on my way....

to SIbyl's reading of her new musical-after I leave the library. A little tentative about going--last night at Clubbed Thumb, I said hello to the director before the play and he greeted me with "Oh, here is the man who sees everything!" I am sure he meant well but it was a little upsetting to me. Is he saying that I have no life otherwise? Or is that just the way you are reading it. Should I not go to Sibyl's reading just to make it clear to the others (probably many people I know will be there) that I don't have to "see everything".  Feel a little weird, but it is probably best that I go. Yes, I do see a lot, but for one, I know a lot of people who are active in theater now, and two, I really am fascinated by some of the efforts that are being made. Don't get mad at me---theater is my fascination! Of course, I have another life--my world at Friends, the kids whom I work with around 145th street--but in the last four weeks I have done a lot of theater going. But Sibyl is not the same person as the director (who really did a great job on the play, and probably did not mean anything harsh in his greeting) ; I should  try to focus on the fact that she might be very happy to see me. Hard focus. But, when I leave here around 12:30, will have to make the decision, and probably I will head over to west 44street ( a short walk down ninth avenue) and see the Reading.
     An earlier plan had me going to the Whitney around 4 (you can get in free then) and wandering the halls. Don't know whether I will do that now. My evening plan is to go to Astoria and visit the Museum of Moving Image, where they are showing an independent  movie that my friend Anthony R is in. Have not seen him in a long while---the movie is about one man following another man on the internet whom he is attracted to---not something that I would usually go to, but I think Anthony is very serious in the movie and I would like to honor his work. Maybe he will even be there. So I will probably go and check it out. This will leave me free for my "guilty pleasure" on Sunday, Michael Mann's Heat, a movie that I have never seen, but that is supposed to be amazing. Other movie sound good to, but money is beginning to be  question---so I have to be careful. After all the theater going that I have done, going to a movie would be very relaxing---a good change---but can't indulge myself. The city! What an expensive place---harder then ever to compress one's money.
  As for the play at Clubbed Thumb last night--What the Constitution means to me, by Heidi Schreck, it was a remarkable experience. A very intense discussion about the Constitution, life, male dominance, exisitng---she seems to have tapped it all. More of a confession than a play---a lot of pain was revealed---also the courage of a 14 year old girl to testify against an abusive step father. Wow! For someone like me who came from an extremely functional and loving home---my amazement at the valor of this young woman is great. I feel tremendous compassion for her. All this was revealed in the play---also nice to be at Clubbed Thumb and not be bombarded by language a little bit in love with itself. Final work in their season---I am glad I went.
  I have been going through my finances for June---realize that I spent over $200 dollars on the ten or eleven plays that I saw during the month. Can't really do that again--I have to be much more careful--at this point, only Measure for Measure and Oslo seem like musts. I can probably afford those, but what about the smaller things or the movies, revivals and otherwise that seem interesting. And what of the Fox campaign. Well, tune in tomorrow to see how it all turned out---will report then.

just answered a....

facebook comment from my friend Susan, who saw Hamilton yesterday afternoon, and was "disturbed" that the audience was 100% white. What does that mean. I suggested that anyone paying over $200.00 for Hamilton (that is a low estimate) think about making a contribution to a community organization in a poor community for a similar amount. I wonder how she will respond. Well, we will see.
Yesterday, got a lot accomplished---went to Sarah's reading of a wild and wacky play--nice to see her again and Rolle, an actor who was in one of my favorite theater events this year, Beardo. What after, well I felt tired, but after a slice of two boots pizza, found the energy to get to EST (Ensemble Studio Theater) for the one acts. Got on the waiting list and got in easily. In the time before I was called, I was able to wander around the neighborhood, which has gone from a lower class "working person" neighborhood into an amazingly large group of luxury high rises. My God! How many of them do we need? Are there really enough people to move into them? And an amazing growth in the high end (what else is there) restaurants that surround 52nd-54th street between 10th and 11th. Where does all the money to support these restaurants come from (similarly on my way home, ninth avenue between 55th and 56th was also packed with restaurants, bars and people---on a Wednesday evening) ? This is like a phenomena that we have never seen.
Now the five one acts---on the whole very disappointing. The first one was irrelevant and obvious, the second, had a great buildup and two beautifully understated performances from the lead, but it just ended---for absolutely no reason. The play that my friend Eric was in was okay, but underformed---it could have explored the two characters in far more depth then it did. Fourth play about a Muslim teen ager who finds her identity after she is terrorized on the subway was earnest and had some intense moments---and finally the last one, I actually liked that one the most because the writing was edgy and harsh---something lacking in the other four plays. But this one too, seemed to simply stop in its tracks, when there was more to say.
Afterwards I said hello to Eric, who was sitting in the lobby, He is a really nice guy and was very happy to see me. We talked for a while--- I did not tell him my feelings about the play he was in or the evening. It was a good feeling knowing that he appreciated my coming to see him---this was the first play he was in in about 25 years. I hope this leads to more work for him.  Still, I couldn't help comparing the energy at EST with the on stage energy at the project that my friend Hannah was at HERE. Much more imagination and forcefulness of vision in the piece that Hannah participated in. The spark that I find in most "downtown"  theater work was missing from EST.
Today, I think I will try to see the play at Clubbed Thumb-that will leave Friday free for Anthony's movie, and Sunday free for ----well, maybe for HEAT at BAM. Lots of interesting movie choices in the city this weekend and beyond. Would like to check some of them out, without going "bonkers"
So that is it---I am off! Will report tomorrow.

the summer that...

never happened---in other words cityboy did not make it to BAM. Why? Fatigue set in after session with the computer at Lincoln Center Library. So I returned to my apartment and waited it out. By 4, it was too late, simply wandered over to Barnes and Noble and browsed for much of an hour. Not feeling enough energy to cross into Brooklyn, I decided my best bet would be Standings, the baseball bar that I attend often enough. And that is exactly what I did, staying there from around 7 to 10, experiencing the Met game, also the Pirate-Ray game (a little more interesting) and a few others. I like the place, but this time I spoke to no one---there were not that many people there--a raucous group of 4 from pirate country and a few others whom I did not know. So I was left to my own passion for baseball--that worked during the time I was there---but the early morning "blahs" which I often experience when I have not fulfilled my imagination the night before were present this morning.
Today's plan is to attend the Reading that my friend Sarah is directing at the Wild Project at 3---there should be a lot of people that I know there---and to sort of improvise from there. Maybe I will stay and try to get in to Clubbed Thumb's last offering---maybe head over to EST, where an old friend of mine, Eric, is in one of the five one acts there---maybe...? Well who knows?
I was happy to read that the showing by the anti-armory contingent at the meeting on Empire Boulevard last night was a success. Feel good about that---I will do some more campaigning for the City Council candidate I am helping, this weekend.

