Chosen: finding yourself in the dark.

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I went to a dress rehearsal of Chosen being presented by Marshall Ellis of ME Dance Inc. This production is incredibly urban, hip and edgy. This is an original new show created by Marshall. His fusion of
contemporary, ballet, hip hop and jazz dance will give audiences a new
fresh perspective to live performance art.

The entire back wall of the stage was used as a movie screen to open the show. A camera zoomed back through skyscrapers before settling in on a lone man in a hoodie walking in a parking lot. The rap music lyrics were about a life in which everything seems to go wrong.

A light spray of stage smoke caused the lights to showcase their cones of influence. The entire show was set largely in darkness. The dancers would become slivers of warm and cool highlights with their bodies blending into the darkness. The cast was mostly women with just two male dancers dressed in hoodies. I wondered if this was in some way a tribute to Trayvon Martin who was shot up in Sanford for walking through a white neighborhood with a hoodie on.

There was sensual dance along with spiritual yearning and the dancers stoically faced the future. The music echoed regrets of a relationship that didn’t last and the singers rise in a music industry which is blood thirsty. Sketching so much, I probably missed some of the more subtle story elements in the show. In general the theme involved the cast aspiring for greatness and always finding an endless struggle in the pursuit.

Performances of Chosen are on March 9th – 11th, 2018 at ME Theatre (1300 La Quinta Drive Orlando FL 3209.) Tickets are $20.

Judge Paul G. Byron presides over the Noor Slaman Jury seletion.

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Any media inquiries to purchase courtroom sketches should call or text (407) four five zero-0807. I am out of touch while in the courthouse. I will get back in touch ASAP.

On day two of the Noor Salman Trial, Judge Paul G. Byron asked a each  juror a series of questions to see if they could be an impartial juror on the case. He explained that the trail might take 3 weeks starting as early as March 12th after jury selection s complete. The case should have a verdict by the first week of April. He also let each juror know that they would have Fridays and weekends off to catch up on any personal choirs and responsibilities.

One prospective juror was a doctor who handles victims injuries after the attack that killed 49 people and injured over 60 others. Even though he was. Intimately involved with the Pulse tragedy he was considered fit to remain impartial. One prospective jurors didn’t approve of the Muslim faith. After further questioning he refined his statement saying he didn’t like radicalized Muslims. Lisa Moreno, Noor’s attorney tried to have the juror removed from the pool, but judge Byron overruled here.

Although the 600 or so prospective jurors who filled out the questionnaire were told not to discuss the case with anyone before coming in for jury duty, One juror admitted that he had discussed the case with co-workers. That discussion lead him to be biased towards guild. Someone had to be found guilty for the horrific act of June 12, 2016 at the Pulse Nightclub. A young man described being pulled over by police when he was a youth. He believed those police to be corrupt. Another prospective juror has a friend who died in the club that night. I was amazed that he was moved forward into the pool of potential jurors.

Day 2 of the Noor Salman trial.

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Courtroom sketches are available to purchase for use by the media. No phones allowed in court. Text or call (407) four five zero – 0807. I will get in touch ASAP after court lets out. 

I woke up bright and early at 6 AM for day 2 of the Noor Slaman Trial. Walking towards the courthouse at 7 AM the rainbow band shell was illuminated a warm orange from the rising sun. I met a reporter from CNN at the front entrance since the courthouse wasn’t open yet. The reporter joked that folks in the courthouse thought he was best friends with Wolf Blitzer. He talked about the media circus for the O.J. Simpson trail and the Boston bombing trial. He seems to feel that this trial will not generate as much interest from national media. Since Noor is the wife of the Pulse Nightclub attacker who was shot and killed, that makes her a secondary character in their eyes. However, being from Orlando myself, this trial is very important.

On day 2 I had my press badge ready and figured I would sketch in courtroom 4B where Judge Paul G. Byron was presiding over jury selection. There are 12 seats reserved for media in that courtroom and one of those seats is reserved for a courtroom artist. I was slated to take that seat but at the last minute, I was replaced by a caricature artist who low balled the price on his sketches. I learned from the CNN guy that on day one the courtroom was fairly empty. There was plenty of seating besides the 12 press seats. I could probably just sit in as a member of the public. If the place got full, I would gladly step out to the press room.

