Monthly Archives: January 2011

Magnetic Midnight @ Magnetic Field

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This winter, a new performance venue opened in the Asheville River Arts District.

The Magnetic Field is a full-service bar, cafe and performance house, featuring original attractions in theatre, music, comedy and more.

I think my favorite word in the above description is “original.” The Magnetic Field is a venue that seems genuinely interested in fostering new work in the Asheville area. To that end, they have introduced Magnetic Midnight.

How about I let them describe it for you . . .

Magnetic Midnight is a magical, mysterious, monthly event (the first Friday of each month) in which the best of The Magnetic Theatre meets the best of you. Arrive at 10 P.M. to participate with an original script, song, dance, or routine no more than 5 minutes long, or if you wish to act or direct. Up to 12 acts accepted as they appear. The hunt for the great is on!

Regrettably, the first Magnetic Midnight was plagued with snow. But luckily, thespians are plucky and adventury and decided that the snow show must go on!

Being familiar with the format, the patrons settled in nicely. Two wonderful actors made a bit from one of my recent plays come alive, and it was a delight to watch. One of the actors had been persuaded to come earlier that night when she stopped by the bar for drink! Having a bar next to a theatre is a wonder and a joy.

Also, in addition to the 12 five minute spots, there is a ten minute slot worked into the evening for invited artists to come and workshop longer pieces. It’s these touches that really excite me about the Field as a place for new theatre and artistic pursuits. For example, they also have something called the “Synergy Story Slam.” Which, in the words of Spock, sounds fascinating.

This place really excites me. Their first two productions are both original works! I’m hope to get out there and see what happened “When Jekyll Met Hyde.”

The Magnetic Field

Nathan Hathaway

Poetry Slam Asheville

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This winter, I ventured out one cold night with my sister Artemis and made my way to the Masonic Temple in Downtown Asheville. The purpose of this outing was to attend Poetry Slam Asheville.

I had never attended a Poetry Slam before, and I had no clue what to expect. I was amazed at the talent that was showcased that night, in both the writing and the performance. I performed a poem in the open mic section, and felt very warmly received. The guest slam teams were incredible, and it was nice to be shown a wide variety of the possibilities with spoken word.

It was a long show to be sure, and after an intermission, the slam (the competition section) began. What astounded me here was the complete and total honesty that was laid bare in the auditorium. Topics that people are afraid to discuss in private were performed openly for total strangers. The entire time the slam was going I was being hit with inspiration for poems, and I definitely plan on participating in the slam in the next few months.

Spoken word is a refuge for pure performance. Just like Homer or the choruses of the Greek Theatre, the poetry slam touches on a very basic style of communication, one that we don’t often see in today’s society. Without the bells and whistles, we still have each other.

Poetry Slam Asheville

Nathan Hathaway

Retrospective Deux

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This is the second in a series of blogs based around returning to themes and ideas I discussed in my earlier blogs.

In a very early post of mine, I ranted and railed at the fact that Jerry Herman had not yet received a Kennedy Center Honor. I was besot with frustration. At the time, I was rather obsessed with his music, and to this day I hold his work in high regard.

Well, it came to attention recently that he has finally achieved that honor, and this has completely mollified my inner hormonal teenage nerd. I sought out the Jerry Herman section of the celebration. I was absolutely blown away by  how exciting the videos were. Jerry Herman is a legend, and an inspiration, and it was wonderful to see him so honored.

Pleased to be enjoying,
Nathan Hathaway

Retrospective Un

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Looking back over my blogs of the past, I discovered some themes that either needed resolution or continuation. This is the first blog that hits on that idea.

I found a blog from a while back where I posted a review from Doctor Faustus.  I remember being so excited just to see my name printed! This summer, I received a rather nice notice for my performance as Priam in Montford Park Players “Troilus and Cressida,” in a review penned by Steven Samuels.

. . . Shakespeare’s language is handled especially well by Mycoff, Marshall, Madden, and Nathan [Hathaway] in a surprisingly sympathetic reading of the minor part of the Trojan ruler Priam . . .

The review was posted in the Mountain Express. It was quite flattering and very nice to be noticed for such a small role. Performing in Troilus and Cressida was an extremely enriching experiences of my theatrical life, and for that I have the wonderful cast and crew to thank. In particular our director Jason Williams. He also directed Doctor Faustus, which was another highlight in my playing experiences. It was a lovely surprise to remember these two lovely productions. If you haven’t read Troilus and Cressida, do so. What you find may surprise you.

Swimming in the sea of memory,
Nathan Hathaway