 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
w i t
by margaret
e d s o n
5
Throughout my professional life I've wondered at various times, in various degrees: 'Am I reaching someone through my work? Am I touching anyone's life in a meaningful manner as an actor, as Artaud so gently put it, as an 'athlete of the heart'?. What is this ephemeral theatrical experience, this collective hallucination of humanity we share? Am I a true instrument in conveying the playwright's message? Am I serving my director's vision? Does my work convey the joy I feel as a performing artist? Do my efforts in this creative collaboration help the play to resonate properly? Have I done my utmost to serve my ensemble and the process? Have I truly honored the work and the people who do it ? Have I done my best? Have I told the truth?'
Maggie Edson's script rings true, because it is true. The shared theatrical experience can be an electric touchstone for both the actor and the audience -- terrifying, raucously funny, illuminating, transfiguring. I knew I had do it from the moment I read it, somewhere, some way. To tell this story became a passionate, privileged pilgrimage. I know this woman and to breathe her words was the most incredible process of personal deconstruction. A process that was ultimately fulfilled by an awakening, powerful grace and a profound sense of gratitude. A process that was shared by everyone in the theatre, time after time. Playing this role has meant more to me than I can ever say -- a blessing beyond measure.
I think that the Florida Rep production resonated so in our audience's hearts because everyone involved - consummate professionals all - gave fully from their hearts their very best efforts to unblinkingly tell the truth. And so we were all Blessed
|
|
 |
 |
March 19,2001
Dear Ms. Crow:
Yesterday afternoon (Sunday) I sat in the front row center of the Arcade theater waiting for the performance of W;t to begin, thinking moodily about how this was going to be a pretty long, dull afternoon, particularly with all those March Madness basketball games I could be watching.
But I want you to know that right from the beginning -- from the concealed anger of your opening words to the bright, loving light of the end -- I was absolutely spellbound. Your stunning performance was not only magnificent, it was heroic.
Robert Cacioppo, Pamela Hunt and the entire company can be very proud. It takes courage to produce something so deeply moving and serious as W;t. It is not theater to entertain. It is theater that projects a profound message of love. I congratulate all of the company. But I want to especially congratulate you because I was not only touched by your portrayal, I found redemption in it. Seventeen years ago my wife of 39 years died of ovarian cancer.
Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!
as Kathleen Chalfant once said to me, God bless her. By now you will be flying, and enjoying the show, yes? .... Let me know how it is going ... As I said, we'll have to keep in touch, because you will see it's true, Vivian stays and enriches.
Much love xoxoxo Mikel
From the wonderful Mikel Lambert who played Vivian in New York and was Kathleen Chalfant's understudy. The truly great are truly good. I light my candle from their torches.
During our first phone conversation, when she graciously, generously, as an anointing, gave me some girl-to-girl actor tips on playing Vivian, she asked me, 'Have you shaved your head yet?' 'Oh yes,' I replied. 'Oh good,' she said. 'That's the hardest part.' Oh, how I lived on that lie for weeks! God bless her forever. She gave me such hope.
Dear Kim,
My husband and I are season ticket holders with the Florida Repertory Theatre. We always look forward with great anticipation to each play; but, our hopes were far surpassed yesterday when we saw you in W;t. There really aren't words to describe what we thought of your performance. To say you were 'great' would be an understatement. We are still marveling at the script you had to learn, at your interpretation, at your presentation and at the deep feeling you put into this. The play is powerful ... we left the theatre transformed. You must be exhausted at the end of each performance. We certainly do hope we here in Fort Myers will have the extreme pleasure of seeing you perform again ... soon! Thank you for giving so much of yourself!