so I went....

to BAM on Saturday evening, and to the Brick on Sunday afternoon. Very instructive. Stayed for only the first part of the second part of Henry IV. Why? Acting was straightforward but uninspired..Really disliked very few people, but very few actors made me want to see them in other parts of the plays. Sam Marks, who played Poins, by far the most dynamic actor on stage. Direction almost self effacing, as it never calls attention to itself, most of the first part simply placed actors on stage and allowed them to make their dramatic statements. Of course Part II is the most passive of the plays, very little happens till the end of the first part of the play. What would these actors be like when given given a more vital arc to follow, such as the one in Herry IV part 1? Not sure, might be better. left really because I was tired, not angry---actually would see another part of the tetrology if given a free ticket or a cheap (10.00) one. But no real hunger to continue.
    Brian's play, on the other hand, was a wonderful surprise. The Golfer--an everyman ordinary man thrust into a set of vibrant and bizarre dreams. Wonder staging, pacing, nine or ten super actors who gave it everything they had. Brian's writing often very stimulating--a series of bits that the golfer finds himself in, the quality of the varies (there seemed to be about 50 of them) but the best are extremely inventive and stimulating. Really glad I saw it.
  Afterwards, tried new coffee place near the Brick, then off to East Village, Standings bar for opening day festivities. Felt very much at home there---had about four or five nice conversations with baseball fans---guys, bartender Sam as usual, very welcoming. Will I spend more time there this spring and summer? From last night's action, would say yes, my only problem with the place is that it is so male dominant. Would like a more "feminine aspect" from a bar at certain times, Oh well, a lot of places I would not mind trying out, also places like lantern hall and Basik which are worth returning to.
   Not sure what the week holds, or how much subbing or tutoring I am going to have. Test week means that there may be some cancellation among my fifth and sixth grade students, have to wait and see. Also, see how work at Friends plays into the mix. Tonight might have time for a movie or a "hangout" we will see.