certainly after my visit to the Cornelia Street Cafe---last night, after an interesting day that included a walk from Jefferson Avenue in Bushwick to Fulton Street and Malcolm X Boulevard. Had ambivalent feelings about visiting the cafe---I had not been there in a while--was the closing "my problem?" had to force myself to go there after chilling out in downtown Brooklyn, but the trip was definitely worth it.Saw, Robin, the proprietor, offered him my condolences, but also had interesting and viable conversations with other bar patrons. Of course we discussed the closing---but what got me was just watching the genuine energy that the ambiance of the cafe radiated. What a shame---thinking of all those excellent and courteous people working there who will have to find other jobs. But what I find so upsetting is the fact that in light of the current regulations concerning commercial rent, the landlords had all the power and effectively destroyed the brilliance of the place. Why have we allowed this to happen---being at the cafe yesterday brought the lack of commercial rent control home to me in a hideous way.
What is to be done? I am thinking of calling WNYC on Friday and confronting the Mayor (if they let me get through to him) on his unwillingness to take away the power from commercial landlords. Should I e-mail Corey Johnson- the Speaker of the City Council who has already held hearings about making change on this issue? Something must be done---many of the denizens of the cafe that I chatted with were not even aware of the SJBS---a law that might limit landlord control of commercial properties. Really sad. Can I put the internet to good use as I spread the word? I guess we just have to wait and see.
This sort of negates some other reports, for instance on Saturday afternoon, had a very fun conversation with friends Clint and Kim at Banter, a kind of cool bar on Havemeyer Street. Left feeling very refreshed--went to see the movie Burning, which has gotten good reviews and left after an hour, feeling very bored---the movie simply meandered from one moment to another. Nice coffee at the Quad Bar next door.
Sunday in the early afternoon--at Cobra, and when I left, feeling strong enough to walk a long way. So I walked east on Wycoff and south on Hart, passed the bookstore, Molasses, where I searched for interesting $1.00 books and finished the Bushwick grid, arriving on Broadway and Hart, and entered Bed-Stuy. The bus was slow, and so, despite the cold, I walked south the 15 or so blocks that make up the heart of the neighborhood. Proud of myself and happy that I had the stamina to continue that southern trip. Malcolm X Boulevard from Broadway to Fulton was very mellow, not really well traveled. About the first 10 streets are pretty barren--around Hancock the bars and coffee shops began to make an appearance. All in all a very interesting walk.
Tonight the Eve at La Flaca, the bar restaurant owned by my good friend Bob. I will get there, I think around 9:30---then the grind until midnight begins. How will it be? Depends on the conversation and who is there. But it has got to be done. Will report soon.
Monday, December 31, 2018
Saturday, December 29, 2018
just entered a post....
on the Cornelia Street cafe facebook page, in regard to its sad closing in a few days. I know (or think I know) that Robin, the proprietor, really did not want to end his stay there---but with no commercial rent control in place---well, it just gets worse and worse. It strikes me as "odd" that all the people who have eaten there in the past couple of years, and payed around 30.00 for their meal plus wine or whatever, can't muster enough anger to picket or do some kind of action to either save the cafe or let elected officials know that the closing of the cafe is repugnant to them. But, as far as I can see, this is not happening. Why are people so passive in the face of such "cruelty" (for want of a better word) and why am I part of this group of people. Even with my commitment to BAN, I feel I have not been "trained" to think as a protester. So what is to be done. Just figure out what will be the next movie I see, in this movie crazy city? I should make one more visit to the cafe---at this point I am not sure that they are even serving food or coffee--just to pay my respects and to make a statement. I will try to get myself to do that sometime this weekend.
Yesterday, had a nice talk with an actor-playwright named Charley---referred him to a theater company where he could work with other playwrights---and then made the decision to get at ticket to the Met's performance of Otello that evening. I stayed for the first two acts---was thrilled by Dudamel's conducting, but the production seemed sterile to me, and the two male leads, though maybe undone by the passive staging, really did not hold up. And one other reason why I left. I find the power that destroys the life of Desdemona really frightening, and I didn't want to process it. This is a testament to Verdi's genius---and the genius of this opera in general which cuts through every cliche and strips away everything inconsequential and just gets to the murderous heart of Otello's downfall. It is really too brilliant in its frightening, cutting vision.
