debra Kim Sivigny (Set), David C. Ghatan (Lights), Erin Nugent (Costumes), William Burns (Sound), Andrew F. Griffin (Asst. Lighting Design)
STAGE MANAGED BY: Megan Reichelt, Jillian Levine-Sisson (Asst. Stage Manager) ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Jessie Gallogly
FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHY: Grady Weatherford

Rough Magic
DIRECTED BY: Jenny McConnell Frederick
DESIGNED BY: Eric Grims (Set), Andrew Cissna (Lights), Frank Labovitz (Costumes), Matthew Frederick (Sound), Debra Kim Sivigny (Props), Andrew F. Griffin (Asst. Lighting Design)
DRAMATURGY: Rachel Miller
ASST DIRECTOR: Ryan Taylor
FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHY: Casey Kaleba
STAGE MANAGED BY: Megan Reichelt, Cecilia Cackley (Assistant SM)

References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot
DIRECTED BY: Shirley Serotsky
DESIGNED BY: Robbie Hayes (Set), Andrew F. Griffen (Lights), Pei Lee (Costumes), Matthew Nielson (Sound), Jean Ann Douglass (Props), Connor Dale (Asst. Lighting Design), Justin Titley (Asst. Set Design)
DRAMATURGY: Jacqueline E. Lawton
STAGE MANAGED BY: Cecilia Cackley and Ashley Hollingshead (Assistant SM)

birds
DIRECTED BY: Wendy McClellan
DESIGNED BY: Jacob S. Muehlhausen (Set), Deb Sullivan (Lights), Debra Kim Sivigny (Costumes), Matthew Nielson (Sound), Andrew F. Griffin (Asst. Lighting Design), Veronica Lancaster(Asst. Set Design)
STAGE MANAGED BY: Viv Woodland
ASST. STAGE MANAGERS: Alex Aaron and Jake Melville

Season End Review: New Faces Part II

Couple of things before I round out the New Faces of Rorschach Review.

The Rorschach Web site has been updated and now has information on all of Season 8. Including information on our rediculously cheap subscriptions. Follow this link and find out what $75 can get you. If you are a student or a senior you get a whole season for just $55. That is cheaper than some of the seats at Studio or Areana or Shakespeare for just one show. Check it out.

Rorschach now has a Myspace Page. Like every other 14 year old girl and hipster in the world we are adding friends left and right. So if you are into that kind of thing and I know many of you are because you are already friends on my own Myspace account, consider giving us an add. The place is still under development but check out the slide show and Tom Waits song I put up. I am so giddy it hurts some times.

Onward! References . . . was sort of our vet heavy show of the season, with only one new performer gracing our stage. But what a find she was! Gabriela Fernandez-Coffey. Look at that sexy woman above. She was a find and a half. Seriously it was good to have some fresh blood in a cast of war weary Rorschach vets.

Conversely, birds was one vet and a lot of new blood. Timmy Getman was surrounded by some fantastic performers in birds.

We were very lucky to get the dynamic duo of Brian Hemmingsen and Nanna Ingvarsson to join us for the summer. There are very few folks who bring as much talent and experience to a show as these two. I don't want to make them sound old, that is the tendancy when you are talking about people who you respect and admire, but they are pros and we are lucky to have had them in our sand box this year.

Joining them were Marissa Molnar and Jjana Valentiner. Not exactly rookies but they are just the kind of artists and performers we love to have up on our stage. Folks willing to take risks. Who are fierce in the way they perform and who know something about hard work and sacrafice.

I am going to be trying to do a show count for everyone who has performed in a Rorschach show very soon. But tomorrow a quick look at the designers and directors who made this year so special.

Jason's Odyssey

I would like to draw your attention to another Company Member's blog. Seems the incomparable Jason Linkins had a little adventure on his way home from the Referneces . . . cast party on Saturday Night. In a post Jason is calling Wherein the DCeiver Leads the Tired and the Deaf to Freedom from Fairfax County he recounts a harrowing journey in an attempt to get home. It is sort of a mix between The Incredible Journey, Boogey Nights and Children of a Lesser God.

