For his newest documentary, ODC Theater Resident Artist Paul Festa chronicled himself taking lessons on the Tchaikovsky violin concerto from various artists, none of whom are violinists. It’s OK because Festa is a violinist, and he knew the piece quite well to begin with.
It’s more than OK, actually, because it’s fascinating. What makes someone a “real” artist? What hinders him? In Festa’s case, a hand injury has been a factor, and his film doesn’t shy away from talk of debilitating wounds, which can be psychological as well as physical. Tie It Into My Hand is what he calls it, quoting E. E. Cummings’ exaltation of someone who with fingers unable to hold a brush would issue that command — notable both for its determination and for needing someone else’s help.
Portrait of Paul Festa by Greg Gorman
John Fisher and Carey Perloff
Some of Festa’s instructors will seem familiar. Some are famous in their fields. Rather than waste time with introductions, however, he gets right to the lessons. And rather than training his camera on himself, he trains it on these others — advising, psychoanalyzing, challenging, consoling, and indeed instructing. Collectively they are a perceptive, open-hearted bunch, with much wisdom to share. “Oh, it’s so sweet,” one says, upon hearing a few bars. “I don’t know why you don’t have a career. Something must be wrong with your personality.” As another puts it, “We’re the frightened ones. It’s very scary being in front of your camera.”
