first post in....

three days, much to my surprise was called to work on Thursday---good day, then yesterday the already planned work day. Also yesterday, picked up four more days for the next week. That is already a lot of time slated for November. Really would like to go non stop---do as much work as I can in the next few weeks, don't care if I return home tired. Seeing a play tonight---A Taste of Honey---more about that later--have two other plays slated for the next two Saturday evenings, which as of now, are the only times I can reserve for myself. Sundays are open too, but really like the idea of having unplanned Sundays, moving easily between South Fourth and Cobra, and watching the football games there (small crowds, since neither place has the "every game" football package), just talking to the denizens of the bar, the bartenders, and "hanging out". In between, some interesting walks around Brooklyn. So would prefer not to plan to "see" anything on Sundays.
  No work today, nice to have the whole day open, before the play, and not to be up around 145th street at the beginning of the day (although I like it up there). Do not want to do too much today, so that I will not be tired for tonight.
  Have already read through e-mails and facebook reports about rampant anti-tenant tactics in many buildings in Brooklyn. Also, the discomfort the neighbors of Atlantic Yards and Barclays Center feel because of the building going on, and some of the crowd behavior after the games being played.  Very ugly, why do we allow the power of these forces to dominate the rights of people living in these neighborhoods?  Wish there was something that I could do about it; an important tenant rally is taking place in Ditmas Park this evening, but I will have to miss it. Well there will be others.
   Wednesday evening, participated in the protest outside Chelsea Peers against the RE biggies having a celebration. At first, there were just a few of---felt alone, some of the taunts that the  other protesters screamed seemed vicious; I felt uncomfortable standing there--maybe wanted a more peaceful protest. Felt alone and a little disappointed that I came, finally we were joined by a fairly large group from Sunset Park---protesting became a little stronger, more focused, I felt more like part of a group. Left after two hours, went to the bar restaurant where my friends the twins wait. As usual, they were very warm and generous---and giving---of course did not discuss where I had just come from or any content from the two hours protesting. Yes, cityboy, definitely two different worlds.
Still stunned by the rampant greed of landlords in places like Bushwick or Clinton Hill, that seems to think of nothing but getting people paying lower rent out of there apartments. No more to say.
  Will see A Taste of Honey tonight---remember well the first time I saw it---at the Lyceum Theater with an amazing performance from Joan Plowright as Jo. Angela Lansbury, only a few years older then her, played her mother. I loved the evening, my date was Nancy S, a girl whom I had known from public school who moved away. Stayed in touch because our parents were friends. It was a nice date, we really hit it off well---she was very poised and charming. I had hoped to see her again, and during the next few years made some attempts---she always fended them off easily and with some grace, but never once spent time with me---thus, that evening in the first row of the Lyceum's second balcony remains our only moments together.
  That is all for now-----with all the work ahead, don't know when the next post will be; I usually don't post when I am at Friends, but may decide to do so with all the work ahead. Will keep you posted.

feeling frenetic...

as i sit by the keyboard at the library on Amsterdam and 82nd street. Why? Seems like a lot of activity that I am trying to absorb. Just found out that one play that my friend and I thought of seeing but did not get tickets for because it seemed to be sold out, is not, while another play that we are scheduled to see has a longer running time, and may make for an intense rush to Penn Station, where her train leaves from on Saturday evening. What to do? Maybe nothing---should discuss this with my friend---not a bad idea---lots of shows have tickets on TDF for Saturday evening---guess that is because it will really be when Halloween is celebrated. Anyway, I should try to calm down a bit, don't you think, ultimately all events can be dealt with.
Yesterday evening, was tired, returned to apartment, boiler broke, could have been traumatic, but amazingly enough, was fixed by landlord in the same evening. I went to sleep planning to wake up in the cold, and put on my two heaters, but woke up actually in a kind of moist warmth---very surreal,  a  strange energy pervaded my apartment. Am so used to boiler not being fixed immediately, that I guess this was a shock. But the whole thing seemed so odd.
Anyway, with no work at Friends today, went back to Medical store front (that is really what it is) to get an EKG, early this morning. As usual, waiting room was very crowded, but also, as usual, was taken care of very quickly. Really am getting to like the place, the lab technician, whom I needed to talk to briefly, was very friendly.  Still odd, being the only white person there---but also am coming to really respect and admire both the staff because they get things done so well, and the other patients because they seem so gentle. Will continue to go there.
  Afterwards, walked over to the coffee place, Tazzo, right off the 157th street subway station and hada their coffee; also read a leftover Times.
  Tonight should head over to Chelsea Peers to participate in the action against the real estate biggies meeting for a celebration. Always a little ambivalent about participating, but once I am there, enjoy the closeness and commitment of the people there. After that.....maybe up to Lansdowne to see the twins----will report tomorrow.

