Crossing the Pond - The Red Kite Project Phase 2

Posted on 12/06/2007 at 05:49:46 PM by Jacqueline Russell

This Sunday I will fly from Chicago to London to do some more work with our Red Kite Project collaborators from Oily Cart. Accompanying me will be our video documentary-maker, Kerry Shaw Brown. (Kerry is the camera guy from the Red Kite/ House of The Winds workshop.) He is making a movie about this project/production and will be coming with me on this trip to film a behind the scenes look at our process and to interview Tim Webb, Max Reinhardt, and Amanda Webb---the artists from Oily Cart. This blog is for anyone who wants to learn more about this project, but mostly it is for the students in the Autism classes at Agassiz Elementary School---a Chicago Public School---Rooms 307 and 208.

The last time I saw our friends from London's Oily Cart----Tim, Amanda and Max--- was in October---the last day of the Red Kite workshop. We got to spend time with the actors and artists and watch a short video Kerry made for us----it was so fun to see pictures of everyone and of the 307 and 208 students enjoying the “House of the Winds” performance. That same night Lally (our collaborator from The Autism Program at UIC), Tim, Amanda, Max and I had a nice dinner together at a party downtown at the Harold Washington Public Library and then said goodbye (with big, warm hugs) on a rainy Chicago street. We said we would see each other again soon when I would go to see them in London---in December.

Now it is finally December and I am packing my things to go to work with Tim on writing a new script. We are rewriting the show before we rehearse some more in March and install it on Navy Pier at the Chicago Children's Museum (our community partner) this April. Then you will see a new and improved show---but it should be just as fun and full of surprises—I know how much you all loved playing in the falling snow, wrapping up in the blankets and that dancing around to that great blanket folding music! After thinking a lot about our show “The House of the Winds” and getting feedback from you and your teachers, and then meeting with all of our theatre designers----sets (Tracy), costumes (Rachael), music (Kevin/Max) and video (Kerry)---Tim and I have decided to work on setting the show on a ship sailing the high seas----the ship is called (but, of course!) The Red Kite.

When I leave Chicago this Sunday it will be nighttime; when I get to London it will be Monday morning there. I am staying at Tim and Amanda's house. We are going to drink tea, talk, brainstorm and write all day. I will send you some photos from there and tell you more about what we are doing once we arrive across the pond --- that's what a lot of people call going overseas---going “across the pond.” Be sure to write back and send me your thoughts and questions….

Jacqui Russell, Artistic Director

4 Comments
Posted Dec 09, 2007 3:43 PM by Erik
Bon Voyage, Jacqui! Have a safe trip. We can't wait to hear about your adventures with Oily Cart.
Posted Dec 10, 2007 1:04 PM by Dave Rench
Hi Ms. Jacqui we just read your blog today(Monday). Our students had some questions and comments. Dejuan said, 'Hey Ms. Jacqui' and wondered, 'Where will she live?' Billy said, 'Hi, I'm going to miss you.' Donald said, 'We will miss you, when will you be back in the classroom?' Deshawn said, 'hi'. Jackson said, 'Have a nice trip'. It is cold and cloudy here. Jackson wondered, 'What is the weather like in London?' Bye Ms. Jacqui, write back. Love, Room 208
Posted Dec 10, 2007 1:13 PM by Dave Rench
Irene said, 'Have a nice trip and if you get sea sick just use a paper bag.' Abou said, 'Are you going to come back to us, to Chicago?' Eric has a question, 'How long will you be there?' And Michael said, 'When are you coming to Chicago, to our room 307?' See You Later Love 307
Posted Feb 28, 2008 3:42 PM by test
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