too busy. Set up a full day of protesting, teaching and opera (yes, that is right!) Woke up in the morning and thought "is this a bit too much?" Well figured that I try it anyway. First stop, City Hall, to participate in a protest rally against the City Council's acceptance of the De Blasio rezoning plan that he relentlessly pushed through. Not enough housing for lower income New York residents---small apartments for Seniors---already commercial landlords are not renewing leases in poor areas of the Bronx because they hope that the market rate buyers in the new buildings will be millenials. Lots of reasons why all this seems unfair---also De Blasio's complete disregard for the proposals that the community groups made for the changes that would be much more protective of rent stabilized citizens. Found a small group there at 9, but by 10, many were there and our rally and protest was held. Many speakers from the different areas of the city denouncing the plan. Nevertheless it was voted for in the Council. Some of my fellow protesters staged a protest within the council and were escorted out, but I did not join them---had a lesson to teach at 12, but don't think I would have anyway. Nevertheless respect there guts and tenacity. Now that it is set, the grass routes organizations will continue acting--let's see how this plays out. De Blasio has lost much of his constituency, he is probably counting on unions and AARP people to support him when he runs again in 2017. Will a challenger arise from the left to confront him, the same way he confronted Bloomberg and Quinn in 2013? Let's see.
That was the morning, stopped on my way to 145th street to get a ticket for The Marriage of Figaro at the Met. Surprised that only Family Circle standing room was available. Did not want to stand, after a long day, but took the ticket anyway, since this would be my only chance to experience the new production by Richard Eyre. Then off to Harlem, only had one lesson--traveled by foot from 148th street and Broadway to 130th and Lenox---simply did not want to pay for a taxi, and in truth I was tired. After lesson, took the 2 to 96th and the 1 to the Met. As tired as I was, convinced myself that I could at least stand for half of the opera. Which is what happened.
Love the music, I know it well, glad that I could hear it played so well by the Met Orchestra under Maestro Luisi. Eyre's production is decent but uninspired---everybody moving in place---sometimes he seems to find the dramatic core of the scene, sometimes he misses it, but he moves his people around very well, so it looks very professional. Five leads all sung well, but again, did not feel any found the core of the characters. Perhaps if you were learning the opera, a good way to experience it---for me just adequate. Left after Act II, saw no point in staying, and I was extremely tired. Still, glad I saw what was there---no regrets to carry through until the Met revives it again.
Today a little easier, have one possibly two lessons, then a FUREE meeting on Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn. Happy to participate, since I have not really done much there and it will be good to see my friend Michael there, as well. Perhaps will talk to him afterwards about high rises coming up around BAM. Should be finished about 9--promise to myself not to return home--maybe return to Lantern Hall in East Williamsburg, would like to check out that place again---good vibes, or maybe somewhere else. We will see---report tomorrow.
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