Theatre. Rendering #4.

The headline of the article is 5 Reasons You Don't Need An Agent which was published on  http://www.backstage.com  by David Patrick Green  on April 25, 2013. The article deals with some advice for actors.

Firstly, the author notes that if there’s one thing actors obsess over – even more than their headshots – it's getting an agent. From the moment they get the acting itch to the day they hop off the bus in La-La-Land, visions of agents are buzzing around their heads like Sugar Plum fairies at Christmas time. They don’t know why they need one or how to get one, but they are pretty sure they are going to be on easy street once that box is filled in. Agents can come in pretty handy.

Secondly, David Patrick Green points out that agents aren’t for everyone, however. The vast majority of newer actors and even some more experienced ones don’t really need to be in the market for an agent. Here are five reasons having an agent might not be for you…yet.

Thirdly, the author tells about the first reason. An actor can't act.  Sad thing is probably 90 percent of actors reading this article not only aren't good enough to be in front of professional casting directors but even worse, they don't know they are not good enough. Why aren't they good enough? Primarily it's because they aren't willing or used to putting themselves on the line, or they don't know how to connect with the material and memorize the lines very quickly. Why don't they know they're not good enough? First, in class, they get a lot of feedback but it's either not tough enough or it's not clear enough. Most actors have never seen a professional audition so they have no idea how high the bar is set. They go to audition classes but since everyone else in the class is not that good either, they are not learning from their peers and their teacher may not have seen a professional audition either, at least in the last 10 years.

Then David Green describes the second reason. An actor has no credits. Before actors drop that bundle of headshots into the mailbox, do they ever wonder why exactly an agent would be interested in them? Most of them just do it and pray that something will spark their interest, but why don't we even know what might ignite that spark? How can they possibly be sold, when we don't know what we have to offer? If an actor doesn't know what he has to offer, he has nothing to offer.

Also the author stresses the other reasons such as having no relationships, money and  the fact that an agent can't change who an actor is.

To crown it all, David Green writes that while it's great to have someone in the business trying to get an actor work, he doesn't  need them anymore than they need him until he reaches a few key milestones.

I find this article very interesting and useful for actors, especially young ones. Many of them in attempt of becoming popular as fast as they can hire agents and pay them a lot of money. So, I hope that this article will help many people.

Film Review #2

Moliere

Molière is a 2007 film by French director Laurent Tirard and starring Romain Duris as Molière. It was released in Europe in January 2007 and in the United States in July 2007. The screenplay was co-written by Tirard and Grégoire Vigneron.

Stars: Romain Duris, Fabrice Luchini, Laura Morante

Cast:


         Romain Duris  ... Jean-Baptiste Poquelin
 Fabrice Luchini  ... M. Jourdain
 Laura Morante  ... Elmire Jourdain
 Edouard Baer  ... Dorante
 Ludivine Sagnier  ... Célimène
 Fanny Valette  ... Henriette Jourdain
 Gonzague Montuel  ... Valère
 Gilian Petrovski  ... Thomas
 Sophie-Charlotte Husson  ... Madeleine Béjart
 Anne Suarez  ... Catherine de Brie
 Annelise Hesme  ... Marquise du Parc
 Luc Tremblais  ... Gros-René
 Nicolas Vaude  ... Monsieur
 Philippe du Janerand  ... Bonnefoy
 Isabelle Caubère  ... Toinette

Synopsis:

Imprisoned for debt, playwright Molière is rescued by an aristocrat who needs his help in order to seduce a young marquise.

Plot:


The film focuses on several months of Molière's early life that are unknown to scholars. It begins in 1658, when the French actor and playwright returns to Paris with his theatrical troupe to perform in the theater the king has given him. Most of the film is in the form of a flashback to 1645. Following an unsuccessful run as a tragic actor, Molière is released from debtor's prison by Monsieur Jourdain (Fabrice Luchini), a wealthy commoner with social pretensions, who agrees to pay the young actor's debts if Molière teaches him to act.
Jourdain, already a married man with two daughters, hopes to use this talent to ingratiate himself with Célimène (Ludivine Sagnier), a recently widowed beauty with whom he has become obsessed, by performing a short play he has written for the occasion. Molière, however, who has been presented to the family and staff of Monsieur Jourdain as Tartuffe, a priest who is supposedly to serve as tutor for the Jourdains' younger daughter, proceeds to fall in love with Jourdain's neglected wife, Elmire (Laura Morante). Sub-plots involve the love life of the Jourdains' older daughter, and the intrigues of the penniless and cynical aristocrat Dorante (Édouard Baer) at the expense of the gullible Jourdain.
The story is mostly fictional and overall has the feeling of Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors but many scenes follow actual scenes and text in Molière's plays (including Tartuffe, Le Misanthrope, The Imaginary Invalid, and Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, whose principal character is also named Jourdain), in a manner that implies that these "actual" events in his life inspired the plays of his maturity. This is a recurrent plot device in the film, since Célimène is the main character's love interest in Le Misanthrope.

