Geek Chic

How awesome is this Puma ad:

Not that this is uncharted territory (it’s building off of Michel Gondry’s work, and most likely countless others before him), but it’s definitely pushing the boundaries further than I’ve ever seen them pushed before.

What’s amazing about this, and the kind of work that Gondry does in ‘Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground‘ is that the spectacle itself is theatrical in nature.  It’s not something that could only be done on video and edited together in post.  It’s something you could experience live — but which you happen to be watching on film.

This ad takes the theatrical paradigm a step further — it’s a very post-modern interaction with video, complete with Noh theater style invisible stage hands (Kohken) moving the projection surfaces on and off the stage.

This is the kind of work I want to do in terms of using projections and video in theater.  It seems like a pretty limitless frontier.

Now I just need a little bit of money… and I should be all set. :)

Thanks DesignNotes for pointing this one out.

UPDATE: I just changed out the video embed code.  For full effect, switch to HD and watch it in full screen.  It’ll blow your mind.

Not sure quite where to file this but my brain is definitely not the right place…

I was at Radiohole‘s benefit on Monday and saw Liz LeCompte – fearless leader of the Wooster Group. (if none of those names mean anything to you you can ignore this one. I realize this post only targets a niche market of like 2 people).

While the show wasn’t really my bag, I have to say the pre- and post- shows were unforgettable.

The post-show consisted of Kate Valk MC-ing the benefit auction. I can’t even begin to describe it. Hypnotizing.  That woman can really do anything.

In my mind the pre-show consisted of Liz LeCompte walking in, making a B line for the bar, grabbing a bottle of Charles Shaw (Chuck to his friends) Red and waltzing right back out the door.

On the way out she paused and (I guess feeling a slight twinge of guilt) shouted to one of the women running box office, “Hey, how much for this? Will $10 do?” Not particularly waiting for a reply she slid her hand into her pocket, pulled out a crumpled $10 bill and tossed it on the counter. She then continued out the door, stopping only to collect a couple of friends before heading across the street. For the next 20 minutes the patron saint of avant-garde theatre could be found on 19th St. on the stoop across from The Kitchen hanging out with some friends and throwing back a bottle of wine together.

Sometimes I really love this city.

When Improv Everywhere is so cool.  Check out their latest stunt:

thanks to It’s Nice That for the tip

Just updated my theatre company’s website:

http://www.pl115.org

We Are Nuts.  Currently working on two shows:

AND

Please come to the shows if you can.  And if you’re feeling generous, donations are always much appreciated.