John Guare would always hold a baby . Edward Albee would call to make sure we were okay . Sam Shepard assured Jim and I as we struggled that “ you will hit a vein .”
A few years ago Jim and I happened by the Bond Street space as The Signature Center was being built . Construction was also commencing on Bond Street , transforming it into a condo perhaps in a now fashionable neighborhood . We had been having an argument about something that day but we forgot it when we pushed open the doors . It was dark in the little room where so much happened . I was “ on stage ” there on this meager , dusty , black floor . I remember waiting in the shoulder-cramping space between the back wall and the back of the set we called “ the wings .” Was this tiny basement area really our dressing room / backstage / greenroom ? How could so much happen in such a small space ? It was roughly the size of the smallest rehearsal room in the new Center .
“ I thought it was bigger ,” I whispered to Jim . “ Me too .”
Even four years after its opening , the reality of the Center feels impossible still . How did it get so big ? Then I meet friends in the lobby and sit in the dark as the play begins and it all shrinks down to the size of that little black box on Bond Street .
Recently , during the opening night for Old Hats , I left the party still in swing . My feet were tired . I have learned to let Jim stay longer than I . He loves it so . He came home a little later and joyfully played a video he had just taken of the party on his iPhone . By this time all the people over thirty had gone home . Remaining were the youngest of those new to their Great Theatre Quest . They are the age Jim and I were when we set out to be part of something bigger than us . The opening party had congealed to a single circle covering most of the lobby . In the center danced one or a couple of people , free , exuberant , while the others clapped and cheered them on . They all took turns as the circle remained around . Beyoncé ’ s “ All the Single Ladies ” complete with choreography . Sliver storm .
“ I wanted to jump into the middle of the circle and dance just to see their reaction ,” said Jim as we watched the video . For a moment I pictured him trying to do the moves and the shocked reaction from the group upon seeing “ Founding Artistic Director ” Jim Houghton being absolutely silly . It wouldn ’ t have surprised me at all . But they may not realize we were once exactly like them . We still are . Every day we try to keep it going . Nothing has changed . I accept and give slivers . I am changed . I change others .
“ You were there , Jim , in the middle of it .” I said . “ I was there . We always will be .” n
16