the day and the....

dream. Sunday, no movies or entertainment. A good day, spent watching football and interacting. Began at South Fourth---bartender Jack very friendly, clued him in on the documentary  Los Sures, a picture of the south side made in 82, when poverty was rampant. Soon joined by other fans, we watched the first part of the Jet game---time to move on, then walked from South Fourth to Metropolitan and Bushwick, then south on Bushwick to Grand. L train to Jefferson; checked out a few streets around there, especially Troutman Street between Wycoff and Irving---at least three bars now exist on that spot. Why? How many are needed. Then spent an hour or so at Cobra, some good company there--watched most of the first half of the Steeler Patriot game---not really a very interesting game---it was clear that Patriots would dominate. Left, not sure of next stop, did I want to head to BAM to see a movie---reading at Bushwick Starr started at 8, and did not believe that I could stick it out that long in one place. Finally opted for a return to South Fourth---good choice, bartender Olivia always friendly and glad to see me, was able to relax and also had a nice talk with my friend Kim. South fourth sponsors a comedy open mike on Sunday evening, something that I read in AM New York might motivate me to join it. Should I? Have never done open mike before---could be excruciating---but might be necessary. Will think about it.
Returned to the apartment with a feeling of satisfaction. Accomplished what I had wanted---to be present with other people. Yet had a dream that night that was very strange (for want of a better word). In the dream, I am directing a reading of a play and am looking for a domineering older type. I think of an actor named Bryan M, who was very active up until recently---has not done much in the past few years, must be around 80 or a little older. In the dream I call him up, and he is very nice about saying yes and asking for the script. I feel a little bit like I am taking advantage of him..
Suddenly I awake! Did he really say yes. I check my phone, just to see that I really did not make that call. Feel very embarrassed, not sure if this is dream or waking .  For some reason I am very tense---takes a bit of time to calm me down. I try to analyze the dream: why did I put Bryan M in it? Does he represent me or some aspects of me. He had a successful career as an actor and director. I first saw him play Edgar in the Peter Brook production of King Lear. Edgar is a survivor---forced to create a world for himself---but I have seen Mr. M in many other plays as well--he has played autocrats to homosexual theater men. Why him for the dream? I am still stymied by that question.
    Yesterday, hard working day at Friends, but good to see many ninth graders in the classes that I subbed for, and to meet some of the new students who just entered Friends in the ninth grade. Not much afterwards, for I was tired. Today's evening---not clear, maybe one of the sports bars to watch the world series (not too interested) and the first Knick game of the year. Of course it will depend on how much energy I have after sessions. Will report tomorrow or soon, That's all for now

last night at.....

Ensemble studio Theater, a theater where I directed many workshops and readings in the eighties and early nineties, I went to a seven play short play grouping, done by the theater's resident company called Youngblood. Very disappointed, quite frankly I hate the short one act form. Nothing ever really gets done in it. Originally started just for galas or fund raisers by not for profits wanting to show their stable of authors, it has become a kind of staple for companies, but somehow I think it defeats the playwrights. These seven plays were all efficient, and very well acted and directed, but in the end, I felt like I had seen simply seven versions of the same play. A kind of efficient coldness seemed to be part of the whole evening. I went because a gentleman whom I had met at the Bushwick Starr reading the Sunday before was in one, and in the same play was Anne, an actress whom I had worked with in the late eighties, who was once a friend of mine. Saw her briefly after the plays, said hello, she is very talented, missed my friend.
Afterwards went to Lansdowne Road for a beer, hung out there for a while, very friendly place, even if my server friends "the twins" were not there Miss them, should try to visit them soon. Not much else to say, caught the 11 at around 10, and went home.
This evening is still the big choice: do I want to go to the five hour "arts pageant" on East 4th street, which could be daring and erotic, or find a place to watch the really important baseball game between the Cubs and the Dodgers. Two sides of the same coin----will probably take the risk of going to the pageant---baseball I can see any time, but still hesitant. Of course, there are a million other things to do tonight as well, culture wise---never has there been a time in NY when so much to see in interesting and available, but of course, the other side of it---the gap between rich and poor moves more quickly---52nd street, once an obstacle course as you went to Ensemble, now all luxury housing--the whole tenth avenue corridor bewteen 52nd and 55th is like that, as is the first part of West End Avenue---a gruesome stretch of luxury housing as West End moves south into 11th avenue.Who lives in all these buildings? Are there some many people who can afford the 2,500 dollar studio? Very sad.
 More about this some other time, must go now---will report on "adventure" tonight.