To crown it all, I'd like to say that the film really impressed me. The decorations were wonderful, the actors were brilliant. This film really gives much room for meditation and tells a story about a very talented playwrite Moliere.

Rendering 8

The headline of the article is , 8 Steps to Actor Happiness which was published on http://www.backstage.com by Risa Bramon García and Steve Braun on March 22, 2013. The article deals with the tips how to reach happiness in actor's profession.

Firstly, the authors write that a good actor should love acting. He must focus on the art and love it. Also they say that to be happy, an actor needs a day job, volunteer, make time for friends and family, travel and experience.

Secondly, the reader gets to know that an actor shbould eat well, sleep well, and – during at least one workout a week – engage in exercise that isn’t driven by vanity but by the desire to connect his mind and his body. Moreover, he must go of the drama.

Thirdly, Risa Bramon García and Steve Braun underline that comparing one's career to another actor's career is not the work of an artist. An actor should rememember that he is a unique actor with a unique set of experiences so his path will be unique. Also they mention that actors must appreciate what they have.

Then the authors write that an actor must be gentle and kind to himself and to everyone around him and only date his co-star if he absolutely has to.

Finally, Risa Bramon García and Steve Braun  make a conclusion that there's heartache in this business, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing.

To crown it all, I'd like to say that this article is very useful for those, who are really fond of art and acting It'll really help to be a happy and fulfilled actor.

Summary VI. The Moonstone #4.

Mr. Franklin found out that it was he who stole the diamond. He met Rachel, who hated him for that and asked her about that night. With hope of redeeming himself he returned to Yorkshire to the scene of crime and was befriended by Mr. Candy's assistant, Mr. Ezra Jennings. They got to know that Franklin was secretly given laudanum during the night of the party that's why he took the diamond in a narcotic trance, in order to move it to a safe place. But how the stone ended up in a London bank remained a mystery solved only a year after the birthday party when the stone was redeemed. Franklin and his allies traced the claimant to a seedy waterside inn, only to discover that the Indians have got there first: he was dead and the stone was gone. The dead man was Godfrey Ablewhite, who embezzled the contents of a trust fund in his care and had been facing exposure soon after the birthday party. The mystery of what Blake did while in his drugged state was solved: he encountered Ablewhite in the passageway outside Rachel's room and gave the Moonstone to him to be put back in his father's bank, from which it had been withdrawn on the morning of the party to be given to Rachel. The mystery was solved, Rachel and Franklin got married the Moonstonewas restored to the place where it should be, in the forehead of the idol in India.

Rendering 7. Theatre

The headline of the article is Diversity Must Not Compromise Artistic Vision, According to Artistic Directors , which was published on http://www.backstage.com by Sean J. Miller on Oct. 24, 2012. The article deals with diversity in theater.

Photo Source: East West Players

Firstly, the author writes that critics have said Asian-American, African-American, and Latino actors have limited opportunities on American stages despite the country’s growing diversity.

Secondly, the reder gets to know that Asian-American playwright Michael Golamco, whose new play “Build” opens at the Geffen Playhouse on Wednesday, said theaters don’t need to be forced to diversify.

Thirdly, Sean J. Miller points out that Golamco has written the play “Year Zero” specifically for Asian-American actors, but has made his more recent characters non-racial.

In conclusion the author lets us know that conversation about diversity in theater is just beginning.

To my mind, this article is very useful. It makes people think over not only diversity in theater, but also diversity in the society in general.

Summary V. The Moonstone #3.

