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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
Angel Fountain, Bethesda Terrace, Documentary, New York City, Sarah Kernochan, Street Performance, Thoth