Act 1, Scene 3

The narrative began with Act 1, scene 1 on April 10, 2013.

To access all scenes, scroll to blog archive at the bottom of the page.

Cezanne

Vincent! I see you found the friend you ran off to meet.

Vincent

Oh. (waking from his reverie) Paul, this is Bill de Kooning. Bill, Paul, Pablo, Diego, and ... ?

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Velázquez

Hello Bill. Very good to meet you. This is Jack Chambers. Listen everyone, I'd like to stop and chat, but I think we'll all enjoy ourselves if we hurry along to meet the others for coffee.

De Kooning

What others?

Velázquez

We are meeting people at Caffé Florian, but we won't know exactly who is there until we arrive. Several artists, I believe.

Vincent

This sounds interesting, Bill. Let's go to Harry's another time.

Velázquez

Have faith, Bill. Come along now. (Again they all set off toward San Marco and Caffé Florian.)

Finally, they enter the Piazza San Marco, buzzing with tourists as usual. As they approach Florian, they are greeted by the melodic strains of New York, New York, as played by a small ensemble apparently hired by the café to entertain patrons and passersby. 

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Near the small orchestra, several people dance. Hans Hoffman twirls Helen Frankenthaler. Colette Whiten stands with Ron Shuebrook and Artemesia Gentileschi. In the crowd, we hear laughter, friendly greetings, earnest debate. Sitting at a nearby table, tapping fingers in time with the incongruous New York, New York are Agnes Martin and Barnett Newman.

Helen Frankenthaler

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Hans Hoffman

nmaa-ryder.si.edu 

Dozens of people have gathered in front of the café. Some excitement is being generated by a rather large group lying on yoga mats on the masonry pavement. As our six friends join the spectators, they are greeted warmly by many who know them. It becomes clear that those on the ground have arranged themselves so that their bodies spell out words. At first, the words are "In Space." Then those who had been arranged as the word "in" stand, move quickly to the bottom of the group spelling "space," lie down again, but this time spelling "out." Several others join in, adding a "d" to the word "space" so that now, the words are "spaced out." The "outs" stand again, pull in new recruits from the crowd, and now spell out "cadets." "Space Cadets." Velasquez, Cezanne, Picasso, Van Gogh, Chambers and De Kooning watch, smiling and spellbound, elbowing each other at the humour in the performance as the words change again and again. "Deep Space, Inner Space, Personal Space, Back Space, Flat Space" .. each new formation greeted by cheers from the assembled crowd. Joice and John Hall enjoy the show from a nearby table.

When it seems that the "spellers" have exhausted themselves and their repertoire for now, Velázquez shouts above the din. 

Thank you friends, for this amazing performance. We loved it. Everyone, please show your appreciation for the entertaining and provocative work of the collective known as Take it Lying Down. That, at least is the name they chose for today's spontaneous get together. (loud applause, whistles and cheers). And thanks to you all for coming here at short notice. This is my very first Flash Mob! (the crowd erupts with cheers, whistles, shouts of "good for you, Diego" and "alright!")

Picasso, to Velázquez

Diego! I had no idea that you were such a ring-leader! Well done. I don't know how you did this, but well done.

Velázquez

I wasn't really sure that it would work. After I bought the phone, I sat on a bench with a teenager who explained how to organize what he told me was a flash mob. It seems he knew what he was talking about.

It is clear to everyone now that the crowd is composed almost entirely of artists. 

(again to the crowd) It's now 2 pm, perfect for your afternoon coffee. The staff at Florian have been very accommodating, and we have the whole place to ourselves for a couple of hours, so please catch up with old friends, and meet those you have always wanted to know. You may prefer to have your coffee here in the piazza, but you absolutely must also have a look at the interior, which is quite splendid. Finally, and before you place your orders, it is my pleasure to introduce your host. Several of you know him, but most do not. He would like to welcome you, and to thank you for accepting his invitation. I am pleased to present your host, David Newkirk. (polite smattering of applause)