quite a day....

for cityboy, which included some lessons, two classes in Friends (Arabic classes, of which I know little, but groups were extremely self-sufficient) and my first real check up in....well, can't really say it.
First: the check up: Had never seen this doctor before, or been to her office, which is on 161 between Broadway and Amsterdam. Walked in, found myself surrounded by other patrons, all of them Hispanic. First thought:"What am I doing here?" Then reminded myself that my prejudices might be meaningless and that this was my appointment, and that (unless I was made to wait a long time) ,I should stick it out. Amazing how the orientation you receive as a child enters into your life so many years later. Staff at check in counter, cordial, not really nice, but I took my application and filled it out. My appointment for the check up was at 2, and sure enough I had my blood pressure et.al taken just about that time. Then waited for my doctor---only waited about five minutes, then was called into her office, Dr. Alexander- a middle aged black women who was very cordial, and made me feel at home. She seemed pleased with my life style and my decision not to take any medication at all. Examination was short but effective. I then went downstairs for some urine and blood work and a sonogram. Here is when I really began to admire the way things worked-the blood technician was extremely thorough and polite, the sonogram monitor was also very friendly, the assistant who told me to come back next week for an EKG was also quite caring. My fellow patients were also very polite and feeling. The whole event took an hour-----and it was a very organized procedure from beginning to end. Left feeling very up---really wanted to compliment the staff on how good the whole experience was.
Tired when I returned to my apartment, did something I usually do not do, bought a large piece of marble cheesecake back with me---gorged on it---very good, but still feeling the effects this morning.
Slept pretty well---no work today, am here in the library.
Tonight, just made a reservation for an evening of short plays (8) at Ensemble Studio Theater, an actor whom I met last Sunday at the Bushwick Starr reading series invited me, and an actress with whom I worked with many years ago, and whom I respect greatly, will also be performing. I really hate the 10 minute play form; feel that they are doing---just don't feel a playwright can really create a meaningful world in ten minutes, but maybe I will be surprised. Thought this was a better idea then just seeing a movie (though I would really like to)  since there will be people there to interact with.
Tomorrow, am facing a bit of a dilemma. Have been invited to a kind of "art happening" at a Theater on East 4th street. The creator of this happening is an artist whose studio I visited during the Bushwick Open house, and after an interesting conversation, invited me to attend. It is a kind of open ended thing---some interaction with audience---some nudity---I really don't know how it will all play out or what role I would be asked to play in it. Will probably go---though I am hesitant.
Not much else, tired after two straight days of work and other "stuff"  Did write a letter to a woman who was concerned with the intense luxury building in Manhattan (she lives on the upper east side)---wonder what effect it will have---that is all for now..

mostly good things.....