The Long Hot Summer....

is the title of a movie at BAM showing today---I have tentative plans to go to the 4:30 showing---first movie in quite a while for cityboy---it is a "fifties" movie, made during the primacy of the Actors Studio, and indeed, most of the actors are "Studio" people, Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Tony Franciosa---somehow, getting a whiff of the "fifties" vision seems very appealing to me at this moment. I woke up today feeling very emotionally exhausted---not surprising since I seem to have been "everywhere" in the past few days. It should be interesting to see the movie and examine a kind of fifties ethos that it is steeped in. Well, I will report on it tomorrow,
  Yesterday's BAN meeting was quite busy and quite well attended---a great deal of the discussion did center around the proposed march on 9/9--the route decided on could be very long and circuitous---east on Fulton, then south on Frankllin to Ebbets Field houses (where, I understand, management is trying to evict many people) --then east to Nostrand, then the march north on Nostrand, through north and south Crown Heights, into Bed-Stuy, stopping at the Von King park, and then moving on into Bushwick for the final moments of the march. Wow! Quite a trip! I hope different groups of people can join the march at different points in the route, because it will be hard to make the whole trip.
A little lopsided, but that is what the group decided, and for this moment it stands.

The movie is scheduled to end at 6:45---there is a meeting regarding the conversion of the Union street armory scheduled for 7:00 at a school on Empire Boulevard, about 5 stops from BAM. Will I make it? Do I really want to go to this meeting, which is to fight the proposed plan to rebuild the armory with luxury condos and also offer a gym and some spaces for not for profits in the area?  It is going to be very loud and raucus (and it probably should be) and those against it, like myself will be out in force to fight it? So do I have to go?  I guess I will just play it by ear---and see how I feel at the time. There is also a reading on Manhattan Avenue that I could attend. Or maybe I should just find a sports bar and watch the Red Sox-Twin game, one that I find of interest. Or maybe--? Well just forget it.

Those are my options, who knows exactly how they will play out, will report tomorrow...

quite a weekend....

for the cityboy---let's begin with Saturday afternoon, a very hot afternoon. Arrived at Ede Fox's campaign headquarters and got my assignment, to ( with a partner) canvas in several apartment houses on Eastern Parkway, and also on Union Street, a block south of the Parkway. What did this mean? Going into these houses and knocking on doors, getting signatures to put the candidate on the ballot and talking up Ede. It is a tough job and quite frankly, I felt reluctant to do it. In spite of that, I did, and we ended up having some interesting conversations with the tenants. Even though  I did not want to do this, I understand, that, in hindsight, it was the right thing to do. One interesting encounter was with a woman homeowner who lived across the street from the apartments that we were canvassing on Union Street. She told us that the building has been in her family for 60 years, and that now she is bombarded with calls pushing her to sell. I gave her information to Tyler, the campaign manager for Ede, in the hope that she might contact this woman. Interestingly, she said that she only stopped to talk because of the "Brooklyn is Not For Sale" shirt that I was wearing. I hope that this comes to something; this woman seemed very bright and might really help Ede if she reaches out to her.
After leaving the headquarters I walked north on Nostrand, wearing my shirt, from the Parkway to Fulton Street (about nine blocks) I was stopped twice by men who really liked the shirt---very heartening---tonight at the meeting I will urge people to take walks in their neighborhoods wearing the shirt---I think it will stir up conversation. Also, what about sending volunteers out, two by two, to just walk different routes with the shirt and see whether people want to talk to them. Will probably bring this up in the meeting tonight---if it seems appropriate.
But the day was hardly over, for I had a ticket to Sweat, Lynn Nottage's play--its next to the last performance. Really glad I went, just like Indecent the quality of the work, the integration of acting, directing, tech work was remarkable. It is a very intense play and has some great character work--also a back story of violence that is very dramatic but really I don't think was that important. All this I thought of after I saw the play---I was riveted watching it. For the first time, I feel that the serious plays on Broadway, really are existing on a higher level then plays at the other venues.  Both Indecent and Sweat show a tremendous sense of FORCE and passion---there is nothing phony about either of them---nothing showy, either. Both depend on a strong and focused ensemble,  and both exist without a star. There is total conviction here. As in Indecent, the audience Saturday night for Sweat, really loved the play, and gave the actors a tremendously warm reception.
 Sunday, woke up tired, did not get off as early as I would have liked, then got caught in the Pride parade when tried to go to the library on 40th and 5th (for some reason I thought the parade would begin at 34th street---millions of floats, it seemed. Finally, I arrived at South Fourth, a little tired and drowned myself in a large ice coffee. South fourth was fun, stopped to talk to Kim and Clint, had a good talk with Kathy (I had not spoke to her in a while) and  played an informal game of trivia there with a couple who are regulars, and my friend Harlo. Nice conversation, very glad I went. Afterwards, decided not to go right home. Had a "Brooklyn Adventure"  Got on the J at Marcy Street, took it to Flushing Avenue, then got off, and wandered over to the southern end of Tompkins Street---walked south on Tompkins while waiting for a slow bus, loved the adventure, finally, a little south of DeKalb, the bus came and I took it to Fulton. Tompkins, like most Bed-Stuy streets now is a little bit of the old (poor) and the new (millenials) Older buildings that seem like tenements stand next to 4 or 5 story new buildings. Of course, the perpendicular streets to Tompkins contain some amazingly beautiful brownstones. I had not explored the Bed-Stuy Tompkins before, now I was glad that I did, my first trip all the way through.
Walked a few blocks west on Fulton, finally took the bus to Waverly where I had a beer at Hops Hill, a bar I often walk by when I go to Jack, but very rarely enter. But it was very mellow, not too crowded on Sunday, and the bartender put on the Cards-Pirates game for me. No conversation, but I liked the energy. Left after about an hour, walked west on Fulton to Flatbush, then got the Q at DeKalb and went home.
Wow! That is a lot of stuff. But that was it--I seem to need to push my energy  everywhere.
Will report on the rest of the day and the BAN meeting, tomorrow.

