Articulations

In a year of too may losses, news of another. On Sunday, May 3, Mike Martin, one of the founding members of Physical Plant Theater, took his own life in Chicago. Martin formed the local theatre company with his friends Steve Moore and Daniel Aukin after the trio moved to Austin together. Their first effort, named aptly enough Plant #1, premiered at The Artspace on Baylor in 1994. Martin contributed to several of the company's subsequent pieces, including Tiller and the FronteraFest favorite Digi-Glo, and he directed the mysterious and haunting barber, tallman, Cora, clown. After only a few years in town, Martin left for Chicago, but not before making significant contributions to Austin theatre and to the Texas School for the Blind, where he was employed for a time. Friends of the theatre artist are considering the establishment of a memorial fund that might be applied to a project or organization with which he was connected, but no decision on that had been made at press time. A memorial ceremony will be held, but arrangements are pending. Anyone desiring more information about either of these activities is encouraged to call Katie Pearl at 478-5675.

A Pair of Kings

Two deep losses suffered earlier this spring were the deaths of John Bustin and W.H. "Deacon" Crain, two gents whose generosity of spirit and regal sense of style qualified them as royals in the local arts community. As a tribute to these two monarchs of the local stage scene, the Austin Circle of Theatres is hosting a celebration of their lives and contributions to Austin arts over the last half-century. The program, set for Monday, May 12, 7pm, at the State Theatre, 719 Congress, will feature testimonials from Paul Beutel, Mavourneen Dwyer, Hink Johnson, Lathan Sanford, and Sharon Vasquez, with musical offerings from Leslie Bonnell, Jerry Conn, Karen Kuykendall, and the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Austin. Those attending are encouraged to wear white (or colorful attire). The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 499-8388.

Off the Desk

As noted last week, the remaining six architectural firms in the running to design the new Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art at UT will be making public presentations regarding their views on museum design and past work in the coming week. Design groupies, mark your Day Runners; the schedule for them is: Monday, May 11, 5pm: Thompson and Rose Architects, Cambridge, MA; Monday, May 11, 7pm: Steven Holl Architects, New York, NY; Tuesday, May 12, 5pm: Tod Williams, Billie Tsien and Associates, New York, NY; Tuesday, May 12, 7pm: Snøhetta, Oslo, Norway; Wednesday, May 13, 5pm: Antoine Predock Architect, Albuquerque, NM; Wednesday, May 13, 7pm: Rafael Viñoly Architects, New York, NY. All presentations take place in Rm. 1.102 of the Art Building, 23rd & San Jacinto. For more info, call 232-1988.

Worthy Causes

VORTEX Repertory Company hosts a Spring Bash Saturday, May 9, at Planet Theatre, 2307 Manor Rd. The vernal fun celebration/fundraiser will feature entertainment by VORTEX actors and musicians, food, drink, dancing, poetry, party favors, a silent auction, and more. Admission is $5. Proceeds benefit VORTEX. Call 478-LAVA.