"I"

TV Station to Broadcast Impeachment Play

2008-08-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

Thurston Community Television, TCTV, with the help of talented local actor/activists filmed "I - The Impeachment Trial of George W. Bush." The play is in the editing process now and will soon be televised in the Olympia, Washington area -- right in the wheelhouse of state legislators. Watch this blog for news of its broadcast -- and a chance to own the dvd yourself!

Sam Seder and Bree Walker to "broadcast" news during the play

2008-04-22T22:43:00.000-07:00

Noted talk radio hosts Sam Seder and Bree Walker will each record news "broacasts" which we will play during the intermission at the production of I. The "broadcasts" will show how much trouble Messrs. Bush and Cheney are in and how likely they are to be convicted. That is, until the surprising Second Act where Bush rallies, leaving the outcome of the verdict in grave doubt. We thank these patriotic Americans and great talk show hosts for their support of I.

Director Ray Whelan takes the helm!

2008-04-22T22:40:00.002-07:00

Noted Director Ray Whelan is taking the helm of the play and will direct its premiere Saturday night, May 17 in San Francisco. Here's a backgrounder on Ray:
Summary
• A seasoned director/teacher/actor with strong interpersonal and communication skills reflecting broad experience in theatre, television and radio
• Over 15 years experience in corporate sales and customer service
• Major strengths include problem analysis and resolution, project management and team building

CREATIVE EXPERIENCE

Speaker/Presenter
FASHION INSTITUTE OF DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING (FIDM), San Francisco, CA
Make presentations to groups of high school and college students regarding courses offered by FIDM.

Selected Accomplishments:
• Consistently received outstanding reports from the educators to whom I presented.

Associate Professor of Drama
YORK UNIVERSITY, Toronto, Canada

Designed "About Directing", a class for directing students that allowed them to progress at their own pace and level. Taught play analysis and Laban movement classes.

Selected accomplishments:
• Expanded student enrollment by 25 percent for three consecutive years.

Co-Founder and Artistic Director
OPEN CIRCLE THEATRE, Toronto, Canada

Designed a plan for the innovative theatrical use of an historic courthouse. Raised $2.5 million for its conversion into a theatre complex, complete with a four-star restaurant and bar. Responsible for the planning and execution of the theatrical season. Produced and directed over 30 successful productions.

Selected accomplishments:
• Directed and produced one of Canada’s longest running comedy hits, The Primary English Class, which ran for over two years and toured Canada with two separate companies.
• Nominated Toronto's most prolific and creative director by Canada’s national newspaper, The Globe & Mail.
• Directed plays that won Globe & Mail awards in the categories of Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Foreign Play.

Drama Teacher [K-12]
TORONTO BOARD OF EDUCATION, Toronto, Canada
Ontario Artists in the Schools program

Presented workshops in over 50 public schools. Introduced students to a variety of techniques, such as Stanislavski, Viola Spolin and Rudolf Laban.

Selected accomplishments:
• Designed multi-media opportunity for students to create and perform their own scripts.

Freelance Director and Actor

Directed and/or performed in over 50 productions, including the works of David Mamet, Athol Fugard and George Bernard Shaw, in such venues as The Actors' Studio (New York), L.A. Actors'Theater, and Young Peoples' Theater (Toronto).

Selected accomplishments:
• Cast in leading roles for three consecutive years at Toronto Workshop Productions.

CORPORATE EXPERIENCE

National Account Manager
DELORENZO MEDIA SERVICES

Solicited print advertising, exhibit booth sales and sponsorships to healthcare corporations. Presented opportunities to marketing executives of national corporations. Followed up with former clients on a regular basis to recommend new opportunities. Prepared and followed up on all contracts. Tracked existing client/customer invoices. Reconciled accounts receivable.

Selected accomplishments:
• Consistently exceed sales targets; surpassed recent Health Forum Conference sales target by 50 per cent

Account Executive
AMERICAN EXPRESS CORPORATE TRAVEL

Generated and implemented corporate account requirements, including quality control, and team building oral presentations. Compiled reports, organized conferences and meetings.

Customer Service Representative

Resolved disputes between corporate clients and vendor. Managed travel and accommodation reservations for corporate clients. Researched corporate travel billing disputes.