so we're off...

to Brooklyn this afternoon to do some canvassing for Ede Fox, the woman who is running for City Council against the incumbent who is much to cozy with the developers who want to destroy the fabric of Flatbush.
813 Nostrand Avenue, should be interesting, then later today, will see Sweat, finally, the play by Lynn Nottage---should be very interesting.
Last night---at HERE, the piece that my friend Hannah was in, called Reception a performance piece (really more than a play0 conceived by one of the actors in it. Alternately frustrating and inventive, I would say the frustration won out. The piece is about 5 actors, two men and three women who are attending a high end party---much repartee, some of it repeated, then slowly they are overcome by what might be flood, then finally the create a boat and survive (or so it seems). The actors themselves, destroy the first set and turn a party place into a bunker and then, very carefully in great detail, rebuild the rubble into a boat. It is incredibly inventive and detailed, but to what end?  Like a lot of downtown theater work it is somewhat in love with its own vision, which cuts off the audience---and whatever message it wants to give seems muddled, or worse, for me, unimportant. Still, my friend was great and one had to marvel at the inventiveness of the changes. But the whole thing left me cold.
Afterwards, said hello to Hannah, also my Facebook friend Jen was there--with a friend--I thought there might be some chance of joining them afterwards for a drink, but it was not happening (at least that is the message I got) and so I left on my own. Figured it would be good to check out the Yankee game at the Broome Street Bar, which is close, and so I went there, had a beer, and watched the game for about an hour. No contact though--took from it what I could, then walked a bit and took the train back to the West Side at Canal.
A difficult night, very restless---did not sleep well. Still, feel better at this moment, and this afternoon should be interesting.
Will report on all, soon
 

last night in....

Park Slope, on Baltic Street, between 4th and 5th. My first trip to the slope in a while--what is new?
Well, really nothing---fourth avenue between Atlantic and Baltic still has some low lying buildings that are reminiscent of the "old days" (the eighties) when it was a no man's land, but once you pass these, there are the newer "towers" that sit comfortably on the block. An expensive set of condos is being built on the corner of Baltic and fourth. The venue for the BAN party, called Moshe House is a brownstone that houses four jewish activists. They were bonding with BAN and had an auction party---I really enjoyed it---had some good conversations with the activists, but of course, found out that several people at the party  were "theater people"--so more conversation there as well. All in all a good time---I want to continue participating in BAN events all summer.
    Today, a session was canceled---not too unhappy about that---I am going to see a play at HERE tonight, but for some reason---the idea of a totally "empty" day seems to be what my imagination desires. At least that is how it is in theory. We will see how it evolves as we approach the mid afternoon.
Still trying to read The Waves---found the first eighty pages of so exciting, was really drawn in, now the novel seems to be marking time. Still, I would like to finish it---yesterday I took out The Beautiful Struggle, the first of Ta-Nehesi Coates two memoirs. Usually I don't like to read memoirs a second time, but for some reason, I was drawn back to his book---maybe because it is all about Baltimore---still have strong feelings for the city--anyway, found myself really interested in re-experiencing it.
Tonight, going to HERE to see Reception, a performance piece with my friend Hannah in it and tomorrow I finally see Lynn's play SWEAT---the second to closing performance. More to follow next week as well as some movies that I should see. Will report on more tomorrow...

so it is....

gone, yes the $48.00 residue that I began with yesterday morning was all spent yesterday---not the greatest budgeting strategy possible, but hay, it was hot, and cold smoothies and a really good ice coffee was necessary. Still, it was an interesting day.
Yesterday afteroon--in the intense heat, went to the steps of City Hall for the Small Jobs Business Survival Act, in other words the meeting of the advocates of the Commercial Rent Control law, that would stop landlords from simply throwing out mom and pop stores as soon as their leases are up.
I expected more people would be there---not a great crowd, I was able to speak to a few politicians and tell them of my $8.50 experience at a Greek Diner where I had to pay that for a cup of coffee and a cantaloupe. But there was not a lot of eye contact, the gentleman running for Public Advocate against incumbent Leticia James seemed very stiff (I later found out that he teaches Shakespeare at one of the local colleges, and ran an off off Broadway theater in the nineties---well who didn't?). A few speeches followed, but sadly they were scripted, the speakers read from a cold prepared speech, when the issues that we face because of lack of commercial rent control are very obvious and effect citizens of the city of all races and classes. These guys should be able to do better---when DeBlasio was mentioned it was always "play to pay"---a statement that is meant to describe his relationship with the real estate industry, but is also a cold cliche---easy for people not informed to avoid.
The fact is, for some reason, DeBlasio seems very indebted to the Development Community---ironically most of his support in the last election came from the very people who are anti-development. Why is it so hard for people to discuss the problem in this manner?
  I feel strong in my vision and understanding of this problem, but where do I go with it? Possibly i could write an article in the Daily Kos---that might get some attention. Anyway, there is an E for Flatbush party tonight at a venue on the Park Slope border where some more discussion might be possible. Will see how this all plays out.

