Tjasa Ferme, Slovenian Oscar Winner (2006), is an actress, theatre performer and playwright who first came to the US to intern with Grotowski based Double Edge Theatre. Sponsored as a visiting artist by the cell theatre company, she has worked with Dzieci (Makbet, Fool’s Mass) as well as written and performed in Cock Tales, incubated and produced at the cell, Midtown International Theatre Festival 2009 and House of Yes. Tjasa is participating collaborator with the cell and director Jeremy Bloom (Leaves of Grass), she is currently performing with Red Noir and Fecesarama, both at The Living Theatre. Tjasa will appear in a leading role in the forthcoming feature film by Mark Lafia.
I really wish you worked from a script and showed more visuals. Powerpoint would have been very helpful.
Brilliant! Warm and funny and full of deep joy and sorrow.
I thoroughly enjoyed the reading for Cherry’s. The cast was magnificent.
As always, my friend Leslie Uggims was simply supurb. Seeing the amazing Bill Cobbs, Gloria Reuben and James McDaniel..what a perfect cast.
I loved the storyline and can’t wait to see it on the big screen.
Lucia Kaiser
TV/Film Producer
Will these drawing sessions include any instruction or guidance??
Thank you.
The CHERRYS reading was an evening of pure class. With little rehearsal, the cast gave an “opening night” performance of top notch material.
glad you posted to Craft excerpt. I was there on that Blackboard night and that little angel sang the hell out of those songs…amazingly talented!
This performance was truly a display of talented actors and actresses.
I loved the energy, comedy, and realistic emotions display by the cast.
You will definitely have a good laugh. Wow!
I’m looking for some info on Alto Saxaphones and I’ve just stumbled upon your site! An interesting read which I thought to be of value. I will enjoying coming back to have more time to read more.
I’d like to reserve 2 seats for Dec. 7th, 7PM.
Thanks so much-
Liz Ortiz-Mackes
Casting Solutions
http://www.castingsolutions.tv
Are you serving brunch tomorrow 12:00-1:30? If so, what will you serve and what is the cost? Thank you.
FAREWELL, RECRUIT was so awesome, I can’t wait to hear what the L2L folks have cooked up next!
Thoroughly enjoyed the concert… and the people. Wonderful arrangements. My thanks to Louis for the invite and a wonderful evening of intimate sounds. This is what CHAMBER music is supposed to be!
I hope no one will mistake fiction for fact here–Rupert Pole more than forgave Anais for her “dark secrets,” of which she informed him long before her death, including the fact she was married to another man. After Anais’s death, Rupert doggedly continued her work in the form of her childhood and unexpurgated diaries after her death and carried her torch until he died.
Nice article, we’re glad you like it. happens all the time
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I found your post looking on bing for just this information. I’m going to add you to favorites, I got alot from some of your other posts as well. Thanks!
Hi, love to come to either of your shows! Do I just show up?
I’ll be happy to begin the discussion. Two years ago when I took over as General Director of the Center for Contemporary Opera, our 27 year old organization gently shifted our focus. We began a series of opera “ateliers” which serves the same purpose as previews do for plays and musicals.
the cell welcomed us with open arms; not only as a generous host for our events but also as a valuable and treasured artistic resource. Whatever we need, they can do…direct, audition, you name it. And they do it very well.
Every time I go to the cell, I enjoy something different..a play, a string quartet, a reading or lecture. Would you like to see an art show before a play? No problem at the cell.
The venue itself is welcoming and unique. People just feel at home there from the very first time they enter. The audience ranges from hipsters all dressed in black to eccentric octogenarians. Just what you want.
I know of nothing like this in New York. Someone aptly described the cell as a 21st century salon. I suspect that if Gertrude Stein was alive, it would be her favorite place.
In two short years, Nancy and her staff have created something unique. Brava! Count me as a fan and I hope you will become one too.
I am not an authority, but have a suggestion to prevent these “readings” from dying and continue for others who haven’t heard/seen them… What about taking it on the road? There are several small theatre groups outside of N.Y.C, like Nyack, Monroe, Warwick, Rhinebeck and I am sure there are parts of Westchester (of which I’m not familiar with) that would love to entertain the thought of these thought provoking readings.
