This is a story from my New York City life during the late 50's. I was getting a Master's, riding the subways to work and classes at NYU. I saw Moondog standing in a trance on a street corner - probably in Midtown somewhere. He stood positively still, eyes closed, holding his "stave" in front of him - possibly for balance. My conservative self thought he was magical, a creature from way out - he wore an all green outfit that appeared to be in triangles. I was fascinated. Later I learned that he was a musician and I bought his LP. A year or so after, I was boarding a very crowded subway. As I groped for balance, I grabbed a pole. There was a small murmur from other passengers - into my horror I discovered that the passenger seated in front of me was also holding the pole and it was Moondog. I tried to apologize, but he made no movement and didn't say anything. I guess he was in a trance.
The People to Come had its first work-in-progress showing after a week-long production residency at The Yard in Martha's Vineyard, MA. Many thanks to The Yard and to our first audience for being so generous. This showing was made possible in part by the Expeditions program of the New England Foundation for the Arts, made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional support from the six New England state arts agencies.
