Theater Thursdays: Not your Tyler Perry’s Medea by Euripides

Hey Circuiteers,

I’ve been looking for contemporary versions of Medea by Euripides and I found this cool, claymation video on Youtube.

Short, thorough and hilarious without being overly “serious.”  Beyonce’s Single Ladies took on a whole new meaning.  I can’t wait until you all see my version of this tale!

DIRECTOR’S NOTES: The problem that I have with Greek mythology plays is the performance.  They are turned into such a “snooze” fest.  I’m not saying we trivialize the theme of betrayal and infidelity.  But isn’t there a more energetic and artistic way to present the work.  I think directors lose the audience when they direct from an old translation or when they over think the story.  These stories have happened in “real” life.  This isn’t a new tale, there are tons of women who have murdered their children or the man’s lover because of betrayal.  These women “snapped“!  Sometimes you have to find another way to tell these stories that will keep the audiences’ interest.  In the case of the claymation, a little Beyonce’ never hurt NOBODY!

Tunes x Tuesday: I want you to play with my DING A LING!

Chuck Berry from London Sessions courtesy of Go Head On!

Now, I could have easily created a post on Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B Goode” or “Madelline” but why would I do something like that?  There’s a Laurel Thatcher Ulrich quote that says, ”Well-behaved women rarely make history.”  So in the spirit of making history…check out Chuck Berry’s “Ding a Ling” song.  (Even The Simpsons’ got in on it too.)

“Ding a Ling” was Berry’s only number 1 hit on the U.S. Pop Charts.  Of course people wanted to ban it for it’s innuendo and tone…I can think of-a many songs that we should ban RIGHT now with no innuendo or creativity.  One particular Chicago crooner comes to mind.  Anyway-I thought this was hilarious!  You have to have a sense of humor to be apart of The Tofu Chitlin’ Circuit.

I loved the old Chuck Berry-he was a true performer and is always looked over as being a true pioneer of Rock and Roll.

Theater Notes: I love how hesitant the audience is until he gently coerces them into singing the chorus.  He’s humourous and his genuine demeanor eases the tension in the room.  I think we can take a couple of lessons from Mr. Berry.  If you want the audience to participate, you’ve got to make it fun, however, just don’t play with your Ding a Ling!

Movement Mondays: The Next Movement & ?uestlove makes hilarious faces!

“Stop whatcha doin’/set it in motion/it’s the next movement”

I absolutely loved this video when it premiered back in ’99.  The Roots were good at creating cool videos.  This one of course, is no exception.  I love how the Flapper Girls are opening and closing the curtain and how The Roots change movement as the song progresses.  I told you theater is everywhere!

This is the Tofu Chitlin’ Circuit’s creed for 2011.  Are you ready?  I sure am!  Happy New Year and artistic possibilities! Are you looking for the next movement in theater?  Well, look no further!  Check us out as we bring some really cool programming your way!  Stay tuned! Enjoy Movement Mondays!