by Travis LeMont Ballenger, New Play Institute Senior Producing Fellow
I couldn't sleep this morning. At all. Too excited about yesterday and the next couple of days. So, I'm using this time to tell you about our journey. Jamie and I are at the Design Science Symposium at Rhode Island School of Design. We're here with D.W. Jacobs, playwright/director of R. Buckminster Fuller: THE HISTORY (and Mystery) OF THE UNIVERSE. Doug is going to be speaking on play-making and synergy. Jamie and I, his backup singers, are going to read excerpts from the play.
Yesterday, we stopped in to speak with actor Rick Foucheux, the man playing Bucky. We had lunch at a nice little French restaurant in Manhattan, and discussed the difference between acting in NY and in DC. Rick is a very well known actor. He has had numerous roles at major regional theaters, New York, film, and television. We shouldn't forget his critical acclaim in Emperor Jones playing at the Irish Rep. But even with all that, its still not as easy as you would think. It's not a simple life being an actor, but, you can see, especially with someone like Rick, that his passion leads him. You can see it in his eyes: the hunger for the art. So, even in those moments when it's not easy and he's tired, he continues forward, not giving up. I'm a big fan.
In the journey up we discussed everything from insurance policies of the early 18th Century to theater subsidy law. I'm learning so much. Doug and Jamie are great traveling companions.
After getting lost (the stupid TomTom was not working like we wanted it to) we finally made it to Providence. We're staying in this little B&B. The walls are covered with this fanciful bird wallpaper; look at the picture below. Jamie and I are sharing a room, in what smells wonderfully like homemade baked bread. Currently, I'm sitting in the hallway. I've been kicked out. Like I said, I can't sleep and I'm a loud typist.
Anyway, we're here to let people know about the show. That's our mission these next couple of days. We have to find a way to spread the word of this play to every community. I really believe in this play. Last night, Doug discussed the impact it had on young people in California. I'm not surprised, this play speaks strongly to young generations. It's interesting that it spoke so strongly to young generations ten years ago.
Today, we head to Boston to see Bucky's grave site. I'm excited and a bit freaked out. Bucky seems like some sort of a prophet. It only makes sense I should see his grave, but that really humanizes him. Should I take flowers? What do you do on a pilgrimage to Buckminster Fuller's final resting place?
Later, we'll meet with the incredibly intelligent people of the Synergetics Collaborative. I'm prepared for my mind to expand. I want to stretch it to the limit.
Alright, that's where we are so far. I can hear the alarm, so I think I can go back in. Oh yea, I'll be taking video too, so stay tuned.
Over and out.
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