I Like To Work Alone

My favorite co-worker is WNYC. Other than that, I prefer to work alone. Sometimes, when Leigh dons her overalls and takes up a task, I momentarily re-think my preference. In general though, I prefer to work alone.



It’s odd then that I did my first one person show just this past spring. The show, I Am My Own Wife, was received fairly well by audiences but, more to the point, it was the first time I was on stage alone. Sure, I had the guidance of a very talented director and the good work of designers and stage managers and operators and generous producers but it was the first time I would show up at half-hour, enter the dressing room and be alone. I would dress, prepare, walk to the stage and wait--alone. I would change costume at intermission, go back to the stage and wait—alone. I would take the curtain call, thanking the audience, then descend to the dressing room, change into my street clothes, and walk to a restaurant where I would have a celebratory drink—alone.

I wouldn’t want to do that forever because, truth be told, I enjoy the experience of collaboration, at least in the theatre. But there has never been a theatrical experience that has brought me up against my own limitations more keenly than that solo journey. Just as standing at a workbench, trying to cut a perfect dove-tail joint leaves you face to face with the measure of your ability.

The meaning of life resides somewhere in this region. Improvement. Self-improvement. Betterment. Challenge. Growth. Understanding. Wisdom. Knowledge. Enlightenment.

Somewhere in there is the answer. So let's continue to look for challenges.