By Vahdat Yeganeh, artistic director Boston Experimental Theatre (B.E.T.) is very proud to continue its collaboration with Touch Art Gallery and Mr. Pezhman Tahavori to create an environment to study and practice “Dialogue Among Civilizations: Creating a Cultural Dialogue.” Living in an era when misunderstanding and intolerance has created increased violence, I feel a responsibility to share my experiences of Dr. Dariush Shayegan’s philosophy of “Dialogue Among Civilizations” and its influence on I to recognize how important it is for 21st century citizens to understand and feel the desire of intimate dialogue. Art or War, the intimate dialogue is inevitable. Our new production, “Shahnameh: The Persian Book of Kings (977-1010 CE),” is a work-in-progress in a rehearsal room, inspired by the theatre of Mr. Antonin Artaud and Mr. Jerzy Grotowski, where our artists will connect to … [Read more...] about Shahnameh: The Persian Book of Kings at Touch Art Gallery
Theatre
Les 7 doigts de la main presents Traces at Emerson/Cutler Majestic Theatre
By James Foritano Boston, MA - In English, their name means the seven digits of the hand. This current downtown presentation by Les 7 doigts de la main of “Changes,” until October 12, at Arts Emerson’s ‘the world on stage’ is, in this reviewer’s opinion, the closest an adult can sit to the magic of childhood at the circus. Originally formed in Montreal in 2006, this multi-dimensional production, spells ‘circus’ not only with derring-do and flair, but personality, connection, and even, may one say, soul. The seven performers have changed since the troupe’s Montreal advent in 2006, but hewed closely to their intention of presenting variety within unity like a handful of fingers plus 2. There was certainly ethnic variety, and, though just barely, gender variety, and then a pleasing variety of body types, from coiled to lanky and shades in-between. The ‘plus 2’ fingers is defined … [Read more...] about Les 7 doigts de la main presents Traces at Emerson/Cutler Majestic Theatre
Cornered: Brandon Milardo on Marketing for an Arts Organization
By An Uong When something as intangible as art or performance has to be publicized and advertised, the challenge lies in convincing the community that a valuable experience is being offered. More often than not, marketers are thought of as sauntering employees of big brand companies, looking to paste billboards along highways. However, this is far form true for those who work for arts organizations. Brandon Milardo, who is the marketing director at Actors' Shakespeare Project (ASP), has to navigate through the process of building a relationship between the company, its audience, and the surrounding businesses. We met up with Brandon to discuss his position at ASP and his thoughts on reaching out to the community. HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED WITH THE ASP AND WHAT IS YOUR ROLE THERE? I'm the marketing manager at Actors Shakespeare Project. I report to the executive producer and I … [Read more...] about Cornered: Brandon Milardo on Marketing for an Arts Organization
Hedwig and the Angry Inch at the Belasco Theater
By Donna Dodson New York, NY - Currently playing on Broadway at the Belasco Theater in New York City, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” has been nominated for 8 Tony awards — so far. This rock musical is centered around Hedwig, the transgendered lead singer in a fictional rock and roll band from East Germany. The production, written and performed by John Cameron Mitchell with music and lyrics by Stephen Trask, first appeared off Broadway in 1998. One of the over arching themes of Hedwig is the story of platonic love, as it was explained to Hedwig (aka Hansel) when he was a little boy. In 2001, John Cameron Mitchell starred in the movie version that continued the theme of love, search for self and gay/queer gender roles and identity politics as it plays out in Hedwig’s search for rock stardom. The current Broadway production, featuring Neil Patrick Harris in the lead role, resurrects … [Read more...] about Hedwig and the Angry Inch at the Belasco Theater
Abe Lincoln’s Piano at the Emerson/Cutler Majestic Theatre
By James Foritano Boston, MA – Artscope was at the Cutler Majestic Theater for a recent performance as Hershey Felder stepped out on stage with only artfully configured lighting and a few props to lead us through the crisis of President Lincoln’s assassination. It helps, when one has something to say, especially over the length of 90 minutes, to be multi-talented. To sing, to dance, to mime, to mimic doesn’t necessarily illuminate every wrinkle of this complex communal and personal tragedy, but it does provide entertainment, and even provocation to wonder. In popular song and musical accompaniment (on Abe Lincoln’s piano) Mr. Felder conjures up the world of sound and rhythm of an era. And we hear that world comforting and dialoguing with itself when art was largely homemade. Along this journey, Felder eloquently assumes and sheds multiple personas but concentrates on the … [Read more...] about Abe Lincoln’s Piano at the Emerson/Cutler Majestic Theatre
Underground Railway Theater presents Sila at Central Square Theater
By James Foritano Cambridge, MA - Put eight characters of differing allegiances embodied by eight seasoned actors on Baffin Island in the Canadian territory of Nunavut, stir in climate disruption along with assorted native spirits, animals and near-death/real death experiences, and you have a potent, compelling brew. The challenge mastered in “Sila” by the playwright (Chantal Bilodeau), actors and puppets is to involve the audience in each character’s world view so completely that, although we don’t necessarily become their allies, we feel their differing loyalties before we can argue with them. Thomas, played by Robert Murphy, is the commander of Baffin Island’s coast guard station. About to retire, he wants to leave a legacy of safety, specifically, a deep-water port where scientific expeditions can securely anchor in order to explore and resource the polar fastness. Jean, … [Read more...] about Underground Railway Theater presents Sila at Central Square Theater