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24 October 2007

I have spent too much time in the dark contemplating the future of an illusion [More:] Post title paraphrases Herbert Blau.

The play I’m directing previews tonight. I haven’t directed in a long time, and I had forgotten what an insane thing it is to do. I think the performance instinct is pretty obvious and universal, regardless of if you have it or don’t, or to what degree. But where oh where does this impulse come from to orchestrate hours of time to tell a story? The pressure and the research and the details and the communications are killer. Choreographers are in the same boat, and I can not even begin to fathom what personal demons a filmmaker goes through, although that results in a semi permanent, tangible thing.

And it’s lonely. I’m the boss. All my time went into this, even computer time, I’ve neglected email pals because if I have to email I’m writing things like “can the streamers be a different color, can you take off your glasses before you look up, for the love of pete shut the damn door after the scene change” and stuff like that. Do you know how many hours it takes to teach oneself to Sham Tango and then find music and teach six other people how to do a Sham Tango number? Days worth of hours. But hey, I have Sham Tango skills, if you ever need them.

So bunnies, I’m feeling quite Glenn Close in “Cookie’s Fortune.” If anyone asks you to take charge of the pageant, think thrice! The honor and the money sounded good at the time, but now I’m just hoping to make it through this week. Please send me your psychic support? ME. Support ME. (The show is fine – on a par quality level of what this theatre usually produces, and I’ve taught some actors some things and learned about process myself.)
Well, I had no idea you were taking a turn in the director's chair! Wow!

It sounds incredibly exciting. And you're going to be fine... look at it this way: the hard part is almost over! A few tweaks after your preview tonight, and then it's just a matter of guiding the ship you've built with the crew you've trained... everybody knows their job, and you just have to encourage them and keep them together long enough to set sail.

Are there going to be any photos of this production that we can see online?
posted by BoringPostcards 24 October | 08:25
Well done, rainbaby. I, too, want to see pictures.
posted by elizard 24 October | 09:00
It will be worth it, rainbaby! You'll sleep well this weekend, and settle into a rhythm once the show opens, I bet. Then you'll be bored and want to make something again. Because that's how the beast works. :D
posted by chewatadistance 24 October | 09:24
Rainbaby, I want to do the Sham Tango! I'm sending you psychic vibes of support, and well wishes for a huge turnout and plenty of post-production relaxation.
posted by LoriFLA 24 October | 09:38
My job is over after tomorrow night, except two appearances for discussion nights - they'll go all James Lipton on us. I turn it over to the stage manager, I don't have to be there and do. It's just the tiredness and the temper and having to be charming for the next two nights that may undo me.

I'm just in a very strange psychic state.

For my next project, I'll be cramming for an insurance exam to be taken by December 15th. I am waaay behind, of course.
posted by rainbaby 24 October | 09:48
For you, rainbaby
posted by danf 24 October | 09:51
I may never hear the phrase 'go all James Lipton on us' the same way again.
posted by box 24 October | 10:03
Wow, congrats rainbaby.
posted by gaspode 24 October | 10:09
I can't stand that James Lipton. Thanks everyone. Can't wait to download the song, danf, that's very nice of you.
posted by rainbaby 24 October | 11:25
It seemed apropos, in a few ways. You are welcome.
posted by danf 24 October | 11:28
Oh gah. Just found out one reviewer is coming tonight, not tomorrow. gah gah gah.
posted by rainbaby 24 October | 13:26
New favorite pizza: NONE Pizza with Left Beef || for pieisexactlythree

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