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March 10, 2013
I am itching to get back into a theatre. I have not been a part of a rehearsal process for two months, but it feels like two years. Where’s my phone?
March 11, 2013
Today I received the script for the University of Toledo’s production of “Ghost Light” that I will be co-directing with Edmund Lingan. The script is amazing and I cannot wait to see what they have done with it so far. This show is a completely original multimedia production created by students that consists of an amalgamation of autobiographies dealing with addiction, fame, abandonment and many other struggles, glittered with everlasting hope. It runs in episodes as opposed to a linear plot structure, offering glimpses into the lives of each character. It is powerful, bold and relatable whether one has been in the exact situations or not.
Ghost light is the light that always stays on in the theatre to keep friendly spirits illuminated and unfriendly spirits at bay — also said to keep the theatrical muse in the theatre. Ghost light — a light symbolizing hope and progress that guides the characters in and out of realms of consciousness on their individual journeys of self-exploration and the human condition. I’m going to read it again.
March 12, 2013
For me, being away from the theatre is like living without water and this show is the perfect piece to quench my thirst. They are completely breaking out of the realm of realism by using various performance art techniques and concepts, which is right up my alley! This is why I love working with Ed — and with UT shows, the “normal” tends to be avoided. This evening I only watched, so that I could see what has been done so far and I love what I see. Ideas are flowing.
March 27, 2013
This show has progressed so well—they have been working with this piece for eight months and having a fresh set of eyes has definitely seemed to help in its development. We are able to run through the piece completely and even without all the technological elements it looks awesome! We start tech rehearsals next week — my favorite part of the process.
It’s all happening.
April 5, 2013
We are approaching our 12-hour tech day — 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. tomorrow. Projections, lights and sound have been incorporated and the show is now more interesting that I ever imagined it being. The projections are pieces that were created by film students, including both abstract animation and symbolic images, creating a beautiful backdrop for what is taking place onstage that the actors can interact with as well. This show is truly a beautiful, heart wrenching, game changing, Artaudian adventure.
April 6, 2013
Everything changes when the work lights go out and sound, color, lights and actors fill the stage — then the vision is that much closer to being realized. Then it’s opening night, and you just let go. There’s that breathtaking moment of silence right before the show begins and then that cathartic exhalation at the end and you leave the space feeling completely different than you did when you walked in, which makes me love performance art and this show in particular. We open on the 12th and will be having a talkback with the audience after the performance. Actually, this is more than just a performance—it is an experience.
Ghost Light will play at the University of Toledo Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 13 at 7:30pm; Sunday, April 14 at 2pm; Wednesday, April 17 through Saturday, April 20 at 7:30pm; Sunday, April 21 at 2pm. Students $7, seniors $10, UT alumni and faculty/staff $10, general admission $12. 2801 W. Bancroft St. 419-530-2375. For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/UTGhostLight
