For Saints have Hands that Pilgrims' Hands Do Touch
Earlier, TheBloodyBusiness had an interesting post about touch and our feelings about touch in the McKittrick Hotel. It made me think about when anyone has touched me during the show, and led to a realization of why something had resonated with me. My second trip, the porter walked me down to the final scene. I caught him staring in a mirror, and he saw me in it, made eye contact, turned around, and took me by the hand. That alone was enough to make me slightly dizzy. He did the whole scenario where he squeezes you very hard during the show, and then of course walks you up at the end. This whole scenario stuck with me for a couple of weeks after the show. I thought about it a LOT — not in a creepy or even at all sexual way; it just stuck in my head. When it would get quiet, I remembered being spotted and chosen by this character who I’d simply been observing the whole time. I didn’t realize until reading TheBloodyBusiness’ post that this was the first time someone touched me during the show (other than MacDuff slamming into my back at least once, which I doesn’t count). I was also thinking about eye contact as a kind of touch; that first time an actor looks you in the eyes, it’s deeply personal and totally unexpected. And the fourth wall breaking, whether it’s with eyes or hands, has a huge impact on you, even if you don’t realize it right away. So I wanted to throw this out to everyone: do you remember which character was the first to touch you? Talk a bit about it, and how it made you feel.
Oh What a Night (Sleep No More #5 & #6)
#5: William Popp (Malcolm)
#6: Tony Bordonaro (Banquo)
That is all.
Just kidding. Oh, my darlings, where to begin? This night was magical for so many reasons. Despite already having plans to come to NYC (from DC) next weekend (April 25–28), I made the somewhat impulsive decision to take the train up on Saturday night for my first DOUBLE and then take a 3am train back to DC that very same night. I’m a little sleep-deprived today, but it was totally worth it.
In addition to the amazing performances and experiences inside the McKittrick, it was also my first real-world introduction to the Tumblr community. Not sure if I was more excited to chat with cast members or meet the Tumblr folks. I felt like a fanboy on so many levels.
The night started off by meeting BloodWillHaveBloodTheySay, his brother and Caoine for a bite to eat before our double shows began. It was so wonderful to meet all three in person. They welcomed me with with open-arms, and I was truly honored to spend the evening with them. While waiting in line, I had the absolute pleasure of meeting TheBloodyBusiness as they were leaving the Herb Festival. Both greeted me with a hug and immediately made me feel like one of the family. I truly enjoyed our brief time together and look forward to visits in the future.
In addition, dreamingofmanderley joined us in line, followed by scorchedthesnake. And then I met theolderthebetter standing right behind me. Her adorable polka-dot dressed perfectly matched my tie. And I coveted her cute ruby slippers. It was quite the Tumblr round-up of fans, and I was thrilled to meet so many of them in person! That alone made this spontaneous trip worth it!
We finally entered our magical McKittrick for the shows. Oh, the shows! Not even sure how to recap the next 7.5 hours! (Spoilers ahead)
Truly Grateful
I have to say, since I discovered Sleep No More in October my life has changed for the better. As an artist and performer, it has shown me how this art is so unique, it is always changing and never concrete. As an audience member it has made me so much more attentive to every performance I see onstage or otherwise.
The most valuable thing that Sleep No More has given me is the opportunity to connect with strangers, let go and experience new and frightening things (which include, but are not limited to witch orgies and just talking to new people).
I have to say, when I first experienced the tumblr/sleep no more “fandom” I was a little worried that I would be looked down on as just some kid who just really likes weird shit. However, as these months have progressed I have met and spoken to countless amazing, welcoming and unique people through Sleep No More.
After my 10th Sleep No More visit on the 8th, I have to take a bit of a break, as I am just a lowly college theatre major. It was since that day that I have fully come to realize all of the good SNM has brought me and my sister. I want to extend my immense gratitude to the fans who, without you and your persistence to encourage new people to venture into the McKittrick, I would never have learned of this amazing show. Further, my thanks goes out to the endlessly hard-working staff, cast and anyone else involved with this show.
All of you are truly what keeps us going back. There’s nothing else like SNM I have ever had the chance to experience, but if it did not have the support of some of the most interesting and kind workers and fans, it would not have the same effect.
Thank you.
Okay, back to writing my Movement for the Actor paper where I am writing about Mask Work, how convenient ;)
