the beginning of a long

run of work at Friends--starting tomorrow it will be 11 days in a row; there will be one day off on the 15th (no classes) and the next day that I am not hired as of now is the 19th---two days before Thanksgiving. CItyboy is putting himself through quite a test as he goes on this marathon---but it is important to do it. Will try to keep up this blog during this period, but other commitments may make it hard to do.
 Yesterday, the morning began as usual---no work---waiting for a call. When none had come by 7, cityboy headed out for coffee, but a little after a text from one of the teachers---he was needed after all. Cityboy arrived at 10---and while waiting for his first class, buzzed around the school like a busy bee, checking in with all his future assignments---switching some around, getting some new ones,and generally moving through the school at an amazingly frenetic (in his opinion) rate. What astounded me was the different reality that cityboy creates once he is in a different environment--at Friends, everything seems to be about momentum, or at least it was yesterday morning.
  Free day today---earlier in the week when I thought that Friday might be my only day of work, I figured today, Halloween, might be the perfect day to try to rush the version of Oklahoma playing at the Saint Ann's warehouse---something I would really like to see. But with the workload of the next two days staring me in the face (and some action on Saturday as well)  a movie might be a better idea, and also staying on this side of the river could make more sense. Lots of movies to see, may check out the Frederick Wiseman documentary about Muncie Indiana at the Film Forum this afternoon---they have other terrific movies there as well. In addition, on Friday, at least 3 documentaries are opening---one about Callas, one about Bergman, and the Orson Welles lost film (this is not a documentary)---wow! How far can one take deja vue.  Well we will see.
  That is it for now, as I contemplate and plan my last day of "freedom". Will report soon

First day that I have not....

worked at Friends in almost two weeks. Interesting, how the pace and the feelings of the day are so different on days that you are "free". Its also a harsh day outside. This afternoon there is a protest outside an apartment house in Bed-Stuy where the tenants have been deprived of their heat for several months. I will try to make it. BAN meeting tonight? Not sure---possible.
  Looking outside at the weather, the  color of the day reminds me of a day in November of 63. It was a Monday, the Monday after 11/22, the day JFK was shot. The weather around the Hopkins campus that day was cold and dank, and the campus was deserted (all classes were suspended)  A harsh chill in the air, a sense of feeling anonymous. Strangely enough, the next day, when classes resumed, was a very open sunny day, and I remember feeling amazed at how easily people moved around the campus. It was as if the world was put back on its axis---order had been restored. At least that was my vision of the moment.
  Saturday night, went to Westbeth to see the play my friend Sarah directed, which had several friends of mine in it. A play of pure language, that gives the audience no structure at all, it is defiant in the way it holds back from people. But is it successful? The production was brilliantly conceived, the costumes and scenery made a tremendous contribution to the evening, but at what point does one simply turn off when one realizes that stylistically nothing in the evening will change? Some of the word imagery was striking, other times, just ponderous. I discussed this with the person who organized the lobby, after the play, as well as with several cast members whom I  chatted with as they came out afterwards. They were very open to discussion and very friendly. Last out was one of the actors, Merlyn, whom I have been friends with for a long while. We talked and then went to a nearby bar on Hudson Street to have a beer and watch the world series game. The bar, an Irish one, was very crowded with Halloween revelers---kind of gross, actually. Did not get a chance to watch much of the game, but stayed at the bar for a while, kind of put off by how crowded it was, and then went home.
  Yesterday, made it to Cobra by 12:30, again no L, so took the M to Flushing and walked the rest of the way to the Bushwick border. Not really that hard a walk, saw more large luxury  buildings on Bushwick Avenue that look like they will open soon. How much luxury building before the dam breaks? Watched the Jet game at Cobra, kind of bored, so after the first half, took off, walked to Broadway via Hart Street, the whole Bushwick grid, and returned to Manhattan to go to the Quad, where I saw Tea with the Dames, the documentary featuring Dench, Smith, Plowright and Atkins, and their shared reminiscences. A really beautiful documentary, the women are incredibly sharp, and it was wonderful to listen to their memories of the sixties, at a time when I was reading about all that was happening at the National and Royal Shakespeare theater with great interest.
  So that is it---will report on more tomorrow or soon.

