THOTH - The Power of Performance
February 2nd, 2007 by Roderick Russell![]() |
| photo © 2002, John Freeman used with permission |
Being a traveling artist myself, I have the opportunity to see many remarkable - and many more less-than-remarkable - performances in cities throughout the world. New York City, of course, presents a profoundly high incidence of these works of public and private art, being the cultural center that it is.
Street performance is one particularly colorful and active scene in NYC, and though I would be hard pressed to draw a comparison between the juggler on the corner and Andras Schiff at Carnegie Hall (unless that juggler is Michael Moschen), I do delight in some uniquely fun, witty and original shows - and I’m happy to show my support.
In the spring of 2002, however, I was stunned into silence and awe at the true power of street theater when I happened upon, by sheer chance, a performance by Thoth in the tunnel at Bethesda Terrace in Central Park, directly across from the Bethesda - or “Angel” - Fountain.
I’m hesitant to describe what I saw for fear of destroying the magic for other first-time viewers. But what I witnessed - nay, experienced - in the tunnel that day stopped me in my tracks and frankly, despite frantically wondering what in the hell was happening, moved me to tears - quite literally. I didn’t know what I was watching, nor did I know what it could possibly mean, but I did know that it was beautiful, soul-stirring and transporting. Mesmerizing in the truest sense of the term. This, I believe, is part of the power of Thoth’s work.
So powerful is this street artist’s work that it caught the attention of documentary film director Sarah Kernochan - the same director that in 1972 won the Academy Award for Best Documentary with her film Marjoe - and the film that emerged from their collaboration won the 2002 Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject! (Coincidentally, I have a particular interest in the work of Marjoe Gortner as well. Imagine my surprise when I discovered the connection! How convenient that these two films are bundled together…)
The documentary is truly remarkable and, though I recommend it highly, do yourself a favor - order the DVD now, put it on a shelf and immediately get on a bus, plane, car or subway to the Angel Tunnel in NYC’s Central Park to witness a performance for yourself. I’ve intentionally been slim on the performance details, and until you see this remarkable performer in action, live and up-close, the DVD, website or any description that anyone may offer will not do him justice.
But do order the DVD now, because when you get home, the first thing you’ll want to do is put it in the player.
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ADDENDUM
Lest the reader feel that my adamant demand to see Thoth in person is a bit “over-the-top”, please know that despite an excruciatingly demanding schedule - and even one unfortunate stuffed-mushroom-caps-and-digestive-problem incident (no, I won’t blog about that) - I make it a point to travel to see him live as often as I can, and have been doing so regularly since my first encounter in 2002. He really is that good.
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b&w photo credits go to John Freeman from his 2002 series NYC Bounces Back, available on his website at:
http://www.jou.ufl.edu/people/faculty/jfreeman/freeman.htm
RESOURCES
Thoth’s Website - Don’t read too much, you need to see him live first!
Thoth & Marjoe Documentary
Sarah Kernochan Website
tags: angel fountain, bethesda terrace, documentary, new york city, sarah kernochan, street performance, thoth







February 5th, 2007 at Feb 05, 07 | 4:10 pm
Hello Roderick!
Thoth looks intriguing. I love the Bethesda statue and am there a couple of times a year. I shall seek our violinist. I see you are to be in Williamsport on Feb. 12. Where? When?
It was good to see you again-
Ellen the Cellist
February 5th, 2007 at Feb 05, 07 | 6:35 pm
Ellen - Do hunt down and watch a performance by Thoth, he’s remarkable! He’s very easy to find when he’s performing. Weather permitting of course, he’s right in the tunnel. Follow the raw energy. ;)
The date on the 12th is to see Sharon Isbin, and then I’m off on a whirlwind tour through Nashville, Atlanta, the backwoods of NH and West Palm Beach, FL. But I’ll be back in your area performing at the Pickelner Arena on the 22nd of April, and you can probably listen for me on the Clear Channel stations in the weeks prior to that, if you ever tune your radio away from NPR, that is… ;)
Hope you can come out to the show!
April 18th, 2007 at Apr 18, 07 | 9:32 pm
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April 21st, 2008 at Apr 21, 08 | 1:29 am
Just so that you don’t think Roderick is exaggerating -
Thoth really is an amazing performer and a remarkable person (as you will learn from the DVD). A NYC staple.
All the best,
Saw Lady
http://www.SawLady.com/blog