Feed your creativity.

So this post really isn't about theatre, it's about the creative process.

As artists we are asked to create on demand. Sometimes we feel inspired and sometimes we feel tapped. I know I've encountered this where I just hit a wall when I'm asked to create something that didn't come from an organic place. Here are a few things that I tend to do to feed my creativity. Add your own in the comments.

1. Read a great book - Nothing gets my mind moving faster than a great book that sucks me in.

2. Find music that relates to the project you're working on - Music is a visceral experience, so finding something that relates to your project can help you tap into that pool of inspiration.

3. Immerse yourself in that world - read every scrap of text you can get your hands on that relates to what you are working on, you may find others that are passionate about this topic which can then inspire you. Passion begets passion.

4. Have sex - Seriously. Your second chakra is the one that controls your creativity and also your sexuality, the act of sex and release any pent up tension in this area allowing your creativity to flow more freely. This may sound a little woo-woo to you, but try it before you knock it. Or just wear some orange and see if that frees you up any.

5. Exercise - Moving your body around is a great way to get your blood flowing and you're creativity going. It also allows your body to be engaged in the exercise and allows your mind to wander and dream.

6. Have a conversation - Just make sure it's someone who understands your project and really allow yourself to open fully about the project. Having a sounding board is one of the best ways to engage with your project.

So those are just a few of mine, how do you push past "the wall" and really let your creativity flow?

Smoldering goodness.

So I already told you about the show I saw at Woolly this weekend...

What I neglected to tell you is that I also had a chance to partake in Julie Lewis' Smolder being performed at that Strand.

What a beautifully written play. I'm not usually a fan of plays that have a ton of characters (especially considering it's 75 minute run time) but damn can Julie write a play. I do need to disclose that I have also chosen to direct a short by her later this summer for BPF, but that was way before I saw Smolder or had a chance to meet Julie. In that short/one act she also has a lot of characters, but somehow she knows how to make it work. I envy that a little, though don't tell anyone. ;)

The acting was good, but I think it could have gone farther. There seemed to be a little bit of a disconnect between the two "versions" of Sylvia, like the two actresses needed more time with the director working on the connection between the two. Though their performances were true to what they were experiencing.

I also think that the decoupaging needed to go MUCH further. That room needs to represent Sylvia trying to hold onto the control that she once had over her life. These images she cuts out are her literally trying to piece her life back together to what she thinks it once was. These pictures cover up what has become the pit that Sylvia now lives in. As I was sitting there watching I even figured out how to do it, but hey it's not my show, I'll stop before I cross a line.

And I have one question... Was Reno supposed to be Latino? It threw me off a bit because there were references to Latino culture and the actor was obviously Caucasian.

Anyways, I think Smolder is worth seeing. You've only got one more weekend. You can get tickets here.

Shotguns, death camps & sex, oh my!

Last night I had the pleasure of attending Antebellum at Woolly Mammoth in DC.

As entering the sign said "This performance will contain smoking, nudity & gunshots". I got excited.

I've got a one word reaction - Wow!

The acting was superb and nuanced. A blending of actors in such a way that was worthy of Gone With the Wind (one of my all time favorite movies btw).

The set transformed magically without ever changing. One second it's outside of Atlanta in 1939, the next moment I'm in Germany in the late 1930's. The idea was to meld these two cultures together to see the similarities in the way we treat people who are different than us and I think Tony Cisek's set did just that.

I actually stopped thinking about the directing, the acting, etc. and just enjoyed the show. This means a lot to me because I don't get to do that as often now. It's very rare when I can just sit back and enjoy the ride.

This is a MUST SEE show for me. And I picked up the script for only $10 in the lobby.

Way to go Woolly!

Oh and in case you're wondering, I didn't get yelled at by the House Manager this time, though I did see her. Maybe it's because I didn't have any snacks during intermission.

My closing thought: Andrew Price is an actor to watch. F'ing incredible.