Nathan Thomas' insights to playing Lear as a "giving actor" awakened a sleepy part of the playwright within me. When we deal with art, whether it's on the page or on the stage, I'm delighted to be reminded that it is in the giving that we have the opportunity to make the work sing. When I return to my newest project, I will approach my characters and ultimately the audience with a more giving heart.
Elizabeth Appell
What makes this story so disarming is its Salteresque style. The words flow and the images flow inside of them and around them. It seems to be a simple, passing story-image that's reminiscent of an espisode from Rod Serling's "Night Gallery." It's beautifully disarming and yet it contains, as I said in an earlier letter, a sense of futility that is almost overwhelming if it weren't for the ending and its shattering last line. I don't know if 'Bravo' is an appropriate kudo.
L. Laird
I did Lear twice, but not Lear. I played the Fool. It was a joyous experience as it obviously was for you. Thanks for sharing. I'll be more ready for the next time.
Tomas Boornin
Wonderful explication. Should be in the back of every Stein book for the classroom.
Grace Cavalieri
Memorial? is very powerful women's writing. Like Richard Cory, it hits one between the eyes.
Adriana Quintero
Thanks Mr. Moore for the excellent cross-review of three great movies. And especially your citation of "Z". It's a movie that should never be forgotten.
Andy Juerine
Your take is an opportunistic reference to the current exhibit in Germany, but in a way it damns it. It says it's hopeless. I don't agree. The old diseased Germany is dying out and the new Germany has a new "immune" system that is ridding that culture of what you call the "poison." It's the children, man, the children, the young people who grow the hope.
Michael Aptrow
A fascinating story. The sense of futility is almost overwhelming, depressing until the end: the last line is shattering. How do we live with this? We probably don't.
Laird
Nice analysis. I wonder how she would have treated WWII and Vietnam and 9/11? I wonder if she were alive today, where she would live? I don't think in the U.S.
Phyllis Mazik
History belongs to the people in charge of the world in any given century. I remember when I first read Howard Zinn, and he blew away my whole conception of all history, period. I still can't get over the "fact" that the newly arrived settlers and soldiers who killed and raped as a sport, used the stronger Indians as Taxi's, riding one until he fell with exhaustion and then jumping on another. How sick was that? History is filled with lies and bullshit, and it always will be. I really think, one day, we will find out who really killed Kennedy, and it will blow us all away. I happen to think Nixon, while not in the conspiracy, knew of it. But it is what it is and while your son is young, There is a tooth fairy and a Santa Claus.
Kenneth Sibbett
Didn't think I could sit still anymore for a listen to an essay amidst the clamor of the internet. But Bettencourt is pithy (not a misspelling) and he reads like a pro. Very enjoyable.
Michael Aptrow
What a marvelous woman she was, Marie Laurencin. She began 100 years ago what is in full flower today. Karren LaLonde Alenier's exploratory of her is excellent and lovingly written.
Phyllis Mazik
read Karren Lalonde Alenier's column - The Steiny Road to Operadom
Beautiful shots! I'm so glad you broke the mold and did these shots in color. Seeing the native walking wearing all black to the funeral and draping the flag over him is such a vivid statement. The colors captured in Calle Christo, Old San Juan was breath taking especially with pink and blue being my favorite colors. In a nutshell, the photos are fantastic and I enjoyed looking at them. Keep doing you!
Kelly Armstrong
Fabulous! So fortunate that you were moved to add color to your art.
Karen Gilbert
Les, another great column. I try and stay away from television as much as possible, but if I do watch, it's something with some meat, like Kevin Bacon's new show "The Followers". although you really have to stretch the imagination to stay tuned-in and not kill yourself. But, my wife has this fascination with Duane "the Dog" Chapman and his show in Hawaii. She actually tapes then to watch after we go to bed. He and his crew film themselves busting hardcore women for DUI's or dangerous criminals who missed court for a child support case. I really think I'll try and find this "turtle man" you write about. Or maybe just put my head in an oven. Death can't be as bad as some of these shows. (Oh, and what's a Honey-Boo-Boo?)
