Towing Lessons

Here are a few things I learned while towing a large trailer from Orange County to Los Angeles. When taken out of context, they can also be construed as charming life lessons.

It’s easier to move forward than to back up.
When turning in a new direction, let others know and don’t move too fast.
Momentum is your friend.
Plan a route with as few turns as possible.
If you’re in a tight spot, ask others to help guide you out.
You need a #10 wrench for the bolt where you attach the grounding wire of the 4-plug to 7-plug adapter.

If you can find the metaphor for that last one, let me know.

The Story Unfolds

The Trade City mobile stage being lowered for the first time by fabricator Raymond Barré of RB Components in Stanton, CA.

The Mobile Stage Under Construction

If you're afraid theatre criticism is fading fast – read this

Image from Home Siege Home by Ghost Road Ensemble

Critical Crossfire: Charles McNulty and Steven Leigh Morris on L.A. Theater

Here’s a thoughtful exchange between two esteemed Los Angeles theatre critics. Of particular interest to Trade City was this quote from Stephen Leigh Morris:

I’d like to see more interaction between L.A.’s thriving art and music scenes and its theater culture. I wish artistic directors would break out of the straitjacket of the two-hour drama with 15-minute intermission. Why not produce a 45-minute piece in an art gallery or a marathon offering in a site-specific locale? What about more joint programs with dance companies and music groups?

Also of interest was the photo they used that showed a scene from Ghost Road Ensemble’s Home Siege Home (with set by Maureen Weiss)

Stranger Things

Here’s a rare chance to take a peek at ensemble-devised theatre in action. On Wednesday, April 21 2010, the always-interesting Ghost Road Company will be staging their latest work-in-progress, Stranger Things at the Bootleg Theatre. You’ll be invited to give feedback on the script and be a part of the creative process.

Stranger Things Facebook page | Ghost Road’s Website

The People in Your Neighborhood

Took a first step into the world of the Mid-City community when Mark Seldis of Ghost Road and I attended a meeting of the Mid-City Recovery Redevelopment Project Area Committee at the 10th Council District field office on Western. Sun Chips, Doritos and cookies were generously provided for the forty-some people on attendance. Mark and I introduced ourselves during the “community participation” portion of the evening and gave a quick overview of our plans for an arts complex / performance lab. We invited people to talk to us afterwards if they wanted to hear more. We met several nice people with some leads on spaces and particular locations to explore. I was impressed by the committee’s dedication to monitoring the CRA’s activities and ensuring the betterment of their neighborhoods. As it turns out, people (even government employees) really do care about the best interests of the city and te people who live there.