by visiting tennesseerep.org. or at the TPAC Box Office downtown. Since 1985 ..... followed by not being good at sports (37%), how well they do at school- ...
OUTintheArts Comedy of Manners... WITHOUT Manners by Pat Patrick Tennessee Repertory Theatre will present the Tennessee premiere of God of Carnage, winner of the 2009 Tony Award for Best Play. Written by Yasmina Reza and translated by Christopher Hampton, this scathing comedy is a recent major motion picture release (Carnage, directed by Roman Polanski and starring Jodie Foster and Kate Winslet). God of Carnage runs February 4 – 18 at TPAC’s Johnson Theater (with preview performances February 2 - 3). The other day in the neighborhood park, little Benjamin whacked his playmate Henry with a stick, breaking two teeth. So it is important that the par-ents of the boys set the right example and sit down to discuss the matter calmly and reasonably, right? After all, nothing will be gained by behaving like children… In God of Carnage, two sets of parents get togeth-er to calmly discuss the bad behavior of their young sons and they soon descend into an immaturity that, by contrast with what they say they are trying to be, is perfect parody of self-important politically correct grown-ups. The play asks the questions: What are we REALLY like underneath, when on the outside we’re pretending to be adults in a civilized society? What happens if we are driven to drop the façade? What would happen if we all said what we really think, unfettered by the constrai nts of politeness? Human nature, red in tooth and claw. Yasmina Reza—the writer who drew maximum laughs from Minimalist art in Art—uses her corros ive wit to strip away the thin veneer of civilization in this Tony Award-winning comedy of manners… without the manners. “This is the one play I knew we’d do the moment we could get rights for it—sharp dialogue and characters requiring exceptional acting that makes us really look at ourselves and our behaviors.” says Tennessee Rep Producing Artistic Director René D. Copeland. “God of Carnage is an acting tour de force, and I am especially excited by a play that offers four meaty roles. The best part of my job is getting to work with ter rific actors in amazing roles, so I look forward to sharing with you the acting talent that can drive this one home. Human nature needs to be poked with a sh arp stick now and then— I Iove the way this play does that. Quite simply, this Tony winner is one of the most scathingly funny plays out there today, revealing and reveling in human nature, and one that Middle Tennessee deserves to see in its own backyard.” The production stars David Alford in his dramatic return to the Tennessee Rep stage. Alford last starred in David Mamet’s Glen garry Glen Ross for which he was voted Best Local Actor in The Tennessean’s “Toast of Music City” Awards. "From an actor's standpoint, it's pretty rare that you come across a play like God of Carnage,” says Alford. “Four great roles with really specific, well-defined characters in a compelling story that you know is going to res-onate with an audience. The play's beautifully structured, and it's going to be a real workout for the actors. It's been a while since I've read some-thing and thought 'I really want to do this.' I can't wait to jump in." In addition to Alford, the cast features Jeff Boyet, Shannon Hoppe, Rubenfeld Law Office and Shelean Newman. Tickets are available for God of Carnage by calling 615/782-4040, Abby R. Rubenfeld by visiting tennesseerep.org. or at the TPAC Box Office downtown. Att at L or Since 1985, Tennessee Repertory Theatre has been a critically acclaimed ney aw regional theatre, creating the highest quality professional productions and by serving as a prime cultural, educational, and economic resource within 615.386.9077 the Nashville and Middle Tennessee communities. Tennessee Rep produces work that is designed, built, and rehearsed in Nashville by highly skilled 2409 Hillsboro Road, Suite 200 Nashville Tennessee 37212 actors, designers, directors, and technicians. A non-profit organization, S ving Our Community Since 1979 Tennessee Rep is committed to consistently delivering thought-provoking er theatre each year. For more information on the Tennessee Repertory Theatre, please visit www.tennesseerep.org.
