March | 2012 | Intimate Excellent

Eddie Buck

Cyrano actors Daniel Durant and Eddie Buck recently spent a day off from rehearsal to visit Marlton School for the Deaf in Los Angeles. The Marlton School is the only public day school for Deaf/Hard of Hearing students in kindergarten through 12th grade within Los Angeles Unified School District.  The school has a bilingual spirit, using American Sign Language and English to teach its deaf (and hearing) students.

We asked actor Eddie Buck a few questions about his experience visiting Marlton School, how he’s adjusting to moving to Los Angeles, and what its like being part of the cast of Cyrano:

How was it, working with and performing for the kids? 

It was an incredible, wonderful experience. It was just like I’m being a kid again. And it reminded me of my childhood times. Although, I learned so much about myself as a guest performer, and being around those kids. It was a magical day for all of us. I came to share my gifts with them. I had to save my energy with them. I actually had to take a nap, like a 6-year-old, when I got back home! That made me realize how exhausted I was after working with those students!

Why is visiting a classroom and interacting with young people important to you?

These students need some kind of role model, and I  want to be one for them. I want to inspire them as much as I can.  It was both fun and an educational experience for all of us.

How are you adjusting to life in Los Angeles?

Since I moved here last end of February I’ve been exploring and learning many new things about myself as an actor. It has been truly a blessing to see things grow. And I’ve met many wonderful people, including the cast of Cyrano. 

How is the deaf community here different from the one in your hometown?

It is definitely a big difference from my experience as a child. I grew up [in Pennsylvania] in a completely different environment from what I’ve seen at Marlton School for the Deaf. I grew up with a deaf school, then went into a mainstream school, and then went to a mainstream college. I understand what the differences are between two worlds, deaf and hearing. I feel like I lived in both worlds because I was raised in a hearing family with great communication, and plus, my experiences with several schools I’ve attended. Otherwise, I feel like my hometown deaf community [in Pennsylvania] and the LA deaf community is a bit different because where I live is much smaller than here. I’m still learning some new things from people I meet in Los Angeles. Plus, the cast I work with are  international. I actually learned several foreign sign languages, and cultures as well. I’m very grateful to have this magical opportunity, and its been definitely a magnificent experience.

So, you’re having fun being part of the cast of Cyrano?

Absolutely. I love it. It’s really an honor to be part of this show. I love working with the cast. They are fun to work with, but we all work very hard.  I always  learn something new from the cast every day during rehearsal.  I’m very grateful to be part of this wonderful journey.

Eddie Buck and Daniel Durant had a wonderful day with the students at Marlton School for the Deaf. Have a look!

Cyrano April 28 – June 10 (323) 663-1525  More Info  Get Tickets

Posted in Fountain Theatre

Some early publicity photos for our upcoming signed/spoken production of Cyrano, a world premiere co-production between The Fountain Theatre and Deaf West Theatre. Cyrano opens April 28 at the Fountain, starring Troy Kotsur and directed by Simon Levy.

In Stephen Sachs‘ funny, romantic and imaginative new adaptation, Cyrano is a brilliant deaf poet hopelessly in love with Roxy, a beautiful hearing woman. But she doesn’t understand sign language and instead loves Chris, his hearing brother. Can Cyrano express his love to Roxy with his hands? Or must he teach Chris to woo her, to “speak his words” for him? ASL becomes the language of love in this new spin on a classic love story.

Troy Kotsur is the brilliant deaf poet Cyrano.

Cyrano’s hearing brother, Chris (Paul Raci), and Cyrano (Troy Kotsur) devise their secret plan to woo Roxy.

Roxy (Erinn Anova) listens on her cell phone as Chris (Paul Raci) speaks what Cyrano (Troy Kotsur) signs to him.

Cyrano (Troy Kotsur) and Roxy (Erinn Anova) share a private moment alone.

Troy Kotsur is the ASL poet Cyrano.

