Articulations
RIP Troupe Texas
Fri., Nov. 3, 1995
One of the city's finest theatre companies, Troupe Texas, is no more. An
October 20 letter from the group's board and staff notes the demise, citing
"artistic differences" and diverging career paths among members as contributing
factors. The troupe was created by playwright Harley Erdman, director Skyler
Hampton, and composer Mike Warner when they produced The Incomparable
Doña Ana for UT's At-Random Theatre. The company staged three Erdman
plays -- The Outcast In, Galloping By Gaslight, and Great Big Yonder -- then
the founders began to drift apart. A second team of creators led the company
through two more shows: the group effort Torque and the Brecht adaptation The
Chalk Circle. The latter was voted B. Iden Payne awards for "Outstanding
Production of a Drama," "Outstanding Featured Actress in a Drama," and
"Outstanding Choreography" in September. The company will be missed for its
populist sensibility, bold physicality, and unwavering commitment to theatrical
vision.
The work of visual artist Kelly Steinke is getting around this year. It's been
accepted in three national juried exhibitions: Newform '95 at the Dougherty
Arts Center in Austin; Visual Arts Alliance at NationsBank Center in Houston;
and Personal Visions III at An Art Place, Inc., Gallery in Chicago, Illinois.
In August, Steinke was also artist-in-residence at Holden Village in Chelan,
Washington... Actor Angee Hughes (Tent Meeting, Come Back to the 5 & Dime,
Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean) left town a year and a half ago, but now she can be
seen almost daily in Austin on the new PBS children's series Wishbone. The show
revolves around a wiseacre canine who imagines himself into literary classics;
Hughes is a neighbor of the pup's owners.
It took them four years, but they got him, they being Deirdre Strand and Acia
Gray of Tapestry Dance Company, him being tap whiz Gregory Hines. When Hines
came to town in 1990, Gray approached the dancer about making a connection with
Tapestry. Now, in conjunction with his appearance for the Paramount Theatre's
80th anniversary gala, Nov 11, Hines will lead a Master Class in Advanced
Rhythm Tap for the Austin troupe. The Paramount's co-sponsoring the class, for
which Hines (class act that he is) is donating his services. Participation is
limited to company members, alumni, and select members of the local dance
community.
Women & Their Work is a sturdy presence in Austin's arts community -- it's
been on the scene since 1978 -- but that doesn't make it static. The
organization is adding something new next week: a gift shop in its gallery. In
W&TW style, the shop itself is a work of art, designed by Diane Carter.
Proceeds from shop item sales will fund W&TW programs, including
educational outreach programs. The shop opens with a big celebrity T-shirt
auction, November 9. Call 477-1064 for info.n
Getting Seen
The work of visual artist Kelly Steinke is getting around this year. It's been
accepted in three national juried exhibitions: Newform '95 at the Dougherty
Arts Center in Austin; Visual Arts Alliance at NationsBank Center in Houston;
and Personal Visions III at An Art Place, Inc., Gallery in Chicago, Illinois.
In August, Steinke was also artist-in-residence at Holden Village in Chelan,
Washington... Actor Angee Hughes (Tent Meeting, Come Back to the 5 & Dime,
Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean) left town a year and a half ago, but now she can be
seen almost daily in Austin on the new PBS children's series Wishbone. The show
revolves around a wiseacre canine who imagines himself into literary classics;
Hughes is a neighbor of the pup's owners.
Tapestry Wins Hines
It took them four years, but they got him, they being Deirdre Strand and Acia
Gray of Tapestry Dance Company, him being tap whiz Gregory Hines. When Hines
came to town in 1990, Gray approached the dancer about making a connection with
Tapestry. Now, in conjunction with his appearance for the Paramount Theatre's
80th anniversary gala, Nov 11, Hines will lead a Master Class in Advanced
Rhythm Tap for the Austin troupe. The Paramount's co-sponsoring the class, for
which Hines (class act that he is) is donating his services. Participation is
limited to company members, alumni, and select members of the local dance
community.
W&TW Sets Up Shop
Women & Their Work is a sturdy presence in Austin's arts community -- it's
been on the scene since 1978 -- but that doesn't make it static. The
organization is adding something new next week: a gift shop in its gallery. In
W&TW style, the shop itself is a work of art, designed by Diane Carter.
Proceeds from shop item sales will fund W&TW programs, including
educational outreach programs. The shop opens with a big celebrity T-shirt
auction, November 9. Call 477-1064 for info.n