ʼesivllCmoLGTBtymuni
iOut • February 2012
X e n o g e n y - T e n n e s s e e ’ s O l d e s t G L B T E n t e r t a i n m e n t P u b l i c a t i o n -
heeartBack to Basics T H of the Matter ThHeraevseeeymosuthneorteiciesdnetvheartalisfiemspeleemasnsSwOertcoombeplhicaadtefdoroafnylastiet?-uation. Yet, there is also a yearning, almost primal hunger, for a simpler day and time. Where the things we do matter, and are more than just a Facebook status. We live in a world where we can have thousands of “friends,” but never really be known or know the people with whom we say we are “friends.” We have replaced the basics of human relation-ships with technology that when used properly could augment, but would never be a replacement for, authentic enduring friend-ships, families and faith. One of the most disjointed things we see is a desire for people to claim faith, but have not true comprehension of what that faith entails. In a recent video a young man was talking about how he hated the Church, but loved Jesus. Inthe video he makes criticisms that ByRev.GregBullard are far from accurate, and reflect a lack of what Jesus actually said about the church, his followers, and many other things. If you are Christian we need to remember, Jesus said he would build HIS Church – not individual followers – building a community – not a private group where we invite only those we like and with whom we agree, or that only includes us. To put it another way is that the Godhead is a community (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost) and to be made in His image means we also need that type of community – that type of knowing and being known. To be honest, it does not matter to which community of faith you belong, but belong somewhere you must if you ever wish to reach your fullest potential. Incommunity we are challenged to look beyond our own perspective. Weare challenged when hurt to see that we have hurt others and find forgiveness as we share forgiveness. Yourbest will NEVER come from you being or doing alone. That is true spir-itually, emotionally, financially, or any other way. The only path to success is through a community – but be careful of the type of community and culture in which you find yourself and seek to thrive. Seek a community where you will truly be known and know others. It takes time, but is well worth the effort. In such communities there will be fights and forgiveness, a challenge to sacrifice for the com-mon good and a willingness to let others help when you need it. Theyare not perfect – they are real. If you want a place without challenges or a need for you to sacrifice something for others you really do not want friends, family or faith – you want to be God. This month I encourage you to get back the basics of relating to people in real and tangible ways. Give up social media for a week. Connect and commit to a community of faith. Until you are willing to be truly known you will never find the fullness of what is in store for you. Blessings, Pastor Greg --- Rev. Greg Bullard is the pastor of Covenant of the Cross Church www.covenantofthecrosscom. You may reach him at Greg-Bullard@comcast.net
Over Natalie Merchant's 30-year career, she has earned a distinguished place among America's most respected recording artists with a reputation for being a prolific songwriter with a compelling artistic vision and a unique and captivating performance style. With her latest and highly acclaimed Nonesuch recording entitled, Leave Your Sleep, which debuted on the Billboard Top 200 at No. 17, Natalie Merchant embarks on a new artistic path, creating songs from literary inspiration which are com-posed for expanded musical ensembles and orchestra. In conjunction with her next orchestral recording (release planned for spring 2012), Natalie Merchant will undertake an extensive touring project performing with symphony orchestras throughout the world. Natalie Merchant began her musical career as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the pop music band 10,000 Maniacs and released two platinum and four gold records with the group between 1981 and 1993 (The Wishing Chair, In