One thing that inspires me today: Doctor Who

My first recollection of Doctor Who was from this old second hand book titled "Heroes and Legends". It was a book with entries based on King Arthur, Robin Hood to Flash Gordon, Buck Rogers and of course Doctor Who.

I remember reading it and thinking what the hell is this? A hero who "regenerated"? There was a picture of Tom Baker and he certainly didn't look like a hero. Wide, cheesy grin and ridiculously long scarf... I banished Doctor Who from my thoughts. 

Let's be clear - I've never seen the old tv show. I have no sense of nostalgia what so ever. However when my father in law bought me and my wife 2 box sets of the new Doctor Who series for Christmas, I found a series that is brimming with ideas, excitement, humanity and imagination.

The writers and creators of Doctor Who just unleash a fun and ferocious imagination. The core premise of the Doctor going on adventures in different places, planets and times gives so much room for them to explore.

However what gives the new series of Doctor Who the edge for me is the development of the emotional life of the Doctor, the unabashed humanity, both the inspirational side and the darker side and the compelling characters that drive the series. Rose Tyler is an ordinary shop girl but believably became saviour of the universe and Martha's unrequited love for the Doctor makes her so relatable. 

My favourite character is the Doctor though - especially the David Tennant incarnation. Here he is, a mad, lonely, off the wall, brilliant, joyous, powerful alien and while his emotions are always every so slightly larger than life, you always look up to him as the guy who will always try to do what is right and noble. 

I am not afraid to admit I cried several times while watching this series. Russell T. Davies the showrunner and producer responsible for resurrecting Doctor Who did a marvelous, daunting job in making Doctor Who more than a sci-fi curiousity. 

I love Doctor Who. 

What Inspires Me Today - Hedwig and The Angry Inch

You know how there's always some pieces of music, words, plays, films that just hit you in the gut, grabs hold of you and work their way in until it becomes part of you, the way you think, the way you feel, gives you who you are as a person and artist.

Hedwig and The Angry Inch is a film written and directed by John Cameron Mitchell about a Transsexual German Rock and Roll Singer fighting for her right to be acknowledged for her work but more importantly acknowledged for who she/he is. Plus the songs are awesome.

This film has this perfect chemistry, raw emotion, rock out rage and such beautiful, beautiful songs. 

Wicked Little Town is possibly my favourite with it's strong sense of melancholy yet there's this yearning for a connection in a strange and hostile world.

All other songs are great - love Wig in a Box, Midnight Radio, Tear Me Down but Wicked Little Town is the one I could hear over and over again.

Some critics say there's a bit of pretentiousness with the symbolism and gets heavy handed towards the end. Bollocks. Hedwig as a film deserved a cathartic ending and the whimsical, sharp direction was never not-entertaining.

And all those who say "nay" to this little rock musical film? 

"Fuck you, I'm going to Guam!"

Impromptu Script Reading

There was an impromptu script reading of my Commedia Script... its humbling to have your work read by other people. A zillion thoughts zip by in my head...

Do they like it?
Is it good enough?
Why didn't they laugh at that bit?
Why did they laugh at THAT bit? 
Huh, that was different
Huh, that was exactly spot on
Must check spelling next time!
Crap!!!
It's too quiet here...
No one's laughing anymore...
Do they understand English???
Oh crap, I've just wasted everybody's time!
ARGH!!!

At the end there were no awards given out or anything but they seem to enjoy it. Hey, it's something to do on a Saturday afternoon...

That and I learnt I misspelt Pantalone as Pantelone for most of my life...

Finishing A Script! Break out the bubbles!

I just finished one of my scripts for the Faust Festival performance and it's in good shape. Might need some tightening in a few lines but I was SO relieved it just bubbled out of me like a shaken champagne bottle. Boo yah!

So satisfying when you write something and it's in good shape. Now, just wait a couple more hours before the doubts kick in...

The script is called "Servants and Masters of Commedia dell'Arte. I knowing stole one joke from Jim Dale in an interview in Pottercast. Jim Dale is an actor and he narrated/voice recorded the American audio book versions of the Harry Potter books. Talk about random.

Taught at Parkview today. That estate is GORGEOUS. I've been there before years ago but can't quite place when or with whom. All I know is that they have an indoor rock climbing ROOM. Airconditioned rock climbing. Jeez.