I Couldn't Take My Eyes Off Him
Flora Stamatiades
Creative problem-solver, unifier, and doing my best to improve the arts and entertainment sector from all sides. All opinions expressed are my own.
What was the last production you saw that rocked your world?
I'm lucky to see many shows every season, but this past Wednesday I saw Twelfth Night at the Delacorte, and I'm still thinking about it.
This production is the first time the Public Theater has given one of their #PublicWorks projects a full run, and if this is any indication, they should do so every year.
In case you don't know what the project is (I didn't), "PUBLIC WORKS is a major initiative of The Public Theater that seeks to engage the people of New York by making them creators and not just spectators. Working deeply with partner organizations in all five boroughs, Public Works invites members of diverse communities to participate in workshops, take classes, attend performances at The Public, and, most importantly, to join in the creation of ambitious works of participatory theater.
Under the leadership of Director Lear deBessonet, PUBLIC WORKS deliberately blurs the line between professional artists and community members, creating theater that is not only for the people, but by and of the people as well."
Other companies have done similar projects, and many have been excellent, but I've never seen anything that matched what the Public has accomplished with this production. There were many moments that stuck with me, but the one I keep thinking about was an older gentleman in a hat, using a cane, who was upstage left during most of the larger scenes. He couldn't do the choreography perfectly, but he was in there pitching, and the joy in his every move drew my eye to him again and again.
It's those small moments that make a production shine, and this one was filled with them. The addition of the community groups, who were seamlessly integrated into the work, was key to that.
I think we forget sometimes that the community is part of the experience at the theater - always in the audience, but here, on the stage. It's not always the right choice, but when it is, it can add to the joy we all hope to find in the play.
I'd love to hear about some moments that have stayed with you from shows you've seen. I'll be over here, still thinking about the gentleman in the hat, using a cane, joyfully not keeping up.
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6 年Two come to mind. 1) My first broadway show, the original production of Dreamgirls. 2) So many moments while being on staff at The Public but especially when George and Savion were workshopping Noise/Funk. Being there to witness the first scenes of the show in development and the genius talent that is Savion. #mindblown
Writer for Stage & Screen/Director/Producer
6 年I saw this production of Twelfth Night and it was truly magical,?Flora. Other magical moments include seeing the original Broadway run of Sweeney Todd (and all of the revivals and several other productions throughout the country) and all of my theatrical experiences in London's West End.
Content strategist, content creator and Emmy-winning filmmaker. I help nonprofits and mission driven firms deliver targeted content that improves engagement by 2.6x
6 年You know it's a great one when it sticks with you for days. The gentleman with the cane must have really captured the essence of the work. The last one that did it for me was Springsteen on Broadway. I've been wanting to blog about it but I'm still processing it. Remarkable performance.
10+ Years in Learning & Development | Leading Workplace Safety Initiatives at Mount Sinai | Skilled Program Designer & Facilitator | Enhancing Workforce Productivity with AI
6 年I saw Into the Woods at Shakespeare in the Park and it was AMAZING. Amy Adams was in it.