My Tribe, Blind Man's Zoo, Hope Chest, Our Time in Eden, and MTV Unplugged). Together with artists like R.E.M., they defined college rock and created the first wave of alternative rock bands and what became known as the alternative rock format on FM radio. In 1994, Natalie Merchant began her solo career with a self-produced debut album, Tigerlily (1995). In the years following, she released Ophelia (1998), Natalie Merchant Live (1999) and Motherland (2001). In 2003, Merchant independently released an album of American and British folk music, The House Carpenter’s Daughter, on her own label, Myth America Records. In 2005, she curated a collection of her own work for a double album, Retrospective and another for her former band, Campfire Songs. Natalie Merchant has collaborated both on stage and in the studio with a wide range of artists including Philip Glass, Wynton Marsalis, David Byrne, The Chieftains,
5. Now Hear This! Natalie Merchant Interview by F. Daniel Kent Mavis Staples, REM, Daniel Lanois, Ladysmith Black iOut: How will this release differ from Leave Your Sleep? Mambazo, Tracy Chapman, Dan Zanes, Billy Bragg and Wilco.Throughouthercareer,MerchanthasalsobeenorcNheMst:raTlhienrsetriusmaednetfaitniiotnesdoeistirewoton’twboerkasweictlehctmicorase dedicated to supporting a variety of non-profit organiza- Leave Your Sleep. I don’t think anything I ever do tions by lending financial support and raising public a ain will be as ecl s awareness.ScenicHudson,Riverkeeper,TheCenterforsgupposedtobeaniencttriocdausctiito.nLteoavemuYsiocuranSdlepepoetwray. Constitutional Rights, Doctors Without Borders, Tibet So, it will be released a year from now as an illustrat-House, Greenpeace, The Southern Center for Human ed book with 19 of the songs from the album. It is Rights and Planned Parenthood are among the social jus- amazingly illustrated by Barbara McClintock. So tice groups to which she has been devoted. Merchant has many teachers have been writing to me and telling me also served as an appointed member of the prestigious how useful the record is for teaching poetry to their New York State Council on the Arts (2007-2011). iOut studentsso now this can be like a textbook. caught up with Natalie Merchant just before Halloween sic? to chat about her current and upcoming projects. iOut: How does your daughter respond to the mu NM: She loves the music but it has just been a part of iOut: Do you have big plans for Halloween with your her daily life for so long she kind of thinks of it as our daughter? music instead of my music. *laughs* Natalie Merchant: Only little plans. It’s still kind of iOut: You have worked as nd endent a slushy and cold here and many the Halloween costumes elact.CurrentlanuiareeopnNonesunchd are destroyed by a parka. My daughter was very excited asamajorlabyonyo about her butterfly costume we’ve been making for three aRsecaonridns.deDoyoduenptreferbeingalabelorworking weeks now. Now my job this afternoon is to find a way pen ? to attach her wings to her parka. *laughs* She has a but- NM: Nonesuch is an independent division that utilizes terfly headdress that I made for her and I think I may line thedistribution networks of Warner Brothers but they her hood with faux fur because it will be 32 degrees operate in their own world and have their own standard, tonight. I remember those kinds of Halloweens when I which is tremendous as an artist. It’s great to be in the was a kid and we had to walk through the snow in my bal- company of so many of my contemporaries like let slippers. Emmylou Harris and The Low Anthem and many others. iOut: How did your double album Leave Your Sleep rTehceorldisstainsyhmuogree.sBoutbetihnegtarnutihnidsepheanrddelyntainsyroenalelybuthyse originate as a concept? smartest thing. But who can really tell what will happen? NM: My daughter was born in 2003 and it initially I feel like a Vaudevillian already past the Talkies and I started as a lullaby album then it grew into a 20 headed don’t know what to do. (laughs) monster because I discovered all these poets I wanted to : You have collaborated with numerous