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.