There was a tech issue at the front entry, so getting into the courthouse would take some time. Since I was the second in line, I wasn’t too concerned. Taking off all metal was becoming routine. Right beyond the entry  there was a line of ladies at a table that seemed to be in charge of handing out temporary passes. I asked if I needed to stop there, and I was fine with the pass I already had. I decided however to ask about sketching in the main courtroom. I was told that there was only 1 seat reserved for an artist. I asked if I could just enter as a member of the public. She told me that if I entered the room with art supplies, I would have my press badge revoked and would be evicted from the court house. I don’t get this Machiavellian idea that only one artist can observe a trail. Her in Orlando, there can only be one cowboy at the rodeo. I have seen court cases where close to a dozen Courtroom Sketch Artists sat in a row sketching trials in the past. Oh well. I seem to be the only citizen in Orlando who is not permitted to observe the case from  inside the courtroom because I carry a pencil and paper. I feel a civic responsibility to document this moment in Orlando’s History.

I would have to observe the trail from the media overflow room for a second day. There was a solid hour and a half before the doors opened. I decided I would sketch the entrance to the court house since it would illustrate this article well as a secondary sketch. I was finished with the pencil composition and starting to ink in the sketch when a security guard stopped me. I was told I shouldn’t sketch outside any of the courtrooms. I apologized and put it away. At the security for the press overflow room I was asked to rip the sketch out of my book. I jokingly signed it for him. He had to run it up the chain of command. Later a US Marshall approached me and said the sketch would have to be confiscated. The problem was that I showed the security at the entrance. If someone wanted to, they could use that sketch to possibly find a weakness in the buildings security. I hadn’t though of that as I was happily sketching away. I hope they frame the sketch and keep it. It might be worth something someday. I took all this in good humor. The guard joked with me, “Haven’t you ever heard of ‘don’t treat it like a Federal Case?’ This is where that phrase come from.” I laughed.

I was the first person in the press room. The projection screen showed 3 views of the courtroom. One view was new. It was of the defense table. I was excited. When Noor Salman entered she would sit in the center seat. I immediately started sketching the rough layout of the furniture in pencil so I would be ready when she entered. She entered wearing a black jump suit and she smiled as she talked with her attorney Lisa Moreno. I  mentioned her outfit since it was the first thing that the reporters talked about when they entered the room I was excitedly sketching in. I sketched Noor quickly as she talked animatedly to Lisa. Sketching allows me to crawl inside her head. For the first time she came alive for me. From my comfy jury box seat, I could watch Noor’s every expression. Come Monday, I will continue to focus my attention strictly on her. She tends to spend a lot of time with her head down seeming to draw or take notes.

Weekend Top 6 Picks for March 3rd and 4th.

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Saturday March 3, 2018

10 AM to 5 PM Free. Windermere Art Affair. 520 Main Street Downtown Windermere FL.

Multi-cultural food and entertainment. Wine/cheese and craft beer face painting and balloonist for the kids and pet friendly. The Downtown Business Committee (DBC) of the Town of Windermere is
hosting the 3rd Annual Windermere Art Affair in Town Square, Downtown
Windermere. This wonderful event will be open to the public, targeting
residents of Orlando and surrounding cities, towns and suburbs. This
provides a unique opportunity to reach out to attendees from all walks
of life, especially the affluent segment of Central Florida.
 This
elite event will showcase renowned fine art artists, including the
Highwaymen, Alana O’Hern and Father Valdemar—just to name a
few—surrounded by music, food and performing arts in a festive
atmosphere. 

This is a judged event, and the judging will begin at 11:30am and be
completed by 2pm. At 2pm we will announce, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Best of Show,
and three Honorable Mentions.

3PM to 5 PM Free. Workshop on Sexual Harassment and Abuse. Orlando Shakespeare Theater at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center. Laura T. Fisher, a founder of the Chicago
Theatre Standards #NotInOurHouse, will give a presentation on preventing
sexual harassment and abuse to the Orlando arts community.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF, Theatre UCF,
Mad Cow Theatre, and Orlando Repertory Theatre (Theatres) will present
two sessions of a workshop with Ms. Laura T. Fisher, a founder of the
Chicago Theatre Standards (CTS). Workshops will be held at Loch Haven
Park on Friday, March 2,2018 and at the University of Central Florida
campus on Saturday, March 3, 2018.