This is Jason Linkins folks so parental discretion is advised. But you will laugh until I cry. Promise!

(By the way he hates it when I use this picture. But it is the closest thing I have to him falling asleep on the Metro.)

Goodbye References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot

Because a great cast and crew deserve a final bow!

References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot

by Jose Rivera

Directed by Shirley Serotsky

PRODUCED BY: Jenny McConnell Frederick and Randy Baker

FEATURING: Company Members Scott McCormick (Moon) Yasmin Tuazon (Cat). Also featuring Gabriela Fernandez-Coffey (Gabriela), Danny Gavigan (Coyote), Cesar A. Guadamuz (Martin), Andrew Price (Benito)

DESIGNED BY: Robbie Hayes (Set), Andrew F. Griffen (Lights), Pei Lee (Costumes), Matthew Nielson (Sound), Jean Ann Douglass (Props), Connor Dale (Asst. Lighting Design), Justin Titley (Asst. Set Design)

DRAMATURGY: Jacqueline E. Lawton

STAGE MANAGED BY: Cecilia Cackley and Ashley Hollingshead (Assistant SM)

Ticket UPDATE!

TONIGHT'S PERFORMANCE IS SOLD OUT!

Still tickets available for Saturday 3 and 8pm annd Sunday 3pm!

You have been warned.

Final Conversation with Jose Rivera

Performances remaining: 4.

Excuses for not seeing References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot if you are within a 25 square mile radius of Casa this weekend and are able to leave your house: 0.

We would love to see you Tonight or Tomorrow at 8pm. Or we could make some room for you tomorrow or Sunday at 3pm for the matinee. 2 for 1 Ticket Deal still in effect for Mother's Day Weekend, just use the ticket code "MOM" when ordering. I am done with prodding and guilting you people so I will let your mom's do it and say wouldn't it be nice to do something for your mom that didn't involve a Hallmark Card and brunch at TGI Fridays?

Been holding onto the following for about two months now. It is a transcript of a conversation that our dramaturg Jackie Lawton had with our playwright Jose Rivera. I can't tell you what a wonderful thing it was to have a living playwright working with us to answer our questions and supply so much background information regarding the genesis of the play and help discover the meaning of his work.

We had the same sort of help from Roberto with regards to Rough Magic earlier this season and we are looking forward to having some similar assistance from Jennifer Maisel with Birds. Birds by the way goes into rehearsals very soon, so get ready for another Rorschach World Premiere, this will be our 3rd for those of you keeping track.

Conversation with Jose Rivera

1. What has worked/not worked in previous production?
Playing the animals as animals, actors on all fours, or having them in costumes that resemble animals, etc, does not work.
The Coyote and the Cat are just a guy and girl. The Coyote is dangerous. The Cat is sexy. They are all in a heightened state of sexual desire.
It works best when actors aren’t afraid to go as far as the script is asking them to.
Allow the language to sound natural, flowing from you lips as though it’s the first time being spoken.
2. What is the Dream versus Reality Chronology?
Act 1 and 4 are reality. Gabby falls asleep at the end of Act 1 and dreams through Act 2 and 3. This is what Jose calls the joke of the play!!
Stylistically, Act 2 and 3 should not come off as A Midsummer Night’s Dream. None of it should be handled preciously. The language, their desires, their passions are real, gritty, psychologically disturbing, etc.
3. What or who inspired the script?
Benito is Jose’s brother Tony who was soldier in Gulf War 1. The machismo and the language are right from his brother’s mouth.
What Gabby does, in studying Islam, Muhammad, Karma, is what Jose did.
“If my brother’s going to be harmed, I wanted to understand what we were supposed to be afraid of/what we are fighting.”
He wanted to do some good.
He was also going through a divorce at the time he was writing this play. What it is when a marriage is in danger? What is it when two people can no longer communicate with one another?
He wanted to examine how two people who could have loved one another could suddenly, or over time, grow/develop into people who no longer love one another.

