Top Ten BAM Blog Posts of 2013

By Robert Wood

Carl Einhorn and Karen Weiss in Paradise Now, Living Theatre, 1968.
Photo: Kenneth L. McLaren

For most respectable publications, the window for posting 2013-related top 10 lists closed a few weeks ago. But any blog representing the "home of adventurous artists, audiences, and ideas" is obligated to flout journalistic convention. Besides, the year would feel incomplete without at least a cursory look back at our year in self-publishing, so here, without further ado, are our top 10 most popular posts from 2013.

10. King of New York: Remembering Lou Reed at BAM

As we implied above, BAM has always committed to being a home for adventurous artists, and never has that mission excluded the chain-smoking, poker-faced, proto-punk-innovator set. Lou Reed, who died in October of last year and who performed at BAM frequently throughout the 90s, was an important part of that pantheon. Susan Yung remembered Reed in this lovely piece.

9. John Cassavetes: Criminal Minded

What’s cooler than being a pioneering director of American independent film? Being a pioneering director of American independent film who also steals people’s sweaters. Critic Pauline Kael had it coming, according to John Cassavetes, who was the subject of a retrospective at BAMcinématek in July. BAM’s own Nate Gelgud recreated the director’s sleight-of-hand vengeance in this comic.

8. BAM Illustrated: John Turturro Mid '80s Hat Trick

It’s John Turturro’s own fault that he’ll always be known as “The Jesus.” That’s what happens when you lick a bowling ball while wearing a purple onesie and it’s all caught on film. If Turturro’s other roles with the Coen Brothers—and to a large extent, Spike Lee as well—were no less iconic, they also overshadowed lesser known but equally fantastic turns in '80s films from Woody Allen, Susan Seidelman, and William Friedkin. BAM illustrator Nate Gelgud paid homage to these underrated roles in conjunction with Turturro’s stint in Ibsen’s The Master Builder.

The Producers Council, and Fisher Award, Celebrations

The night of December 10th was an evening of recognition at BAM, celebrating both the opening night of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, and the great patrons who make such a show possible.

Producers Council patrons sit down to dinner after the show. Photo by Beowulf Sheehan

The Producers Council Celebration is an annual event in which BAM gives something back to the members of one of our most important patron programs. In an attempt to combat the snow outside, the night began with hot cocktails in the lobby of the Harvey Theater before the doors opened. Then came the show: The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, a stage adaptation of Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem. Leaving no line left un-rhymed, the great film and stage actress—and BAM vet—Fiona Shaw stars as the suffering mariner, lost at sea, and without a crew.

The Producers Council members weren’t the only ones being honored that night. Minutes after Shaw took her final bow, she climbed onstage once again, this time in a slightly different capacity. BAM President Karen Hopkins presented Shaw with the 2013 Richard B. Fisher Next Wave Award, represented by an artist-designed walking stick, for her artistic accomplishments, continued excellence, and commitment to the institution. 

Fiona Shaw accepts the Fisher Award. Photo by Elena Olivo.

After the awards ceremony, it was off to dinner at the Leperq Space, where all sat at tables awash with shells and sea-themed centerpieces. Among the crowd were a few notable names, including Shaw herself, show co-star Daniel Hay-Gordon, and set designer Chloe Obolensky, who received shout-outs throughout the night for her design not only of Rime, but of BAM’s first show in the Harvey: iconic BAM artist Peter Brook's legendary staging of The Mahabharata. Obolensky literally set the stage for the high quality of theater that has taken place in the Harvey’s brief but dense history. 

Daniel Hay-Gordon at dinner after the show. Photo by Elena Olivo.

From the first Hot Toddy in the Harvey, to last plate laid in front of a patron, the night was a huge success. BAM would like to thank Fleurs Bella for the décor, Elena Olivo and Beowolf Sheehan for their photography, and, most importantly, the members of the Producers Council for their continued support of the institution.

Take a look at the full gallery of photos from the night here and here.

In Context: The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

Photo: Fiona Shaw, courtesy of Phyllida Lloyd

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner runs at BAM through December 22. Context is everything, so get even closer to Coleridge's famous ill-fated ocean voyage, the amazing Fiona Shaw, and more with this curated selection of articles, videos, and original blog pieces related to the show. For those of you who've already seen it, help us keep the conversation going by telling us what you thought below.