In
January 2015, a Chicago actor,after hearing an account of repeated
incidents of sexual harassment at a theatre company, made a Facebook post
that decried such acts with the rallying cry, “NOT IN OUR HOUSE.”
Hundreds of responses revealed that the problem was well-known, but no
one felt safe enough to speak out. By March 2015, a code of conduct was
underway. Co-ordinated by Chicago actor Laura T. Fisher, a small group of
theatre companies and artists created the CTS.

 In
an effort to find solutions and guidelines for prevention, the Theatres
invited Ms. Fisher to present a workshop on the CTS, which have been
adopted by numerous theaters across the nation, and to address potential
issues in the theatre community.

All
members of the Central Florida arts community are invited to attend
either of the free sessions. Ms. Fisher will go through the document
contents, take questions and offer feedback, all with an eye toward
uniting rather than dividing productions, theatres, and communities.
The presentation is designed to speak to members of the theatre community
including union and non-union actors, designers, directors,theatre
teachers and professors, students, technicians, staff,
administrators,board members, and anyone connected to the theatre
community. However, the Standards are adaptable for similar disciplines
including dance, music, opera, and film.

In presenting
the work of #NotInOurHouse and the resultant CTS, Fisher conveys
the priorities of the document: to provide communication pathways to
prevent and respond to unsafe practices and inappropriate behavior, to
produce a win-win strategy for producers, performers, board members, and
audience, to enter into self-regulation in a spirit of mentoring rather
than “outing,” to “call in”rather than “call out,” and to strengthen
environments where employees are not discarded for mistakes or
misunderstandings, nor do they fear reprisal for reporting harassment or
abuse.

“Like
the rest of the nation,Central Florida’s theatre community has been
grappling with the truth that people of all genders have experienced
trauma and pain from sexual harassment,abuse, and intimidation,” states
UCF’s Cynthia White, director of Boy Gets Girl.

 “While
this is not solely a women’sissue, women have been disproportionately
hurt physically, emotionally, and financially.” Mitzi Maxwell, executive
director of Mad Cow Theater, adds. “Everyoneis asking how to change our
culture, and everyday there is a new story. We can start with our own
houses, in our community, and these workshop sessions are a beginning. We
encourage artists and administrators to join the conversation.All are
welcome.”

6 PM to Midnight. $25. Nude Nite Tampa. America’s Largest Nude Art Exhibition is more than an art show.
It is an annual art and entertainment event showing over 200 juried art
works for sale, world class body painters, national burlesque acts,
interactive installations, performance art, cirque performers and a cast
of strolling characters both in costume and out..

Sunday March 4, 2018

10 AM to noon. Heartfulness Relaxation and Meditation Class. University, 5200 Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32811. The Method of Heartfu lness A simple and practical way to experience the heart’s unlimited resources. http://heartfulness.org

Noon to 1 PM Free. Yoga. Lake Eola Park. Lawn near the red gazebo.

7 PM to 9 PM Donation based. Fundraiser  and Sneak Peek: Female 12th Night. Roque  Pub   3076  Curry Ford Road  Orlando,  FL 32806.

Day 1 of the Noor Salman Trial.

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Courtroom sketches are available to purchase for use by the media. No phones allowed in court. Text or call (407) four five zero – 0807. I will get in touch after court lets out. 



Day one of the Noor Slaman trial held at the Federal Court building in Downtown Orlando was a solid day of jury selection. AS an update,  Salman is the widow of the gunman who killed 49 people at Pulse Nightclub on June 12, 2016. She is standing trial for aiding and abetting her husband. I got to the courthouse in the afternoon. Across the street from the entrance to the courthouse was a lone protester holding a sign that said something like “Fry her until she doesn’t have a Pulse.”

