I work and play as a Sound Designer, Sound Engineer, and Recording Artist.
Hello Readers
April 25th, 2009End of year 2009
December 29th, 2009Two accomplishments to add here before the end of the year. First I had a very successful show and sound design at the Edinburgh International Festival. The show was “Peter & Wendy” and the lead actress Karen Kandel won the award “Best Performer Edinburgh International Festival 2009″. The show was a big hit, got 5 star reviews, and got standing ovations every night.
Next I must add the quick tour to Moscow. Was there for 8 days with another show I sound designed for Mabou Mines, this time it was “Dollhouse”. It was also very well received over there. Moscow is a very different place. I had been to Eastern Europe before and thought I knew what I was in for. I did not expect it to be so different from what I expected!
This past year, professionally, has been successful and fulfilling. It is ending quietly and I am gathering my strength for the coming year.
Othello take 2
September 27th, 2009Am again helping with OTHELLO in NYC. It’s a difficult schedule and everybody, cast and crew, are working hard. However my focus this discussion is on the piece itself. It was such a moving experience to listen to Peter during the long rehearsals. First of all it was a shock to the spirit how brilliant Shakespeare is, both in his command of the English language and his insight into human existance. Last time I read him was in High School and I can safely say Shakespeare is grounded in weathered experience and cannot be appreciated by young, even smart inexperienced minds.
Peter took a very Buddhist slant on this play. He read texts of Buddhist scholars to the cast. For example he believes Iago is not “the personification of Evil”. The forces that downfelled Othello were in motion far before Iago ever got involved. Within Othello himself were the seeds of his tragedy and Iago merely played a part.
Also Peter stresses the Budshist view that really deep I side everybody is basically aware of everything, it’s mostly a matter of how much one can admit to oneself and others. This is why the actors almost never leave the stage. When their parts are over they sit on the sideline, in view of the audience, watching on.
The Andersen Project - Robert LePage
May 27th, 2009Worked on this wonderful production from Canada. Critically and artistically successful, this piece was riviting, creative, accessible and deep. Director Robert LePage is responsible.
The 2009 Vienna Festival is in full swing.
PS That Synching Feeling: A character named Jenny Lind, the “The Nightingale of the North” appeared in both the Vienna production of “The Andersen Project” and in the Sarasota production of “Barnum” that I worked on at the Asolo Theater.
Getting Ready for International Travel
April 25th, 2009
Sunday is the end of the run of “Smile” at The Players. That was a fun production. Now getting ready to go overseas.