I Took Your Picture

And so tonight begins the end. References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot is in its final days. I know a lot of you love to wait to see a show at the last minute, well the last minute is fast approaching. Get your tickets now! Shows are Tonight, Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Saturday and Sunday at 3pm. 2 for 1 Ticket Special is still in effect for both matinees, use the ticket code "MOM."

Prod

This is the time on the blog where I get all misty eyed for the show that is about to go away. I have a few more things to post regarding References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot, but most of the week will be a series of nags and prods to get those of you who haven't seen the show yet to come see the show.

Today I remind you how cool the set, costumes and lights are. It is quite beautiful isn't it. Remember just 5 shows left and then we are done. Thurday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm. And remember our 2 for 1 tickets to the Matinees on Saturday and Sunday 3pm. 1-800-494-TIXS or visit BoxOfficeTickets.com.

AppleSauce

Two curtain calls! While it is one of those things that all actors want, we hardly ever prepare for them. On both Friday and Saturday night there was such love from the audience that they sustained their applause and we returned to the stage for an extra bow. It felt kind of sweet.

The final weekend is looming and to have that kind of love flow your way from an audience. The funniest moment I think is because it is the actors who have to make the call on whether to go back out for the extra bow, you have sort of a conflicted feeling. Some of you stand there believing the clapping will die down and others are looking at one another wondering what the hell to do. And then it just keeps going and you make the run for the stage. And since you have never planned for a second curtain call no one is quite sure of where to stand or which way to bow.

It is kind of frickin' cool!

Just 5 shows left and References to Salvador Dali . . . is gone.

What a To Do!

Click Image to Enbiggen it! See References to Salavdor Dali Make Me Hot this weekend! I have made the time shouldn't you?

Express-ing Surrealism

Despite the misidentification of one of our actors in the photo, (that is Cesar not Andrew by the way) I think this is a fairly nice review of References to Salvador Dali . . . in the Express today. Get your free copy today. (Click on the picture if you want to make it bigger.)

The show continues to pick-up momentum as we head into our second to last weekend. We have a show tonight and the last time I checked we have seats available, so I know there is a two hour Grey's Anatomy on at 9pm, but I know most of you can either tape it or TIVO it, so why not get out and see some live lovin' instead.

Four show weekend, Tonight, Friday and Saturday at 8pm and our special Matinee at 3pm on Saturday. Call 1-800-494-TIXS or visit BoxOfficeTickets.com.

Get to Know Jean Ann Douglass

There is some tangoing going on somewhere besides Dancing with the Stars these days. I dance with Gabi and Danny dances with Yasmin. Who choreographed these little soul searing dances. Well in our case it was our props designer Jean Ann.

It turns out that Jean Ann's talents extend beyond the world of set dressing and distressing and into the world of dance. She was patient and kind and allowed us to find the movement with our lines. Here is one in a dwindeling number of Get to Know Me pieces. Unless Yasmin would like to write something soon. Enjoy!

1. What is your job in References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot?

I am the Props Designer/Movement Consultant. If you prefer alliteration, maybe: Cobbler/Choreographer?

2. Have you ever worked for Rorschach before and how?

Nope. I am new to the area, and new to Rorschach.

3. Do you have any recurring dreams and if so what are they about?

I used to have a recurring dream where I was inside an Alpha-Bits cereal commercial, except everything was black, green, and purple, like a film negative. I would wander around, lost, and ask large cereal letters for directions. My dreams of late still involve me being lost, but in a twenty-something, quarter-life crisis kind of way.

4. Other than Dali which painters turn you on?

Joseph Cornell. In all honesty, he's more of a collage/assemblage artist, not a painter. There is something heartbreaking about his efforts to capture his world and put it in a box. The child like innocence and cloistered life of this man, who lived in Queens with his disabled brother and his aging mother for his whole life, comes to life in soap bubbles, trinkets, and baubles trapped under glass. Beautiful.

5. Have you been doing any special research for the show?

I've been reading the Rorschach Blog...