When I left, wanted a beer, so I went for the first time to the bar across the street--upscale, I had stayed out of it because of its high prices, but I sat at the bar and had a beer---decent atmosphere, no being rushed or anything like that. No real conversations, but it was interesting enough so that I might be comfortable returning there. Staff pretty nice.
That's it---I am meeting friend Kim and Clint in Williamsburg later this afternoon for what I think will be a long cup of coffee. They are south fourth people, and I want to find out what is happening to them. After that...? Will report soon.
Yesterday, had a nice talk with an actor-playwright named Charley---referred him to a theater company where he could work with other playwrights---and then made the decision to get at ticket to the Met's performance of Otello that evening. I stayed for the first two acts---was thrilled by Dudamel's conducting, but the production seemed sterile to me, and the two male leads, though maybe undone by the passive staging, really did not hold up. And one other reason why I left. I find the power that destroys the life of Desdemona really frightening, and I didn't want to process it. This is a testament to Verdi's genius---and the genius of this opera in general which cuts through every cliche and strips away everything inconsequential and just gets to the murderous heart of Otello's downfall. It is really too brilliant in its frightening, cutting vision.
When I left, wanted a beer, so I went for the first time to the bar across the street--upscale, I had stayed out of it because of its high prices, but I sat at the bar and had a beer---decent atmosphere, no being rushed or anything like that. No real conversations, but it was interesting enough so that I might be comfortable returning there. Staff pretty nice.
That's it---I am meeting friend Kim and Clint in Williamsburg later this afternoon for what I think will be a long cup of coffee. They are south fourth people, and I want to find out what is happening to them. After that...? Will report soon.
Friday, December 28, 2018
Interesting day....
Day 7 of living in an alternative universe--actually yesterday evening was the most "chill" and relaxed that I had. Have I finally come to terms with "the void"? Or maybe I was just tired and fell asleep easily. At any rate, I did not visit the Bronx, I returned home and rested---then decided it was possible for me to see Ben is Back. And see it I did, at the movie theater on 12th and 2nd, the theater that now inhabits the space that was, during the fifties and early sixties, the Pheonix Theater, probably the first not for profit theater in NY. It was there that, at 14, on the Saturday before Christmas, I trooped down and saw The Makropolous Case, by Capek. It was directed by Tyrone Guthrie, starred Eileen Herlie and had in it many stalwarts from Guthrie's Stratford Ontario crew. I was still new to going to the theater by myself---so I remember the whole experience as an incredible adventure.
Anyway, Ben is Back, the movie that I saw at the space kept my attention throughout. It is really a movie in two parts, the first, a family clinical drama, about how a well off family, in what obviously is a well off suburb, deals with the return of their teen age son who has been addicted and acted violently for several years, and now has a full day off from his rehabilitation center. An event in the middle of the movie changes the focus to a kind of obsessive mystery with the boy and his mother (who insists on being with him constantly) forced to search for the family's kidnapped dog, probably by dealers to whom the son still owes money to. The plot and tone shift is strange, but my interest was held throughout. The ending is kind of abrupt, but I left the theater believing that I had made the right choice.
It was early when the movie ended, around 9, plenty of time to go into a bar for a beer or a meal, but somehow, I did not want to do it. First of all, I felt tired---still getting over a physical malaise that I had been into for the past few days, but for some reason, also did not want to "bar socialize", or whatever you want to call it. Simply returned to the apartment and got some rest.
At Lincoln Center library, yesterday, I took out two plays: Junk and Oslo, both presented next door, neither that I got to see. Hope to read both of them very soon, still completing Hemingway's To Have and Have Not---kind of a fun read---Hemingway writes great dialogue,but the piece really does not have much staying power--still I want to finish it, have a sense of completion about it.
Also yesterday, stopped into the new Shakespeare and Company in my neighborhood. Had some coffee (good!) but what was most interesting was looking at a new complete Shakespeare collection which included both Edward the III and even more interesting, a play called Sir Thomas More. Would like to read them both.
Tonight still up in the air---should I check out an Othello with a not so great cast---see some more movies---or maybe try a bar in Brooklyn or thereabouts. Will report tomorrow.