Tired as the evening came about, but did go to Lansdowne Road to visit my waitress friend Mel. She was there, and we talked about a possible short movie that would include both her and her identical twin Sinem (they are turkish) Surely there is some kind of adventure or trick that they could be in on; they could lure men to their place and confuse them by changing places very quickly, but what would be the "hook'? Why would they do this. They are really great kids and very talented. Well, we will see---maybe some ideas will come to me this evening as I wander around Park Slope.

yesterday.

won $25.00 on a scratch off ticket---finally after playing this card (the green cashword) just about every day and getting nothing. Feeling a little more relaxed.
Then it was on to the Whitney, for Sybil's quarterly solstice "bash". I arrived about an hour early and secured my place on the stand by line. Good thing that I did since they only took in 18 (I was actually the first on line). Sibyl's immersive theater piece (if that is what you want to call it)  was as usual, profound, silly scattered, distancing, involving, inventive, with a large group of participants guiding us through the mazes of the museum. I think those that performed worked harder and had more to do then previously. Performers were the "usual suspects" including my friend Sarah and Ruth.  At this point, Sibyl's solstice events have become part of my life and I try to attend as many as possible. I will only miss the next one (the beginning of autumn) if there is work that I must do. And I love the challenges of coming to these celebrations in the really early part of the morning, as I did for the winter and spring celebrations.
It was all over a little after twelve. I toyed with the idea of going into a bar in the area, but none really seemed interesting and I was hungry---I did not want to part with too much of well earned lottery money too quickly, so I took the subway back home, and bought some food to take home with me.
     
Crossing 14th street from Hudson (ninth) to seventh avenue, the street seemed a little "seedy' many homeless, (sadly) on the street. Wonder what it would be like to live on one of those loud blocks.

Today, after this, I expect to go to the protest at City Hall to support the Small Jobs Survival Act, which is fighting for a kind of commercial rent control. People in different area are fed up with the rising prices which come from the high rents of storefronts, which are passed along to normal people like myself.Want very much to show my support---I am not sure what the rest of the day wlll bring--this is really my only "open" evening until Sunday---so I would like to go with the lack of structure, the possibility of a choice anywhere.
Will report tomorrow

sad, sad....

the news about the killing of the Muslim young women over the weekend. One event that one reads about seems worse than the other. What does one do to reverse this carnage?  I don't feel hopeless, only angry.
Report on yesterday: if you feel like continuing--I did not attend the meeting in Brooklyn in protest against the armory. Too tired, and also I felt like it would be difficult traveling into Brooklyn with all the rain. Will try to find what happened during the day. So far no posts that I have seen about it.
I did get to my friend's Comedy Club, located in a small theater on in the basement of a supermarket in Chelsea---this theater was actually the first home of the now very powerful Roundabout theater---I was a half hearted member of that group in 1967 (they were taking everybody) . The guy who ran it, who later piloted the theater into its prominence was for me, a total fraud. This was the time in the city when the off Broadway theater had fallen  apart, and these almost amateur groups were springing up, and getting some press attention. It was not a good experience. Yet they continued in their mediocrity and grew into what they are now.. On same level it is amazing to me that that was possible--on some level.....anyway, this was my first viewing of a comedy evening, it consisted of two different groups, each got about 30 minutes for a number of short skits. My friend was not in the first group---their comedy was pretty sharp and certainly a cut above the open mike stuff that I catch on Sunday nights at South fourth. He was in the second group, and though I liked his work I found the groups ideas fairly obvious. It is a strange environment, almost all white kids between 20 and 40, they really love the stuff---the content stayed away from anything remotely serious in the twenty something world---sex, housing, gentrification, economic pressures were not explored at all.
  I finished the evening at Jake's Saloon, the bar that I also hung out in last Monday after the BAN meeting. It is becoming my Monday spot. Nothing special, but plenty of sports, on the bartenders are very nice. The bar's menu has nothing below $11.00, so it hard to think about eating there, but it is a good place to know around 7th and 23rd Street. Still many other bars that I have promised myself I would check out, at least three in Brooklyn, that at some point I would like to visit.
 Tonight the plan is to try to get into Sibyl's piece at the Whitney---I had a lot of trouble logging in last week and by the time it was fixed, the piece was all sold out. Nevertheless, I will get there at around 9:30 and put myself on a wait list. Hopefully I will get in---I like these solstice celebrations
and see a lot of people that I know.The last two were early morning experiences, which made them even more unique, this might lead to some late night hanging out.
Anyway, will report tomorrow.

heat, heat heat.....

Yes it is hot! A friend is performing with a comedy group this evening, in Chelsea---hope I can make it. There is also an important meeting where hopefully the plans for the transformation of an armory on Bedford and Union Avenues in Brooklyn can be debated and stopped. It is very strongly slanted to wards apartments for the wealthy---this will transform what is now a middle class, mostly people of color neighborhood, into a highly gentrified one. DeBalsio's aggressiveness in pushing this project runs in the face of his calling himself a :"progressive". Yet even the pundits discussing his upcoming mayoral race refuse to talk about this. Disgraceful! Will I make it---don't know---it is hot and heavy rain is expected. Would like to be able to just sit it out, but should come and support the opponents of the proposal. Well, we will see.
  Have seen three plays since the last post.
Indecent---Saturday afternoon--a beautiful production, truly seamless, not a moment that seems forced, whether in the script, direction acting (seven wonderful actors and a band that fits in perfectly). I am totally in awe of it.
 That evening-went to Cynthia Hopkins' production at the Kitchen on far west 19 street. This art space is now surrounded by luxury housing, even as it sits so closely near the projects that go from ninth to tenth from 17th to 19th. Cynthia is a great performer, tremendous range, but this project at this point suffered from too much self involvement. The plays  idea, built around the trauma that she survived when her apartment was burned down, for me simply became repetitive. I am a friend of her husband and creative partner Jeff, but I was disappointed in this project.
 Sunday afteroon, Not Water--a wild and wacky performance piece in an incredibly large space 3ld on Greenwich Street, near the water. First part kind of ponderous, as it tries to be about people putting on a show about Water--but a turn in the middle lead to a fantastic and scary monologue which made me feel what it would be liked to be trapped around water---and then a soothing ending. Message was how important water is---and a warning to all of us to "pay attention".
Again, 3LD exists in a neighborhood that is all luxury housing---sad.
Afterwards, went to South Fourth and hung out with my friend Harlo, who may accompany me to a play this Friday.
That is all for now---will let you know what happens tonight, how much energy I have to follow through on all the plans.