Then again, maybe they need to be revisited at The Cell, another time?
Excellent post as usual, thank you for writing such helpful content on a regular basis.
thank goodness for that edgy place, and you edgy, funky, fresh-faced sisters of 23rd street
Certainly this is a big problem for the smaller, non-commercial companies. Equity, AGMA, and AFM all serve a purpose, but in NYC the fees for these artists are all geared to Broadway and Lincoln Center, not a innovative venue like the cell.
Looks like I have a least two genius cousins! Both artists to the core. You have amazing gifts of insight and wonderful, gracious ways of loving. I wish we were not separated by so many states and tasks. I miss you.
Aaahhh… but did you learn something(s) that you didn’t know before?
I learned a lot about Indian history and culture that I didn’t know. But where human nature is concerned, I expect I will always be a curious observer. I find human beings to be endlessly interesting and enjoy discovering cross-cultural similarities.
Nancy- I love your blog posts! Keep it up, please!
xo
-Chris
Nice web blog you have here. Bookmarking now!
You address an interesting issue on that stuff. I think you described it in a professional way. Hope you go further this way, with your marvellous way of writing
and perhaps this explains your exquisite sense of style!
As one of those who gave you flack …Apology accepted! I’m not sure it comes down to pessimism or optimism in regards to being an activist. I think Pessimists can be lazy…their attitude can be “why bother? its all going to end in disaster anyway!” Whereas an Optimist believes “Come on! if we all work together we can change the world!” Because we believe in people enough. Who’s with me? Thoughts anyone? add your comments…
I had the same thought as P.J. but I like the fact that Nancy got us talking (Bruce and I had a discussion about it as well). I also think that activism probably has nothing to do with optimism or pessimism. By the way, I love the picture of the cat I had never seen that one before.
Nancy,
As you must know, I pretty much agree with everything you have to say! I do think that you might be talking not so much about optimistic ignorance as much as ignorant optimism–as in the distinction between innocence and naivete. I think one can have informed optimism.
There was, several years ago, a symposium in Sweden with many Nobel laureates and other thought leaders who argued the issue as to whether humankind will destroy the earth and themselves or not. There were two panels–one of scientists, the other of spiritual leaders and investigators of human nature–each one arguing one side of the debate. The ultimate win went to the spiritual team, who argued that we would evolve spiritually enough to save ourselves and the planet. They won by one vote. So I suppose I feel that as long as we have 51% going for us, we’ll be okay–
Thank you for starting the dialogue!
Best always,
Ari
A great deal more people ought to realize what this is and how it can help, I thoroughly enjoyed your post and I hope that others did aswell. BTW I hope you don’t my if I link this to my site, becuase i know my readers would love this, Thanks. Thanks
I quite agree–because it takes an optimist to actually do something when the world is going down the toilet! I would say it takes a realist to notice.
I think the cat just started a movement to keep juice in glasses.
What apology? I just wanna keep the peace, work together and change the world. I’m still a pessimist!
Is the cat an optimist or a pessimist?
I believe all the above responses came from optimists. Any other pessimists out there, besides me? Are you too lazy to write? Hahaha!!!
So since you are, by your own admission “an idealist who believes that humans can participate in the creation of a better world through awareness, understanding and connection.” some might call you a closet optimist…just saying
No! Sooo true, so relevant! I feel the same way Nancy. There is so much history and knowledge that we should absorb and there is just a mass of information dispensed everyday that it’s hard to figure out what really is important and relevant for to know. I do think that maybe information that is the most important for us as a human race is given far less weight and pomp in media than something which will appeal to human masses and make some kind of profit (world cup). There is no judge of info that could impose on you what you MUST know (once you’re out of school system anyway)so I guess interests, perception , your own set of values are the guidelines that lead you towards exploring and sucking up specific info and knowledge!
love
Tjasa
Hi Nancy–
The brain can only hold so much information, and it is tasked with sorting that info in digestible ways. When we have sensory or information overload, the brain cannot perform other functions–many of which, arguably, are far more important: strategizing, lateral thinking, perceiving patterns, etc. All of these tasks are needed for problem-solving. More information does not necessarily equate to more wisdom, or more brainpower, or more skill.
