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Written by Jennifer Adams
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Tuesday, 27 May 2008 19:18 |
I told my husband I’d write once a week. And I was trying to figure out what I’d write about, when I read Juan’s blog… and it got me thinking about our company members, and how the work we do now now relates to work I’ve done in Chicago in the past.
I know I’m bias, but I have to say I am constantly impressed with Halcyon’s company members and artistic associates. Because of their talent, yes; but more than that, with the level of commitment to the company, and the excitement they have about our mission.
I’ve been in Chicago for a long time now, and even though I tend to do theatre the way I live (I stick to my neighborhood, i.e. I spend most of my time working for the company I am a member of) I’ve talked to a lot of other artists in the community. And I have to say, with other companies I've worked with, there has always been an underlying current of “the mission is just to help us get grants.”
When I read Juan’s post, it reminded me again how committed the artists of Halcyon are to our mission, and how that guides our work by entertaining audiences by performing great stories from across our many cultures; bringing people together. Committed to an extent that it shines through in the little things: working concessions on a night off; monitoring auditions; watching our son so we can attend a strike. It’s empowering; when I get exhausted with all the work there is to do, I think about how much help Tony and I have to make this company work and this dream a reality.
Their dedication comes out in so many ways that I haven’t experienced before: Offering to call colleges and groups to let them know about upcoming shows, without us bringing it up; an offer to help with our financial data entry or to teach the other members about grant writing; the willingness to help with fundraising. These things may seem like a no-brainer, but those of you who have been part of a company know that it is not always easy to get EVERYONE on board at the same time, especially when they are not necessarily getting the lead in the next show. Usually, in my experience, one person burns out, and another one steps up to pick up the slack, and then that person burns out, etc…
Anyway, I’ve been feeling very grateful to our artists, and Juan’s blog really brought it home for me. You are only as strong as your weakest link; I feel the strength of the company growing leaps and bounds every day.
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My husband , myself and our daughter thoroughly enjoyed watching Henry IV while we were visiting Tony. Our trips up north are few and far between, fast and furious trying to find time to do and see everything, and we usually suffer from trip lag, so I apologize if we didn't express how much we enjoyed the play while we were there.
We live in a remote part of Texas where something like a play usually only occurs as a school production. Coming to Chicago and being able to enjoy a production like Henry IV is a real treat for us.
I mentioned to some of you that a college production of a Graceland Tony had directed would always be my favorite play. Please don't let that detract from the value of this production of Henry IV. My comment was merely a proud mom spouting a continuing amazement of a talent in drama I never knew my son possessed until he was in college. His 1st production will always hold a very special place in my heart.
It is still a phenomenal thing for me every time I see play my son Tony directs, actually any play Tony or Jenn are involved in.
I'm not sure all of you involved in the making of this production of Henry IV really realize what you have done for us, the audience.
You've taken text from a page and turned it into a living , breathing story for all of us. A story that awakens something that is very precious to us all as we are growing up, something many of us set aside and forget during our busy lives, as we mature. You put us back in touch with our own imaginations.
It's an amazing, selfless thing the people involved in Halcyon productions do. You give us a place where we can forget the stresses and challenges of everyday life and you transport us to a magical place you've created just for those of us who come to watch each production.
You give us a gift we can find no where else.
I know the amount of work involved in producing a play. But while watching the final result you've made it look effortless and natural.
The fact that all of you get together after juggling jobs, families and other responsibilities and donate your time to create professional a work of art to entertain people who, often, you have never even met makes me , for one, feel very special.
This play touched me differently that any other because I felt I'd contributed a little by making costumes you all wore so well. It was an added joy for me to see those costumes in action as the story unfolded.
I'm very proud of all of you, but especially of Tony and Jenn.( the mom thang again)
You should all be very proud of yourselves.
Patricia Murphy
with kudos from Candice and Pat