DAY 265

PORTRAITS

Cityscape

CHRISTOPHER SIMON, PLAYWRIGHT AND ACTOR

For my Brits off Broadway portrait series, I choose an in-character moment of performance in the play that best presents the main theme and then ask the actors if they have a favorite place in New York City where they would like to be photographed out of character. Some of the choices ranged from Brighton Beach, a diner banquette, on the Brooklyn Bridge, or in a taxi.

This is an out-of-character portrait of Christopher Simon, who had performed his one-man show When the Bulbul Stopped Singing at 59E59, a modern and off-Broadway New York theatre. Chris’ show was intense and politically charged, and he himself was a fairly serious man. Chris had enjoyed the view from his apartment where he’d been staying for the duration of the play, and so he chose this location and stunning cityscape background for his out-of-character image. While the city skyline dominates the background, Chris commands the viewer’s eye with his direct gaze into the lens and centered position in the frame. The composition of the balcony railings also serves to draw you into the center. —SA