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Urban Research Theater Newsletter - July, 2007 ------------------------------------------------------ CONTENTS ------------------------------------------------------ ANNOUNCEMENTS 1) Urban Research Theater: New Website 2) Another City: Rescheduled 3) Song Cycle: Work Update PROSE 4) Two Koans Answered ------------------------------------------------------ ANNOUNCEMENTS ------------------------------------------------------ 1) Urban Research Theater: New Website The website has been redesigned with an emphasis on simplicity and a focus on the current work. Older and more personal material has been removed. The previous version is still accessible via a tiny link on the opening page. Please visit: http://www.urbanresearchtheater.com/ ------------------------------------------------------ 2) Another City: Rescheduled The ANOTHER CITY project has been rescheduled and shortened in order to accommodate more people. If you were interested in participating but could not afford the time / energy / financial commitment, please consider the new schedule. I hope you will join me for this unique and unprecedented experience. The new schedule is Friday afternoon 8/17 through Sunday evening 8/19. In other words, only two and a half days - but they will be extraordinarily full ones. The workshop fee has been reduced from $350 to $200. In the heat of the New York City summer, experience another way - another city - another self. /// ANOTHER CITY /// One intensive week of outdoor meditation, group singing, performance creation and urban pilgrimage. August 17-19, 2007 New York City Fee: $200 ($50 deposit by July 20) The group is limited to ten people! For details and a complete schedule, visit: http://www.anothercitynyc.com/ ------------------------------------------------------ 3) Song Cycle: Work Update Urban Research Theater presents /// Song Cycle /// performed by Michele Farbman and Ben Spatz directed by Ben Spatz with guidance from Ryan Etzel The heart of this project is a cycle of eleven wordless songs. We are developing a performance piece that weaves together movement and narrative within the frame of these songs. The work in progress was shown to a small number of invited guests at the end of June. Showings and private workshops are available by appointment. Please email the address below for details. We are looking for a third performer to join us. Prior experience is recommended but not required. Performers receive extensive physical and vocal training, and must be available to work four to six days per week through August 2008. ------------------------------------------------------ PROSE ------------------------------------------------------ 4) Two Koans Answered - First Koan - Teacher. What is the sound of one hand clapping? Student. The sound of one hand clapping is the same as the sound of two hands clapping. Teacher. What does this mean to you? Student. The sound of two hands clapping is the sound of one hand clapping against a hand. One hand can also clap against a stone, against a face, against the sky. All this is the sound we are seeking. - Second Koan - Teacher. What is your original face before your father and mother were born? Student. In that moment, I am a thousand faces. Teacher. Who are you now? Student. Still a thousand faces. Teacher. Then what is this? [Slaps the student's face.] Student. One face among thousands. ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------ As always, comments and feedback are welcome. Ben Spatz ben@urbanresearchtheater.com New York City