Hello, cityboy--where have you been...?

Well, I have been subbing at Friends for the last 5 days, and coming home after that and some sessions and simply vegetating that is, chilling out and getting my body ready for the next day. No evening experiences on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Next week may be more flexible, because as of now I am not scheduled to work until Friday afternoon---but probably will get some work before that. Anyway, Friday is the beginning of a 10 days of commitment to different programs at Friends. Good! I really enjoy the time I spend there; I love being focused on classes and talking to the students, many of whom I have worked with for over 5 years.
  Sunday late afternoon: Saw the movie at BAM called A Season in Paris---an intense movie about a black exile from an African country to which he cannot return---the plot centers around his receiving a notice that his petition for French citizenship, or to remain in France indefinitely has been denied. Why? The movie never says---I guess the film maker wants to see the choices the government makes as totally arbitrary. He is a solid man, protective of his two very bright children and having a relationship with an attractive white professional woman. The bulk of the movie is how he tries to cope with his anxiety and hostility at the system that will not allow him to remain in France. Watching the movie, I, of course, felt tremendous compassion and sadness for the man---the movie is also beautifully shot, with excellent camera work.
  Yesterday evening--went to see a production of Salome, directed by a Friends Seminary graduate (04) and with two people in it whom I know. The production was straightforward, the woman playing Salome, not quite up to the complete task, ( but you know that the role is impossible as well); she knew what she wanted to play, but I know actresses with far greater range. My friend Marty K played Herod, the role that has so fascinated Al Pacino in recent years, and was the part of the remarkable movie that he made last year called Wilde, Salome. Marty was amazing! He turned a bunch of "dutiful" performances into a bravura world. Would love to see him do more. Afterwards, said hello to him and spoke to him for a while. Then walked to Mullanes, a nearby sports bar and watched some of the game and had an interesting chat with a guy almost my age named Sandy.
  Today will see my friend Sarah's project at one of the Westbeth theaters, and tomorrow hope to hang out at Cobra for the first part of the afternoon and watch some football.  After that..? Well, there are about 8 movies that are interesting (with two more joining them on Friday) and some good games towards the evening---we will see.
BAN meeting on Monday to discuss the protest march coming up next Saturday--not sure where I stand with it---will report later.

and so it happened...

and I have spent the last three days working at Friends, (and on Thursday some session overload)---the work has been grueling---but you know that I am very happy being at Friends. So what next? Not sure---no "cultural" journeys during this time. I had hoped to go out to Brooklyn tonight to see a play, but that is doubtful. It might be better to stay in Manhattan---maybe watch the final playoff game at La Flaca and just "hang" . Hard to say---will let things happen and assess my power as the day continues.
  Not much else to report. Cityboy just comes home and relaxes and prepares for the next day at Friends. No journeys or whatever.
 So that is it for now---will post whenever I can.

last day free....

for the next eight days, I will be subbing (full or half days) at Friends, Looking forward to it---life changes immediately for cityboy whenever he gets the call. Cityboy will try to post at least once during this group of days, and certainly on Saturday (I think).
  Yesterday, did go to the BAN meeting, not heavily attended but productive---most of the talk was about a planned forum in February. I volunteered that it should be held, if possible, at Jack, which the others felt was a good choice. It was nice being in a meeting with a small group. The next is scheduled for two weeks.
  I was very wound up after the meeting, and though my stomach was not totally into it, I decided to go to the bar on 23rd and 7th, watch some of the baseball playoff game, and have a beer. It was a good choice, the bartender was welcoming, I was able to drink the beer without being stuffed, and the game was interesting. I am glad that I did it--I simply was not ready to go back to the apartment.
  This evening there is a reading of a play by a friend of mine in the village that I might check out. Will depend on how much energy I have after two sessions--might be best just to gather my strength for tomorrow and the days to come---well, it will be determined. I would like to visit with my friend Sarah, who is directing the reading, and other friends who will be there. But not sure at this time---will report soon.