Anyway, Ben is Back, the movie that I saw at the space kept my attention throughout. It is really a movie in two parts, the first, a family clinical drama, about how a well off family, in what obviously is a well off suburb, deals with the return of their teen age son who has been addicted and acted violently for several years, and now has a full day off from his rehabilitation center. An event in the middle of the movie changes the focus to a kind of obsessive mystery with the boy and his mother (who insists on being with him constantly) forced to search for the family's kidnapped dog, probably by dealers to whom the son still owes money to. The plot and tone shift is strange, but my interest was held throughout. The ending is kind of abrupt, but I left the theater believing that I had made the right choice.
It was early when the movie ended, around 9, plenty of time to go into a bar for a beer or a meal, but somehow, I did not want to do it. First of all, I felt tired---still getting over a physical malaise that I had been into for the past few days, but for some reason, also did not want to "bar socialize", or whatever you want to call it. Simply returned to the apartment and got some rest.
At Lincoln Center library, yesterday, I took out two plays: Junk and Oslo, both presented next door, neither that I got to see. Hope to read both of them very soon, still completing Hemingway's To Have and Have Not---kind of a fun read---Hemingway writes great dialogue,but the piece really does not have much staying power--still I want to finish it, have a sense of completion about it.
Also yesterday, stopped into the new Shakespeare and Company in my neighborhood. Had some coffee (good!) but what was most interesting was looking at a new complete Shakespeare collection which included both Edward the III and even more interesting, a play called Sir Thomas More. Would like to read them both.
Tonight still up in the air---should I check out an Othello with a not so great cast---see some more movies---or maybe try a bar in Brooklyn or thereabouts. Will report tomorrow.
Thursday, December 27, 2018
feeling tired...
a little bloated---trying to determine a vision for this afternoon and evening. A hunger to not return south, to my apartment but to visit the Bronx--just to look around. But maybe I should just go home to rest. I would like to see Ben is Back, the movie made by the playwright who once I angered when I shut him up in a talkback---but this was about 30 years ago, does it really matter.? Anyway, to some extent, that is the plan. Afterwards, assuming that I have the energy, it might be nice to take the L to Brooklyn, check out east river, (the bar, not the river) and see if anyone I know is there. Then a bit of wandering? But am I up to it? We shall see.
Yesterday, I made a strong decision to detox from films---so I stayed home in the afternoon, did not see any---and then went to La Flaca for the evening meal and spent most of the evening there.Good idea, the place was fairly empty, the three staff members on duty were really welcoming, and I was able to watch all of the Nets-Charlotte basketball game--a messy affair, if there ever was one---I was so annoyed at the sloppy play of both teams that I did not even stay to watch overtime. So be it.
Not much else to report. Perhaps the adjustment to "freedom" after the four intense months at Friends has been a little more difficult then expected. My mind races---sometimes my body simply can't keep up with it. Well, lets see what happens by the next report.
Yesterday, I made a strong decision to detox from films---so I stayed home in the afternoon, did not see any---and then went to La Flaca for the evening meal and spent most of the evening there.Good idea, the place was fairly empty, the three staff members on duty were really welcoming, and I was able to watch all of the Nets-Charlotte basketball game--a messy affair, if there ever was one---I was so annoyed at the sloppy play of both teams that I did not even stay to watch overtime. So be it.
Not much else to report. Perhaps the adjustment to "freedom" after the four intense months at Friends has been a little more difficult then expected. My mind races---sometimes my body simply can't keep up with it. Well, lets see what happens by the next report.
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
so I have just read that...
the Cornelia Street cafe, one of the spots where I once spent a lot of time at is closing--because of (of course) "landlord problems". I knew that Robin (the owner) was having these problems because on a short visit there a few months ago, he told me so, but wow, this is very sad. I wish all those people who could afford that place (and there are many) would write e-mails to Corey Johnson, and urge him to pass some sort of law preventing landlords from being "gods", which they are now. That certainly applies to commercial landlords. Very sad. I directed a lot of readings of new plays there from 1990 to 1994 or thereabouts. Something must be done.
On a more positive note, I was very happy that the Times is paying more attention to destructive residential landlords then ever before. A good article on today's front page showing how this "progressive" city allows residential landlords to be very cruel to tenants if they are paying low rent. This also has got to stop.
Christmas eve: another Tourneur movie, this one Canyon Passage with Dana Andrews as the lone hero, standing tall against everyone else, or most everyone else. A beautiful movie to watch, its plot moved nicely from moment to moment--but what is really remarkable about Tourneur's movies is there incredible flow---the way one scene leads to another. Whoever those writers were, they were extremely polished in the way they created scripts.