I have been covering the trial to date as a courtroom artist, but the day I was supposed to pick up my press badge, I was told that another artist underbid me for the assignment for the local media. It came as a shock since no one negotiated with me to iron out any details. Getting through security was awkward since I was no longer with the press. I was a private citizen wanting to sit in on the proceedings, but I also had a sketchbook. That sketchbook became the issue. The guards didn’t know what to do with me. I was told to go up to the press overflow court but the guard there had to send me back downstairs for a press badge at the clerks office. The clerk sent me to the main courtroom since I explained that I wasn’t press, but the guard there wouldn’t let me in with a sketchbook. I believe the issue was that the judge doesn’t want any jurors sketched. I understand the concern and wouldn’t have sketched a juror but it is day one and everyone is trying to get there bearings. The guards were a delight honestly. It was fun to joke about my plight as a rogue artist. I ultimately ended up in the press room having been issued a press pass. My press badge says that I am working for Channel 6 News. Another courtroom was set aside for survivors and family of victims. That arrangement is set up to keep the press and family separate.

I was told by an Orlando Sentinel reporter that only 4 jurors had been interviewed in the morning. By the end of the day 10 jurors were interviewed. Judge Byron had picked up the pace by the afternoon when I arrived. Each juror is issued a number to  maintain their privacy. Juror #1 was of the opinion that police are quick to judge sometimes. She had been profiled in her youth and it stuck with her. Juror #35 had a step daughter who was arrested in South Florida. She said her daughter served just a couple of weeks in prison and has grown up since. When asked about what she felt about recreational shooting of a gun at a gun range, she stopped and asked why someone would want to shoot a gun at a range. She was pretty sure she would hold it against Noor if she knew that the defendant had shot a gun at a gun range for fun and recreation. Juror # 6 had experienced grand theft and domestic abuse. She said that in Brooklyn where she came from it was a rite of passage to get your car stolen at some point. She also had a daughter who had several co-workers who died at Pulse.

Of the 10 prospective jurors interviewed, 6 were selected to possible be on the jury of 12. On Friday March 2, 2018 the plan is for 14 more prospective jurors to be interviewed. 60 potential jurors will be put in the juror pool before it is narrowed down to 12 jurors and 6 alternates. Judge Paul G. Byron asked all the questions and by the end of the day his voice was giving out a bit. Jury selection could take 7 to 10 days with the case being closed possibly by the first week of April. Although I never got into the courtroom, I could see on the monitors that the room wasn’t full. That gives me hope that someday I will get into the courtroom as a citizen with a sketchbook. I was shocked that the place wasn’t crowded. But the national media outlets don’t find jury selection very sexy. They will come out in force once the details of the case are being presented.

Living Bride Statue in Blue Box 8 at the Courthouse.

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27 Blue Boxes are painted on sidewalks in Downtown Orlando. These boxes
are for panhandlers and buskers. Although set up for panhandlers, police have insisted that street
performers must use the blue boxes. Performing outside the boxes can
result in 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. Since I sit outside the blue box as I sketch, I risk a possible fine and jail time.

Blue Box 8 sits near the corner of Livingston Street and Magnolia Avenue near the Orange County Courthouse. Being so close to the courthouse, we were guaranteed to have police stopping by once in a while since they circle the area using Segways. Lillian Koontz was dressed as a Living Bride Statue. Her face was painted ghostly white and she had a veil that blew in the breeze. Her mom, Dela Morte and sister joined her by sitting in the grass while she stood perfectly still for close to two hours. She had a small glass container for tips with “Love” printed on it. She held a red cross and kept her eyes closed.

It was a very cold day so I felt bad for her as she stood silent and still. Her family could at least move around to stay warm. Police did stop, but they enjoyed the silent performance and didn’t question our presence. A few people walked past in their rush to get to the courthouse or work. Lillian is the only performer to make money in my blue box initiative so far. A passerby was looking at her as he walked by and he tripped on the Love tip jar. It clattered loudly in the pavement and, feeling guilty he put money in the jar as he set it back up.

Valentine’s Concert at Leu Gardens.

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Pam Schwartz and I went to Harry P. Leu Gardens, (1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803) to see a concert featuring  Ricky and the Buzzcatz. We packed a picnic basket and a couple off lawn chairs along with a sparkling red wine. Although members, we found out that the members parking lot was blocked off from use. Street parking was packed and we ended up parking a few blocks away on Iowa Place. Pam is from Iowa so that seemed a happy accident.