have happened since Friday--Saturday being the most interesting day.
Where to begin. After session, off to Brooklyn to visit my friend Liz'z art studio. Spent a lot of time looking at her paintings; her ability to juxtapose colors and use black as an unsettling gash separates her paintings from the others. Spent a good deal of time talking to her about the content of the work; she seemed happy that I saw so much in her paintings. A good meeting.
   Her studio is in the former Brooklyn Navy Yard, so when I got out of the space I landed on Flushing Avenue and Carleton Street. What to do? Return to Manhattan and get ready for going to Dixon Place in the evening, or spend the afternoon in Brooklyn and then return to the lower east side without touching home. My wanderlust (or at least my "Brooklyn wanderlust") got the best of me, and I walked south to Myrtle and then began my "Myrtle adventure" a walk east down that avenue that ended on Throop Avenue in Bed-Stuy---probably more than a mile away.
  What did I see? Well, lots of development, there seem like gazillion new (and expensive) buildings built along the Myrtle corridor---also many between Myrtle and Flushing---the first part of my trip. The corridor closest to downtown Brooklyn has several new apartment buildings, and with that the requisite new eating places and bars (many of them). Then a little before Bedford, the Orthodox Jews have taken over, much housing that seems only slated for them. A little while later come the projects; this happens as we approach Broadway, but right after the first set is an amazingly large empty rectangle----probably near Tompkins, which of courses is being turned into luxury high rises.
The frightening "progress' of northeastern Bed-Stuy.
   On Throop and Myrtle, decided to turn north and follow Throop to the end of Bed-Stuy (about three blocks down) and then watch it drift for its last five blocks, into Jewish Williamsburg (for those five blocks it runs parallel to Broadway). Geography of Brooklyn in that part still seems hard to understand, the "straight" line of Broadway, which is actually running sharply south as well as east still confuses.
  Still time to kill, so took the Broadway bus to WIlliamsburg and stopped off for a coffee at South fourth---had a nice chat with bartender Jack, then walked up Berry to north 5th, stopped in the bookstore on north fifth and Bedford, spent much time browsing there---then over to the L, out at First Avenue in Manhattan, down first to Houston, and over to Chrystie, three blocks later I arrive at Dixon Place.
  Wow! How much walking did I do that day/ Amazing thing is, my body dealt with it very well, no real fatigue until after watching My Old Man at Dixon Place. Which, by the way is a very inventive one act play, written and directed by Jess B (can't really spell the last name accurately, so it will have to stay that way). Great acting from her seven member cast, the script is wonderfully inventive; I hope it has a life after this, but like so many other interesting new work, you wonder if it will have anywhere to go, (Maybe one of the winter festivals: Coil, etc.and then picked up by colleges).
Anyway, had a good time, saw some friends, and headed home pretty tired.
  Sunday, was tired, did not leave Manhattan until around 6, to go to reading at Bushwick Starr---had a nice time, afterwards stopped off at Starr Bar for a coke (can order a coke at that bar, because it is an "activist" bar) Walked on one block in Bushwick before hitting the subway---the air was nice, felt very serene, as if I wanted to be here on that block more. Will it happen...well, with everything else that is going on, who knows?
  Yesterday, a good day at Friends, then able to go to BAN meeting had a good conversation with one of the new participants---looking forward to interacting with her at the next couple of events.
That's all for now...

annoying e-mail

from unemployment department, matching me with an education job in Brooklyn. Don't they realize that I am working when I ask for benefits for only two days? Hope this does not tie up any benefits or make me call them up (a brutal experience, last time, a few years ago)  I doubt this will have much effect on my benefits, but with them, you never know. Kind of puts a damper on a day of feeling very accomplished.
Yesterday, a good day of work at Friends, came home very tired, no movie or anything else, spent most of the evening resting, sleeping intermittently and finally fell asleep. Feeling very strong and accomplished at this moment.
Thursday evening---did go to see Flako's autobiographical statement at Performance Garage, very strong, he showed me some range that I had never seen before from him; also the way he switches from Spanish to English (as others do to) is kind of amazing. Have never had to think in another language or move quickly between the two. We don't value being able to do this in any way. A child could be an excellent translator for a parent yet not do well in school, and we only judge him on the latter. Another form of denial. Anyway, my friend Sarah was there, nice to talk to her, we may also be at the same play tonight at Dixon Place---also, many of the other downtown theater community may be present, should run in to someone that I know. Also, very much wanted to see this piece made by Jess B, whom I don't know well, but whom I have a great deal of respect for as an artist.
After Flako's piece on Thursday wanted to get something to eat, but wanted some company. Knew that Broome Street Bar was nearbye, and liked the vibe when my friend Frank was working there about eight or nine years ago. Wooster street, around the Performance Garage, where Flako's performance took place, now all shrouded with luxury buildings under construction and on the block, already several high end condos. Farewell to the bohemian life that existed when the Performance Garage opened in 68. Of course the" bohemian life" has been gone for some time. Wake up, cityboy, it is 2016. Anyway, went to the Broome Street bar, watched some baseball. When I got there it was crowded, a very upscale crowd, no sign of the "artist" regulars and first generation SOHO explorers whom I met when I was there to visit Frank. Service a little slow, but bartender and head waitress turned out to be very nice---tuna fish sandwich with a salad and a coke---after tax and tip, came to exactly $17.00 ! Utterly unbeievable, this is what NY has come to at this point. Did not mind paying it, since I was budgeted for it, and understand that a bar offers me some things that a coffee place or pizza place does not, but still--just for a sandwich and a coke---seventeen dollars. Where will it end..?
    That is all for now---will report soon--rest of the weekend seems interesting...

