Ventures/ and Adventures

it's really all the same. kidding. So VERY VERY kidding.

In previews, the Halifax audience response was mixed. To be fair, we
received rave reviews from some individuals, but a lot of reserved opinion.
Open or sidelong criticisms seemed to be based on what the show isn't. It
isn't narrative. It isn't linear. It isn't consistent in presentational
style. It isn't..."normal."

So. What happens when you find audiences who really like, or even love a
show for what it IS?

Hello, Berlin.

And now, goodbye. What do you say when someone asks "How was it?" How can
you sum up a two week adventure in time, space and life with a casual "It
was (insert-random-adjective-here)" phrase?

I've been going through my own photos of the trip and can see evidence of so
much happiness, so much levity, so much sobriety, and so much exhaustion.
Not all at once, thank goodness. But such extremes, non?

In terms of the show, it was an awesome ride. Awesome on the grand vs.
colloquial scale. More roller coaster than merry-go-round, but if those are
the only options, I'd take roller coaster. Unless we're talking physical
reality: I'd probably puke on an actual rollercoaster.

My personal favorite was the performance at the loft. There was a
specialness and intimacy and immediacy throughout the entire show.



The Theaterforum Kreuzberg black box worked better than we had anticipated
on our first viewing. Using lighting as our "architecture" in the space as a
guide to place scenes seemed to be the key. And the dramatic lighting
certainly enhanced the scenes. It was fun to let Pip have a turn with
establishing running order, based on lighting. This was a much different
show for me personally, since two of the scenes in which I play had always
taken great advantage of being in the audience... under natural or full
light, touching, feeling, eye contact, direct one-on-one play. So the
separation by lights and darkness, by stage and rake ... it was an entirely
different experience within the context of performing this show.

Overall, I'm happy for what we gave the audiences in all the performances.
We had some really superlative shows, didn't we? The bonus: I didn't puke
once.



And now? Still processing, really. Lessons learned, some regrets earned.
Doubt wrangled, spirit mangled and restored. Doors opened in heart and mind.
Blue skies beyond and the Halifax premiere ahead. Future beckons, twinkling
and teasing.

Thanks to Shtev, Dustin, Amy, Garry, Steph & Pip.

Much affection
Kim