Interview by Followspot (pdf)
September 2006
When his solitary reclusiveness yields to artistic collaboration, theatre practitioner Peter West is a true artist with light, always expanding context and adding dimension to stories told through theatre, dance, opera. His is an inherently contributory process, working with others to communicate and bridge inherent, raw ideas through theatrical expression.
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17 comments:
What an absolutely brilliant designer, a fantastic collaborator, and a venerable fountain of knowledge and insight. I can't say enough good things about his equal amounts of talent and generosity. He truly inspires and achieves greatness in everything he does. No matter what capacity, I hope to work with Peter again very soon.
and his enthusiasm! His sheer enthusiasm. Wow just wow. OK, enough gushing. It's just hard not to.
"Lorca in a Green Dress" had some of the most beautiful lighting I've ever seen.
I'm so glad you chose to feature Peter. I only just made his acquaintance last month. He's so quiet and humble, that you wouldn't guess at his vast experience and talent . . . until you start to see his work, which say it all. He's also very generous, which is the icing on a fabulous cake. Peter's a class act, all the way.
An undercurrent in this piece is that the Portland area has a number of fine theater artists -- Fred Walton is another interesting example -- who have traded big money, high-profile jobs, and potential fame for artistic freedom.
One general note about your interview series: it's fascinating and wonderful, but also rather painful, because it reminds me of, or alerts me to, so many recent productions I didn't manage to catch . . . .
I adore this man. When I'm watching a show and 20 minutes in I think, "Wow, I wonder who the lighting designer is, the lights are so gorgeous," it's probably Peter. Certainly true of the current production at the Miracle. And generous is essential in describing him. Dan's right, it's hard not to gush....
In addition to being an incredible lighting designer, Peter is a gentleman: civilized, well-mannered, with high standards of proper behavior. He's incredibly well-organized. Peter's knowledge of dance, literature, and theatre amazes me. And, he is one of the most helpful and nurturing people I've ever met. Being in a production meeting with Peter is an inspiration for all present. I've learned so much from him and I am incredibly fortunate that we are friends and collaborators.
a visionary. a master of color and shadow.
A gentleman and a scholar.
What amazing testimony from colleagues.
Sounds like next opportunity to see West's work is in Miracle's "The Road to Xibalba", which opens Friday, Sep. 22.
Opening a show? You don't say?
For Miracle? You don't say?
Doesn't Followspot have a job over at Miracle ... currently? You don't say?
Pardon me while I nurse this lump on my head - it seems I've been beaten with something fairly obvious. Not saying anything bad about Senior West. But Followspot: Keep your reviews & articles separate from your day job.
I can't wait to hear your 50 words on Xibalba.
Well, Mr. Presumptuous, I think our good Mr. Followspot has been planning this profile of Peter The Great since before I handed my job over to him. And I'm fairly sure since he is also a man of extreme integrity that he will avoid the conflict of interest and have someone else guest review for Miracle shows this season. Honestly, when has Mr. Followspot ever been anything but Clean?
In addition, this is only a blog, not an independent media news source. Don't like it? Get and maintain your own blog.
That's MISS presumptuous, Danny Boy. :)
Oh sorry, MISS Presumptuous. Meow. I keep forgetting how many gay men there are in the theatre.
Dan's right on all counts ... Mr. West's profile was initiated months ago and it made sense to publish it with the opening of his latest work, just as was done with Chris Murray ("Midsummer"), Trisha Pancio Armour ("Sea Marks") and, I hope, next month's guest, who shall remain a surprise for now, but also has a production currently running.
And, yes, guest commentators will be stepping in for Miracle productions.
"Xibalba" by the way is an excellent example of Peter West's awesome work in collaboration with other designers who really make this production special
It is an honor and a pleasure to associate with Peter West. Not only is he a brilliant technician and a creative genius, he is also a damn fine human being with the nicest manners I have ever seen.
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