last night...

went to La Flaca thinking that last night was the sixth anniversary celebration. Instead, found the place very quiet, my friend Bobby and his girl friend Kelly, very subdued, it seems the party was actually the night before and I missed it. (not that I could go---very tired from a day of subbing and tutoring) . But it actually turned out to be a good thing---Bobby was available and we sat and talked for about an hour, reminiscing about the "cast of characters" who had run through our lives during the past sixteen years, with an emphasis on the first group at Cosi on Union Square, where Bobby bartended and I hung out from about 200-2003. Many interesting people who have gone their ways, and one, unfortunately who passed away. Some have done very well, a few are married with children (which should not be such a surprise, since they are in their early thirties now) anyway, it was a good time and Bobby deserves a lot of credit for making La Flaca work.
After that, walked over to Metrograph, wandered through the lower east side----wow! just when I felt that with so many bars and restaurants between Delancey and Houston, it was impossible to create any more, I find to my surprise, a large number of bars and eating places between Hester and Delancey, in other words south of Delancey, which I always considered kind of a border. But there they were--who?---mostly younger people, crowding those places on Ludlow and Orchard between Grand and Delancey. Amazing! Does it ever end...?  Could have gone to a bar for a beer to cleanse my sugar fit, but opted instead for The Bean at 3rd and Second Avenue. Had a heavy piece of Cookies and Cream cake, or brownie, or something. Not that good, but now at about 11:00 in the morning, am still paying for it, as I feel very little hunger.
Very mild night last night, after the Bean, went to 2nd avenue F station, and to my surprise, the F was quite prompt. Returned home to a fairly warm apartment and it was not until I awoke around 4 this morning that I was surrounded by cold. Still above legal limit for heat, so there is really not much I can do.
Today, absolutely no commitments, would like to see a movie tonight, not sure what, maybe at NY film festival, should check some other schedules out as well. At some point soon, should see "The Thirteenth, but am a little leery of receiving all that injustice---very harsh, brutal and justified I am sure. Still, a tough journey to take. At the festival, a documentary about Jonas Mekas, a revolutionary film maker and his journey from Lithuania to here. He started Anthology Film Archives. Might be viable, would like to attend at least one film festival event at least, this one is very reasonable.
Anyway, will figure it out later, will check in, probably on Saturday with results.

cold, cold....

