I went to Ottawa to visit my good friend Stephie Demas who directed the initial Fringe production of P&J this last weekend.  (Nov.2)  She was the assisant director on a very interesting bit of theatre at the University there.  The show was entitled Ariadne and followed the classic myth of the minataur put in the labrynth.  The story was twisted in such a way that sought an alternate resolution to the old myth.  It was directed by Daniel Mroz one of the professors at the department of theatre in U of O.  It used divised theatre as it's foundation, in which all disciplines are explored to create something of balance.  Actors and directors alike have input as to the content of the show and the script merely acts as one piece of the performance instead of being the "be all and end all."  Stephie and I proceeded to call them multi-disciplinarians, a fitting term I suspect.  The show was written by Micheal Geither who I was able to chat with at length concerning the piece and his method in writing and teaching the art of the script.  The fascinating thing about talking with Daniel and Micheal was their faith in the outcome of writing or producing a piece of material without regard to audience reaction.  This was a refreshing bit of news for me who had been so recently beset with attempting to write a audience approved piece.  I have come to terms with the fact that musical theatre is a form of entertainment first, and an artform second.  But there must be some sort of balance in which the author is able to trust enough in himself to make the tough judgment calls and write something that is exciting to him...whether or not the audience feels the same way.  The process revealed at the University reminded me what it means to be an artist and trust ones own judgment.  Oh and I was also able to see the exhibit on Glen Gould at the Museum of Civilization.  I've always been such a fan of that old eccentric.

Joshua