sad, sad,

several posts by friends on Facebook include discussions of the acquittal of the Police Officer in Minnesota who shot a man in a car---Bernie Sanders questioning of Minuchin about tax breaks for the wealthy----the need of the very bright to become an "elite" group; the aggressiveness of Amazon---what is one to do? Come back to earth. Can a coherent group that stands for the "right' thing come out of all this, More protests in Minneapolis---after the acquittal verdict---a very good thing. What can one say? One must hope to find ways to fight all of this
 As of next week I shall be helping support a candidate for City Council who is trying to unseat Council Person Cumbo--from Brooklyn. The latter is very development oriented and has only defied developers this year because it is an election year. Activists fear that once re-elected she will return to her pro-development stance. I would like to help stop this.
  Last nigh---after a sleepy day, visited the Bushwick Starr, one of my favorite theater places in the city to see an odd assortment of theater. Three short plays (actually one was a monologue) followed by a piece from an early performance piece by Elevator Repair Service. The latter sponsored the whole evening. Many ERS veterans participated, which made it an interesting evening. First piece was a "take" on Whose Afraid of Virginia Woolf---it had some amazing acting by the four people in it, especially Annie McNamara--an incredibly inventive comedian. The piece seemed a little obvious to me at times---but it is a work in progress---I don't know where it will go. Second was a monologue on the virtues of alcohol with many quotes from famous writers about how important drinking was to their vision of life. A little bit too self involved---then a work in progress, a kind of strange dance-movement piece conceived by one of the ERS interns---inventive even if it was brief. The second part of the evening was the No Great Society debate between William Buckley and Jack Kerouac, with two others. This brought out the four amazing actors from ERS, Ben Williams, Vin Knight, Scott Shepherd, and finally the amazing Suzie Sokol. who was a Kerouac for the ages. For the most part it was wonderfully inventive---those four people are amazingly talented.Fun to see, and I am awed by Suzie's work.
Afterwards---not much, said hello to one or two people then ran across the street to Starr Bar to get a coke (it was hot at the Starr) --wanted some pizza so I took the L to Graham and stopped at the Pizza place slightly north of the station, opposite to Mothers. Had a nice piece of peppironi, then headed home, to get ready for the big day ( matinee and evening play) today.
  The agenda: Indecent this afternoon and Cindy Hopkins's piece this evening. Usually don't like seeing two in one, but everything is so compressed so I have to. Anyway, should be meaningful, also will check out the Water play tomorrow. sponsored by New Georges. Will probably not see anyone I know at Indecent, but should see a few people at tonight and tomorrow's outing. (Jeff Sugg, the co creator of Cindy's piece, and her husband is an old friend of mine).
It is dark outside---not much of a summer day--sort of echoes the feelings of sadness I expressed in the first part of today's entry. Well, here we go, will report soon.

so here we are...

late Friday morning in the library. Already I have sent my brother Dave a birthday book---it is by Glenn Frankel and it is about the making of the movie High Noon. Think that he will like it---I have not read it---he is 70 this coming Thursday.
Rest of the week after Wednesday---the evening uneventful---went to Lansdowne Road to see my waitress friends, the twins, only to find out they were out that evening. So where to go instead? Headed to Standings, my favorite sports bar, and watched about three games there for about an hour. Had an option to see a movie at Anthology Film Archives that seemed interesting, but I passed. Left Standings, very little contact---got a small fried chicken thigh at the place on 2nd avenue and 1st street (delicious and addictive) and then began the long voyage back to my apartment. Was in no hurry and not too tired, so wandered west on Houston--stopped at a few of those Little Italy streets, and their brief extension north of Houston---some very interesting architecture on those blocks---what were they like 50 years ago? Who was there? Some factories and lofts, probably, very cheap and almost forgotten. Everything began south of Houston. Wandered past the Angelica and over to the 1 train---walked by film forum, remembered that one of my favorite students who just graduated, Isabel, lives nearby. Finally to the subway.
Yesterday---a lot of walking---picked up my check at Friends, then walked across town to the Whitney, in the hope of  finally, after all the frustration, picking up a ticket to Sybil's piece on Tuesday evening. Did not happen---now they are sold out! Dealt with it very calmly, even as I explained that I was locked out of the web site for several days. Whitney people not that helpful---anyway, I suppose this just means that I will get on the standby line on Tuesday. Usually everyone gets in---should not be too frustrating---still annoyed that all this is happening. Nice to wander around the west village--lots of reading space around the Whitney, don't have to pay for it, might try it some time.
Had two sessions, then the day ended with the Friends party at Brazen Fox, an up to date bar on the strip of 3rd avenue between 14th and 12th. Said my goodbyes to many faculty members (this always happens) but I was struck by how many faculty members chose not to come. Usually there is much more "action" there---pretty staid last night. Left the party at 7:45, much earlier then I expected, grabbed a pizza slice--then debated the future of the night---found myself pretty tired (maybe from all that walking) took the w to 57th, toyed with the idea of a movie, but instead opted for coffee and ice cream from the sugar place on Broadway and 67 street-and headed home.
Was that good? Not really reading anything at this point---fell asleep, but had my usual sleep break around 2---it was a long one, after a few short ones earlier. Yes, I was sleepy, but wonder  whether a movie, even in my tired state, would have satisfied my imagination and left me feeling a little more fulfilled. Always the conflict between entertainment and money--well, for the next two, maybe three days, I will be out pretty late seeing theater projects---that should satisfy some need.
Tonight going to ERS project at Bushwick Starr---not sure exactly what it is, but it cost five dollars, so I am going. Tomorrow Cindy Hopkins' piece at the Kitchen, and maybe a rush ticket for Indecent in the afternoon. Have to see it before it closes. Anyway, will report tomorrow.

quite a morning....