last night---heat is not on yet (landlord within his legal grounds--somewhat) and even with two heaters, once they are turned off and I go to sleep, I wake up in a tremendous cold. So far no ramifications, and I don't expect there to be any. Physically feel "decent" this morning. Still it will mean a greater electric bill, and I am not crazy about that. Weather looks warmer for the next two days, so nights, possibly will stay moderately warm. Still, can not take any risks with my health. The apartment has a large bay window, which attracts a lot of cold.; when I went out this morning it was actually warmer outside then in. Well, we will see what happens, the super said the boiler man is coming to set the boiler up for the winter (should be ready now anyway) so maybe some heat will sneak in. Annoying.
Good day at Friends, yesterday, will return Friday, maybe tomorrow, though no offers yet.
Saturday, decided to give Hamlet at the Public at try. Got there for 7:00 performance at 6:30, and after a little anxiety waiting, did get in. Not that hard, actually. I am glad; the performance was stunning--a cut down Hamlet in which every word counted---Fortinbras, one of my favorite and one of the most meaningful characters in the play, was cut, but really it did not matter. The vision of the production---fast paced but meaningful---was very well conceived, nothing seemed to be left to chance. Every actor and actress on the same page, lots of working together---Daniel Pierce actually made something out of Polonius,and was great in two other parts as well. But the play centered around the actor playing Hamlet Chuckwuji Iwuji (hope that I got the name right). He gave a fantastic performance, touching all the "Hamlet" bases---no wandering around the role, he knew what every word, every phrase meant, and not in any way a simplistic Hamlet either, he found all the many colors in the role. Even though this production had toured in prisons and homeless shelters and neighborhood recreation centers, there was no sense of "selling" the piece or stressing the obvious. Paced beautifully. Can't say enough about it, along with Troilus and Cressida in the park this summer, shows that the Public is really excelling at Shakespeare, possibly in a way that they never had before.
Afterwards, wanted to watch some baseball, bars in second avenue, packed to the gills. I decided to check out a bar near Friends, the Gramercy Park bar on 20th and second. Not very crowded, bar tender very nice, I had a beer and a pretzel and easily watched the Giant-Cub game. Bartender had constant conversation with patron who cursed a lot---did not like that, but still would go back again. Very laid back place, which is a good thing.
Sunday, rested until Assembly celebration in Fort Greene, enjoyed it, had a nice conversation with Cindy, the woman who traveled with the Assembly and wrote the TDR article about them. She is writing a history of the theater in the sixties; I would like to contribute my memories of that time to her. She was impressed by my knowledge of the era--we exchanged e-mails, will see what happens.
Monday, a "lazy" day, did go to the Dixon Place Little Theater in the evening, very disappointed by three of the four works in progress that they showed---decided not to hang out afterwards, grabbed a piece of fried chicken on 2nd and 2nd, and returned home.
Still have not attended a film festival showing, maybe tonight, but I should visit La Flaca on their sixth anniversary, other things as well. We will see.

social media can be annoying.....

almost "friended" two people I had no intention of "friending"  simply by pressing the wrong command. Embarassed,  though I don't think any of them went through. Still, never want to feel that I am encroaching on someone else's privacy---there it is.
 After two days at Prelude, have to ask myself do I need to detoxify from theater?  Meaningful to be there, participated in two panels, in the second one, made an important point that stimulated more conversation. Sometimes I think that nobody knows more New York theater history than myself. Possible? At the party, the some good conversations with some people I had not seen in a while. A few invitations. All to the good. Tomorrow will be the party for the book that followed one of my favorite downtown theater groups Assembly. Looking forward to it---do not wish to watch the debate afterwards---really meaningless to me at this point---terribly predictable---maybe can watch the baseball game at a neighborhood bar (not watching the debate) like Mullane's instead.
   Three day weekend: with the exception of the party, lots of choices. Still would like to try to see Hamlet at the Public. About two years ago i accidentally met the actor who is now playing Hamlet,
Chuck (at least that is his american name) Iwugi. We had a nice talk about the history of the Public, which at that moment, he was boning up on. Saw him in Lear (he played Edgar very well) but did not reintroduce because I figured it would be hard to get back stage with people waiting for John Lithgow. Only three more opportunities to see his work in Hamlet, but don't know if I want to absorb the play again. Also, tonight there is what seems like a very interesting play in Queens about the freedom summer of 1964, done by some group from Boston. But, as usual, they are only in for two weeks and this is the last of them. Frustrating! Theater all around, but time is so compressed! Could go down to the Public right now and see if I can get a last minute seat, and/or see what is happening at the Public with the other two plays playing now (neither of which I am hungry to see, though the Nelson might be interesting) On the other hand, might be nice to move out, just go for walk in Brooklyn or go up to the Heights and wander around. Just clear my head. And tonight.....anyway, we will see.
   Zachary Wolfe, a critic for the Times (music) has written a review about a Venezuelan Orchestra now playing at Carnegie Hall. It deals with the audience's role in accepting or rejecting a cultural organization or venue if the major sponsor is someone wealthy but reviled by society--or someone who is damaging other people while he/she becomes rich, and then gives to the organization. He feels that it is all right to attend NYC ballet, even if the venue that they perform in named for David Koch, I am not so sure; I have avoided going to NYCB, also Paul Taylor (I really admire some of his works) whose company performs there. The thought of going in there leaves a bad taste in my mouth, even if I am excited by seeing some of the works. It is easy for me to not go; since I have a lot of choices---I can always be "hungry" to see something else---still it does put a cloud over the idea of going to that theater named for Koch. Well,  have gone to other venues which praise sponsors whom I find quite despicable (no names here)  I guess one can just continue the conversation and try to make as many people aware of the conflict.
     Will stop now, need to figure out what is next---depending on whether I use a computer or not in the next two days, will post or wait until Wednesday, next free day. Stay tuned...