The stage was set up in front of a small hill which is usually set up as a botanical clock. Two red hearts made from illuminated tubes defined the heart shapes. Most of the stage lighting was red for the first set, and I stayed with the limited palette since I could barely see the sketch page. The songs in the first set were mostly mobster ballads by crooners like Frank Sinatra and  Tony Bennett. Between songs the musicians would occasionally break into the Godfather theme song and everyone was supposed to take a drink. The wine we had was sweet, bubbly and delicious so I looked forward to the Pavlovian Godfather theme.

I finished this sketch in the first set and when done, we broke open the picnic basket. It was an old school basket with the two hoop handles and a flip open hinged top. Those two handles however aren’t comfortable to hold. They pinch the palm as you carry it. We ended up lamenting not bringing the roller cooler (as it seems less romantic than a woven basket). Regardless we had a handsome feast of sandwiches and fruit.

The second set was far more lively with contemporary songs that got us up and dancing. Theatrical smoke billowed out from behind the stage and stage hands ran around with fans trying to contain and direct it. The evening’s billowing breezes had other plans and being close to the stage, we were engulfed. The sidewalks leading to the stage became the dance floor. Only occasionally would someone dance on the grass. One lady just darted around on the lawn, she was comical to watch. It was a very cool night, and I felt bad for the women who decided to dress in tight skirts and high heels. Pam and I tried a few spins and danced traditionally for the slow songs. We joked that we might knock another couple out with our gesturing. If I wasn’t  graceful, at least I was having fun.

A female singer sang “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor. It was announced as an anthem for women but any man experiencing separation and a new life can be equally inspired to dance with abandon and conviction. When the music ended we all walked out of the gardens in formation. It was a fun night and Ricky and the Buzzcatz must be a very popular wedding band.

Juggling Spaghettti in Box 10.

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27 Blue Boxes are painted on sidewalks in Downtown Orlando. These boxes are for panhandlers and buskers. Busking is possible only during day light hours. Although set up for panhandlers, police often insist street performers must be confined to the blue boxes. Performing outside the boxes can result in 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. Using a map of the Downtown Core District, I am documenting each blue box with some of Orlando’s most unique performers.

Blue Box 10 on the corner of Orange Avenue and Robinson Street no longer show any signs of the original blue dotted lines that define the boxes. It must have been spray washed clean. The city ordinance however states that a performer can use the blue box even if the lines can not be seen.

Jeff Ferree who works at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater volunteered to juggle. He deftly juggled bowling pins but the crowning act came when he juggled spaghetti. He placed a message on Facebook announcing his performance and several of his friends showed up to watch. Drivers passing by also got to witness this spectacular performance. Juggling cooked spaghetti is a challenge, because you can wad the noodles up into balls to start, but those balls break apart in mid-flight becoming a sloppy mess of wet strands. Jeff tried wrapping the noodles around juggling balls but the same chaos ensued. The joy in the performance wasn’t his success, but the chaos and slop in the attempts.

This area where Jeff juggled has a nice grass covered empty lot and I have heard that food trucks might be able to set up shop there soon.This is only rumor however. I looked up the City’s policies on food trucks downtown, and it is not likely downtown workers will be offered the variety that food truck vendors would offer.

Which areas prohibit mobile food vending?

The City of Orlando cannot approve vending along International Drive or Semoran Boulevard; there are special zoning overlays that prohibit vendors.

The City prohibits the selling food or merchandise on city streets and sidewalks (Sec. 54.27).

The City prohibits sales of food and drink within public parks, recreation areas and facilities, except under concession agreement approved by the city council; these are requested at the City’s discretion.

The City prohibits vending, services and sales of goods on any public or private street, public parking lot or public property.

Special events with an 18A permit approved by the Police Department may include food vendors ancillary to events.

I did not find any city ordinance that prohibits the juggling of spaghetti.

The Inbetween Series at Avalon Island.

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Elizabeth Baker presented “Headspace/I Found a Pearl in the Wall This Morning” at The Gallery at Avalon Island, (39 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801). This was a new work by new renaissance artist Elizabeth A. Baker, which
unfolded as a sonic and movement ritual exploring the meditative state of
opening the mind and vulnerable action of opening one’s heart. The work
incorporated interactive electronics, fixed media, lighting, dance,
Indian harmonium, toy piano, and found objects.