Selected accomplishments:
• Created a "no-show" travel department, resulting in significant cost savings for corporate clients

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Goat Hall Productions
Act as creative consultant. Directed three theatrical productions. Provide general support as required.

St. Gregory's Food Pantry
St. Martin de Pores Soup Kitchen
Interact with members of public in need of support. Ensured cleanliness of facilities. Other duties as required.

Impeachment Play Premieres May 17 in Pelosi's District

2008-04-22T22:40:00.001-07:00

It's no secret why Bush has not been impeached. For all her good qualities, Nancy Pelosi has made one catastrophic mistake in blocking the impeachment of this man who is more guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors than any executive to ever hold political office. So, under director Ray Whelan, we are premiering I-The Impeachment Trial of George W. Bush in her district to focus a spotlight on her and help bring pressure on her to call for impeachment -- or risk losing her seat in Congress. Ray has now cast the play and is rehearsing professional actors now who will play the roles of Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, John Yoo, Pelosi, Valerie Plame, George Tenet, Chief Justice Roberts and others. The Premiere is Saturday night, May 17 to be followed by a Sunday, May 18 matinee and several other performances.

Produce Our Impeachment Play in Your City!

2008-04-08T22:44:00.000-07:00

We are already getting inquiries from other groups all over the country interested in mounting their own parallel productions of the ground-breaking, and perhaps historic impeachment play, cowritten by premier impeachment scholar Bruce Fein.
We already have a top notch theater director engaged to make this intiative a reality and are gearing up for a full theatrical world premiere in early May.

Why do a play, don't we want impeachment for real? We're sure if everyone had a chance to hear Bruce Fein speak so articulately and passionately about the urgency of impeachment the public would cry out for it. We're sure if everyone had the evidence and all the facts laid out in one big picture the case for impeachment would be compelling to all.

But just as not that many people saw the talk that Al Gore was giving on climate change, until it was made into the movie "An Inconvenient Truth", with this play we can dramatically bring the constitutional insight of Bruce Fein, as if he were speaking all over the country, and all those overwhelming indicting facts to a much larger audience.

We see this as an inspirational and mobilizing vehicle, as a life imitates art opportunity. And in particular, if we can turn the production of this play into a cultural media phenomenon, we believe it will bring serious discussion of impeachment and its critical urgency to the main stream at last, and may in fact be the catalyst that actually makes impeachment happen.

North Carolina Play Reading in the Wings

2008-03-03T14:55:00.000-08:00

The estimable John Heuer, who was the point man for January's impeachment debate that was viewed by an enthusiastic, overflow crowd, is organizing a concert reading of "I -- The Impeachment Trial of George W. Bush" at the same venue -- the Carrboro Century Center, near UNC. Watch this space for more details on what is likely to be the political theater event of the season. Ably assisted by graphic design wunderkind Barbara Stanley, the reading is meant to raise awareness, interest and funding for a full production run.

We are by no means limited to North Carolina. If you'd like to find out how to mount a production of the play in your home town, email me at offyougo@gmail.com

Taking it to Pelosi

2008-01-12T20:49:00.000-08:00

Through the good offices of Cindy Sheehan, we have secured a prime location to rehearse and then mount the production for the months of January and February. The space has been generously and graciously donated by Krissy Keefer. The venue is a 150-seat theater in the Mission District of San Francisco. http://www.dancemission.com/dance_brigade.html

The goal is to get Americans to see the play, to get what is happening to our country to spread the word that we, the people, must act and force Nancy Pelosi to take up the issue of impeachment – or face the consequences. By mounting the play in San Francisco around the time of the primary, the local and then national press will be all over it and give her no place to hide.

Now I need to come up with a director and cast. If anyone in the San Francisco theater community has any ideas, please let me know.

Congressman Walter Jones Taking Heat for Impeachment Stand

2007-11-20T23:37:00.000-08:00

Some North Carolina Republicans are going after their own Walter Jones for supporting impeachment. Walter is one of the prosecutors in our play and his pointed questions are the ones he would ask if he were actually cross-examining Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld. Apparently living by his oath of office to support, protect and defend the Constitution doesn't sit well with some Republicans.

