very sad....

to read an article that a facebook friend of mine posted about gentrification in Harlem and one man who is getting rich by selling developments now at the height of the real estate boom. Seems so unfair---I don't understand how people only think in terms of their own gain. (That sounds naive; I know, but still, you wonder...) Anyway, feel like I am in a funk at this moment---just makes stronger the need to participate in protests and share the word with others.
Last night---a totally different world---went to see Eliza's play at the Ohio Space---a very delicate two person play about a relationship and its ultimate break up. This is an easy kind of play to write as a kind of indulgent naval gazing---but this play avoids all that; is really skillful---wonderfully structured as it moves in and out of time, and totally fair to the two characters. Beautifully acted by Noel and Ebony---overall a very meaningful experience---so many people I knew in the audience---almost was as interesting observing them during the play. I am very happy for Eliza---of the four plays of hers that I have seen, this is definitely the strongest.
Afterwards,  group of us went to the nearby Italian restaurant---had conversations with many people that I know---all very interesting and meaningful---said my goodbyes and then left. Wanted a little more than my slice of pizza, so went to Elephant and Castle, a restaurant that has been in the same place (Greenwich Avenue just as it turns into seventh) for at least 25 years. Nice, quiet place, no tv, food is extremely good, and only "relatively" expensive. Had a terrific BLT and nothing else, but the cost after tip was $15.00. Amazing! How often can I go there---not too often. After that, went home, fell asleep quickly, but awoke only to find that it was just about midnight. Felt healthy, strong, but did not want a beer (stomach too full) so found myself in a quandary---should I go out or not. Ultimately I optioned for staying in, but for the next hour or so, found myself at odds with everything. Very restless---this is the "problem" of living on the Upper West Side, no late coffee shops or friendly bartenders who will let me sit with a coke or a sprite at that late hour---if I lived in South Williamsburg that would be different, but I don't. And though the area is so convenient to my work---well, what can you say. At times, I wish I could just hang around in a bar from about one to two, just to see what is happening there, but at this point, the way my body functions, it totally escapes me. Once the night is over, it is over---I move easily on to the next moment but----well we will see.
This evening, off to 59 east 59th street for the one acts that two friends of mine are appearing in. Should be fun, and interesting to be in that neighborhood---I really never go there. Two more theater projects are possibilities for the two days after that, but let's see how today plays out.
Will report tomorrow..