Avocado seed casing is cracking. Is this a good sign or do I need a new avocado?

My Seven Minute Play About Nanotechnology

In 2006-07, Six Bay Area writers (including myself) were commissioned by The Magic Theatre and The Exploratorium (and Sloan Foundation too I think) to write 7 minute plays about Nanotechnology. We conducted our own investigations over the year and created some nifty pieces about the science and issues surrounding the technology.

Well, after two small readings, it's just been kind of sitting on my computer so I thought I might as well share it. You know, for the craving desire for short plays about science!! I mean there are some jokes here that a small subsection of the American Public will find hilarious.

I posted it on my website here.

Man, that was some earth week!

It's friday. A solid week of writing has taken place on my front, though it's been one of those forward and backwards kind of writing weeks. Lots of pages written but nothing that's feeling quite sticky

Speaking of sticky, I'm reading The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell. Partially for play research reasons. I need to read his book on Greatnes as well, which my brother is lending to me. Also starting to reread Candide by Voltaire. I think I read it in high school but all I remember is that the cover was purple. So far the play models for my new play are appearing to be Peer Gynt, Candide, The Odyssey, and Saroyan's The Time of Your Life. I think. Subject to change.

I'm also trying to force rules upon myself in the new draft. "No cussing" is one. The most recent rule is "No Magic!" And I'm trying to figure out some framing devices: A chorus is an option. A direct address is an option. I'm waiting for the right one to revealed to me in a joyous moment of dramaturgical revelation.

and I kind of feel like doing this all weekend (thanks, Jon):

More sharing from the internets

In the spirit of reading The Tipping Point, I would like to continue the viral chain of the following gems currently on the internet.

Jon, a reliable forwarding friend (he works in advertising), has shared this very nicely designed and hilarious and touching website that will surely brighten your day.

Behold it's Old Jews Telling Jokes

Jon also shared this more subtly metafunny edit of Snakes On a Plane

George has also shared a few links including this link about neighbors, no idea what this is and also, for any of you former San Franciscans out there, the former Osento Bath House is now for sale. It costs under a million, and that includes a wine barrel sauna in the back.


Finally, this chart on how to write an American play is hilarious and stunningly accurate (click to biggen):
(posted by many on the 'book)

I think it is the dream of every artist to provoke such a response as the Single Ladies dance has

How can a hot man who looks like Jesus, who brought a sheep, a goat and a miniature donkey on stage still lose yesterday's Hunky Jesus competition?

It just doesn't seem fair.

Though the winner, "Brokeback Jesus" had a pretty good team outfit.

Houston loves sex and violence

in the form of Catastrohpic Theatre's production of Hunter Gatherers!

Check out the reviews

I am sad to be missing it.

Humana Highlights

I've emerged from a simply wild and crazy weekend at the Humana Festival of New Plays at Actor's Theatre of Louisville. This was known as "big weekend," the one where Critics, agents, casting folks, literary managers and artistic directors arrive to party, schmooze, and watch eight plays in three days, one of which I was 1/6 responsible for. Here are some highlights:

• The most personal highlight was Brink!, the anthology written by Lydia Diamond, Kristoffer Diaz, Greg Kotis, Deborah Zoe Laufer, Deborah Stein and myself, directed by Sean Daniels, turged by Julie Dubiner, and starring the twenty one Actor's Theatre apprentice company actors. For nine months, this group has been working at Actor's running crew for every show, playing roles in some productions, taking workshops, mounting other productions, and appearing in this show written for them at Humana. The production exceeded my wildest dreams. Every moment was seized, huge production numbers and dancing abounded, and it was an honor to be there. What a treat to write for 21 people! The script will be published with all the Humana Plays in a little while.
• Watching the other plays which ranged from a celebration of poet Wendell Berry to a play about Slasher movies to a play about three chemical factory workers so poisoned that their feet steam, to an incredible genre busting musical examination of Katrina to a play about family betrayal to a play that featured asking people in the audience when they'd last had sex to a series of ten minute plays about assassins, a drag race, and history re-enactors in Roanoke. An eclectic weekend is putting it mildly.
• Getting drunk with literary managers, artistic directors, playwrights, directors, actors, critics and theater lovers.
• While there was no chocolate fountain at the Gala, there was a tower of little cupcakes.
• Hitting the gay bars of Louisville, including one that is the size of a city block and is in fact eight bars in one including a video bar, a shower bar, a dance club, and the largest drag show stage you will ever see.
• Bourbon
• Sneaking backstage at an intermission to eat Chili at the food station set up by the Actor's associates (volunteer supporters) keeping all the workers and volunteers nourished over the crazy festival and getting back just in time for act two.
• Being told by an artistic director at a bar "OK, you're done" after theorizing about dental anesthesia and what that means about death.
• Being called out by two literary managers for having brought two different brown hoodies to Kentucky
• The apprentices. They simply rock and I am hoping the best for them as they emerge into wild world that lies ahead.
• Being in a room packed with people who love doing what you do and love that everyone else is doing it too.