at 7:30 A.M. went to 44th between 5th and 6th to participate in a protest against a conference in which Alicia Glen, the Mayor's head of housing and development was speaking. About 10 of us were there, and we gave it all we had. During the many wake ups I had this morning, between 2 and 6, I felt ambivalent about going at all, but once there, I was comfortable. I have to remember that what I am protesting about is important---the policy's and visions of this Mayoral  administration (which will probably run without much opposition) which appear to be skewered towards the wealthy and giving more money to the development class. There is truly a heartlessness about it. As I was protesting, shouting  the chants against displacement and against the city's policy, I thought about who I was----how many kids that I was brought up with, went to Bronx Science with, etc, might feel if not the complete opposite, totally apathetic to this cause. Why? Why is not being outraged about the obvious displacement of weaker (and mostly people of color) people the "norm". Why am I different from these people.
As Lorna says in Golden Boy: "You are loaded with fireworks. Why don't you fight?' Or why don't I use some of these feeling to write about it. Will it happen? Not sure.
Yes, you see what I want to do is to create the full journey, from stickball on the sidewalks of Brooklyn or the Bronx, to the protest place on West 44 street.
After we all went our ways, having been outside the meeting place for about an hour, I wandered around mid-town, looking for a place to have a cup of coffee, frustrated by the enormous crowds that even as early as nine, were wandering around. Finally found a place to have coffee, then headed for the subway, and then, quite by accident, ran into Imogen, a graduate of the class of 11 at Friends, whose sister had graduated last week. She seemed very interested in my protest when I told her of it, and asked to get involved with BAN or at least to find out more about participating in projects dealing with anti-gentrification. I e-mailed her as much information as I thought necessary. Looking forward to her participation.
Nothing happened last night (at least to me) as I was overcome by tiredness (three or four nights out in a row) and just stayed home. Today I find myself with lots of time on my hands--what will I do, perhaps check out stub hub in midtown, or head to Brooklyn at some point. Will report tomorrow..

lots of excitement...

this morning, after reading the article in Atlantic Yards report about the so called "affordable for all" housing at that project. Really quite revealing about how fraudulent the vision is of the DeBlasio administration in its effort to make the city "affordable for all". Since I don't know how to use the computer to circulate e-mails, I have e-mailed about 4 people who might be interested. Lots of excitement in that. A good follow up from the BAN meeting yesterday, at which much was discussed.
Yesterday, yes, the meeting and then hitting a bar to watch the Warriors beat the Cavaliers---a bar that I had never been in before. Since the meeting was at west 24 between 6th and 7th, there was a bar on 23rd, just west of seventh that I had passed many times but never entered. This time I did, since every TV screen (there are many) was showing the basketball game (the Met game, so very important, seemed to have been totally forgotten). The bartender was friendly and I ordered my beer and watched----finished the beer just as the second half of the game was beginning; did not wish for another one, but the bartender was very nice about it---he even got me a glass of ice water, and I stayed for the second half, one of the most exciting games that I have seen. Really appreciate the bartender's decency, for that, I tipped him another dollar before I left (I had previously given him $1,50 on a $6.50 beer). Also had a decent conversation with a Warrior fan, watching the game with his family, as it was going on. All in all a good time and a choice that worked out well---I will return to that bar again, since the bartender was so nice. Of course, part of the summer plan is to check out many other bars that I have either passed or heard about that seem interesting.
  This evening; continuing my austerity program (for a while)--if I am up to it will visit South Fourth, otherwise, not sure what the evening will bring. Tomorrow there is a protest outside a woman's real estate business forum very early that I will most likely participate in. Will report tomorrow.

this morning....

first thoughts after waking up were kind of scattered, I became slightly alarmed. Looking at it now, I realize that this is the first Monday morning, not counting vacations, since mid September, that I am not either going to Friends, or waiting for a call to sub at Friends. Yes, a lot of energy now exploding out----lack of structure works both for and against. But this is the way it will be for the next three months, I think. Now, with no sessions planned for the day, actually with nothing planned until the BAN meeting tonight at 7, I am feeling a kind of excitement that my time will be so free. Nice to feel that just everything is open.
   Since Saturday's post. Afternoon, went to meet my friend Mike at Atlantic Commons in Brooklyn---arrived on time, only to find out that he was not there. The Commons is a building that houses activist organizations---to my great surprise there is a coffee shop downstairs (this is new) While I was waiting for Mike, watched the Met game with a Met fan barista and sipped coffee. Mike ultimately had to cancel, but had fun anyway and then wandered over to BAM because the play that I wanted to see did not start until 8. At BAM got a schedule of their new film festival and tried to figure out if there was any time that I could go. Really busy schedule--what can I say. Just made a reservation for the Kitchen on Saturday where Cindy Hopkins is doing her new one women show. She is always passionate and interesting and it will be good to touch base with her husband and collaborator Jeff---an old friend from my early days at South Fourth.
 Raw Bacon from Poland at Abrons Arts was the play that I saw on Saturday evening---an intense work about an explosive Iraq war veteran trying to cope. For downtown theater a very traditional play---Joel Perez, who played the veteran gave an amazing performance--really frightening at times.
Being there was a good experience---at times the play made me think of  how unfair it was (and is) to send these kids into a situation totally manufactured by people like Bush and Cheney. They are beneath contempt for starting this war. I was happy for Ben, a friend of mine, who directed the play.
Not much else to say about it, afterwards went to La Flaca, ate with the owner Bob, who told me there are some problems with his landlord---the trust that owns the building his restaurant is in. I will learn more about this tomorrow, but I hope things are all right, he has really made the place into a wonderful hang out.
 Yesterday afternoon went to New York Theater Workshop to see part 1 of Sojourners a play in two full parts about Nigerian immigrants in America. One of the few plays that I have seen recently where I don't know anyone involved, but the Times review and other review snippets that I have read, made it sound really interesting. Again, a brilliant set of black actors bring the play to life, I found Act I a little too obvious---Act II gets stronger until a very strong ending. I admired it---but did not in any way feel a need to see the second play---which was being performed later in the afternoon.
Afterwards, spent a little time at Standings watching the Yankee, Met and Rockies game, talked a little baseball and then returned to La Flaca for a raffle to help a friend of Kelly, Bob's live in girl friend, recover from Cancer. Again enjoyed my stay, left to see if I could watch the TONYS at Times Square, but could not find a screen, went to a bar next to the Lyceum Theater where I had a beer and watched the show---but could not stay longer then a little after 9. The show dragged, and those commercials are hateful and endless. Sorry I missed the Bandstand and Natasha and Pierre (especially) numbers, but was tired and went home.
  Tonight, BAN meeting which will be over around 9. Unlike other meetings while school was on,  I do not have to get home immediately after---should try to find a place to watch the basketball game and end of Mets game. Will I? We will see. report tomorrow...