For the first half of the performance the artist, dressed in what appeared to be a bathrobe moved from instrument to instrument.I  sketched her in the various locations incorporating her multiple times into the sketch. The audience sat in two rows of chairs on either side of the open performance space. As it grew dark outside, the dozen or so candles on the floor were the only illumination. Sounds were recorded and repeated to achieve hypnotic effects. 

The program described the
performance of an “Autonomous Controller” who prompted  the Automaton range from musical
instructions to movement instructions to interaction with the audience
and performance space. The Automaton constantly carried a tablet to see the prompts from the Anonymous Controller. I can’t claim to understand what was happening, but it was visually fascinating to sketch. Pam Schwartz and several other members of the audience were given drum sticks to tap a beat on the floor. I passed on the interactive opportunity since my hands were occupied.

There was a short intermission and then Elizabeth came out dressed head to toe in a golden jump suit with a Mexican wrestler style golden hooded mask. She performed on the tiny piano like the one used by Schroeder in the Peanuts cartoon strip. Red lights projected patterns on the walls. Wires snaked everywhere on the floor. I left scratching my head, but, perhaps that was the point.

12th Night at the Shakes.

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At the opening night performance of 12th Night by William Shakespeare, the director, Carolyn Howarth and the costume designer Jack Smith sat on stage for a pre-show chat. Carolyn explained that what we were about to see was an effort to present as historically accurate a production of the play as is possible. In Shakespeare’s day there was no stage lighting, so the house lights never went dark. As an artist this was a real blessing. Electric candles hung from the ceiling to illuminate the space. They seemed to float magically as if in Harry Potter’s Wizarding School.

In the day, a play could be seen for a penning which was also enough to buy an ale and some bread. For that price they would be a groundling, standing in front of the stage. More expensive cushioned seats were of course more. The church did not allow women to perform on stage, so this production is as well performed by all male actors.

The costumes by Jack smith were absolutely gorgeous. He spent time hand embroidering things right until the curtain opened. He did however praise the entire costume shop staff. Pink was a popular color for men in Shakespeare’s day and the women preferred blues and teals. All of the costumes were lush, with highly researched detail. This has to be the most well crafted production I have seen in Orlando for a long time. In Shakespeare’s day there were no sets, just a few benches and the expanses of the wooden stage. Most of the architectural elements of the previous production “Shakespeare in Love” like the arching ceiling joists, were left in place. At the end of Shakespeare in Love, Queen Elizabeth asked the young author to come up with something new “for 12th Night”. It is believed that this play was first performed for Queen Elizabeth in 1602.

The play began with a foppish Shakespearean actor pounding his walking stick to the floor. The buzz of the audience silenced and the magic began. Shakespearean accents were a melting pot of Irish, Scottish, West Country and American and the actors were carefully coached to recreate the sound and flavor. The director joked that we might catch a flash of pirate in the accents as well. The acting was over the top and comical which seemed odd at first but then I grew to love each character.

The plot involves two shipwrecked twins who both believe the other to be dead. Viola (Thomas Leverton) dressed as her brother Sebastian (Austin Larkin). As a man, Viola is caught in a rather awkward love triangle. To avoid any spoiler alert, I’ll just say that love finds a way in the end. Olivia (John P. Keller) who is mourning the death of her brother becomes infatuated with Viola who was sent by Orsino (Timothy Williams) with a message of love. Olivia’s steward Malvolio (Jim Helsinger) had a hilarious performance. He was tricked into thinking that his Olivia was in love with him and his attempts at appearing happy were endearing and over the top hilarious. Sword fights were foppish and comical. honor being served by who surrendered first in terror. Throughout the show I was laughing out loud.

This show highly deserved the standing ovation. This is one of the most polished productions I have had the honor to enjoy and sketch. We left the theater glowing. Shakespeare’s genius still shines bright 416 years later. For several hours we were magically transported back in time.

12th Night runs through March 23, 2018.

Twelfth Night runs approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes with one 15-minute intermission.