Photos by Ed Krieger

Cyrano  April 20 – June 10  (323) 663-1525    More Info    Buy Tickets

Posted in actors, Arts, Deaf, Fountain Theatre, performing arts, plays, playwright, poem, poetry, theatre

Tagged Cyrano, Cyrano de Bergerac, deaf, Deaf West Theatre, Erinn Anova, Fountain Theatre, Los Angeles, National Endowment for the Arts, new plays, Paul Raci, plays, playwriting, Stephen Sachs, Troy Kotsur, world premiere

“The Ballad of Emmett Till” (2010). Photo by Ed Krieger

Today is World Theatre Day. For those of us who create and/or attend and support theater, today is the appropriate time to ask ourselves: “Why?” Why are we so passionate about this extraordinary art form? What is it about seeing a play or musical that has the power to change lives and open eyes, minds and hearts? This sacred ritual of human beings gathering together in a space to share the life-enhancing experience of being told a story that illuminates what it means to be a human being.

Why do we do it? Why is it still important to see theater and support it? Why do YOU create and/or support theater?

Here is one person’s answer: theater artist and teacher Patsy Rodenburg:

Theater Artists are “Healers” Who “Witness the Truth”

“To be present or not to be present?” is the question Patsy Rodenburg would ask all of us; she’s trying to bring the highly practical techniques that make actors successful to the rest of us. There’s often an inflexible screen between us human beings and the performances we’re shoehorned into every day, and we need to tear it out — establishing a space she calls “the Second Circle“: a state of mind and body where confident, relaxed control allows us establish intimacy and human connection where and when we want it.

With years behind her already as the eminent proponent of the use of Shakespeare in teaching for the present day (not just for actors, but for public speakers, prison inmates, and the mentally ill; see her book Speaking Shakespeare), she’s also spent years as a voice coach, perhaps Britain’s most highly-regarded. The actors on her formidable roster of have-taughts include Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Daniel Day-Lewis, many other Oscar-nominees and winners, as well as other shining figures of the silver screen and the stage.

As a teacher of acting, Rodenburg is known for her emphasis of the primacy of the human voice. In her book The Actor Speaks, she illustrates how solving the frustrating physical challenges of line delivery — questions as pragmatic as “When do I breathe?” to more philosophical ones like “How to get my message across to other actors?” — can open up new paths to performances which go beyond stage-ready to unforgettable.

She currently serves as Director of Voice at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and teaches voice at Michael Howard Studios in New York City.

How would YOU answer the question: Why I do Theater?

Posted in actors, Arts, Fountain Theatre, new plays, performing arts, plays, playwright, theatre

Tagged Fountain Theatre, Los Angeles, Patsy Rodenburg, The Ballad of Emmett Till, theater, truth, Why I Do Theater, World Theatre Day

Today is World Theatre Day. Stage and film star John Malkovich delivered this year’s message from Paris at the headquarters of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and its theater wing, the International Theatre Institute.

Malkovich’s Message:

“I’m honored to have been asked by the International Theatre Institute ITI at UNESCO to give this greeting commemorating the 50th anniversary of World Theatre Day. I will address my brief remarks to my fellow theatre workers, peers and comrades.

“May your work be compelling and original. May it be profound, touching, contemplative, and unique. May it help us to reflect on the question of what it means to be human, and may that reflection be blessed with heart, sincerity, candor, and grace. May you overcome adversity, censorship, poverty and nihilism, as many of you will most certainly be obliged to do.

“May you be blessed with the talent and rigor to teach us about the beating of the human heart in all its complexity, and the humility and curiosity to make it your life’s work. And may the best of you – for it will only be the best of you, and even then only in the rarest and briefest moments – succeed in framing that most basic of questions, ‘how do we live?’ Godspeed.”

– John Malkovich

Posted in actors, Arts, new plays, performing arts, plays, playwright, theatre

Tagged Fountain Theatre, International Theatre Institute, John Malkovich, TCG, Theatre Communications Group, UNESCO, World Theatre Day

Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for theatre and home of the U.S. Center of the International Theatre Institute (ITI-US), invites all theatres, individual artists, institutions and audiences to celebrate the 50th annual World Theatre Day on March 27, 2012. Created in 1961, World Theatre Day is celebrated annually by ITI Centers around the world and the international theatre community.

Each year, a renowned theatre artist of world stature is invited by ITI Worldwide in Paris to craft an international message to mark the global occasion. This year’s message was written by award-winning actor, director and producer John Malkovich.

