Kwame Kwei Armah, Philip Akin, Velina Hasu Houston
Photo by Dian Marie Bridge
This weekend opened up for me a number of questions. I was amazed at the magnificent artists that came and so generously shared with us. I was amazed at how those in attendance seemed to be so inspired and enriched by the Forum. Their survey forms often spoke of how they had been avoiding the difficult work that is inside them and how now they know that that is the work that has to be tackled. I was amazed at how, even though they registered, over 54% did not bother to show up.
I felt that this Forum was a unique opportunity to open some doors between companies and to activate the process of cross pollinization of ideas and cultures. But then again perhaps not. It was somewhat disheartening to realize that it may be easier to look outward, across borders and seas, to find people and companies that believe in this model instead of down the street.
It has left me with a lot to think about and to re-evaluate what direction will best serve Obsidian.
1 comment:
I've come to believe that any successful theatre conference in this city has to happen on weekdays. I can't help but wonder if you ran it from a Monday-Wednesday if it would have been better. I would have been able to attend if that was the case. I remember PCC doing theirs that way and there was a great turnout.
So don't get disheartened just yet. I'm sure the weekend dates in the beginning of November, when there is so many other things going on just in this theatre community, had a lot to do with the low turnout. It sounds like the people who were there did get a lot out of it.
Maybe a good place to start is to follow up with the 54% who didn't come. You've got their contact info, ask them what happened. Use the feedback to create something even better next time.
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