Rachel continued to be rude with Sergeant Cuff and Franklin Blake. Mr Blake offended Rosanna Spearman, who wasn't able to live without him, so she commited suicide. Miss Rachel left the house, but before that the Sergeant told her that it would be difficult to find the Moonstone after her departure. Thus, he supposed that Rachel herself was the main person to suspect. Also Sergeant Cuff said that she hid the diamond because of her debts. Rachel denied it. She send a letter, in which it was said that her family didn't need help of Sergeant Cuff and a check for him. Before his departure to London he predicted three events: news from Rosanna's friend, news about the usurer, whom Rachel gave the diamond and about three hereditary guardians in London. All the predictions came true.

Rendering 6. Theatre

The headline of the article is The 10 Commandments of Being a Good Actor , which was published on http://www.backstage.com by Secret Agent Man on March 4, 2013. The article deals with the tips how to become a good actor.

Photo Source: Steve Weigl

Firstly, the author writes about his recent life experience. He told that last week, his doctor ordered him to lose 20 pounds. That's why Secret Agent Man started  by hiking up to the Hollywood sign.

Secondly, Secret Agent Man points out that he had a religious experience. A he was approaching the sign, the sun vanished behind unexpected clouds. He suddenly found himself surrounded by rain and lightning. And then the ground started to shake. Secret Agent Man fell to his knees. He prayed. And that’s when he heard the Voice.

Thirdly, the author presented us with the Ten Commandments of Being a Good Actor. For example, Thou Shalt Not Settle, Thou Shalt Not Lose Track of the Big Picture, etc.

Secret Agent Man comes to conclusion that a good actor should never put life on hold for his career.

To my mind, it's a very interesting and useful article for actors and those, who really appreciate theatre.

Summary IV. The Moonstone #2

The invastigation was started by a local detective, but then Franklin Blake doubted that he was able to manage with this case and invited Sergeant Cuff  from London. Sergeant immediately noticed that paint on the doors of lady's room was erased. He said that it must had been someone's skirt that did it. Then Sergeant Cuff tried to interview all people in the house, but Rachel refused to be questioned. Suspicion  fell on Rosanna Spearman who was a servant, an ex - theif and a girl, who was thought to be in love with Franklin Blake, bacuse of her strange behaviour and indications of her fellow servants.

Rendering 5. Theatre

The headline of the article is How the Sequester Could Leave Actors Unemployed , which was published on http://www.backstage.com by Sean J. Miller March 12, 2013. The article deals with budget cuttings in theatres.

Firstly, the author writes that small and mid-sized theaters from New York to Los Angeles are bracing for the across-the-board cuts to federal funding mandated by the Budget Control Act of 2011. Those cuts will include the National Endowment for the Arts, which helps theaters fund production costs through grants.

Secondly, the reader gets to know that The NEA is set to take a $7.3 million cut—5 percent of the agency's overall current budget—divided between its grants and administrative costs. Grants that have already been awarded aren’t expected to be reduced (although that can happen), but rather it is future funding that will be scaled back to meet the new fiscal reality.

Thirdly, Sean J. Miller points out that Other theater organizations are large enough to absorb the funding reductions. A spokesman for the New Dramatists Inc., a New York playwrights’ lab that mounts staged readings with paid actors, said it would “swallow it” if its NEA funding isn’t renewed. In 2012, New Dramatists received $100,000 from the NEA to help their playwrights’ development process.

Finally, the author makes a conclusion that with the federal government’s fiscal crisis likely to continue, it’s possible further cuts to arts funding could happen soon. With that in mind, advocates are organizing a National Arts Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill April 9. The rally is meant to dissuade lawmakers from chopping arts funds in the name of cost savings.

To my mind, this is a must for the federal government to read, because they can't leave people without art by cutting budget in theatres.

Rendering 4

The headline of the article is Costume Drama: Rubens and Korea , which was published on http://www.artnews.com by Sharon Mizota on 03/06/13. The article deals with a mysterious drawing Man in Korean Costume by Peter Paul Rubens.

Firstly, the author writes that in recent decades, this picture has become a subject of fascination—in Korea. The piece had long been hidden away in a private collection, before the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles acquired it in 1983.

Secondly, Sharon Mizota points out that Through an array of objects, “Looking East” (opening March 5 at the Getty) offers a cross-cultural view of various theories swirling around this enigmatic work, while acknowledging that the truth may never be known.

Thirdly, the reader gets to know about different theories, concerning the picture.

Finally, Sharon Mizota concludes that Rubens was captivated by the Korean costume, but he just really was not 100 percent sure about what he was looking at. It doesn’t have a documentation feel—it has more of this curiosity feel to it.