I think it’s wise to exhibit control over the information you choose to digest. And I also think knowledge is power. I would just say that it’s important not to issue opinions without informing ourselves properly. But like pretty much everything else, information is probably best taken in moderation–enough for us to engage in the kind of thinking that’s meaningful to you, not so much that we become shut down. (By the way, this is why I think our friends and loved ones never tell us as moms-to-be what childbirth is really like–TMI!).
I support your choice to remain ignorant in areas of your choosing! Best always, Ari
TMI! Yes, that’s the point…there is way too much info and we are on sensory overload. What was that thing I read in the bible about the tree of knowledge???
After all, one cannot possibly be informed about everything, can one?
i read the paper.
i go online.
i am informed.
about the hatred, the corruption, the suicides, the murders, the unemployment,
the fatal car crashes, the domestic violence, the web predators, the drownings,
the toxins, the hurricanes, the earthquakes, the racial crimes, etc. etc.
no, my friend.
ONE CANNOT POSSIBLY BE INFORMED ABOUT EVERYTHING !!!!!!
and thank the good Lord for that.
(can’t run far enough…..)
love, linda
For the second time, I love your choice of pictures. Where do you find them? Anyway, I read your blog before I had to go mix the pasta and vegetables with the ground turkey for my dog(s). I knew that your comments were not aimed at home cooking ( I don’t hire a chef) or at home cooking for health reasons.
I had considered starting a dog home cooking and home delivery system ( ala the Zone Diet) and was pretty sure I would have a market for it. Where I live and in NYC there would be enough people that would want to have their cake and eat it too- by that I mean have the benefits of home cooking (no preservatives, salt or whatever else they may put in it) but not put in the effort of making it. I quickly gave up on the idea in that it would not be in the least bit satisfying to my soul.
I think Nancy’s point is well taken, that such a business can even exist is a little sickening. I obviously understand loving your pooch enough to take the time to cook for them but that is different than hiring someone to cook “gourmet” food.
Obviously the ones who use this service have different values than I hope most of us do and I for one feel sorry for them. They only know how to show love and care by buying it.
It’s really interesting article and very nice point of view. I’m happy that I went just here.
I like this blog. I will undoubtedly be peeping into it often.
EXCELENT…PROVACTIVE, GOOD STUFF!!!!!!
Buy American for a change. Why is starvation the only outcome if you don’t buy chairs in China? Will the workers in China really starve if the factory doesn’t get your order? It seems the factory will keep on making and selling chairs whether you buy them or not. Practically every consumer item being sold in the U.S. is made in China. I am not a flag-waving patriot at al–that is not the issue for me. But we depend too much on imported products and American workers have been the hardest hit by the recession. It would be nice if the American factory got a chance.
Another option would be to buy half the chairs in the U.S. and half in China. It entails waiting for the foreign chair, but at least you will have made a Solomonic decision!
Then there’s also the carbon footprint consideration — surely the Made in America chairs would cost significantly less carbon-wise?
I am so glad you decided on these aluminum cafe chairs. I had a few myself which I loved but had to part with when I moved last year. Now, whether to go American or not, I am inclined to get from China because 1) you are non-profit 2) and you may exploit China’s labor but also help their economy (to rationalize however awkwardly). One economizing possibility is to advertise for used chairs and collect them. There are two or three slightly different designs (in the number of the uprights on the back (ranging from three to five) and the arrangement of the stretchers. But they look similar enough that mismatches don’t show, and after use the aluminum surface tarnish and chairs of different ages also look alike. Anyway, these chairs are easy to handle, durable, and elegant.
– Kaori Kitao
If it’s the emeco chairs. I believe I can get them wholesale. Tell me how many?? 75. Janna
Your situation reminds me of a ‘Simpsons’ episode where they go to buy a new TV and Lisa says she wants to get it at the store that sells a TV handmade by Hopi Indians (or something like that) and Marge responds, “We can’t afford any store that has a philosophy!”
Your conscience is commendable, but so would be the savings for your nonprofit org. Don’t sweat it if you go with the China-made chairs.
Go SIMPSONS!!!! That was my FAVORITE comment!!! NM