Christmas Day, always a "lonely" day for the cityboy. So what was he to do? How about two movies and some long walks around Brooklyn. Sounds good? Well, that is how it began.
First movie: The Last Resort---a strong documentary about the working class Jews who settled in their retirement in Miami Beach, and lived comfortably there, and also about the two young men who photographed this community and what happened to them. The doc shows how, as the seventies moved into the eighties, crime came to Miami Beach and the older Jews, once so happy, were terribly isolated. It is also about one of the two photographers, his name was Andy. He was the more eclectic of the two--but his originality pushed him into some strange and dark places. He was murdered at a very young age--the second half of the movie is about the reconstruction of his negatives into the excellent prints that they are today. A very good documentary. But it was only 1:15, and cityboys next movie, another Tourneur one, was not until 6:30. What to do? Well, off to Brooklyn---nothing doing around BAM as all the usual haunts were closed--so cityboy took the 25 to Franklin and then embarked on his journey on the Brooklyn 49, which traveled south from Franklin to Bedford, then west on Foster and finally continuing its southern route on Ocean Avenue. Cityboy took it all in---still amazed by the contrasts between the small and large houses. And what stories did the apartment houses have about the past? If only he knew. The bus travels the mostly integrated sections of Ocean, but when cityboy got off the Bus on Avenue M, the only people on the crowded streets were either Russian or Orthodox Jews. Then the Q to Church. Then walking west on Church, even in the cold weather, to Macdonald. Then a visit by the F to the new Nitehawk movie theater (very crowded) and then back on the F. And believe it or not, it still was only 4:00. Cityboy had time to go home, then return to the Bunin for his daily Tourneur "fix". And quite a fix it was, entitled Berlin Station, a thriller about the attempt of the four countries victorious in World War II, to make a plan for defeated Germany. Some great pictures of the destroyed Frankfort and Berlin streets. The plot, somewhat "hoakie" but like all of his movies, the flow was incredible. Lots of good performances, particularly was effected by featured player Robert Coote, playing the British delegate to the convention. Could not escape the irony that two doors down from the Bunin was the revival of My Fair Lady, and that Mr. Coote was the original Colonel Pickering in that show.
So that was the day---returned to the apartment tired, fell asleep quickly, later the usual restlessness.
Lots of choices for today, but really feel that I have spent enough time in a movie theater passively receiving the messages from the screen and should spend whatever free time I have today "with people" Does this mean a visit to La Flaca in the early evening, or somewhere else. Choices abound, will report soon.
On a more positive note, I was very happy that the Times is paying more attention to destructive residential landlords then ever before. A good article on today's front page showing how this "progressive" city allows residential landlords to be very cruel to tenants if they are paying low rent. This also has got to stop.
Christmas eve: another Tourneur movie, this one Canyon Passage with Dana Andrews as the lone hero, standing tall against everyone else, or most everyone else. A beautiful movie to watch, its plot moved nicely from moment to moment--but what is really remarkable about Tourneur's movies is there incredible flow---the way one scene leads to another. Whoever those writers were, they were extremely polished in the way they created scripts.
Christmas Day, always a "lonely" day for the cityboy. So what was he to do? How about two movies and some long walks around Brooklyn. Sounds good? Well, that is how it began.
First movie: The Last Resort---a strong documentary about the working class Jews who settled in their retirement in Miami Beach, and lived comfortably there, and also about the two young men who photographed this community and what happened to them. The doc shows how, as the seventies moved into the eighties, crime came to Miami Beach and the older Jews, once so happy, were terribly isolated. It is also about one of the two photographers, his name was Andy. He was the more eclectic of the two--but his originality pushed him into some strange and dark places. He was murdered at a very young age--the second half of the movie is about the reconstruction of his negatives into the excellent prints that they are today. A very good documentary. But it was only 1:15, and cityboys next movie, another Tourneur one, was not until 6:30. What to do? Well, off to Brooklyn---nothing doing around BAM as all the usual haunts were closed--so cityboy took the 25 to Franklin and then embarked on his journey on the Brooklyn 49, which traveled south from Franklin to Bedford, then west on Foster and finally continuing its southern route on Ocean Avenue. Cityboy took it all in---still amazed by the contrasts between the small and large houses. And what stories did the apartment houses have about the past? If only he knew. The bus travels the mostly integrated sections of Ocean, but when cityboy got off the Bus on Avenue M, the only people on the crowded streets were either Russian or Orthodox Jews. Then the Q to Church. Then walking west on Church, even in the cold weather, to Macdonald. Then a visit by the F to the new Nitehawk movie theater (very crowded) and then back on the F. And believe it or not, it still was only 4:00. Cityboy had time to go home, then return to the Bunin for his daily Tourneur "fix". And quite a fix it was, entitled Berlin Station, a thriller about the attempt of the four countries victorious in World War II, to make a plan for defeated Germany. Some great pictures of the destroyed Frankfort and Berlin streets. The plot, somewhat "hoakie" but like all of his movies, the flow was incredible. Lots of good performances, particularly was effected by featured player Robert Coote, playing the British delegate to the convention. Could not escape the irony that two doors down from the Bunin was the revival of My Fair Lady, and that Mr. Coote was the original Colonel Pickering in that show.
