Mary's "Joy of the Desolate" Page
Chicago - June 10, 2000 -- "Joy Of The Desolate" by Oliver Mayer
Directed by Geraint Wyn Davies
A small group of Ger's fans attended the preview performance and meet with him afterwards.
Geraint Wyn Davies directs a complex and powerful story written by Oliver Mayer in which music plays an integral part. Whether it is the physical choir which D.C. is part of or the choir of "Ghosts" that travel along his path, the story is intricately entwined with the music. Joy of the Desolate is a coming of age story that occurs on a split level stage, illustrating the many pieces and players in the life of D.C., a young Native American man at an ivy league school who joins the choir in memory of his father. The music, symbolism and imagery seamlessly blend contemporary and Native American styles. In an exploration of the meaning of music, emotion, sexuality, identity, and freedom the story travels through a multitude of interwoven scenes and plotlines, shifting the action rapidly from stage to stage or even simultaneously...that engages the audience anew with every shift in perspective, showing new facets of meaning without once breaking its flow. Yet the multiple scenes are held together as if a song, with each character being only one instrument, a part of the whole. Only Ger's fans could appreciate one inside joke and we could not help laughing when artichoke pie was mentioned, despite the seriousness of the scene. I enjoyed it a lot, I enjoy performances where I walk away thinking and feeling. The play opened at Apple Tree Theatre on Sunday, June 11,2000 and performances continue through July 9, 2000. (847-432-4335)
The pictures are by Mary Denhart, Lisa Low, and Michele Alexander. Do not use without permission.
(Click on thumbnail picture to view larger version of picture)
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Apple Tree Theatre Highland Park, IL |
Ger talks with us after the play.
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Ger reassuring us that he is not moving permanently. |
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I never live where I work, he jokes a moment later.
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Ger listens to a question.
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Ger talks about his future plans and the difficulties of Chicago traffic.
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Lisa, Ger, and Mary.
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Ger with Michele and her fiancé, Brett.
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Oops! Another camera. Lisa, Ger, and Mary again.
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Ger with Susan.
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Ger with Susan and Jack. |
Ger laughs with Lisa and Mary after the show. |
A weekend full of surprises! Brett popped the question and Michele said YES. |
DIRECTOR'S NOTE:
Coming of Age. Forgiveness.
Generosity. Release. Freedom.
This is a play about living and breathing, about
finding our voice.
It touches the agonies and ecstasies
of the human spirit.
We discover a person, a person
through other persons.
And that even in desolation
we must still seek joy.
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