Read on:
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Walter Jones drinking Kucinich Kool Aid?
As I read this article from the Dome blog, one statement jumped out at me.

"Lasser [a screenwriter referenced in the article] said [Walter] Jones told him he would not introduce an impeachment resolution, but he would support one if it was introduced."

Posted by Common Sense Conservative at 1:05 PM

Labels: Congress, dennis kucinich, Iraq, Liberal Extremists, Walter Jones Jr., War on Terror

1 comments:
Al Lytton said...
The link to the blog that references the meeting with Walter Jones is: http://impeachmentplay.blogspot.com/

One could call it the Kucinich Kool Aid, or better yet, you could say that Walter Jones, Jr. is a "Move-on Republican", who's time has come to move on.

Note to Walter: If you're going to talk and act like a liberal "moveon.org" Democrat, the deadline to switch party affiliations as a candidate for the May Primary is next Tuesday.

Residents of the 3rd District and those with the courage to stand up for our troops against radical, Islamo-fascists should also consider supporting Joe McLaughlin. Learn more about Joe at www.joeforcongress.com.

Michelle Malkin, Conservative Wonkette disses our play! Thanks, Michelle!

2007-11-20T23:30:00.000-08:00

Michelle Malkin Impeachment: The stage production
By Michelle Malkin • November 9, 2007 03:00 PM If you think the impeachment circus is finished, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Screenwriter Richard Lasser and constitutional lawyer Bruce Fein have written an impeachment play that will debut in Washington, D.C. at George Washington U. when Congress returns from Christmas vacation. They’ve been meeting with moonbat lawmakers and contacting celebrities to cast and perfect the January 2 production. Dennis Kucinich is the casting director.

According to Lasser, Denny K has “forwarded copies to Sean Penn, Ed Asner, Hector Elizondo and Ed Begley, Jr.” All-star, baby.

Good news is: If they can’t get any actors to pitch in, they can always use giant puppets.

Liz Mair e-mails a heads-up that Republican congressman Walter Jones of North Carolina is involved in this left-wing theater of the absurd–on stage (he’ll be portrayed as one of characters conducting the trial of George Bush) and in real life. Note this report from September on Lasser’s blog:

Last week in Washington DC, highly-sought after constitutional lawyer Bruce Fein took me to meet with Jerrold Nadler, (D New York) and Walter Jones (R North Carolina), two Congressmen highly critical of the President’s illegal and unconstitutional activities. In an interview adjoining House Chambers, Congressman Nadler and I discussed what sorts of questions he would ask in a hypothetical trial and what arguments the defense might advance. His questions would be devastating if he ever got Bush on the witness stand (which actually happens in the play!) In Congressman Jones’ office, the soft-spoken Southern gentleman suggested questions he would ask, helping me with this aspect of the play. He indicated he would enthusiastically support the impeachment resolution…
Jones was one of four Republicans in favor of sending Kucinich’s resolution to the House Judiciary Committee.

Lasser explains the title of the impeachment play, “I”:

“I” of course, stands for impeachment. But more importantly, it is the personal pronoun that refers to each one of us. And unless each of us puts pressure on Congress to impeach President Bush, it just won’t happen. As Bush states in the play: “450,000 telegrams told President Nixon he was wrong. 2,000,000 phone calls demanded action. No one’s contacted me except Jenna to tell me she was getting married.”

Not only has Bush committed impeachable crimes; not only has Congress been complicit; but you and I, unless we put pressure on Congress, will bear the ultimate blame. The only way Congress will act is if we make them. That’s the purpose of “I” — to create such a groundswell of publicity that they must act or risk getting humiliated, or even voted out of office for failing to heed the will of all the “I’s” in America.
“Idiotarian” starts with “I,” too.