cityboy the theater guy.....

at least that is what it seems from the events of yesterday and the plans for today. Went to the Prelude festival at the Segal Center at City College campus on 34th and 5th (an odd place for a college campus, but so be it) and spent most the late afternoon and evening there. Arrived in time to check out a panel in the large space. Entered just as it was about to begin. Panel was on the stage, but audience was empty. So those two or three audience members were invited to be part of the panel. Tom, the moderator seemed very happy to add a few people and he was a very welcoming and inclusive presence. Panel was somewhat about "failure" in the arts and consisted of one artistic director of a small but important not for profit---a woman who is a leader in one of the leading grant giving organizations and a few others. As I suspected, a lot of ideas were very vague and no one seemed to want to come to terms with the "arts in the present day" aspect of the topic which was also part of it. Lots of ideas; I have thought about it a lot since then, but think that the whole topic of failure and also entitlement for artists (which also came through in the panel) is full of contradictions.
More on this some other time (why not now?)  I would be interested in a panel that tackled the intersection of art and advocacy in this day and age. Can they work together. Is some art simply too personal to make a political or social statement?  Continued at some point? We will see....
Rest of the evening spent watching works in progress was pretty disappointing. Two very self indulgent pieces and then a fake "panel" on Death of a Salesman, which I waited for (very tired) because I love the play. But I found the moderator ( a young middle ageish white guy) very self satisfied; his panel was given the most superficial aspects of the play to deal with, and actually the idea was more about "selling" and "salesmen" then the play. Left as the second "guest" was being interviewed; he was a voice over guy, and his smugness (or what appeared to be that) really turned me off. Would have liked to stay for the third guest, a talented actress who was in the last revival of the play, but simply could not bear ten minutes plus with the second guest and the smarmy leader.
Today it looks like a full day at Prelude, ending with my friend's Sibyl's project and then a party at a nearby. bar. A little over the top, but will try to make it work. No work today, so should not be tired by the end---more friends there then yesterday---all the stars have aligned.....

invigorated after

subbing for a class in Hamlet with the seniors. Lots of energy and fun and a good response. At this point, no more work for the rest of the week. I can see that as a good thing, if it allows me to attend tomorrow's Prelude (will also probably go tonight) in which my friend Sibyl will present a preview of her winter solstice piece. Beautiful day---am in a nice place.
  Last night, thought that it might be possible to attend the first day of Prelude---a couple of forums and a few presentations, but after lesson at 145street, got off the A at 59th street and realized that the energy was just not there. Had a nice salad at Whole Foods, and after a brief trip to the library, headed home. Did not sleep, however, heard most of the Met game on the radio, as I rested---probably the best way to  experience it, in light of all the tension at the game. Could follow it by myself, pitch by pitch.Company not necessary. Heard all of it through its disastrous "conclusion" and after some food, went to sleep.
 Tonight, after session will attempt for the second time to go to Prelude (second day) and check out a few works in progress. Don't know if I know anyone who is presenting tonight, but probably will run into someone that I know. God, so much theater---it used to be who is doing theater, now it is who ISN'T doing theater. Performances at the Starr and Jack, BAM,  and God knows where else, as Preludes is going on. Feeling "oversated"? You bet!
That's all for now, will report on tonight's events tomorrow.