Just listened to a...

very interesting radio program on NPR from an hour that came from Birmingham Alabama. Discussions with conservatives re the Comey revelations---with a democratic member of the House of Representatives from Alabama, but most meaningful of all, an interview with three laid off steel workers from the recently closed US STeel plant in a suburb of Birmingham. Heart wrenching stories---not great opportunity to get new jobs, or jobs that payed anything closes to what they were getting at US Steel. All three seemed like good, serious people, people who would accept one as a new friend easily and make him or her feel at home. And yet, they all voted for Trump. Why? They felt that the Democrats had essentially turned their backs on them. So, there you go. And, as the Representative pointed out, the proposed budget hurts those people even more, but still, the Democrats have got to shake off their elitism and become advocates for these people.
  Last night, with some hesitation, headed to JACK to see my friend Amina's play. Glad that I did---this was a remarkable production of a very solid play. A large step forward from Amina's last play, also presented at JACK, which had funny moments but which seemed kind of scattered. There was nothing scattered about Ducklings, a play about four black woman competing for an online dance contest in Pittsburgh. Lots of self delusion---Amina has invented four women in very strong detail. I found them totally believable as characters--and the four actresses who played them---four young black actresses who came to the play with not a lot of experience---were completely lifelike. Great direction and choreographer---Amina really chose her collaborators well. I left JACK quite astounded---but where was I to go after that? Looked at the bar around the corner---a bar that always looks sort of inviting---but decided not to go in. Then I walked west on Fulton towards the BAM area---God, how that street is now full of restaurants, and amazingly enough, all of them seemed full---seven years ago, the Fulton area off BAM may have had only one restaurant. Where do all those people come from? But every bar with a tv was packed, all were watching the basketball final, so finally I decided to just take the train back to Manhattan and keep my money low. Arrived at 72nd street with a sugar need, and rather than get a beer at a bar near by (there is not really one that I like) I got a rich Chocolate cone at the neighborhood Hagen-Daas. Fell asleep quickly---woke up with a little anger---perhaps I should have risked hanging out---but the essence of things seems better now.
     Today the plan is to meet my friend Mike at the FUREE office on Atlantic around 3--then probably return to the city and head to Abrons for the play that my friend Ben has directed---called Raw Bacon from Poland. It got two very diverse reviews last week---the Voice found it pretentious, while Brantley gushed all over it (nothing new here). Would like to wait a week to see it, but these performances exist in a totally compressed time. My friend Julia has what looks like a fun project at Ars Nova tonight, but I have a feeling it will be repeated so I guess I will choose the play at Abrons, even if I am sure I will know a lot of people at Julia's event. Also would love to see a movie--the Human Rights watch films or showing now---always very important---and Metrograph has a documentary about Bed-Stuy that looks interesting, but of courses, they are all at the same time as the play. Oh well, one thing at a time, cityboy, right?
    Tomorrow afternoon, the first Sojourner play---interested to see what it is, if I like it may try to see the second one, a few hours later, but only if the price is within my budget.
Stay tuned for more information.

glad that I

went to the graduation last night. Wonderful time---great greetings with many of the graduates and some alumni. A lot of warmth and genuine feeling. Something special.....well, some beautiful moments.
This is an interesting class. Many of them are going to Ivy League Schools, a number from Friends far above many of the other graduating classes. I wanted to spend more time with them, but this year, most of time has been spent with middle school 7th and 8th graders. The class of 17 lacks the warmth of maybe 09, or 13, two of my favorite classes, or the quirkiness and (at that time) closeness of 10, the class the dedicated its yearbook to me, but there is a strong quality about them---not the greatest way of describing them, I know,--but they resonate a kind of academic toughness that is admirable.

After the reception I gravitated to my "regular" bar, the Gramercy on second avenue, only a few blocks away (and I was starving). Had a nice time there, bartender Amanda, always gracious and an interesting encounter with Laurie, a middle aged woman who sat down next to me, and was being pursued (by text) by a much younger man.  Should she meet up with him, or should she not? That was the question---and the three of us: Laurie, myself and Amanda hashed it out. In the end, she did leave the bar to meet him, and i left the bar to return home. Makes sense.

Weekend begins now: Plans? Tonight, I plan to go to Jack, in Clinton Hill to see a play by Amina, and old friend of mine, called Ducklings. Sounds like fun---the play got a nice review in the Times, and I like to show my support. Tomorrow, will meet my friend Mike and take a tour of the Brooklyn overdevelopment around the downtown and BAM area. Saturday evening,possibly Raw Bacon From Poland and Sunday the matinee of the Sojourner plays. The Tonys? Have to find a place to watch them--maybe La Flaca, maybe...well, we will see.
Sort of all for now---never believed when I walked into Friends for the first time in September of 98 that my life there would culminate in the feelings evoked from last night. Well, there are always surprises in life.

woke up this morning...

feeling slightly strange. A lot of energy that was concentrated on either preparing for going to Friends or waiting to hear if that was happening is now freed. But where does it go? If I did not have events in Manhattan in the afternoon, might have headed to Brooklyn, to drink my coffee there---but not today. Still, cityboy is entering a whole new universe--one with greater time freedom, which could bring many things.

