The Formalistic Destruction of the True Theatrical Spirit

There was once a showcase of invited performers, groups and individuals, as kind of an afternoon long ribbon cutting ceremony for a new public performance space opening here in town. My colleagues at that time from Tucson Art Theatre and I decided to take a break from our usual routine and do something different. The people extending the invitation to us had suggested we do one of our Horton Foote one-acts, or part of one thereof. We instead announced a new work entitled "The Formalistic Destruction of the True Theatrical Spirit!" When they asked us what it was about we told them "Its about the atomization of our culture!" (A phrase adopted from a good friend). When they asked for clarification we told them "It's about commodity fetish!"

And so within a couple of weeks we had to put this performance together. To this day, some people still don't know if it was real or not. The premise was an audition. I played a just pompous enough director with a long list of credits. Esther played the Stage Manager and the rest of the group played actors seeking parts in the new production of "The Formalistic Destruction of the True Theatrical Spirit." Signs were hung announcing "try outs" and a sign-up sheet placed in view for all to see upon entering the building. My director character refused to be lower than anyone so I sat on a high ladder - coming down only when necessary to flirt or berate or observe closely, etc. The difficult part was that my colleagues in Tucson Art Theatre had created these hilarious but subtle characters who were take offs on ourselves and on various actors in town. A cruel, cruel joke. But funny as heck. They mingled among the real people, the real actors, who were unsure if they were really auditioning or if they were part of a show or what. I gave long speeches about how our culture was being atomized for the sake of selling each unit. (Totally true of course but) the style was not what people had come to expect of us. And some have not yet forgiven us for it.

I had trouble not laughing then and I have trouble not laughing now - you had to be there!