In honor of World Theatre Day’s 50th celebration, TCG asks its membership, theatre makers and audiences to participate in ongoing World Theatre Day projects like the I AM THEATRE video project and by submitting essays for the Circle on the theme of Generations Without Borders.

TCG also encourages the dissemination of Malkovich’s message through email, Twitter and Facebook, as well as in theatre programs and pre-show speeches to help raise awareness of World Theatre Day.

Visit the World Theatre Day website for more ways to get involved!

Posted in actors, Arts, Fountain Theatre, new plays, plays, theatre

Tagged Fountain Theatre, I Am Theatre, International Theatre Institute, John Malkovich, March 27, TCG, Theatre Communications Group, World Theatre Day

by Charles Isherwood

Philip Seymour Hoffman as Willy Loman in Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman.”

Aside from its implicit critique of the notion of valuing a man’s life by the rung he occupies on the ladder of commerce, other elements in the play resonate freshly today. Among the most famous phrases, recurring in the dialogue almost like an incantation, is Willy’s fervid emphasis on the importance of being “well liked,” once again using a quantitative measure to establish a human being’s inherent value. His son Biff, Willy asserts, will inevitably rise in the world, despite the moral failings they both swat away like pesky gnats, because he is “well liked,” not merely “liked,” as is Charley’s studious son Bernard.

Thanks to the explosion in social media, being “well liked” has become practically a profession in itself. Adults as well as teenagers keep assiduous count of their Facebook friends and Twitter followers, and surely are inwardly if not outwardly measuring their worth by the rise or fall of the number. People are turning themselves into products, both for profit and for pleasure, and the inevitable temptation is to equate the popularity of your brand with your fundamental self-worth.

Philip Seymour Hoffman, Andrew Garfield and Finn Wittrock in Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman.”

Many of us are willingly becoming versions of Willy Loman, forever on the road — that is, online — selling ourselves and advertising our lifestyles: describing the meal we just consumed at a restaurant (with uploaded photograph of course) or the trip we’re planning to take. A social-media gadfly (or, say, me) might suggest that there are vestiges of Willy’s tormenting self-doubt in the need to advertise every moment of our life so assiduously, as if constant Facebook updates could vanquish the inner voice whispering in Willy’s ear that his life is built on sand.

The play moves us on any number of levels, perhaps most fundamentally as a mid-century American version of that classic dramatic archetype dating back to the Greeks: the family in mortal conflict with itself. The Loman family’s conspiracy to support Willy in his delusions — at least until Biff decides he has to destroy his father’s illusions to save himself — is drawn from true filial and marital love, and it is in observing how little this love can do to save Willy that the play is most devastating. He is too consumed by the belief that his failure to succeed, and to inculcate success in his sons, has somehow disqualified him for full membership in the human race.

Despite Willy’s delusions and moral evasions, Miller always insisted on the nobility in his struggle. “The play is really about mortality and leaving something behind,” he told The Times during an interview on the occasion of the Chinese production. “Willy Loman is trying to write his name on a cake of ice on a hot July day.” His contradictions and his failings are all human and all common, which is why the hallucinatory last day of his life will always retain the power to command not just our pity but our respect too.

Charles Isherwood writes for the New York Times

Posted in actors, Arts, Fountain Theatre, performing arts, plays, playwright, theatre

Tagged Andrew Garfield, Arthur Miller, Broadway, Charles Isherwood, Death of a Salesman, Facebook, Finn Wittrock, Fountain Theatre, New York Times, Philip Seymour Hoffman, social media, theater, Twitter, well liked, Willy Loman

The cast from “Cyrano” take a bow after performing a scene at “Signin’ in the Street” at Downtown Disney, March 18.

Cyrano April 28 – June 10  (323) 663-1525  More Info   Get Tickets

Posted in actors, Arts, Deaf, Fountain Theatre, performing arts, plays, playwright, theatre

Tagged American Sign Language, ASL, Cyrano, deaf, Deaf West Theatre, Disney, Disneyland, Downtown Disney, Fountain Theatre, Los Angeles, Marlee Matlin, Sean Berdy, Signin’ in the Street, Simon Levy, Stephen Sachs, Switched at Birth, Troy Kotsur, world premiere

Paul Raci (Chris), Erinn Anova (Roxy), and Troy Kotsur (Cyrano).