So that was the day---returned to the apartment tired, fell asleep quickly, later the usual restlessness.
Lots of choices for today, but really feel that I have spent enough time in a movie theater passively receiving the messages from the screen and should spend whatever free time I have today "with people" Does this mean a visit to La Flaca in the early evening, or somewhere else. Choices abound, will report soon.
Monday, December 24, 2018
nice e mail from...
my friend Sibyl, in response to mine in which I apologized for not being able to attend her three day winter solstice ceremony. It came at a difficult time---by Friday, the last possible day, I was exhausted. Anyway, it was nice to hear from her.
Some reports:
Saturday afternoon, had tickets to Arturo UI at CSC. Feeling tired but went anyway. This is a harsh, distanced production (probably somewhat close to what Brecht intended) that was very well performed. Raul E, the lead, held back in his beginning scenes, but then exploded by the end of Act I, very effective. Unfortunately it was hot, I felt distanced, the theater was cramped, and by the end of Act I, I was feeling tired. So I left. Was I disappointed or angry at the production? No. The theater at CSC is really effective, but the lobby is constantly packed---it does not have room for the theater audience and the coffee shop that is also there. It is extremely off putting.Anyway, I left, had a blt nearby, and returned home to rest. Later I was rested enough to go to the Dive Bar on 95th street for some hummus and to watch the first part of the Charger-Raven game. Interesting, but after the first half I returned home.
Yesterday, headed to Cobra for the early afternoon football game and to hang with my friend Bartender Olivia. Another bartender named Stephen was there---and we had a long discussion about what..? Brooklyn bars and their neighborhoods. He currently works at Dynaco in Bed-stuy and also at Turtles, a little further east but also in Bed Stuy. Nice guy, good conversation, might visit these places during the vacation. Returned home, rested then headed to the Bunin for another Tourneur picture, and was very happy that I did. What a director! This movie was Stranger on Horseback, a good guy bad guy shoot em up that was beautifully crafted. Loved every moment of it---Joel McCrae was the lead, but it was fun to watch a really young Kevin McCarthy as the villain (or son of the villain). After the film, grabbed some chicken at Fairway (thank God that there hot food section was still open!) and headed home.
Today and tomorrow (Christmas day) pretty open---lots of movies that would be valuable to see. The Tourneur festival continues (I could probably see all of them if I had a mind to) but there is other interesting stuff as well. One John Ford picture at the Metrograph. Imagine, a chance to see movies by both Tourneur and John Ford. What a time for movie going, if that floats your boat.
Still trying to adjust to "no work" life formula, between now and the 7th of January. Some reconception necessary. Will report soon.
Some reports:
Saturday afternoon, had tickets to Arturo UI at CSC. Feeling tired but went anyway. This is a harsh, distanced production (probably somewhat close to what Brecht intended) that was very well performed. Raul E, the lead, held back in his beginning scenes, but then exploded by the end of Act I, very effective. Unfortunately it was hot, I felt distanced, the theater was cramped, and by the end of Act I, I was feeling tired. So I left. Was I disappointed or angry at the production? No. The theater at CSC is really effective, but the lobby is constantly packed---it does not have room for the theater audience and the coffee shop that is also there. It is extremely off putting.Anyway, I left, had a blt nearby, and returned home to rest. Later I was rested enough to go to the Dive Bar on 95th street for some hummus and to watch the first part of the Charger-Raven game. Interesting, but after the first half I returned home.