Great day at Friends....

on Friday---proctoring two tests for the 10 grade---some of my favorite students in that group. Felt a tremendous esprit--great shared energy. Can't wait to return there later in the week, and I have a very heavy schedule for next week.
Thursday---did attend the Jerome Robbins walk around lead by Deborah Jowitt. She gave an organized presentation and touched all the bases, but I felt that I knew as much as she did---strange that most of the participants in the walk in the library knew very little about Robbins. I said nothing and asked no questions, since I did not want to play the role of the "boy who knows everything" in the group. Afterwards, returned home and headed for La Flaca for its eighth birthday party. Lots of people there that I knew, many from the first years of the restaurants opening. Had a basically good time as I touched base with many people I had not seen in a long time. Good food too, and it was all free. Glad that Bobby has really made the restaurant work in the eight years it has been there---I know it was his dream since he arrived in NYC about 18 years ago. Left feeling good.
 Saturday, visited my friend Liz the painter at her studio at the Brooklyn Navy Yard---then headed to BAM---caught a  silent movie with Paul Robeson, made by the black director Oscar Michaux. It was a really interesting curiosity---with Robeson playing two roles. Nice, deliberate camera angles and framing. Did not stay for the second part of the double bill, the great movie, the Night of the Hunter---to intense and predatory for me. When I left BAN it was still early---could have tried to see the piece at the Harvey, but was not up for it. Instead, went to the large bar-coffee place that has just been built on Fulton near Flatbush---it is really very untilitarian---you can have coffee there or a beer and a meal. Watched both baseball games, and had a cale salad which was very good (but I think did have consequences later) Returned home.
  Yesterday, the day I was scheduled for the colonoscopy set up---of course I had already canceled the appointment. Yet the day was strange---a lot of stomach problems during the day---I was able to get out to Cobra---taking the M to flushing and walking the long walk north on Flushing to Wycoff. Did not eat much, and after a few hours at Cobra, where I spoke to a few people, I felt tired. Usually I like to wander in parts of Brooklyn, but yesterday it seemed more provident to return home and rest. So I did, ironically spending the evening by myself, contending with some stomach feelings, probably not so different from if I had taken the pills for the colonoscopy prep.
  This morning, felt much better---picked up my check from Friends---a nice one---and returned to the library. Tonight there is a BAN meeting, but friends of mine are performing at the Tank. A tough choice, would love to see the work of Shayna and Sarah, but probably will go to BAN. Maybe both.
 Hectic day, filled with many feelings, will report tomorrow or soon.

so he made his move....

and canceled his scheduled colonoscopy for this Monday. How do you feel, cityboy? Depends---different things at different times. It's nice that the weekend is now open. I have things to do on Saturday that I think would have been very difficult if I went ahead with the procedure---I would have been very worried about the next day--also, I could be asked to work on Monday and I would not want to miss that (it is also check day---important!)
  Yet, I would be not telling the truth if I did not say that I am not sure where I stand on this. I know that I should get this procedure---the question is how, and with whom? Can I find a doctor who will make me feel he or she is protective of me? I think that is one of the things that I am looking for. A lot to be worked out---will see my "friendly" doctor a week from Wednesday, perhaps our discussion then will provide some answers.
 Need to lose myself in something at this point---read something fascinating; have an interesting or passionate conversation with someone---
  This afternoon, one of the biographers of Robbins is giving a talk. I might want to take that in---see what she has to say and compare that with my vision or of the choreographer and the breadth of his work. Still feel strongly related to it---in a way his work mirrors my childhood and young adult hood.West Side Story changed me irrevocably--you know that---also remember the first time I saw the opening procession from Fiddler---really remarkable for what it was. I had come in from Yale (the drama school) that morning, and met my brother and father at the theater. Yes, those were the days when David and I shared so much fun and enthusiasm for going to plays together.
  Last night, after a light sleep that ended around 7, left the apartment, went down to the Apple Store to check e-mail (nothing) then decided that the best place for me to have a meal was Lansdowne Road. Good idea, my friend Mel, an actress and waitress was very happy to see me, and I also had a nice talk with the bartender---she described to me in detail her trip to parts of Europe. It was a good choice. Incidentally, I walked from the Apple Store on 67th and Broadway to the bar-restaurant on 44th and 12th. Great day to walk, very mild.
 My niece Natalie and her husband Jarett arrive tonight and will be visiting until next Wednesday. Will probably spend Sunday with them---should be fun---a lot of good conversation. Will report soon.