The Fountain Theatre and Deaf West Theatre present the world premiere of a modern day classic romance, a re-imagined signed/spoken version of “Cyrano de Bergerac.” CYRANO, written by Fountain Theatre co-artistic director Stephen Sachs (Bakersfield Mist) and directed by Simon Levy, opens at The Fountain Theatre on April 28, with previews beginning April 20.

In Sachs’ new adaptation, Cyrano is a deaf poet hopelessly in love with Roxy, a beautiful hearing woman. But she doesn’t understand sign language and instead loves Chris, his hearing brother. Can Cyrano express his love to Roxy with his hands? Or must he teach Chris to woo her, to “speak his words” for him? ASL (American Sign Language) becomes the language of love in this new spin on a classic love story.

Troy Kotsur (Cyrano).

“In the original classic, Cyrano feels self-conscious and over-glorifies his enormous nose, but in this modern deaf version, it’s his hands that are the focus,” explains Sachs. “Cyrano’s deafness is channeled through his hands, which swirl and soar to express the most complex human concepts, his inner-most thoughts and feelings, through the beauty of sign language.”

“It’s a mythic story about our hunger for love, the pangs for it,” says Levy. “But the deeper theme is how we communicate with one another. Stephen has written a beautiful adaptation that’s contemporary and fresh, set in a modern city where people communicate via text, Facebook and Twitter. It’s a world of iPhones, Blackberries and tablets. The production marries three forms of communication: ASL, English, and e-language.”

American Sign Language is not English, but a unique language unto itself with its own syntax, sentence structure, slang, humor, subtlety and complexity. It’s the job of ASL masters Tyrone Giordano and Shoshannah Stern to work with the deaf actors to translate the script into ASL, and director Simon Levy works with ASL interpreters in rehearsals. Fight choreographers Brian Danner and Abby Walla must not only create a fight scene between actors Troy Kotsur (Cyrano) and James Royce Edwards, but incorporate the simultaneous sign language with the help of Giordano, Stern and Levy.

A new project such as this has attracted deaf actors from all over the world. Six of the 13-member ensemble are deaf, and many of them have traveled great distances to make their Los Angeles debuts in Cyrano. Auditions were completed using Skype and video submissions.

“Deaf West is the only established theater company in the U.S. that regularly stages new works featuring deaf actors,” notes newly appointed Deaf West Theatre artistic director David Kurs. “Deaf actors from all over the country and the world were anxious to participate.”

Troy Kotsur is Cyrano.

Troy Kotsur (Cyrano), a veteran of Deaf West Theatre (Big River, Pippin, A Streetcar Named Desire, Of Mice and Men), traveled to Los Angeles from his current home in Arizona; Daniel Durant majored in theater at Gallaudet University and comes to L.A. from Maryland; Eddie Buck, who has acted in productions ranging from A Christmas Carol to Romeo and Juliet to Hamlet, joins the cast from Pennsylvania; Maleni Chaitoo (Switched at Birth) recently arrived from New York; and stage, film and TV actress Ipek D. Mehlum comes all the way from Oslo, Norway. Completing the deaf cast is Los Angeles-based actor Bob Hiltermann, who appeared in the Academy Award winning film version of Children of a Lesser God and recurred on All My Children. The cast also includes hearing actors Erinn Anova (Blues For An Alabama Sky, For Colored Girls…, Doubt) as Roxy and Paul Raci (Joseph Jefferson “Best Actor” nomination for Children of a Lesser God in Chicago) as Cyrano’s brother Chris. Hearing ensemble members Al Bernstein, James Babbin, James Royce Edwards, Victor Warren, and Martica De Cardenas also “voice” for the deaf actors.