To my mind, it's a very interesting article. We can get to know the story of creating of one particular picture and analyse different pounts of view, concerning it.

Rendering 3

The headline of the article is Self-Portrait of the Artist as a Self-Destructing Chocolate Head , which was published on http://www.artnews.com by Robin Cembalest. The article deals with unique chocolate art. Firstly, the author writes about the series of works named Lick and Lather by Janine Antoni. These are her famous self-portraits, casts made in chocolate and soap that she modeled on classical busts and “re-sculpted” by the processes described in the title.

Secondly, Robin Cembalest points out that Antoni, who turned 29 that year, threw her whole self into the process, using her lips, lashes, and hair in performative, arduous, and absurdist send-ups of female obsessions and macho art practice.

Thirdly, the reader gets to know about Gnaw, a manic feminist riff on the Minimalist cube, which was also a big hit in 1993, when it appeared at the Whitney Biennial. The installation features 600 pounds of chocolate gnawed by the artist over a month and a half; 600 pounds of lard gnawed by the artist; a display with 150 lipsticks made with pigment, beeswax, and chewed lard removed from the lard cube; and 45 heart-shaped packages made from the chewed chocolate removed from the chocolate cube.

The author stresses the idea that some artist interpret this kind of art in their own strange way. For example,
the one edition in Roth’s show that looks like it’s supposed to be made out of chocolate—isn’t. Instead, Bunny  is composed of rabbit droppings and straw rabbit food. Like several of Roth’s works, it plays off the similarity between chocolate and excrement.

Robin Cenbalest doesn't give his own conclusion concerning this kind of art, but we can understand due the mood of the article that he doesn't like it very much.

To my mind, this article is rather interesting. We can get to know about new kind of art, self-destroying art. However, I think that such types of works aren't worth creating.

Summary III.The Moonstone #1

The Moonstone was a diamond, set in the forehead a sacred statue of Hindu, god of the moon. It  it was said to be protected by hereditary guardians on the orders of Vishnu. Colonel Herncastle, an unpleasant former soldier, brought the Moonstone back with him from India where he had acquired it by theft and murder during the Siege of Seringapatam. Angry at his family, who shunned him, he left the diamond in his will as a birthday gift to his niece Rachel Verinder , thus exposing her to attack by the stone's hereditary guardians, who, legend said, woul stop at nothing to retrieve it. The narrator, a butler in Verinder's house began an eyewitness of the whole story with the Moonstone. Rachel's cousin Franklin Blake, who was followed by three Indian jugglers on his way to the girl, gave this diamond Rachel at her birthday, but the next day it disappeared.

Film Review #1

Paradise Found (2003)

Cast:

Kiefer Sutherland.....Paul Gauguin

Nastassja Kinski.....Mette Gaugin

Alun Armstrong.....Camille Pissarro

Thomas Heinze.....Schuff

Chris Haywood.....Arnaud

Nicholas Hope.....Maurrin

Marco Andreacchio.....Juggler

Directed by Mario Andreacchio

Synopsis:

24 star Kiefer Sutherland stars as celebrated French painter Paul Gauguin in director Mario Andreacchio's slice of life biopic.A successful 19th century French stockbroker  leaves his profession to become an artist in Paris. Nastassja Kinski co-stars in a fascinating look at one of the 19th Century's most celebrated artists.

Review

A highly successful Paris stockbroker, Gaugin decides to drop out of the rat race in favor of developing his self-taught painting skills. Despite his determination to use primitivism as a means to revolutionizing the world of modern art, Gauguin soon spirals down a disastrous drain of financial ruin. Realizing that a change of scenery is in order if he is to rekindle his creativity, the devoted artist travels to the South Seas in order to realize his true potential on the canvas.

The actors in thi film are brilliant. Kiefer Sutherland vivdly conveyed feelings of the great artist, who fought or the virgin nature and life of Tahitian people. Nastassja Kinski gorgeously performed the part of a woman, who's husband had an idea-fix to paint despite all the difficulties his family was living through.

I really enjoyed wathing this film. It's rather beautiful and very emotional. We can trace the way a person becomes an artist. We can understand his feelings, we can feel sorry for his family. It's very interesting to get to know about his thoughts, wishes and experiences. "Paradise Found" is really a find!