I spent this last week in Pune, rehearsing with the cast at KCT. We had more fittings and used the masks in rehearsal to discover any potential difficulties in comfort and sightlines. In the second act, there is a large dance featuring all sorts of animals, in a variety of masks styles that cover different … Continue reading Shots from the rehearsal room
As a child, I would often hear my father say: "There's more than one way to skin a cat." The most pressing thing on my mind at the time was: Why would one want to skin a cat at all? I still haven't answered that question. However, I do know there's more than one way to get something done. … Continue reading Making it work
The mysterious mask I mentioned?
Here's another mask in progress for Maya. Not all the parts are there yet. Guess what this one will become? Hint: It's a commonly known animal. Tell me what you think in the comments.
Birthday thanks! Today I complete another revolution around the sun. I am in the same place, but not in the same place. Unlike any previous year, I am in another country for my birthday. I will be spending it NOT working, and doing a bit of roaming around Mumbai and sharing food with friends. I am … Continue reading Revolutions & Gratitude
I’ve always been a very visual learner. When learning a new place, it is no different. Cross-referencing my physical experience of moving through a city with the visual representation of the journey on a map is important to me. I had an idea of the location of my guest house before leaving, but only an … Continue reading Horn OK Please
Some of my masks are commissioned. Some are designed as a part of a specific theatre or dance production. Some are the results of experimenting in the studio. But nearly all of the masks I make are intended for performance—or at least for wearing. The materials I use and painting styles I employ follow this … Continue reading Some for wearing, some for seeing
I'm traveling to India! I will be volunteering the next two months for the Maya Project, a joint project of two great organizations, Teach for India and Artists Striving to End Poverty. It's a wonderful project, aimed at the empowerment of children to creatively work for the change they would like to see. A significant part of … Continue reading The Maya Project
The 2014 Awardees This spring, I was approached by Michael Fields of Dell'Arte International to design the 2014 Prize of Hope. This annual award is given jointly by Dell'Arte and the Danish Institute of Popular Theatre. The founders describe the meaning of the prize as: “It is given to an individual or theatre who has worked for … Continue reading The Prize of Hope
I've been back a month now! And I haven't been dancing nearly enough. Here are some moments that take me back. Topeng After a few weeks of study, we started wearing a mask and the basic parts of the costume in class. Both really change the way you move. The costume frames the mask—which is … Continue reading Dancing (and chanting) the night away