The set designer for Cyrano is Jeff McLaughlin; lighting designer is Jeremy Pivnick; sound designer is Peter Bayne; video designer is Jeff Teeter; multimedia tech is by Media Fabricators, Inc.; costume designer is Naila Aladdin Sanders; prop designer is Misty Carlisle; fight choreographers are Brian Danner and Abby Walla; production stage manager is Sue Karutz; assistant stage manager is Terri Roberts; Laura Hill and Deborah Lawlor produce for The Fountain Theatre, and David Kurs produces for Deaf West Theatre. Cyrano is funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Paul Raci (Chris) and Troy Kotsur (Cyrano).

The relationship between The Fountain Theatre and Deaf West Theatre dates back 21 years to the early beginnings of both companies. Excited by the visual theatricality of ASL, Stephen Sachs had already been conducting workshops with deaf actors for a number of years. He and Fountain co-artistic director Deborah Lawlor offered office space in their newly founded theater facility to Ed Waterstreet, an actor with National Theatre of the Deaf who envisioned starting a theater company for deaf actors in Los Angeles. Deaf West Theatre produced its first two productions, The Gin Game and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (the latter directed by Sachs) in the Fountain space. Deaf West Theatre went on to produce 40 plays and four musicals in their own venue and around the country, including the Tony-nominated Big River on Broadway, and to win more than 80 theater awards. The Fountain Theatre is one of the most successful intimate theaters in Los Angeles with over 200 awards for all areas of production, performance, and design. Fountain projects have been seen in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Florida, New Jersey, Minneapolis and Edinburgh.

Cyrano marks Stephen Sachs’ ninth new play, his third incorporating deaf culture and illuminating the deaf world. His play Sweet Nothing in my Ear (1997, PEN USA Literary Award finalist, Media Access Award winner for Theater Excellence) has been produced in theaters around the country and in 2008 was made into a TV movie for CBS starring Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin and Jeff Daniels. Open Window (2005, Media Access Award winner for Theater Excellence) had its world premiere at the Pasadena Playhouse, directed by Eric Simonson. His other plays include Bakersfield Mist (recently optioned for London’s West End and New York), Miss Julie: Freedom Summer (Fountain Theatre, Vancouver Playhouse,Canadian Stage Company, LA Drama Critics Circle award and LA Weekly award nominations for Best Adaptation), Gilgamesh (Theatre @ Boston Court), Central Avenue (PEN USA Literary Award finalist, Back Stage Garland award, Best Play), Mother’s Day, The Golden Gate (Best Play, Drama-Logue), and The Baron in the Trees. Sachs co-founded The Fountain Theatre with Deborah Lawlor in 1990.

Simon Levy was honored with the 2011 Milton Katselas Award for Lifetime Achievement in Directing by the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle. Directing credits at the Fountain include A House Not Meant to Stand; Opus; Photograph 51;The Milk Train Doesn’t Stop Here Anymore; The Gimmick with Dael Orlandersmith (Ovation Award-Solo Performance); Master Class (Ovation Award-Best Production); Daisy in the Dreamtime; Going to St. Ives; The Night of the Iguana; Summer & Smoke (Ovation Award-Best Production); The Last Tycoon, which he wrote and directed, (5 Back Stage West awards, including Best Adaptation and Direction); and Orpheus Descending (6 Drama-Logue awards, including Best Production and Direction). What I Heard About Iraq, which he wrote and directed, was produced worldwide including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (Fringe First Award) and the Adelaide Fringe Festival (Fringe Award), was produced by BBC Radio, and received a 30-city UK tour culminating in London.

Troy Kotsur (Cyrano) and Erinn Anova (Roxy).

Cyrano opens on Saturday, April 28, with performances Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays @ 8 pm and Sundays @ 2 pm through June 10. Preview performances take place April 20-27 on the same schedule with an additional preview performance on Wednesday, April 25 @ 8 pm. Tickets are $30 on Thursdays and Fridays and $34 on Saturdays and Sundays, except previews which are $15. On Thursdays and Fridays only, students with ID are $20 and seniors are $25. The Fountain Theatre is located at 5060 Fountain Avenue (at Normandie) in Los Angeles. Secure, on-site parking is available for $5. The Fountain Theatre is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible. For reservations and information, call 323 663-1525 or go to www.FountainTheatre.com.

