The Brick Theater
The opening night was an evening of much drama before the audience were even in their seats. I got to the theatre early for the premiere of Porno (it has since been relegated to a Dress Rehearsal) and I met the few other early cast members. We lingered outside until the Brooklyn sky turned dark and a mighty rain fell. We crept into the theatre where a solo show was under way and we tried to be as quiet as possible. However there was no text in the show, long spells without any music and there was a small dedicated audience who were clearly fixated with the performance but in obedient silence. Every sound we made seemed to echo across the theatre and it was not easy getting into large and tight fitting costumes in a cramped narrow room and remain respectfully quiet. However the evenings drama was just beginning as we realised all the costumes were yet to arrive along with the designer, the director and the leading lady.
Hey no great shakes right? (picking up a bit of lingo there) … but as the solo show ends and the audience leave we begin to fathom that everything is running late but we don’t know how late as communication devices are failing us. Those three principle characters do eventually arrive, 15 minutes before curtain up, with a posse of helpers and we cast members were sucked into a whirlwind of dressing, spray paint make up and a little anxiety. There is no doubt we all looked amazing. The costumes are extraordinary and the vision of the creative team has produced a real spectacle to behold, if a little too close to the wire timewise. Inhabiting a muscled body suit that has large ‘features’ is however a performance task that I have not previously encountered and that evenings show, that went up a mere 30 minutes late in the end, was a trial. However an appreciative audience and some heartening moments helped us take a positive spin on that first outing… it took me a day to find that spin, but we felt better prepared for Babeland, the Soho sex shop that hosted the rest of the performances.
Babeland
Through site visits, production meetings and general musing I’ve got to know some of the staff in Babeland. They are really friendly and are ultimately professional people. There is a positive friendly energy that makes this an easy place to frequent and browse. They host us openly but with an initial sense of caution. I feel we have to win their approval or reassure them that we are not ridiculing their customers or trade. The first show goes well, what you might expect with a two hour get in and no last minute panic. The audience are really receptive and it was great to be so connected with them as they scattered around the shop. The late night time slot means we do not leave until midnight but a few people have waited outside to say hello. The second night was a curious one as the audience got a little log jammed and refused to break out of the collective protective shape they had acquired. When we individually targeted them they would peel off but then return to the herd at the earliest opportunity. However the show felt good and I think our residency at the store has convinced Babeland that our intentions were honourable.
The Slipper Room
The Slipper Room is a fine venue famed for burlesque encounters and raucous cabaret in the East Village. Tonight’s bill comprises a host of dancing girls, a magician and a sleazy host. When our time comes to perform we take our place behind the long red felt curtains and are then revealed to a joyful and appreciative audience. I complete my part of the show by bumping into audience as I leave the stage as this is not a bashful audience this takes a little time. After the craziness we closed the show with Body On The Line, a slow burning number that hushed the entire crowd. Adina sang it beautifully and there was a poignant reflective mood in this most bawdy of environments for that 3 minutes. I had left the stage and had made my way to the back of the room after pressing my body suit against everyone I could. I looked back at the sisters on stage framing this fallen sex idol and they looked so beautiful… the venue is so wonderfully kitsch and the costumes looked exquisite on that stage. It was a fitting late night end. We were invited back to The Slipper Room but we are unable to do it this time but the invitation remains.
Porno, the show, is made, not complete but ready for the next stage of it’s development. We have been invited back to the International Festival and that offers further incentive to be creative. As well as the Slipper Room invitation we have been formally introduced to a well known socialite who hosts some pretty extravagant parties. New York offers many great opportunities and a fair few challenges to boot but the cast of Audry Crabtree, Aimee Animal, Adina Valerio, Jenny Sargent, Clare Parry-Jones, with supporting roles from Parker and Croft and the Porn Star dog with technical help from Tim Boyce, have made this a rich and worthwhile collaboration.
Lessons learnt… or perhaps reiterated more like…
1. Trust your instincts and take calculated risk as Fran Medley would say
2. Be prepared for anything… because anything can and will happen.
We would like to acknowledge that this project was supported by The Brick Theatre, Wales Arts International and Arts Council Wales who we would like to thank.
Gareth
