Mythologizing Jack Kerouac with Larry Myers and Vincent Balestri
Â
Larry Myers is a playwright and director who currently teaches courses in Speech and Playwriting at St. John's University's Manhattan Campus. Vincent Balestri is a playwright and actor currently based in Seattle. Larry I heard of when people left comments about him after a couple of Beat-related book reviews I wrote for the Examiner, lauding his impression of Jack Kerouac at New York City's Howl Festival last September. I saw Vince's show, The Essence of Jack in Austin, Texas, years ago and it really sent me.
Â
Vince still performs his own work, as well as stage projects for others, Independent film, some print work and an occasional commercial. "I was never big on commercials," he says, "I'm not the type that can sell shoes, but I had a terrific experience recently for an Anti-Smoking campaign. I got to shave completely and dress as a teenage cheerleader. They had the voices of teenage girls dubbed over our lines with the point being that smoking makes you look old. I guess it was highly effective, because it ran for close to a year."
Â
Myers agrees that theater arts careers don't necessarily progress in an orderly, linear way, given the changing expectations of dramatic arts students and audiences, and that the need for cash to live and eat demands a separate, stable day job. All around us he sees "theaters of fear"- the economic crisis, the ecological crisis, new & old viruses. "Menace & mendacity permeate patterns of being." He reports. "A playwright must find new light in the cracks of despair, a hopeful, happy trouble, & new faith configurations. Theater spaces are seized by the greedy, forcing a new invisible theater to arise . . . a theater that is literate, subversive & utilitarian, done more cheaply, faster & even more ferociously for this new nervous impatience, for those who demand a cultural or spiritual fulfillment of any kind. A permanent Halloween seems to have fallen upon us, sucking the light from our innards & marrow. Playwrights evolve into some sort of semi-psychopathic survivalists. A career now means constant clawing & scratching at what theater arts can do. It's all about change and drastic change."
Â
Vince hasn't had much contact with Kerouac's friends or relatives since closing down Essence-"I try to avoid the political quagmire of Jack's estate," though he studied tapes of Jack's voice long before they were publicly available through the good graces of Kerouac's first wife, Edie, who became a good friend and supporter. "I continued my research on him throughout the time I portrayed him and did meet many of his old friends and family, who were generally supportive. Jack in his own right was a very good impressionist, from the 3 Stooges to Frank Sinatra. This gave me a terrific opening to perform other characters from his life as a part of my show. Beat Angel incorporates some of that material, taking it another step in translating it to film."
Â
"Being able to meet the real people who are very very protective of their memories and feeling that these memories help identify them has been significant," says Myers. "Friends & family of Jack Kerouac all seem to be apostles & celebrants infected & invested by his otherworldly spirit. Carolyn Cassady (whom I met at the Beat Museum) is a classy, charismatic stunningly beautiful woman. She said ‘Both Jack & Neal came cross country because of me!' It is easy to see how this educated, theatrical siren summoned them." Other Kerouac friends and relatives cited by Myers include John Sampas, Kerouac's brother in law, Andy Warhol's friend Taylor Mead, close Kerouac associate David Amram, and Adele Morales, who eventually married Norman Mailer. "What one gleans from Kerouac companions & personnel is a reverence for high vibration," he says. "At the Worms Gallery in San Francisco's North Beach, Lawrence Ferlinghetti (owner of City Lights Books) stressed to me how Kerouac's writing is as stunningly original, valuable & startling now as it was way back then."