Photo Credit: Ed Kreiger 

Posted in actors, Arts, Deaf, designers, Fountain Theatre, new plays, performing arts, plays, playwright, poetry, theatre

Tagged A House Not Meant to Stand, Al Bernstein, ASL, Bakersfield Mist, Big River, Bob Hiltermann, Central Avenue, Cyrano, Daniel Durant, David Kurs, deaf, Deaf West Theatre, Deborah Lawlor, Ed Waterstreet, Eddie Buck, Erinn Anova, Fountain Theatre, Gallaudet University, Ipek D. Mehlum, James Babbin, James Royce Edwards, Jeff Daniels, Jeff McLaughlin, Jeff Teeter, Jeremy Pivnick, Los Angeles, Maleni Chaitoo, Marlee Matlin, Martica de Cardenas, Master Class, Media Fabricators, Miss Julie, Misty Carlisle, Naila Aladdin-Sanders, National Endowment for the Arts, new plays, New York, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Open Window, Orpheus Descending, Paul Raci, Peter Bayne, Photograph 51, Pippin, plays, playwriting, See What I’m Saying, Simon Levy, Sue Karutz, Summer and Smoke, Sweet Nothing in my Ear, Terri Roberts, The Gin Game, The Night of the Iguana, Troy Kotsur, Victor Warren, What I Heard About Iraq, world premiere

President Obama signs “Thank you” to deaf student at recent event on March 15.

Deafness and sign language are clearly on our minds a lot these days as we rehearse with deaf and hearing actors for our upcoming signed/spoken production of Cyrano. No wonder this story caught our eye:

On March 15, a deaf Washington-area college student named Stephon was standing in line after an event on energy policy with President Obama and Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, waiting for a chance to shake hands with the president. As the president was shaking hands and making his way through the crowd, he met up with Stephon, who was born deaf.

Stephon signed to the president:  “I am proud of you.”

Not missing a beat, President Obama signed back: “Thank you.”

Another deaf student then signed to the president, “I love you.” The president smiled back at her and shook her hand.

Watch the Video:

For Stephon, communicating with the President in sign language was an overwhelming experience:

“The moment I will never forget was when he looked at me. He gave me a chance to talk to him. It was like he was waiting for me to say something. I took the moment and signed “I am proud of you,” and his response was “Thank u” in sign language back! Oh my gosh! I was like wow! He understood me after I said I was proud of him. It was so amazing… I was just speechless. Right after he thanked me, he smiled at another deaf lady who signed “I love you.” When I shook his hand it did not feel like he was superior to me. He was just a humble man. I am just impressed by him.” 

Posted in Arts, Deaf, Fountain Theatre, performing arts, plays, theatre

Tagged ASL, Barack Obama, Cyrano, deaf, deaf student, Deaf West Theatre, Fountain Theatre, President Obama, sign language, Stephon

Paloma Rios

After a very successful  year of presenting Forever Flamenco in the beautiful 300-seat Gallery Theatre in Barnsdall Park, Flamenco returns to the intimate 78-seat Fountain Theatre for one night only this Sunday, March 25th, at 8pm. 

Produced by Deborah Lawlor, the cozy Fountain is the perfect venue to enjoy Flamenco music and dance. Every seat is up close and personal, just a few feet from the stage.

The lineup this Sunday, March 25 includes singer/dancer: Briseyda Zarate, dancer/percussionist Ryan Zermeno, dancers Pamela Lourant and Paloma Rios and guitarist/artistic director Ben Woods.

Forever Flamenco will return to the Gallery Theatre next month in April. This Sunday is the rare opportunity to enjoy world-class Flamenco just a few feet away from your seat in the intimate Fountain Theatre. Don’t miss it!

Ryan Zermeno

Flamenco at the Fountain  Sunday, March 25, 8pm  (323) 663-1525  More

Posted in actors, Arts, Dance, dancer, flamenco, Fountain Theatre, performing arts, singer, theatre

Tagged Barnsdall Art Park, Ben Woods, Briseyda Zarate, Deborah Lawlor, Forever Flamenco, Fountain Theatre, Gallery Theatre, Paloma Rios, Pamela Lourant, Ryan Zermeno