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theatre company in 1996. In 2012 TdR
started an educational program. Artistic
Associate Park Krausen wrote that the
program was “committed to bringing
programming into the schools and to using
theatre as a means to bringing French
language and culture directly to students.
Schools have had to make drastic cuts to
arts programming and have withdrawn
funding to take field trips.. .we want to
bring art to them!”
Ms. Krausen, a fine actor also fluent
in French, has some further words to say
about Ms. Cook: “Personally, I can say that
my life would look completely different if
it were not for Carolyn Cook. Often we
talk about people, angels who have had a
tremendous impact on our lives. Carolyn
Cook has been one of those people for
me.. .She has directed me, employed me,
but most importantly — befriended me...
we are friends and adopted sisters.
“My life as an international artist is
due in large part
to hopping on
the coattails of
Carolyn’s dream.. .1
am continually in
awe of her as an
artist, intellectual,
activist, family
woman and friend
— who continues to
grow, stay hungry
and i
s. She i
an inspiring artist,
friend, mentor and
big sister.”
Recently, I was
thrilled by Carolyn’s
performance in
Actor’s Express’
monumental
production of “Angels in America,” in
which she played the multifaceted part
of FFannah. Meryl Streep played this role
in the FFBO version some years ago, and
I can honestly say that watching Carolyn
Cook perform it made me forget Ms.
Streep, of whom I am a certainly a fan.
In 2015 Ms. Cook mesmerized
audiences in the Express’ “Blackberry
Winter.” I’ve also seen her in
FForizon Theatre’s “Detroit,” “City of
Conversation,” and others. One of
Carolyn’s favorite plays was also done at
FForizon: “The Syringa Tree.” I missed
it. Another of her three favorite roles
(which I asked her to name) was 7
Stages’ production of Athol Fugard’s “My
Children! My Africa!” You recall the third
was “St. Joan” at GA Shakespeare.
This gifted artist has been devoting
more of her time as a director, in such
shows as Fiorizon’s “Fiow to Use a Knife”
(terrific) and Theatrical Outfit’s “Miss
Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley,” the most
delightful “comedy of manners” that I have
seen in ages. One of the stars of that show,
Atlanta’s remarkable Jonathan Fiorne, has
this to say about Carolyn Cook:
“Carolyn is a consummate actor’s
director. She is constantly pushing for
deeper connection and specificity; if
you’ve seen her acting work, she demands
no less commitment and honesty as a
director. That being said, she’s also always
in your corner and establishes one of the
most welcoming and supportive creative
environments I have been fortunate to be
a part of.”
I have a strong feeling that Mr. Fiorne’s
sentiments would be echoed by a great
many actors, not to mention designers,
lighting technicians, sound engineers and
the many people it takes to make theatre, a
truly collaborative art form, happen.
I think that Ms. Cook would want me
to mention artistic directors Lisa Adler
(FForizon) and Richard Garner (Georgia
Shakespeare); she said that some of her
most satisfying, enjoyable work has been
done at these theatres. Of course she’s
worked at every important theatre around.
There’s just no getting around it:
Carolyn Cook is a marvel, an incalculable
gift to Atlanta theatre. I might also say that
she puts one immediately at ease and is a
pleasure to talk to; the word “diva” is not
in her vocabulary.
I am happy to report that Ms. Cook is
doing exactly what she wants, with whom
she wants to do it and where she wants to
do it; and her presence instantly elevates
any project she is working on. “I love
making theatre happen.”
Long may she wave. DU
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AtlantalNtownPaper.com
May 2018 I iNtown 51