Â
Kerouac pioneered a form of writing he dubbed "spontaneous prose" akin to the Buddhist concept of "first thought, best thought" and earmarked by cues like "Composing wild, undisciplined, pure, coming in from under, crazier the better," and "Don't think of words when you stop but to see picture better". Many critics considered him undisciplined or lazy when he became popular in the 1950s. In honor of Jack's spontaneity, Balestri never wrote down an entire script for his Kerouac show. "It changed each night because I would bring different scenes (or novels) depending on my mood, the audience mood, the location, etc. I would use a different theatrical style for different scenes. For example, Jack appeared on William Buckley's 'Firing Line' roaring drunk. This called for dramatic improvisation. I recreated the scene by having the live audience ask me questions that I answered as a drunken Jack Kerouac. I could only answer with my understanding of where Jack was at that point in his life. At one of the shows in San Francisco, Lawrence Ferlinghetti asked me what I said to him 'while jaywalking in Berkley that day in 1952.' I answered him as the drunken Jack on 'Firing Line' in 1967. My answer drew a good laugh from Ferlinghetti, so I knew I had hit the mark."
Â
At least in the beginning of his career, before surrendering to alcoholism and backsliding away from things new into his late father's bourgeois complacency, Kerouac was a writer who wanted to push the literary medium forward; other 'rules' of spontaneous prose were "Blow as deep as you want to blow" and "Write what you want bottomless from bottom of the mind"--which begs the question: how best to honor their original progressive impulse when portraying artists after they die? It's a form of time travel, for sure, but what makes it more than simple reproduction, a one-sided conversation with a ghost?
Â
"Proper delivery of Kerouac is a method actor's full tilt sensory surrender," says Vince. "He was a 'method' liver. Kerouac cherished life, experience, soulfulness, & patriotism. He spoke in a distinctive manner. His readings sound like incantations in their hypnotic, lyrical soundings. Kerouac's is a unique music-Influenced by both jazz & everyday white noise. Both feet are firmly implanted in a working class sensibility. Mimicry has its place, but a one-person show is about portraying a life. Jack mythologized America. I mythologized Jack. The theatre is a mirror to reflect a society back to itself.  My job was to reflect America back to itself through Jack Kerouac. He sang of America's innocent wants. I tried to give the audience the inspiration to desire that innocence once again. To find the creative presence within their own being."
Â
Far more than static reproduction, honoring quickened spirits like Kerouac's is a way of resurrecting and continuing their original inspiration. "Sometimes acceptance of the sheer guts to want to try to move monoliths is effective," says Myers. "From facebook to scrapbooking to MySpace, stethoscopic souls try to amplify the photographic level of existence to something more tantamount. Cliche-avoiding obsessionists are always pushing the envelope or attempting to astonish! The confrontational are always pushing lit forward to discover & rediscover the individualistic  personal surreal edge we embody  in Walmart nation. We do autopsies upon,old corpses & conjure acts. There should be want ads for shamen not nurses nowadays. . . but the levels of reality are there for the enlightened & perceptive. The freshness of active discovery can annhilate ennui, acceptance & the predictable. Kerouac approached his art as a radical spiritual investigator & ghost buster. His trance state is and was contagious & pull us in. Apparitions, otherworldy visitations, ghosts, shadows are our friends. We can indeed communicate & commune with those who defied time & place."
Subscribe to this comment's feed
written by wholesale nfl jerseys wholesale nba jerseys wholesale nhl je , October 28, 2010
http://www.mdgreat.com/Wholesale-nfl-jerseys_c2415 wholesale nfl jerseys,wholesale nba jerseys http://www.mdgreat.com/Wholesa...ys_c242144
written by cheap nhl jerseys for sale nhl jerseys on sale http://www.mdgreat.com/Wholesa...nals_c2416 Wholesale Arizona Cardinals, http://www.mdgreat.com/Wholesa...vens_c2418 Wholesale Baltimore Ravens
written by Wholesale Anahtim Mighty Ducks jerseys Wholesale Atlanta Thrashers jerseys , December 14, 2010
http://www.nhl-jerseys-supply....ks_c242178 Wholesale Anahtim Mighty Ducks jerseys,Wholesale Atlanta Thrashers jerseys, http://www.nhl-jerseys-supply....rs_c242179
written by juicy couture outlet , May 30, 2011
Juicy Couture as one of the world most popular brands, famous for perfect quality and its modern fashion in styles and colors. juicy couture outlet displays the latest items of juicy couture tracksuits with most preferential factory wholesale price at the present. I promise you have never experienced such a big excitement!