Will we ever know.....

asks the three sisters in Chekhov's play. Same thing for me, as I am prepared to forgo my scheduled colonoscopy for Monday. Not the right time, and my body is feeling very strong. Yet when I described some symptoms I had on Sunday evening to my friend Robin, she said they were similar to hers when around the time she was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. A sobering thought--made me think a little bit about not rejecting--but in the end, I will put the procedure off---possibly later---I will see the doctor I am very fond of on Wednesday the 24th, and we will talk about a possible later test. At least that is what it seems at this moment.
A quick rehash of Saturday---attended the Preludes at Segal Center---interesting work, saw a lot of people that I know, gossiped a little etc. Then it was off to the Access Theater to see the "Checkhov Mishmash" that I mentioned in the last blog post.This is a young company, all whom have studied at ART. In actuality, they performed most of The Three Sisters, with some "mishmash" thrown in. Nothing that they added seemed to enlarge or build on the meaning of the play---they were interludes that I found mostly sophmoric. But  a lot of the evening was just a performance of The Three Sisters, and the cast took an honest and sincere approach to the work. No great acting, but everybody worked hard. The fourth act found the strength and sadness in the play, making the evening satisfying.
 While I was there, met an interesting high school senior (girl) who was seeing the play, We had an interesting conversation. She had not read the play, so I wondered how it would effect her. She said she liked it---I urged her to read the real play, and also the other three major plays that Chekhov wrote.
  The Access theater is in a loft on Broadway and White Street, two blocks south of Canal. When the play was over, wanted to go into a bar and have a meal, but everything around there was so expensive. I walked from the theater to Houston Street, through the western edge of Soho--I was amazed at how many restaurants (upscale) were packed at around 10 p.m. So much money that seems to be willing to be spent. I ended up with a pizza slice (all that I could afford) and finally took the subway home.
  Sunday was a slower day---did see a movie fresh from the film festival called Private Lives---the story of a white approaching middle aged couple trying to have a baby. Very well written with tart dialogue, a little too self satisfied, though. As usual, the white middle classs "liberal couple and their friends showed no interest in a world outside themselves. So it is either see a movie by a black writer-director and process the pain and disenfranchisement of people of color, or see a "new york" movie about intellectuals that avoids the topic or race and only touches on the topic of class. That seems to be the choice these days.
  Not sure about tonight, the first night that I may actually be able to do something, since I am not at Friends today. Will report soon.

For the past week....

cityboy has been at Friends, subbing every day--one session after that around 145th and then a return home to rest and get ready for the next day. Intense but meaningful. Proud of myself for getting it all done.. Not much else to report on the social, political (I missed the past BAN meeting) or theater side.
Today: I will go to the Preludes on 34th and 5th in the afternoon, where I have several friends participating in showing some "works in progress". Nice to see  and interact with the "community" again. Then I have chosen to go to the Access Theater, a small space (actually two spaces) where four A.R.T. graduates are putting on a "Checkhov Mishmash" This is the kind of theater event that interests me, even if I don't know the people involved. Hopefully there should be a lot of passion and energy, and also I enjoy watching theater takes on "texts" that is, plays that are already written. A lot of the newer companies are exploring that (and have been for the last 15 years)---quite a change from the sixties, seventies and eighties, when this was never considered. Should be interesting; at least I hope so.
Saturday saw Scraps,at the Flea, a passionate but somewhat overwritten play about four members of the black community in Bed-Stuy dealing with the death of a close friend who was killed by a policeman while he was unarmed. Lots of feeling there, and good acting, but some hard to understand coincidences and the second part of the play though inventive, was too much in your face. Also, when the audience (about 3 fifths white) left, we were greeted with an empty auditorium. Shouldn't there be some message or statement after the play about how this audience can get involved and help alleviate the difficult situations that the play illustrates. Would love to talk (confront) the artistic director of the Flea (also the play's director) about this.
  Last Sunday, again, lots of walking---decided not to see a movie around 6---good idea since it was about that time that the teacher I subbed for contacted me and asked me to work for him.
  Will report soon.