Exit stage left…

Who is Michelle Malkin? According to Wikipedia: Michelle Malkin (née Maglalang) (born October 20, 1970) is a socially and politically conservative American columnist, blogger, author and political commentator. She makes frequent guest appearances on national syndicated radio programs and on television networks such as MSNBC, Fox News Channel, and C-SPAN. As well as her written blog, she posts regular video blogs. Her syndicated column "appears in nearly 200 newspapers nationwide."[1]

Malkin was born in Philadelphia to Filipino parents, Dr. Apolo and Rafaela Maglalang, who had recently arrived in the United States at the time of Malkin's birth.[2] Her maternal grandfather fought under General Douglas MacArthur.[3] She grew up in Absecon, New Jersey[4], and attended Holy Spirit High School there, and later graduated from Oberlin College, which she describes as a "radically left-wing, liberal arts college".[5] In 1993, she married Jesse Malkin, a Rhodes Scholar and RAND Corporation economist. They have two children.[1]

Criticism from the Right. Thank you!

2007-11-20T23:25:00.000-08:00

Even though our play is a couple of months from its first performance, it is already drawing fire from the right. Here's a comment from "The American Pundit" (http://amerpundit.com/2007/11/09/impeachment-the-play/)
"
Impeachment: The Play
by Brennan
Moonbats have waaaay too much time on their hands. Now they’ve written a play about the impeachment of President Bush to be performed at George Washington University, which will debut when Congress returns from Christmas vacation. Kucinich is the casting director, and the script has been forwarded to Sean Penn, Ed Asner, Hector Elizondo and Ed Begley, Jr..And word is Congressman Walter Jones (R-NC) will perform in the show left-wing circus. Richard Lasser (one of the writers) explains the show:
“I” of course, stands for impeachment. But more importantly, it is the personal pronoun that refers to each one of us. And unless each of us puts pressure on Congress to impeach President Bush, it just won’t happen. As Bush states in the play: “450,000 telegrams told President Nixon he was wrong. 2,000,000 phone calls demanded action. No one’s contacted me except Jenna to tell me she was getting married.”
Not only has Bush committed impeachable crimes; not only has Congress been complicit; but you and I, unless we put pressure on Congress, will bear the ultimate blame. The only way Congress will act is if we make them. That’s the purpose of “I” — to create such a groundswell of publicity that they must act or risk getting humiliated, or even voted out of office for failing to heed the will of all the “I’s” in America.
See, folks? Unless you push Congress to do something that Pelosi, Republicans, and others have said is off the table not once but multiple times, you’re just as guilty of those high crimes and misdemeanors. What crimes? No clue.
MORE: Few other words also starting with an I: imbecile, idiot, idiotarian, insane, idiotic…"

Thank you, American Pundit.

The Press Starts Covering our Play

2007-11-17T23:27:00.000-08:00

From Raleigh News-Observer
Under the Dome:
Published: Nov 08, 2007
Who will play Walter Jones on the stage?
Ryan Teague Beckwith and Rob Christensen, Staff WritersU.S. Rep. Walter Jones is a real character.
The Farmville Republican is one of five major characters in a play about the impeachment of President Bush written by Washington lawyer Bruce Fein and Hollywood screenwriter Richard Lasser.
The two said they met with Jones and Democratic Rep. Jerrold Nadler in September to talk about what role he might play in an actual impeachment trial. They also wanted to make the play, called "I," as realistic as possible.
"I wanted to get an idea of his cadence," Lasser said. "I wanted to get an idea of his comportment, of his belief system, and what kinds of questions he would pose to witnesses. A lot of the questions that we put in his mouth are ones he said he would like to ask if he had the opportunity."
Jones is listed fifth among the cast of characters in the draft of the play. His character, an assistant prosecutor in the trial, is described as a "softspoken, passive-aggressive Southerner."
In the play, the Jones character questions CIA Director Michael Hayden, former counterterrorist agent Michael Scheuer and former U.S. Justice Department legal counsel John Yoo.
Lasser said he would like to cast Peter Coyote, a character actor best known for his role as the prosecutor in "Jagged Edge" and a scientist in "E.T." But if TV and movie stars aren't available, he'd look for local talent in Washington.
The play is scheduled to premiere at George Washington University in January, shortly after the Congressional recess.