written by MornbenElissa , October 11, 2011
http://www.lv-louisvuittonbags.net Louis Vuitton Purses
http://www.chanelbags0.com Chanel Outlet
written by la economia de Yiwu , October 18, 2011
http://www.yiwuen.com/es/yiwu-...economy-es capital is no more suitable place than where I grew http://www.yiwuen.com/es/yiwu-...ography-es Prince, where the good and safety, but we must declare
written by la informacion de la ciudad de Yiwu , October 18, 2011
Is to warn you of. "He stretches the http://www.yiwuen.com/es/yiwu-...of-yiwu-es body, the sound echoed in the
written by la informacion de la ciudad de Yiwu , October 18, 2011
They do not support the lack http://www.yiwuen.com/es/yiwu-...ir-2011-es of magic. Once they
written by Mens Moncler Coats , October 20, 2011
It has been empiric for few years, Moncler Outlet auction that the areas area the winter division was actual Moncler Jacketsarctic accept become colder, while warmer places are accepting warmer Mens Moncler Jackets. That’s why Womens Moncler Jackets become accepted these days. One of the big Moncler Online Menschanges came for the characterization in 2003 if it was bought Kids Moncler Jacketsby Italian administrator and appearance enthusiast Remo Ruffini. It’s a quiet day, and you’re biking in the snow, Mens Moncler Sweaters on sale vests or snowboarding, your anorak Womens Moncler Vests is not alone there to assure you from the sun, wind, cold.
written by Womens Nike Running Shoes , October 20, 2011
Nike Jordan Shoes and other all let this pair of shoes cause more big topic.The pair of the Nike Air Jordan 1 supra society is popular by the ladies in the American, and numerous hollywood super stars wear the Nike Air Jordan 10 to go shopping if you see it for walking within the street Nike Air Jordan 11. And the Supra Footwear is popular by the fashion, entertainment, sports of the individuals Nike Air Jordan 12. We are completely free and will stay that way. There are some great people and great Nike Running Shoes here willing and able to help you out.Air Yeezy Sale away, many of us take a Air Yeezy 2011 look at all the Nike Atmosphere Yeezy Females Mens Air Yeezy or Womens Air Yeezy For Sale for you personally.
written by LV Purses , October 20, 2011
Every season, waiting for the Louis Vuitton show is torturous. It comes at the very end of Paris Fashion Week, which is the last city of the season, and its arrival taunts LV Monogram Handbags lovers for a full month. Unlike some designers whose brands make a great deal of money from accessories but you largely eschew the use of bags on the runway.And befitting off all the anticipation, the Louis Vuitton EPI Leather from Louis Vuitton Spring 2011 are particularly lovely. Everybody recommend you decide of an louis vuitton antheia tote Louis Vuitton Damier Handbags, not only is particularly impressive and extremely clean, sexy. The eyes, also the Bogus Tote of it Copying Louis Vuitton Outlet Store shopping bags worthy of the general public buying, single according to your needs to adopt really amazing Louis Vuitton Leather Handbagsalone for anybody.These uncomplicated usually there are of an most modern Louis Vuitton Men Bags this Synthetic Bags, Louis Vuitton Shoes as well as several. All of us have been aquainted with a lot Louis Vuitton Canvas Handbagsmore information to somewhat of an furnish and earn confident these are possibly glaring in order to meet a lot of our client tilis rigid type of Louis Vuitton Cosmic Blossom Handbagscondition.
