Most of the Chekhov dramas I recall seeing on other stages were what I remember as ‘drawing room’ comedies where aristocratic Russians arrived in their own coaches to doff fur coats and silk wraps to deferential servants and fall into each other arms — their host presiding warmly. As I sit at my desk, my memory of the Arlekin Player’s guests is altogether different: gone are the furs and silk, the languorous embraces, the sips of champagne. Instead I’m remembering guests who relished undressing and then skinning their opposites while they clinked goblets of each other’s blood, grinning toothily. Oh, the stage directions stipulated a mansion in the countryside and woods surrounding a tranquil lake, but these directions were not interpreted literally. And who amongst those thirsty cannibals spared a glance at the lake, filled with (Ugh!) weak water, let alone wandered its … [Read more...] about THE ARLEKIN PLAYERS PLAY CHEKHOV’S THE SEAGULL
seagull
Painting the Moment: Cape Ann Plein Air 2019
Cape Ann is a place where families wander through artisan shops and galleries as they enjoy a fresh lobster roll or ice cream, while gazing out at the Atlantic rolling in and out of the shore, boats teetering with the breeze. Cooler temperatures and the changing leaves yield new happenings in this coastal community such as the Cape Ann Plein Air festival from October 6-14, drawing audiences from all over the country to observe over 40 juried American artists painting the picturesque surroundings. Like Winslow Homer who traveled here to capture reflections of light and the magnitude of nature in the 19th century, oil, acrylic, and watercolorists gather today to capture a similar essence. Celebrating its fourth year, painters can submit up to 5 works to be judged by devoted plein air artist, Kenn Backhaus and Cape Ann Plein Air will award around $22,000 worth of prizes to winners, … [Read more...] about Painting the Moment: Cape Ann Plein Air 2019