Date: Wed, 13 May 2009 10:42:12 -0700
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
From: The Independent Eye <eye-AT-independenteye.org>
Subject: [Puptcrit] Good News


Friends-

	Just returned from a trip east to see my mate Elizabeth in a 
guest role in PA, and got news that our forthcoming puppet production 
of THE TEMPEST has received a $25,000 grant from the NEA, one of 37 
nationally under their "Shakespeare in American Communities" 
initiative.  It's to our partner theatre Sonoma County Repertory for 
a high school tour following its regular 5-week run at the theatre in 
Sebastopol (our outfit The Independent Eye is co-prooducing, I'm 
directing, designing, building & playing Prospero, Elizabeth creating 
the vast music score).

	Since it's for the tour, it doesn't ease the rather squeezed 
initial production budget, but, despite extreme jet-lag or just plain 
exhaustion, I'm ecstatic.  First, for the theatre: it's their first 
NEA grant, and they're really starting to gain much-deserved 
recognition.  And second, for the extended life of the production. 
Doing Shakespeare for only a five-week run is like ordering up dinner 
at a fine French restaurant, taking one fork-full, and waltzing out 
the door.  We had our puppet MACBETH in repertory for 2-3 yr. tours 
over a 15 yr. span, and each performance, each time returning to it, 
was a gift of new discovery.  I'm hoping to find ways to transfer and 
evolve this production beyond its life here, possibly remounting it 
at other theatres or colleges with their actors but the basic 
equipage & concepts, and continuing the process of discovery.  Dunno 
if we'll find takers, but worth a try.

	Now back to finishing the sculpting -- just Ferdinand and 
Miranda remaining -- and then giving everyone eyes.  That's when the 
soul enters.

Peace & joy--
Conrad B.

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