Saturday's theater...

as I promised, a report on the two projects I saw Saturday afternoon and night. They could not have been more different. The PTP (the acronym for the theater) project was two one acts, one by Caryl Churchill and the other by Howard Barker. The one other PTP  project that I saw was in 2015---a very strong and vivid production of his Scenes from an Execution. Sadly this grouping of four pieces was pretty bland---over intellectual, and the Churchill play, originally written for radio was long and arduous. My friend Tara was very good, working her way through the heavy laden plot (she was the protagonist) and it was nice to see her afterwards. Others in the cast were excellent as well, in fact one could really admire the cast's commitment to the work. But the endless english accents---it is so counterproductive, in my opinion to have american actors imitate Great Britaners ad nauseum---so much energy used for so little. And a greater question. Why does this theater exist? The place was over half filled, so there is some audience for their work but one can't help wondering if their infatuation with all (or most) playwrights British is really necessary. Well, I guess its just a sign of the times, everyone is doing theater nowadays, and feels entitled to do it. Seems like there are enough people to patronize these offerings, so what can one do.
   That evening, a completely different experience, life affirming, vivid, challenging, alive, I am talking about the Twelfth Night at the Delacort. A wonderful musical version, using about 50 people, 5 Equity actors and the others, (some really terrific) from Public Works, an institution that has been part of the Public's vision for the last six years. The music and lyrics really enlarged Shakepeare's vision ( quite and accomplishment) the songs built on what Shakespeare created. Great cast--I am really lucky that my friend Kim, whom I have known for 11 years now, decided to become involved with ASL , and through that, joined the staff of this production. I went out feeling wonderful; afterwards, Kim, Clint and myself had a pizza at Pizzeria Uno and a long discussion about the piece. It was a dress rehearsal, but in incredible shape, and its use of all the neighborhood people who participate in the production was totally relaxed and organic.
  Yesterday, spent a lot of the early day just reovering, then off to South fourth where I "hung" with Tommy, a musician friend and his girl friend a Riverdale person and social worker. So there was a lot to talk about, and Rhonda ( the girl friend) invited me to visit a bar she likes 248th street near where she lives. One of the many bars I should check out before the summer ends.
  Then a reading at Bushwick Starr' a play written by a friend, kind of abstruse, but it was nice to be there---one disappointment, a woman friend of mine waved to me, but did not stay around to talk to me afterwards, that disappointed me. But I will probably see her again at the party scheduled for the 28th. Finished the evening across the street at Starr Bar---ordered a coke, was given it gladly,(i think the bar by now knows that I am the "coke" person---well it is an activist bar, and activists must stay sober)  but the bar was pretty empty and no conversation was available. Finally took the L home.
   Taking it easy today until the BAN meeting tonight at 7. Afterwards may visit with a bartender at the Dive Bar on 106th street. Hope she is still there-I should be pretty rested to visit there after the meeting. Will report tomorrow.