Yesterday, headed to Cobra for the early afternoon football game and to hang with my friend Bartender Olivia. Another bartender named Stephen was there---and we had a long discussion about what..? Brooklyn bars and their neighborhoods. He currently works at Dynaco in Bed-stuy and also at Turtles, a little further east but also in Bed Stuy. Nice guy, good conversation, might visit these places during the vacation. Returned home, rested then headed to the Bunin for another Tourneur picture, and was very happy that I did. What a director! This movie was Stranger on Horseback, a good guy bad guy shoot em up that was beautifully crafted. Loved every moment of it---Joel McCrae was the lead, but it was fun to watch a really young Kevin McCarthy as the villain (or son of the villain). After the film, grabbed some chicken at Fairway (thank God that there hot food section was still open!) and headed home.
Today and tomorrow (Christmas day) pretty open---lots of movies that would be valuable to see. The Tourneur festival continues (I could probably see all of them if I had a mind to) but there is other interesting stuff as well. One John Ford picture at the Metrograph. Imagine, a chance to see movies by both Tourneur and John Ford. What a time for movie going, if that floats your boat.
Still trying to adjust to "no work" life formula, between now and the 7th of January. Some reconception necessary. Will report soon.
Saturday, December 22, 2018
not a lot to add...
to yesterday's post. I did go to the holiday celebration at Friends---as usual, kind of raucus, but many alumni I had not seen in a while were there, also some good holiday wishes from my "buddies' in the senior class. Thought that it might be possible for me to attend the last part of my friend Sibyl's solstice celebration at the Whitney, but by 6, when I would have had to leave my apartment, was totally exhausted. Spent the rest of the evening mostly at home, in a kind of emotional limbo, though I did get a chance to hear most of Tchaikovsky's Symphony Number 1--which is not played very often. Loved the fourth movement the final one, full of the usual Tchaikovsky "fireworks", but also with an intriguing fugue part. Then I took a short walk and visited the nearby Barnes and Noble, which was open until midnight, so I was not rushed. That's about all.
What next? This afternoon, Arturo UI at CSC---looking forward to it---not sure about the rest of the day. Would enjoy watching an important pro football game this evening---but where? Not sure. Will probably depend on how I feel after the play. So that's it---tomorrow, will go to Cobra for the first part of the afternoon, maybe stop off at the Molasses bookshop nearby, and then...? Who knows? But will report soon.
What next? This afternoon, Arturo UI at CSC---looking forward to it---not sure about the rest of the day. Would enjoy watching an important pro football game this evening---but where? Not sure. Will probably depend on how I feel after the play. So that's it---tomorrow, will go to Cobra for the first part of the afternoon, maybe stop off at the Molasses bookshop nearby, and then...? Who knows? But will report soon.
Friday, December 21, 2018
so it begins....
the vacation, that is---after a day yesterday spent "supervising" the Friends library. Lots of fun, really, it gives me a chance to do a lot of interacting with the upper school kids, but when I left, I was exhausted. Hoped to go to a lecture at Friends yesterday evening by my friend in the Arabic department, but by the time I got home, it was no-go. Body could not go anywhere, after getting my "supper" sandwich from Citarella.
That sort of sums it up for the rest of the night Now, I sit in the Lincoln Center library, and after leaving here I will go to the Winter celebration concert at Friends, and...that will be it for two weeks.
So what do those two weeks hold. No real plans---will improvise my way through it----many friends who I have not seen since the summer might want to "hang out" with me. Will see the Arturo Ui play (Brecht) tomorrow afternoon---then of course there are movies galore, circulating around the city---a new movie theater has opened in Park Slope, and though I do not like any of the first entries, it might be nice to just go there and hang out at their bar--the kind of adventure I like. Two operas at the Met---La Traviata and Otello interest me---more for their conductors then for their productions---that is a distinct possibility---and then there are the Tourneur movies.
Which brings me to Tuesday evening. With the wind bracing and feeling tired, I opted out of the party for old South Fourth participants in Williamsburg---simply could not make it across the river. Instead, after a little rest, went to see Experiment Perilous, part of the retrospective at the Bunin honoring Jacque Tourneur. And what movie it was! Beautifully shot--wonderful in its slow moving mystery approach---amazing camera angles---a murder and obsession mystery, somewhat in the same vain as Vertigo, but with some flashbacks---every moment seemed incredibly well crafted. Must see some more of his movies during the next two weeks---they are doing about four a day.