luminar-ausbel.yBaedfaoprteeidtowvaesrd5o0npeoitemwsasaandseIvewnorykeeadrpwriotjhec1t5.0Ipmruosbi--iesioOvuetrtheyears.Isthereanyoneyouwouldliketocol-cians by the time it was done. It was huge and such a great laborate with that hasn’t happened yet? learning experience on every level. I ended up doing NM: I love Thom York’s voice. I think it would be fun research on all the poets and tried to find images of each to sing with him. I also think The Punch Brothers are one which was a challenge a lot of times since there may amazing. I would love to a record with them. I also love have been only one image in existence. It’s amazing how The Low Anthem. But, I’m a wallflower so even though elusive some of them were. I’ve pulled off a lot of collaborations I generally keep to myself. When I do come out of the forest and get on the orcihOesuttr:alAatppwrhoaatchpotiontthedimduysiocu?decidetogowithan stage with others I’m reminded of what a wonderful kin-ship I share with them just by virtue of being a musician. NM: lo tobestilIluesxtprateretdhealploseormtss.oMfadnifyfeorfetnhtestmylitesseoefmmedustioc iOut: You do a lot of community work and support. me needed harp and a full string section to really create What are you working on now? tShoismsepoafcethtehamtIcorueladllybewiannhtaebditaedsobrtysoifnJgaiznzgstohuenpdoseom.INM:I’vebeendoingareallyfunprojectwiththe92nd went to Wynton M rsalis who is such an amazing ency- Street Y in New York. They have a public school intro-a ductionto music program. Now there are 3500 school cClohipneedsieafoolfkkmnuosiwcleedngsee.mFblreosmantdhesroem,eIBlaudedgerdasssoamndechildrenbetweentheagesof5and8studyingmusicinthe Chamber Music and so forth. schools. I’ll be performing concerts for them beginning in December. That has been a very fun collaboration. larimOautt:erIiaulnidner2st0a1n2.dtHhoerwefwairllabloenagnweiwthalitbuarmeoyfosiumit-iOut:Whydoyoufeelsocalledtogivebacktoyour this point? a community? NM: The songs are all written. I’m just working o the NM:I just want to be a good citizen. We all pitch n inthe way that we can and use the resources we amrarakinnggemreecnotsr.dsI’vwehgeroettIenhatvoetehneopuogihntmaaftteerria3l0thyaetarusseosfhave.Ialwayssupportmypublicradiostation. orchestral instruments to record – or I have ada ed c Having a child of my own and realizing how impres-tainsongsthatwereorchestralthatIfeelverycpotmfer-sionabletheyareandhoweagertheyaretolearn ort- howimportant it is to devote myself to them. I see able with the medium. that as my future. t
up in his addiction that he fails to see that his sister is slowly unraveling herself and she’s on the edge of doing something damaging. Steve McQueen is a master at building suspense in a film. As each scene passes in this film we are left on the edge of our seat wondering if our main character can sink any lower into despair. McQueen’s ability to shoot a scene where we can feel the chemistry between two characters radiate off the screen is just incredible. Carey Mulligan gives a heart wrenching performance as Brandon’s sister who is looking for a place to belong. In one scene Mulligan sings, “New York, New York,” a song about belonging to New York in such a real, heart stopping way that the viewer is forced to see this fragile creature begin to unravel just by singing a song. We watch her character try-ing to connect with her brother unsuccessfully. Every time she tries to reach out to her brother he smacks her away. In one other emotional scene her brother asks her why she is there and she replies, “I’m here to help you.” We know that she’s there looking for her brother to help her and that is what makes her character so sad is that she wasn’t brave enough to tell her brother that she needed help. Michael Fassbender is a revelation in the main role of Brandon Sullivan. At the start of the film we see that he likes to have sex, but as the film goes on we begin to watch this character descend into a hole of despair and misery. Brandon ignores people and the world around him in order that he can get his fix or sex and porn. We watch him spiral out of control to the point where he is openly mocking a girl’s boyfriend that he has just hit