The apartment doubled as a rehearsal studio, a performance space and an underground dance club, which was pretty tricky and not exactly safe. “We couldn’t be running the stove and the theater lights at the same time,” recalled Sue Kessler, one of the roommates. “We couldn’t use the hot water and also run sound.”
3 comments:
I only know about the Bushwick Starr because Michelle Sutherland's show was just there. The company itself appears to be pretty awesome! They are willing to take risks with the work they produce. For example, Michelle's show was a 72-hour performance. If that isn't a risk I don't know what is. II feel that the Bushwick Starr, and other theaters like it, are going to become very popular because of the new edgy work they are doing. Audiences are intrigued when you take big risks and brake what we consider to be normal. I am very interested to see what the future hold form them, and to here what Michelle has to say about working there.
I think it's really neat to offer a time to develop new works in their strange little space. Theaters like this are wonderful because they know what kind of theater they're producing and they are happy with it. Sure, they could grow, but this space would have such a story and maybe one day they'll actually be able to purchase the space and the building it is in. This would help them to grow. I love that they share a sense of community and are helping to promote the area that has supported them and made them stronger as a company and as artists. I'm interested to see a show here. I love going to the theater in places you wouldn't expect. The Arcade Theater in downtown Pittsburgh is like this as well and does some truly funny things that are worthwhile. What a funny and lucky little story these two have. I can't wait to see what their company does in the future.
Bushwick is a rapidly changing neighborhood. I visit the neighborhood a few times a year, and every time there's some new bar or cafe or whatever. They're even paving the streets nowadays. Used to be Bushwick was one of the last places in Brooklyn where you might be able to have a multi-use art space like the Starr, and it's heartening to see they are still viable, at least for now. It will be an increasing challenge to remain that way as the neighborhood continues to gentrify and real estate becomes even more unmanageable than it is now. It seems an unfortunate step-child to Progress that places like this are eventually replaced by boutiques, and the venues that gave a neighborhood the character that made it attractive in the first place are forced to close. I wish for the continued success of the Starr.
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