written by Cleveland Indians Hats , October 20, 2011
New Era Caps latest marketing endeavours have been positioned towards enabling YOU to be YOU by introducing the fly your own flag campaign ED Hardy Caps, and they weren’t joking. Here is the official legit scoop on what’s to be expected with the 59 fifty Caps BY YOU initiative! You can expect to place your first custom order approximately mid-November.The process from point of order will take approximately 45 days because of how new it is, however in reality should take less time. When you customize your piece you will be able to utilize MLB Cap, Cooperstown and New Era logos as well as more than 60 fabric color choices and thread choices which enables a whole new world of possibilities with literally millions of color combination’s D&G Caps!!In many years, that vision has come through. But — Yankees and Red Sox fans, don’t hate me — I grow weary of the same teams returning to the playoffs DC Caps year after year after year. The seemingly endless run of playoff appearances by the Atlanta Braves is a good example. They hoarded playoff appearances, although I must admit my judgment carries the bitter tinge from their only Series victory in recent memory, in 1995 over the Cleveland Indians.Then there was the ’97 series, in which the NL wild card team – the Florida Marlins – defeated the Tribe in the series. Where’s the justice in that? Millennials’ two favorite active sports leagues will be the NFL and their collegiate counterpartFox Racing Caps. With a just-completed World Series and a potentially unresolved NBA lockout, NCAA Football will play Robin to the NFL’s BatmanNew York Yankees, with the immensely popular videogame companions creating a seemingly impregnable Justice League of FootballSeattle Mariners. Holy MaddenHouston Astros!With the NFL deal in the rear-view mirror nowED Hardy Caps, Arizona Diamondbacksit’s not inconceivable thatColorado Rockies, Texas Rangerscome late OctoberNFL Caps.
written by Nike Mercurial SL Soccer Cleats , October 20, 2011
Air Max 95s which can accelerate their performance and as well would be smart in order to wear Air Max 90 Shoes. This make made them better players plus it lent additional comfort Air Max LTD Shoes towards wearer. With the introduction from the Mens Air Max 87.With all the hype about Nike Jordan Shoes, arguably the greatest luxury basketball shoe ever made year after year, it is hard to find Air Max TNthese things. If you are not careful you can spend a fortune on these Air Max BW Shoes, but follow some of these guidelines and you will get a great deal on cheap authentic Womens Air Max.They usually use the supra for sales supra shoes to match the fashion Mens Nike Shoes For Sale.Welcome to Mens Nike Shoes Zone! We are the premier site on the Internet for Womens Nike Shoes, Mens Running Shoes Gear and Air Structure Triax Shoes Information.Try out Levi in addition to workforce around Air Structure Triax 91 Glow In The Dark Chicago Nike Penny Shoes and additionally affordable Nightfall Blvd given that the Air Penny 1 Shoes is certainly subjected to testing in the porch.The Nike Soccer Cleats is not one of the most most versatile shoe within Nike Mercurial Cleats broad range however it may be the great commencing phase for all those people wanting to bridge the gap Nike CTR360 among the barefoot and shod running.They Mercurial Vapor Superfly are usually quite comfortable and the designs and colors Nike Total 90 are very inspired in some cases. Nice to improve the air before the end of reality, Michael, three in the victory of the Womens Nike Air Max 2009 Shoes shoes become the ankle heel first published in The International.The top of the Womens Nike Air Max 2011 Shoes is perforated leather and ripstop normal nylon.have a new colorway of the Nike Air Max of the highest quality. This Womens Nike Air Max 2010 Shoes is part of Nike's spring collection. Nike Shoes sale made a perfect choice with the colors as they are ready for spring.
written by Mulberrys , November 05, 2011
good post!! http://www.coachstorehandbags....-c-22.html
check out their http://www.lvstorehandbags.com...s-c-6.html
written by CCTV Camera , November 24, 2011
Order fiber optic transceiver from http://www.sfpex.com - the leading manufacturer of optical transceiver such as SFP, SFP+, XFP,X2, XENPAK, GBIC, BIDI, CWDM, DWDM. http://www.cctvcameradvrs.com CCTV Camera
Show/hide comment form