on. All this leads to one of the most shocking choices our lead character makes, which I won’t spoil because it shows how far a straight man addicted to sex and porn will go to satisfy his addiction. Brandon is so caught up in his own addiction that he neg-lects his sister with devastating consequences. This film was so amazing and riveting to me. The opening train sequence is one of the best film sequences I’ve ever witnessed. Brandon is staring at this woman sitting across the aisle on the train. The woman smiles politely, but Brandon keeps staring at her. The woman begins to feel uneasy and we can see tears forming in her eyes, but Brandon keeps staring her down. Beautiful sequence. “Shame” is a film not to be missed. It uncovers things about addiction that some people may not have been aware of before. Fassbender is well on his way to an Oscar nomination for Best Actor for this film. **** Overall rating: 4/5
Movie Reviews by Ryan Cole “My Week with Marilyn” is a knock out! iesscoanpleydtthheesctualrtttohfistfhilemfilasmksbtehcaeuqsueetvieonn:th“oCuagnhyoMuaretvhear “My week with Marilyn” follows the true story of a really escape?” es young directors assistant named Colin (Eddie Redmayne). ColinisbeginningworkonanewfilmbeingdirectedbytheSepaanstDanudrkipnresdeonetssatnoriymlipnreesssitvoegejtohberofthianttelreawveeasvtihneg and starring Sir Laurence Olivier (Kenneth Branagh in a superbperformance).Colinbelieveshewilldohisjob,gettviiemwe,er“Aornetthheeecduglteloefadseerast.aftWeerahreer?w”oonrd“eIsrisnhgetjhuestwghoionleg some film credit and move on to the next project, but fate crazy?” It takes a skillful director to keep a good steady has other plans for him. Olivier’s co-star arrives in pace of drama and suspense going for the length of a film, London and it is none other than Marilyn Monroe (MichelleWilliamsinatourdeforceperformance).AsbutODscuarrkinnodmoiensejeusJtothhnatHianwakgelsor(iWouisntemra’snnBeor.ne)givesa production begins on the film, we begin to see signs of chilling performance as the cult leader who sets his eyes Marilyn’s insecurities rise to the surface as she forgets lines and fights to be taken seriously as an actress. Marilyn on Martha. In one emotional scene, Hawkes gets out his feels that everyone is against her, so she decides to seduce guitar and begins to sing a song directed toward Martha Colinsothatshewillhavesomebodyfightingforherintwhaattchh.eHwarwokteesiisspornoevionfgtthoebemoosntehofortrhifeybinesgtsccheanreasctteor her corner. Colin starts to fall for Marilyn Monroe, but Monroe’s deep rooted emotional issues begin to surface actors of this generation. and things begin to spiral out of control. Ultimately, the success or failure of this film lies in the Eddie Redmayne gives a grounded, realistic perform- hands of Elizabeth Olsen and I can say without a doubt anceasColin.WeseehisdrivetomakeitinthefilmtkhnaotcskheoiustTpeHrfEorremaasoncnethhiesrefiltmhastucwcielledlse.avOelseynougibveosnea industry and then his heartache as he realizes that what we see up on the screen isn’t how things are in real life. chillingly cold one minute and crying with heartache the Oscar nominee Kenneth Branagh is fantastic as Sir next. Olsen’s sometimes-blank stare always leaves the Laurence Olivier and there is no doubt in my mind that audience guessing as to what it is she is thinking about. he will be nominated this year by the Academy in the We watch Olsen slowly begin to unravel right from the BestSupportingActorcategory.tsthaertfilofmthwehfeilnms,heundtrilessweesruepacthoaplsecaesneehteorwsiasrtderthaendenjodionfs The real jewel of this film though is the lead perform-anceofOscarnomineeMichelleWilliams.Shedoesn’tcarpoawrtdyocfrpoewodp.leWanedwcaatnchfehelerhemrafkeeelihnegrowfabyeitnhgroexutgrhemthee-mimic Marilyn; she inhabits her and creates a new inter-pretation of Monroe never before seen. This is a career- ly uncomfortable around so many people. Then, without definingroleforWilliamswhodrawsusallinwithabwraerankidnogwOnlsseonndfielscme.ndsintooneofthemostharrowing Marilyn smile and then rips our hearts out as she’s sitting “Martha Marcy May Marlene” is a film