haunted by

Tristan's first act! Standing at the top of the family circle, the heat from the orchestra pit rising up to me---what an incredible work of art. Experiencing it is like being caught in a ball of fire!. An experience that goes beyond "watching art". Yes, choosing to go to Tristan last night was a momentous choice--parts of Act I still echo in my ear. Isolde's rage, which most of the act revolves around--so truthful.
  And yet I found the second act trying and minimal compared with Act I. Partially because at that point I was tired, but even so, it is as if Wagner had gotten his protagonists into a place by fusion and now had to take them to the next step. And so the music becomes the slave of the libretto. Act II very static until King Mark's entrance. Even then, his monologue, while very beautiful does not for me fully come to life. Was relieved when Act II was over. Decided not to stay for Act III, which I don't know musically at all. Too tired; had gotten what I needed from the evening. Possibly in the next few weeks (there are about 5 more performances) I will by a standing room and come in to hear the third act. It's a risk, having to get rapped up in that world again. So intense!
  Not sure about the rest of the day---tonight is the Vice President debate and also the playoff game for the American League wild card. Might just go to Standings to watch it, or possibly try to see Hamlet at the Public. Maybe just go to a bar in Brooklyn and see what happens.
  Anyway, will report tomorrow...see you soon..

An ebullient box office....

manager has just sold me a standing room ticket to Tristan and Isolde for tonight. Really happy about this---has procrastinated a bit about committing to it, but now that the ticket sits in my wallet, am really quite excited about going. Will try to take the rest of the afternoon, fairly "easy"  (no trips to Brooklyn) while I wait for the opera to begin. Now I am thankful that I live so close to the Met; the closeness really works for me on days like this. 

  Weekend rap up: In Bushwick both days---for the open houses. Enjoyed this a lot. Artists with the open studios are very talkative and friendly, Very impressed by the art that I saw. Saturday spoke with three male artists, had some interesting conversations, one of the artists invited me to his all immersive theater project on 10/22.  After visits, watched Boston ball game (one of the longest I have ever seen---very frustrating) at Lantern Hall, an East Williamsburg bar and restaurant that I visited once before. Staff very friendly, could have stayed there longer if I wished. Tired after the meal---returned home---fell asleep quickly but by 2 was wide awake. Should I go out and hit a bar? Stomach could have tolerated a beer. Decided not to---the result was a restless night at home. 

  Sunday however was a great improvement. Again out to Bushwick---an artist I had met at Cobra Club had specifically invited me to his exhibit, but he was not there. But found another artist space, sort of half way between the Morgan and Jefferson stops (who designed that subway? Could he or she have really seen the future of those areas when these stops were figured out? Amazing!) Had three conversations with three different women artists, Needed that. Two were extremely talkative.

Last one, named Julia, showed me her animation for different projects. Very good, we had a long talk. Left feeling very fulfilled (also had a nice talk with a Johns Hopkins senior who called me about a contribution---which of course, I consented to) Did not really want to check out one more artist space nearbye. Instead had a salad on Irving and Starr, then back to Cobra for some more coffee and a very rich donut. Tired by that time, so returned home by 6. Not what I would have expected but fell asleep quickly---stayed relaxed after I woke up and decided to go to the Dive Bar (96th and Amsterdam)  to watch some football (terrible game with Pittsburgh really destroying Kansas City). Had a beer--no conversation---and then left. 

  So that is it. Feeling a little tired now, should remain in the library for a while, wish that there coffee was better. Will report more tomorrow.

got through it....

that six half hour periods in the lower school yesterday. Feel very centered..The two first grade classes were the most difficult. Kids were restless and had to use all my energy to read aloud to them. The other four classes, two second grades and two third grades were relatively easy. Students were very nice and followed the tasks easily. Teachers, those that remained in the room, were also supportive. Proud of my focus---could easily handle that schedule again.
    No possible work at Friends until Tuesday. From now until then free as a bird. What does that mean. My plan is to head to Bushwick in time for a 4 PM presentation at Mayday bar space, dealing with gentrification. Leaving the rest of the evening open---maybe a movie at the Bushwick film festival, running in tandem with the art open houses. Everything is so overloaded in the city---might want to make it back for a movie or play (Heaven's Gate at BAM? Could you stick it out?  or maybe just hang out and see what is happening. Tomorrow the plan is to go out early afternoon, visit an artist whose company I enjoyed a few weeks ago, and again, take it from there. Much to see on stage, wonder if I can ever do it---Would like to see the Hamlet at the Public, but don't know if the time frame will fit. Monday, Tristan and Isolde at the Met? Might be a perfect evening for me to see it.
Will go to box office on Monday and try to get a standing room, if I feel it is right.
That's it---lots of focus--time to eat, let's see how things develop....