Interesting article in the Times today, discussing segregation and school choice in District One, the lower east side district. Good insights as parent choices were discussed. How does one deal with that. If I had children, would I want them to go to an integrated school? Would I be concerned if I felt the children in the school were less "bright' then mine. No children, so do not have to worry about that, but I am still thinking about the issue. My parents could consider themselves liberal, but because we lived in an all white area, and there was no school choice, one's children simply went to the school that was closest to where they lived, that issue never came up. But I can see my parents, for all their views on fairness, rebelling if I were zoned for a school that was mostly black or hispanic. Today's parents (white) are different, socially and economically, but does one become a racist by wanting one's children to be in a school where most of the children are like them?
Interesting that in the article, many of the hispanic and black parents preferred a school that had mostly children of their color, and (I assume) their economic background. More discussion is needed---and what about teachers---does a teacher p[refer one school or another and why? As a sub, when I had the city licence to sub, I could pick my school, or at least avoid the schools I wanted to avoid.
What about conversation/ Does it also have to do with ideas passed down from generation to generation. My generation are mostly grandparents now; many of them had arrived in middle or upper class stability from lower economic childhoods. Do they feel a sense of entitlement in terms of where there grandchildren attend school?
Rest of day is built around the Friends graduation--looking forward to it--can't believe this will be the eleventh that I have attended. So many students graduating are students that I like. Interaction after the ceremony---in the garden area is always very interesting.
Rest of weekend should include at least two more plays---also this is the week of the Human Rights watch film festival---wonder if I will have any time to see one or two of those films---I really want to. Too much to do, not enough money to do it with, conundrum. Well, let us see how it all turns out, will report tomorrow.

Wednesday afternoon....

think that I have completed my final day at Friends for the year. Relieved, there was a possibility of work tomorrow, but I want to be fresh and rested for the Graduation at 6, so no work is better.
Is this the beginning of a new world for City-boy? He will have much more time on his hands-so the question is, how will it be used (considering financial restraints). Not clear, will have to happen, meanwhile still involved with Friends via the Graduation---should be lots of good conversation at the reception after the ceremony, and then Friday, I should go to the Final Assembly---as I have been for the past nine years.
Saturday evening: At the Bushwick Starr for their psychodelic play somewhat about tinder. Audience seated on all four sides---a kind of hypnotic world created for us---although the externals---an ethereal world made for us, while Tinder quotes and other quotes about relationships were spoken---were vivid, inside I felt it hit a dead end. Also, I was not comfortable with the cast set up---four men and only one woman---I felt that counterbalanced the work a little too much. Still, got a chance to talk a bit to Noel, the Starr's artistic director---and met a few friends, as I always do when I go there.
Afterwards. lots of energy, fairly early---decided not to simply take the L back to Manhattan, but stopped off at Basik, a small, quaint bar near the Graham Avenue L station. Luckily, the bartender, Will, was someone whom I had known previously and so he was glad to see me. Stayed there for about an hour---one nice conversation with the gentleman sitting next to me, but nothing really exciting happened. Left, a bit satisfied---decided to walk a bit on Graham, say two blocks north, but then took the L back to the city.
 Sunday---the usual Sunday ritual in which I visit different neighborhoods in Brooklyn was abandoned---I found myself very tired by mid afternoon. Slept a bit---then strong enough to see the documentary about Wendy Whelan , the City Ballet dancer. Glad I did, it is an excellent documentary. So many issues about the dancer's life, the concept of intimacy for a performer, and the blending of that with real life, were explored. The dancer is extremely articulate, a bit self involved, but that would have to be, but she has a great sense of humor. Lots of other City Ballet people in the mix, and of course, with my background in Balanchine (courtesy years 68-83) I felt very at home with the world that Ms. Whenlan lives in. Left the theater very glad that I saw it---my mind seems to wander far less when I am watching a documentary, then when I am watching a narrative.  Finished the evening at La Flaca, where I watched the first half of the Cavs-Warriors final, and had a nice conversation with Tom, the bartender. Place was not very crowded, which made watching the game very palatable. Again, walked a bit through the LES before I took the subway home.
And that is it---Monday and Tuesday watched the senior project presentation at Friends, some really interesting ones.
Just made a reservation for Sojourners, the first part of a play about African newcomers assimilating in America. Will see it last day, so if I like it may not get to see the second part. But I did not want to take a chance committing to both. Well, we will see. Will report on all, soon.

a new day.....

all free--Saturday---which means what? Well, I have already made my reservation for the musical (I think that is what it is) at Bushwick Starr for tonight. Not that excited about seeing it, but I love going to the Starr--always meet a lot of people I know there--then maybe stop in across the street for a beer at Starr Bar. Usually, good conversation. Last night, I thought that I might try to see Indecent this afternoon---and make it a two performance day, but I don't think that will happen. No Overload! Will have to wait to see the Broadway plays that are interesting. Indecent is the one that I want to see first, however.
Last night, went to a new (and small) performance space in Williamsburg called Uncanny Valley. On Manhattan Avenue, near Montrose; the most eastern part of Williamsburg, one that I have traveled in very rarely. Glad that I did,; much new building in the area, that sits between two projects, one a middle income one to the south, and the other, which goes north from the next block up (Maujer) to Grand, seems a bit working class. On Graham avenue,where I found a pizza place before going to the venue, there is an uneasy alliance between the white newcomers and the older hispanic groups, Uneasy alliance? What do I mean. Everything seems really "cool" here, but the mixture is strange. No hostility as far as I can see. Montrose, and the other avenues near it are full of new developments, with their little terraces---seems for at least the block, a kind of wonderland for milenials has been created. Many bars on the surrounding streets. Graham and Montrose as the L doubles back from Metropolitan, probably all four L stops accessible.
  The event, a musical song cycle that my friend Zoe was in, was a nice set of about 18 songs, some better than the others, but the best had a warm and  inventive quality about them. Just like the idea of b a small space which lets you be  close to the performers. Another case of" everybody knows someone else", the gentleman sitting next to me was the co-director of the middle school play at Friends---so we had a lot of people in common. Afterwards, a group of us went to Duck Duck, a few blocks east on Montrose, near that stations L train. I have heard of this bar before, nicely spaced out, seems kind of mellow, under the right circumstances. No tv, so not to great for me to come to alone. Was able to have a nice talk with Zoe, which I liked, and also share some ideas with the other members of the cast. Hope that there will be other events at Uncanny Valley that I might go to, as I would like to explore the neighborhood and its surrounding streets a little more. Never enough time for that. So many plays, so many bars, so many...well, you get the point.
  So, now that I have decided not to see Indecent, what does the afternoon hold. Not sure, maybe find a place to watch the Yankee game, maybe see a movie.
Friends is finally in its last week---will go there on Monday and Tuesday to hear senior project reports. Have been asked to work one day, not sure about others. Anyway, will report soon.