that some peo-in a hallway crying like a scared little girl. Williams has alreadywonnumerouscriticsawardsandtheGoldenipnlevesmtsaiynftihnedfitlomtbheesnliotwwiollrpbaoyroifnfgi,nbtuhteeifndt.heThviisefiwlemr Globe award for Best Actress, so an Oscar nomination is is a fantastic example of Independent film artistry at it’s certainly coming for her. best and it is not to be missed. ****Overall Rating 4.5/5 Overall, “My week with Marilyn” is a splendid tale of dreams achieved and dreams lost that is anchored by “Shame” is a sexy, dramatic fall into Obsession Michelle Williams. **** Overall Rating: 4/5 stars ve M “ Martha Marcy May Marlene” is a top-notch thriller oBfraaSntpdeoornnaSdcudlQliicvutsaenefanll(fnrobotumstihgerafcae.moMuiscwhaahcetoloFrh)asodlsidbrseencatdsecrtrhsuitssarhtsianlaegs Martha (Elizabeth Olsen in a breakout performance) is , a nessman trying to find her own destiny in life when she stumbles secret addiction to sex and porn. Brandon has to have porn upon a place where everything seems perfect. Martha is or sex many times a day and we see him sneak off to the able to make friends and even find a guy that she likes, but bathroomat work and even go after his female co-workers looks can be deceiving as is shown in this knock out film inorder to get his fix. Things come to a head in this story directed by Sean Durkin. Martha flees from the abusive when his emotionally broken sister, Sissy (Carey Mulligan) cult and takes refuge with her sister and her husband. This shows up looking for a place to stay. Brandon is so caught What The $#@ * By Amber Morrison IdnetnetrcualcttuirvailtieAsffapiargse,secytioountwhilaltfsitnatdesaintarenNaebxtysutpo,rmw.eInareNetwakJienrgsetyh,eGopvoleirtincoarlpWasasshiangtsaonmeS-tsaetxe.biWlli,thWenasohuignhgtvooteshtaos n Thegaycommunityseemstobeinthe“psuesrvwesheasreosnteudoefntthsecamnangyaianvtehneueaswoarnecnaesms,-sCahmries-seCxhrmisatrireiasgtaetebidlltthhaatthceomweilslavcertoossahniysbdeesceormveeetqhueal7rtighhtsst.ateHetlol,awceceevpetnthhaatdtwhee news everywhere these days. First up, knowledge, and skills necessary to become desk. He doesn’t care if the bill has enough f Microsoft and Nike on this one Pepperdine University has blocked for the support o . 4thtimeaformationofaGayandLesbiancthulattugraalyl,ylcesobmiapnest,enbti.-s”exDuoalst,heayndntortarnesagleizne-dvooteevsetroytbheicnogminehailsapwo.weHretowilmlavkeetosuirteahnidsaMnadkcesolomrethweanmtitnoPgroidgee.tsomeNikeshoes Campus Support Group. Why any school wouldsmackdownasupportgroupisdceurltsuarreeua:niqPueeplypertdhienireSotuwdne?ntsItanddobe:sn’atvbeettowseteinckas.mWanhya?ndHaewbeolimevaensamnadrrsihagoeulidsWhOatniesastleepsbfiaornwtoarddo?andMatywboeIstneepsdboacgko. beyond me. According to the Associated e t Press,PepperdineUniversitystatedthissPoeupnpderldiikneerite.allyItkanlosowsdwoehsant’tthseohuenlldtlhiekierrAeLmLaiOnWsoS.SACoMmE-eSEonX,MGoAvRerRnIoAr,GIE.OWNAopmoaliktei-coiaunt’swihtohachickiunrefrtohnatttohfeeyvegreyt group goes against its beliefs on sexual use to ens morality. I find this mildly amusing consid- doing. Consider the fact that approximate- offense to Iowa. I grew up in Nebraska just my point. Hmm, that might be fun actual-ering their website (one of the first things ly 30% of all suicides are done by the gay a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Iowa ly. My first stop will be to Washington so yousee)statesthatPepperdineUniversitygcaoymcmoumnimtyunaintydraoreugbhullyli4e6d,0e0v0erkyidyseianr.thIe,sbtoartedser.doeIsnk’ntoswpeltlheouctultguarye-friinentdhleys.etMwoyIlcaneqguetalsorimghetsnedowesshnooets.meWaniseyouup,ypoeuo,-is regarded for its…”commitment to serving p e… the needs of EACH AND EVERY PEP- myself, would vote for a support system. only question on this one…did the not you, you, not you, definitely not you, PERDINE STUDENT.” Anyone else see But, hey their sexual morality appears to be Governor go to Pepperdine University? and you. Welcome to the dawn of a new a contradiction here? If you go to their stu- moreimportant than the lives of these kids. At least we’re making strides in age folks. Let’s wave our flag proudly.