Theatrical Politics

The social climate in Des Moines is at a fever pitch. Right here, right now – the sense of being an American is so true. You can feel it on the street. The idea that in 3 weeks time the world will be looking at what you think of it, where your desires lie, and who you think best represents you.

I used to have a difficult time understanding which political candidate in any party for any race actually represent me. The artist is unrepresented in politics. And when we are, say, through some famous artist speaking out, we tend to be rejected by anyone who is not an artist. Now, while I will argue later that everyone is an artist, I can say that actually meeting the candidates, being able to stand in the same room as them, removes a great deal of their deity like structures. They seem more human and less royal. You can begin to decipher just who they are.

Plus – Des Moines is really cold in the winter. So any excuse to be inside is a bonus.

Been away from the old blog for a bit due to too many hours spent writing a 3500 word essay for The New York Theater Review which I had known about for 3 months, and only touched one week before it was due. I always work better under a deadline.

That and trying to buy this building.

Been some time since I’ve done an update on what exactly is happening in the world of The Des Moines Social Club. You can now view the entire plan at www.SubjectiveTheatre.org - and see just what it is I am up to.

Trying to plan the first not-for-profit that is normally a for-profit funding another not-for-profit. Wine and food paying for theatre. Should this be successful, this can serve as a model for all other not-for-profit structures. And this will aid in the way that so-called “non-artists” view us so-called “artists”. We will no longer be begging for money or relying upon a foundation structure whose rate will never catch up with that of new cultural institutions.

But I digress.

I have a few new allies in this grand fight for the greater of the goods. Both of these fine individuals work with me at The Embassy Club where I serve as Maitre d’, a title so medieval and morbid that it makes me nauseous at times.

Zach Prine and Chelsea Pickett. Servers at the club. Both possessing unnatural abilities to put their passion into words. Its what first drew me to them. Both unashamedly heroic in their quest to be who they are.

We have made many inroads, now that a team has been assembled. Our real-estate agent pro-bono sisters have teamed up to narrow down our building search to 1:

1408 Locust Street on Gateway Park in downtown Des Moines.
Pricetag: $1,590,000.00
Anyone who wants a great tax-deduction – apply here: ArtDir@SubjectiveTheatre.org
Space: 29,068 square feet on two floors
Architects: Undecided – currently being bid at by our two front-runners

Never done this before. Never had to hire an architect. And I find it a great deal like directing and finding a set designer. I have a very clear vision of what I want this thing to look like, and the architect has to be able to make this a reality.

This week is a big week. I have a meeting on Tuesday with the city of Des Moines. 2 weeks ago I met with Councilwoman Hensley who represents the district 1408 sits in. She went for the idea nearly instantly. Surprised, I was terribly pleased when she set up a meeting with the head of Economic Development for the City. That’s Tuesday.

I have no idea what this will bring. Could just be a good conversation about how the city wants this area to become a “cultural district”, or they could say “Hey – why don’t we buy the building for you…” and anything in between. I’m trying not to get caught up in thinking the latter.

But the social element here in Des Moines wants this. I feel it, and I hear it. At the bars at night, at the club during the day – ever since that New York Times article last week about Des Moines and how it is becoming “cool” mixed with every political junkie being stationed here – the sense of fulfillment of living in Des Moines is growing all around us and ready to burst.