January 2020 Archives

Oh, I just love this episode and this scene from the incredible Season 2 Episode 13: "The Quest" - Renee was MAGNIFICENT in this episode as the writers and cast tried to cover for Lucy's accident on the Jay Leno Show.

Written by Steven Sears and Chris Manheim.

Let's honor the original Woman Crush this #WCW, Xena and Gabrielle. Watch all of #XenaWarriorPrincess right now on demand or in the SYFY app. pic.twitter.com/lHRB5x39Cn

— SYFY (@SYFY) January 22, 2020

This news isn't really about Renee but about her talented daugther, Iris Sura. Normally I don't post about the children of our Xena alumni BUT this is of special interest to me because I'm a WW2 history nut and I think it's pretty special.

Iris has been cast in the role of Anne Frank - a phantomprojects production. This is a huge role for the talented Iris.

Renee said:
I keep my ideals, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.” (Anne Frank) Her words are a relevant, daily reminder. My daughter, Iris, has the honor of playing ‘Anne’ in the @phantomprojects production. It’s going to be a great show.

If you are in the LA area, The Diary of Anne Frank will be:

• February 20, 2020 – La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
• February 26, 2020 – Haugh Performing Arts Center

LOOK AT HOW A SINGLE CANDLE CAN BOTH DEFY AND DEFINE THE DARKNESS.
In this transcendentally powerful new adaptation by Wendy Kesselman, Anne Frank emerges from history a living, lyrical, intensely gifted young girl, who confronts her rapidly changing life and the increasing horror of her time with astonishing honesty, wit, and determination.

An impassioned drama about the lives of eight people hiding from the Nazis in a concealed storage attic, THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK captures the claustrophobic realities of their daily existence—their fear, their hope, their laughter, their grief. Each day of these two dark years, Anne’s voice shines through: “When I write I shake off all my cares. But I want to achieve more than that. I want to be useful and bring enjoyment to all people, even those I’ve never met. I want to go on living even after my death!” This is a new adaptation for a new generation.

Written by: Frances Goodrich & Albert Hackett
Newly adapted by: Wendy Kesselman
Directed by: Timothy P. Thorn

Read more about the show here

News from Renee O'Connor!
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7JaHrQpOUQ/

I am directing Beauty and the Beast this Spring and casting begins soon! I am searching for actors who are passionate about growing their craft, exploring the world of their characters through to the last performance; dancers who love Modern (Wolves!) and large, intricate ensemble numbers; singers who are equally strong actors; actors who will work with me to develop the seemingly smaller roles into unforgettable moments; and a company who love bringing forth classic characters while living truthfully in the moment. Who’s ready to work???

Registration is necessary to audition: www.encoresouthbay.org
DM me with questions. ??

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7JaHrQpOUQ/

The art showcased here were submitted as part of the Art competition where the AUSXIP Judges will select one image from the Digital Art and one image for the Line Art. Those winning entries will be included in the Book which will be released on September 04, 2020.

Added additional art by the following artists:

• Added Art by Alex Ogden
• Added Art by Hayriye Makas Uygun
• Added Art by Teresa Griffin

04 January 2020

Xena: Their Courage Changed Our World

The art showcased here were submitted as part of the Art competition where the AUSXIP Judges will select one image from the Digital Art and one image for the Line Art. Those winning entries will be included in the Book which will be released on September 04, 2020.

• Added artwork submitted for the Art Competition - Digital Art
• Added artwork submitted for the Art Competition - Line Art

Australian Bushfires Update: I want to thank everyone for their concerns about my safety. I'm 100% safe from the bushfires. I live in the inner city of Sydney and no where near the fires. The smoke haze is the only hazard.

As to why these fires are so ferocious: Australia is in a severe drought and has been for quite some time. The heat + tinder dry forests, it was ripe to explode. That's what happened. Thousands have been displaced and many have lost their homes, ten have died, animals have been burnt/died in record numbers, we've have fire crews from New Zealand, Canada and the US come in to help us. This is a beast that continues to grow because it's finding fuel to feed the hunger. In New South Wales (my home state) there are over 100 fires and this has been raging for 122 days.

To give you a perspective about the damage of the fires:

NSW: OVER 4 MILLION hectares have been burnt since 1 July 2019

and if we compare it to other big fires:

The Amazon: 900,000 hectares were burnt in 2019

The US / California Fires: 800,000 hectares were burnt in 2019

To give you an idea how high these flames are: 70 METERS - The Sydney Opera House at it's tallest sail is 65 Meters in height.

In Victoria (the state south of NSW), more than 800,000 hectares have been burnt. Fires have been burning since late November

How can you help?

Here's a list of organisations (legit and the ones to pick)

https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/bushfire-relief-how-you-can-help-those-in-need/news-story/a0476ac3538b8c373f281ea6be204421