Kucinich is our Casting Director

2007-11-08T21:21:00.000-08:00

This week Bruce met privately with Dennis Kucinich and gave him a copy of our play. I also emailed him an electronic copy of the play and Dennis promptly forwarded copies to Sean Penn, Ed Asner, Hector Elizondo and Ed Begley, Jr. -- urging them to join our cast. Dennis and Bruce will meet again next week over breakfast to continue to find ways to work together to get the play produced with the highest profile actors we can find.

An Emotional Night

2007-10-27T06:32:00.000-07:00

We held the table reading of "I" on Thursday night, October 25 in Seattle. 15 professional actors took the parts of George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, Justice John Roberts, Nancy Pelosi, John Conyers and the other characters in this true life dramatization of the trial in the Senate. When actor John Fantasia read the part of Khaled el-Masri, in what sounded to me anyway, in a perfect Arabic accent, it was a very emotional moment. In a halting, almost choking whisper, he told of his torture at the hands of the CIA. The brutal abduction, the beating -- and the rape. It made me more determined than ever to make sure that this play is mounted and that it brings pressure on Congress to act and impeach the president. After the reading, no one wanted to leave. In what I hope will be a preview of post-play discussions when the actual production happens, everyone stayed behind for nearly an hour, debating the issues and (as an enormous help to me) discussing how to improve the characterizations and plot points of the piece to maximize its impact. It was a thrilling night.

Table Reading Set

2007-10-22T09:03:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, October 23, a group of professional Seattle theater actors will read "I". One of the playwrights, Richard Lasser, will be present to hear how the dialogue sounds when spoken. This "workshopping" of the play will allow the playwrights to make any corrections necessary to get the play ready for production.

Why do we call the play "I"?

2007-10-11T22:56:00.000-07:00

"I" of course, stands for impeachment. But more importantly, it is the personal pronoun that refers to each one of us. And unless each of us puts pressure on Congress to impeach President Bush, it just won't happen. As Bush states in the play: "450,000 telegrams told President Nixon he was wrong. 2,000,000 phone calls demanded action. No one's contacted me except Jenna to tell me she was getting married."

Not only has Bush committed impeachable crimes; not only has Congress been complicit; but you and I, unless we put pressure on Congress, will bear the ultimate blame. The only way Congress will act is if we make them. That's the purpose of "I" -- to create such a groundswell of publicity that they must act or risk getting humiliated, or even voted out of office for failing to heed the will of all the "I's" in America.

Play complete

2007-10-11T22:53:00.000-07:00

"I" is complete. After a review by renown script doctor Paul Young (of "Lord of the Rings" fame), we will begin the casting process. Our plan is to mount the production beginning January 2. Stay tuned!

Congressmen on impeachment

2007-09-25T21:17:00.000-07:00

Last week in Washington DC, highly-sought after constitutional lawyer Bruce Fein took me to meet with Jerrold Nadler, (D New York) and Walter Jones (R North Carolina), two Congressmen highly critical of the President's illegal and unconstitutional activities. In an interview adjoining House Chambers, Congressman Nadler and I discussed what sorts of questions he would ask in a hypothetical trial and what arguments the defense might advance. His questions would be devastating if he ever got Bush on the witness stand (which actually happens in the play!) In Congressman Jones' office, the soft-spoken Southern gentleman suggested questions he would ask, helping me with this aspect of the play. He indicated he would enthusiastically support the impeachment resolution. Both Congressmen will be "prosecutors" in the stage play -- played by actors, of course as will all the characters, including Bush himself, who will deliver a chilling "you can't handle the truth" type speech, reminiscient of Jack Nicholson's in "A Few Good Men."

Casting

2007-09-25T07:11:00.000-07:00

We are working to come up with the most compelling cast we can find. Pro-impeachment actors such as Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Peter Coyote, Richard Gere, Mark Ruffalo and John Cusack are at the top of our list. We'll see if they are interested.

Impeachment Play will premiere January 2

2007-09-20T21:35:00.000-07:00

My new stage play, "The Impeachment Trial of George W. Bush" will premiere on January 2. With the help of Constituional scholar Bruce Fein, we've created a play that dramatizes what would happen if the House impeached Bush and the Senate tried him for high crimes and misdemeanors. I've been meeting with Congressmen here in Washington DC to give the play the necessary verisimilitude. Check back often for progress on the production.