Thursday, May 18, 2006

crazy talk

We can cut a deal with realtors to renovate properties and revitalize neighborhoods that benefits both sides.

We can argue with the city about the vital need for recognition and protection of the young, unknown artists and the environment they work in, and we can win that argument.

We can work with the unions to create more work and a much more rewarding work environment.

We can tour our work across the country and host the work of like-minded small theater companies and artists here in New York.

We can build a new, strong, engaged audience by focusing on younger people and working together.

We can write the history books. Literally. We can write them. We're living them, we just need to write it down now while it's fresh.

We can do a lot of things, friends. Only real problem I see is that there is no we.

Every generation recognizes the same problem. Every generation comes to the same wall.

Most generations divide into two camps. One camp recognizes the wall, measures it, and begins to climb it. Some may actually get over to the other side, who knows? Most of the first camp, however, settle on finding a position somewhere on the wall and begin to jealously guard it.

The other camp, standing at the wall, not climbing, divides as well. Half spend their lives standing at the foot of the wall, shaking their fists and shouting. The other half grows bored and walks away.

That's what most generations do, upon finding themselves at the wall.

The exceptional generations, the historical generations, tear down the fucking wall.

We all know the situation. We can all talk about the same problems and tell the same sad stories. The answers may not be easy, but they certainly aren't complex. We can change things. We're the only ones who can.

Only problem is, there is no we.

In the meantime, let's all pursue our individual agendas and work on our individual shows and publicize our individual endeavors and hope that it all works out.

See you on the wall.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I like this a lot.

Thank you.

Anonymous said...

This is sad but true.
How the Group Theatre came to be or I guess...how any company stays together ?

John said...

Thanks, Jake. More wall talk on the recent post. Give me a metaphor and enough time and I'll beat that bastard right into the ground.

And you're right about the need for a larger artistic consciousness in this city. Theater and dance people don't even talk, let alone theater and visual art folks. And I'm as guilty as anyone out there.