Worthies all,
Back in the summer of 2000, a small film crew shot a documentary about the
Shakespeare at Winedale experience. I was part of that crew (my summers
were '94, '95 and '97), along with Daniel Sacks ('97), Daryl Wyatt ('96),
and our friends Mark Tilley and Talmadge Boyd. We shadowed Doc, James, and
the summer class, capturing some incredible footage and interviews. We
were also on hand when the Reunion class worked on the Merry Wives of
Windsor, which allowed us to interview a number of Winedale luminaries.
Since you are only now hearing back about the documentary, you might guess
that the project was vastly more ambitious than any of us realized.
Post-production stretched into a couple years, then 5 years, then 10 years,
but at long last we are ready to share a Muse of Fire with one and all, and
UT has generously offered to host a world-premiere screening of the film on
August 21st, at 7 PM, at the Black Box at the Student Activity Center.
The film is a powerful tribute to the program, and a potent reminder of the
values and lessons that come from a summer spent rising to the challenges
of Shakespeare's plays. It moves swiftly, covering a lot of ground in a
short space, much as we did during the long days out at Winedale, and I
doubt that any former student will be able to watch it without wanting to
jump up and get cracking on some scene work. For prospective students, or
loved ones who have never been able to grasp what happens out there that
transforms us all, the film will inspire and amaze.
I would love it if we could get every former student to come to the
screening. I would especially love to see the 2000 summer and reunion
classes there, because the film couldn't exist without them. I know that
getting everyone together will be impossible, but if you are near enough to
Austin and interested in coming, it will be a great evening and well worth
your time. It will be a great chance to catch up with each other, to
remember our summer experiences, and to see the film for the first time.
Please RSVP Chelsea Bunn (cbunn(a)austin.utexas.edu) and let her know you'd
like to come, and she will add you to the guest list. You won't regret it!
Thanks,
Andy Bond
Just realized that the photo of me playing Starveling (with live dog
and dead bush in hand) is vintage '78, the year that Bruce played
Mercutio (RJ) , Bottom (MND), and Dumaine (LLL). It was also the
summer wherein I attempted, unsuccessfully, to distinguish Constable
Dull as the central agency deconstructing courtly everything. I also
remember that Robert Faires, in the early stages of his later superb
career as Arts Editor for Austin Chronicle, gave me bad reviews for
that.
Doc
Hey Bruce:
Thanks to Mike, all of us have heard the wonderful news! We are proud
of you and look forward to hearing more about your new adventure.
Take pains, be perfect.
Cheers,
Doc