Sunday, August 9, 2009

By Eric Holowacz

'You see things and you say why? But I dream things that never were and say why not?"

So goes the famous quote from a not-so-famous George Bernard Shaw play. In a few words, it does a good job of summing up the magic of the creative instinct and the innate wonder of the artistic life.

Shaw's notion also provides a fitting frame for the ongoing mission of The Studios of Key West. Last weekend, for the third summer in a row, the island's playwrights, actors, artists and dreamers gathered in the main hall of the Historic Armory.

More than 50 participants came together to launch our annual 24-hour theater project, "One Night Stand," mustering with their sponsors at twilight on Friday evening.

Competing writers were given the same first and last line plus a common prop. The given opening line was: "Um, I have a confession, Pat;" the last line was: "I don't know, maybe you should;" and the prop was a 12-roll of 2-ply toilet paper from CVS.

Cast, directors and set artists were assigned by the luck of the draw. Teams were set and everyone shared their first meal under one roof. Within 12 hours, five entirely new stage works were delivered to our door and the frenzy exploded.

Directors blocked their casts. Actors learned their lines. Brilliant artists painted the scenes. Dozens of people volunteered to assist with costumes, props and lighting. All the while, producer Elena Devers managed to control the chaos like clockwork. Expert colleague Martha Barnes took care of everyone like they were family. And our facilities coordinator, Lauren McAloon, solved the technical problems with invention and equanimity. This year's lead-up to "One Night Stand," our third attempt at instant collaborative theatre, was a wonder to behold.

On Saturday night at 8 p.m., more than 200 people (and a few hundred more, thanks to Southernmost Radio Network's live Inter-net video stream), turned up.

Mistress of Ceremonies Marjory Paul-Shook took command of the stage, her smile and hairdo as big as Texas. She introduced the teams and the five plays freshly-minted for our Key West audience.

A modern-day Noah, stripped to his skivvies, is daunted by the divine. Spy intrigue infiltrates a high school musical and the prom is hijacked by an elusive French kingpin. A tortured matriarch is greeted by visions of the Virgin Mary emerging from the smallest room in the house. Buskers and flamboyant characters in Mallory Square serve up an epiphany for a lonely traveller. And finally, a popular game-show host is plagued by on-air cat fights, an ancient mummy come to life and the sexy librarian routine.

All wonders to behold. In a way, The Studios of Key West began its life with the first "One Night Stand" project in 2007. Local writer Mark Hedden proposed a 24-hour theater project for the dog days of summer and we ran with it. My staff and I were young and fearless and hoping to bring creative people together. Our organization was hoping to find itself. That spirit of collaboration and openness and support for the artistic process has since become our hallmark.

Our staff, programming, and artistic community has matured over the following seasons. And while we may be less young, The Studios of Key West remains fearless in its mission. We're here to run with good ideas and present the magical aspects that make our culture.

And we're here to help people dream up things that never were and ask one another, why not?

Eric Holowacz is the executive director of The Studios of Key West.