Kenneth Sibbett
Thanks to Les Marcott for his column on right-wing folk singers in the '60s. I remember Janet Greene very well in her role as Cinderella on Columbus, Ohio's Channel 6. I knew nothing of her extracurricular activities before Marcott told me. But, remembering the general run of political opinions in southern Ohio when I was growing up, I am not surprised. (I also remember Tony Dolan appearing on Dick Cavett's show. He didn't click with Dick, or with the audience.)
Miles David Moore
I wonder if anyone has come up with more information about Martin Brest. Maybe Brest himself will show up and give us a talk. Naturally, Affleck is totally unmotivated to revive anything and anyone that has to do with his pre-redemption (as you call it) years.
Louis Laird
Enjoying Mr. Bettencourt's video and audio broadcasts. I have always enjoyed his column so very much, he is such a perceptive writer. I hope these broadcasts make their way around the internet. They deserve a very wide audience.
Marjorie Paverness
read Michael Bettencourt's column
view the contents page to link to his broadcasts
Hey Elliot, did your Old Man really eat "scrambled cow brains and eggs?" No wonder he went coo-coo. Like always, funny, funny cartoon.
Sam
It's amazing isn't it that after all these years there still is no good solution to one of an actor's great nightmares, laryngitis. Most of the time it's viral, some times it's psychological, and other times what? Metaphysical?
Natalie Rosen
This is such a beautiful issue and the dance reviews are just striking. Catherine's evisceration of Neumeier is no doubt warranted - I've seen his work before and I hope to suffer through "Nijinsky". Renate once again takes me to the theater for Joffrey and others and brings the performances alive and exciting in her articulate and wry style. Thank you, Scene4, for criticism as it should be written and published.
Robert Coane
I have to agree with you. "Gigli" is much better than all the smearing and unjustified bad rep that it's received. Yes, there's something very Wellesian about what has happened to Brest as a result but the difference is that Welles was a great actor and just picked up his marbles and moved to Europe and went on making movies the way he wanted to. Brest just went and hid in a corner. I don't think Affleck will ever do any thing about that. He's too jumpy and self-absorbed. But he is a good director.
Michael Aptrow
I too have had conversations with Mr. Grim Reaper. I've spoken to the old guy in almost every novel, play, screenplay, or short story I've written. I rant, flail, castigate, and even sometimes cajole, but never does he acknowledge me. But you're right. Because he's on my shoulder almost every moment, I do continue to attempt to leave something, not only on pages, paper or virtual, performances, and my over-burdened hard drive, but to my family and friends. So I say here's to you, G.R.. Thank you for your continual poking and prodding. I don't look forward to the day we finally shake hands, but I'm grateful for the interim reminders.
Elizabeth Appell
Thanks for the article on Orson Welles. I have always enjoyed his work.
Ronn Parker
I've known Dave 65+ years, and in addition to all that was said in the excellent article in your December issue (the poetry and paintings speak for themselves), he is an astoundingly wonderful human being. I have never heard him complain or criticize another person. He is a joy to know.
Jack Rauh
Karren Alenier's review of ModPo is great and important support for important work. What an opportunity to immerse oneself, to learn and grow. I love the photo of Gertrude. She made a beautiful Gibson Girl.
Mary Scott
Nice writing. Good story. But why the tease? We all know what the "thing" is. And we all know what the "thing" isn't. You tell us "imagine that". We do. What you don't tell us is what you imagine. It must be mindblowing. Imagine that.
Bill Appledorf
Some people can write reviews that make you want to hear a song. Others a whole album. Les makes you want to know everything there is to know about "Pie". In this short review. He got my curiosity up about Pie and others like Don Williams, who was also a favorite of mine. With writers like Les reviewing you, you can't help but SMILE.
Kenneth Sibbett
Thank-you for Les Marcott's article about folk legend Taylor Pie aka Susan Taylor. I'm so excited about the re-issue of her classic album from 1972, "Finally Getting Home" so that was helpful information, but it's encouraging to read about an artist's determination and personal integrity, and to know it is possible to have a successful career in music on your own terms.
Guy Swenson
