Daughters of the Shadow Men

My grandson Dante is in the third episode and I love to watch it as I think for someone so young he has real stage presence.  His father says he has a bigger part and is even better in Episode 8, so I can't wait for that.  The camera is of course much better in this series than mine, and the cast is quite large, made up of former theater students at Metro, who were taught and inspired by Raymond. 

I have heard that all the great theater seats Raymond worked so hard to find and install are being torn out at Metro for a simple classroom. I hope it is not true as that will make Raymond feel bad, but he has to forget about what the principal does to change his program which suggest disapproval.  Yes, his program for high school students was extraordinary even if it could be said to be controversial, but Fernando who took over is capable of a great program, too. And a small theater is so essential in any teaching program which I am afraid the principal will find out with loss of serious theater students.  I hope not, but again we can no longer worry if the principal strips the program. 

I admire Raymond for the way he has used minority actors in the Caffeine series, giving them opportunity according to their talents, one reason he was loved.  Raymond is also very bold in what subject matter he will cover, which you might find a little shocking, puzzling, disconcerting as well as bold in some of these episodes.  He would always step outside the box.  He thought that was the only way to reach kids, especially those who were bound to become the outspoken playwrights and actors and directors of the future. The second season of Caffeine not shot yet will also reflect his new vision.  He always comes up with new vision through change. Raymond is always changing, always surprising people which I think is the mark of a true artist    

Raymond is busy working on his new one man show for the festival combining monologues and song.  I can't wait to see it.  That will be the weekend, July 17, 18, and 19 in Boulder, Utah in case you go!

Again here is the link: http://caffeinetv.net   Five episodes have now been posted.  I hope you will post comments, criticisms, reactions here after viewing.

Raymond in Boulder at last year's Heritage Festival.  Here is the festival website.  Check it out.  I have a story in there about my cowpunching. 

http://boulderutah.com/heritage/

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• #3 Comment from nelishianatl 
  7/6/08 1:53 PM | Permalink

  Clapping and shouting Bravo!  I hope that they do not take out those seats either.  It would be hurtful and I can understand why.  
  
  This is such a great idea.  A series.
  
  I'm looking forward to them posting Episode 8 so I can see Dante.
  
  Nelishia
  http://journals.aol.com/nelishianatl/Prayingandbelieving/
• #2 Comment from plieck30 
  7/5/08 1:01 PM | Permalink

  I checked it all out Gerry and liked it very much. Paula
• #1 Comment from chat2missie 
  7/5/08 10:35 AM | Permalink

  Enjoy your day today.
  Missie