6. Who is the biggest celebrity you have ever met and how?

I downed a few glasses of red wine (read: liquid courage) and told Chuck Mee that his plays (specifically, The Trojan Women: A Love Story) were what inspired me to become a theatre artist. He was very sweet, and told me a story about the premiere of The Trojan Women, which Tina Landau directed on a dock in Manhattan. There was a big thunder and lightening storm on opening night, and they performed anyway. Apparently, they wrapped all of the speakers and lights in plastic, but they all got soaked and shorted out. Mee said with a glint in his eye that all of the techies gave up, sat beside the stage and wept for most of the play. He's the coolest man alive.

I also met Willem Dafoe when I was interning at the Wooster Group. He was marching around the office singing a song at the top of his lungs about his wife that I am pretty sure he was making up as he went along. It was fairly early in the morning, I had not consumed any glasses of liquid courage, so I introduced myself and stammered something stupid, and he was back to singing and ignoring me before I finished a sentence.

7. In a steel-cage-no-holds-barred-death match which character in Dali would win?

I think everyone would be so busy fighting over Gabriela, that she could sit in the corner of the steel cage and file her nails, and breezily come out the victor.

8. What is the most impossible thing that happens in the play?

Impossible is in the eye of the beholder.

9. If you could live inside of any painting what would it be?

Georges Seurat "A Sunday Afternoon on the Ile de la Grande Jatte"

10. If you had a theme song what would it be?

"Hey Ya." Shake it like a polaroid picture.

References to Tennessee Williams . . .

I wake up and it is already dark. Oh the darkness and the cold. Dark. Oh so very dark! And cold, have I gotten around to mentioning the cold yet? The cold that surrounds me is eternal and vast. And the dark is pretty damn all inclusive as well. So there I am in the dark and cold. It is airless as well. Dark, cold and airless. Any warmth that I know is therefore exponential in its nature.

Oh the sweet warmth that comes from my Mother the Earth. My sweet nurturing, smothering, cloying "Big Momma" of an Earth. I circle her in some sort of endless dance. Since the dance is circular in nature I can only assume it is some sort of cake walk. I do like cake. Sweet, sweet cake iced like a woman's bossom that is frosted with a light layer of talcum powder and sweat on a hot Mississippi night. People love cake. The only appreciation I will ever know comes from the ants that scurry across Momma's rugged flesh as they marvel at my now scarred beauty. I was a beautiful boy once. Smooth skin. No signs of the impact that eons of neglect can leave on a lunar surface. So I take comfort from these ants.

I look down on a small fishing village in Mexico and see lovers. If love ever had anything to do with the acts in which they engage. Then again maybe it is love. Or maybe it isn't? Wait, I think it is.

Wait!

Sorry I have to sneeze. All this dust.

Where was I?

Love or maybe not, maybe it is, and then maybe it isn't again. I will stick with maybe it is, check back with me later, I may change my mind.

I turn my head to a southern platation and here I find a man and woman who will never touch. Not in a way that is real. Not the touch of lovers but the touch of liers and the self deluded. He drinks and she tries wearing different costumes to please him. She has put on a set of football shoulder pads, cleats and a helmet. He keeps drinking. And drinking. She asks him to call her "Skipper" and he just keeps drinking. I could use a drink about now as well. And where is that cake I ordered?

Suddenly my attention is drawn to a fellow yelling in an alley somewhere in New Orleans. My light shines down on him. "He loves the light ! See how the light shines through him ? ... I shouldn't be partial, but he is my favorite one." I just wish he would stop mumbling. How can you scream and mumble at the same time? Damn odd!

I'm sorry did you offer me a drink? No? I thought I heard someone offer me a drink. You sure you don't want a drink?

The night is moving on and I have places I need to be. By the way those two in Mexico, I am pretty sure they love one another.

One last stop to make. I must be a gentleman and pay a call on the Wingfields. I hate the mother.

My sister is about to rise now. We only see one another in passing these days. See I call her Rose because she rises. She is the one woman I love. I miss not being able to spend time with her, but I suppose that reflecting her light down on those ants is some comfort. All those kind strangers who look up at me and find beauty in a scarred, wandering soul.

To paraphrase myself, "Why did I shine? Because I found life unsatisfactory."