So that's it---my mind seems to work at dazzling speed---something exciting needs to happen at every moment. And when it doesn't? Well, you just have to deal with it cityboy---right? Will report soon.
That sort of sums it up for the rest of the night Now, I sit in the Lincoln Center library, and after leaving here I will go to the Winter celebration concert at Friends, and...that will be it for two weeks.
So what do those two weeks hold. No real plans---will improvise my way through it----many friends who I have not seen since the summer might want to "hang out" with me. Will see the Arturo Ui play (Brecht) tomorrow afternoon---then of course there are movies galore, circulating around the city---a new movie theater has opened in Park Slope, and though I do not like any of the first entries, it might be nice to just go there and hang out at their bar--the kind of adventure I like. Two operas at the Met---La Traviata and Otello interest me---more for their conductors then for their productions---that is a distinct possibility---and then there are the Tourneur movies.
Which brings me to Tuesday evening. With the wind bracing and feeling tired, I opted out of the party for old South Fourth participants in Williamsburg---simply could not make it across the river. Instead, after a little rest, went to see Experiment Perilous, part of the retrospective at the Bunin honoring Jacque Tourneur. And what movie it was! Beautifully shot--wonderful in its slow moving mystery approach---amazing camera angles---a murder and obsession mystery, somewhat in the same vain as Vertigo, but with some flashbacks---every moment seemed incredibly well crafted. Must see some more of his movies during the next two weeks---they are doing about four a day.
So that's it---my mind seems to work at dazzling speed---something exciting needs to happen at every moment. And when it doesn't? Well, you just have to deal with it cityboy---right? Will report soon.
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
strange night....
a restless sleep after attending my friend Emily's theater project entitled The Russian and the Jew at the Tank. I liked the play, was happy for Emily that it came off so well. It is a strange mixture of serious memory and the fantastical. The key plot centers around a Jewish doctor living in Brest in 1964, dealing with her career, her loves and her plan to emigrate to Israel to avoid the overt anti semitism she finds at her workplace. It is all presented in a straightforward, sober manner--the dialogue is direct and reveals the woman's vision and her life vis a vis the others who surround her. A legend interjects the action from time to time. There is nothing forced about the work, it simply comes at you and shows you what it is. I admired its directness---perhaps it lacks a kind of "clout" that would put it over the top, but what is there has integrity and at times, great sensitivity.
Afterwards, said hello to Emily, who I have seen in many other plays, beginning with Home/Sick by the Assembly, and her husband Moti, also in the play. I was very complimentary and I think they appreciated that. Again, I was happy for Emily, she is the co-writer as well as one of the actors in the play, and I know how important it was for her to have this appreciated. Said my goodbyes and left. Tired, not sure if I wanted to "hang" and eat at a bar and lose about $15.00, or buy some stuff left at Fiarway (my only choice now) and eat it at home. Opted for the latter--a large portion of chicken salad. Tired, then went to sleep. Awoke at around 3;30 after a strange dream in which I meet Frank Crosetti, the man who was the third base coach of the Yankees during the Stengel era. He also lived on 167th street and Walton Avenue, short walking distance from the old Stadium---I remember that street as part of my "safe' childhood, an all white Jewish area at the time. In the dream, he is still alive. Why? Anyway, for some reason, I experienced a lot of anxiety as I awoke. Its always different on the days when I don't have planned work at Friends--not having an immediate focus and goal when I get up, seems to effect me a lot. Still, I am not sure where all the anxiety I faced came from.
Better now, and by not having work it means I can attend a party in Brooklyn at a bar near the old South Fourth which will be kind of a Christmas reunion. Should be meaningful--it is really cold today, but I will try to make it.
Tomorrow, back at Friends for at least one period and then we will see about the last two days of the year. Will report soon.
Afterwards, said hello to Emily, who I have seen in many other plays, beginning with Home/Sick by the Assembly, and her husband Moti, also in the play. I was very complimentary and I think they appreciated that. Again, I was happy for Emily, she is the co-writer as well as one of the actors in the play, and I know how important it was for her to have this appreciated. Said my goodbyes and left. Tired, not sure if I wanted to "hang" and eat at a bar and lose about $15.00, or buy some stuff left at Fiarway (my only choice now) and eat it at home. Opted for the latter--a large portion of chicken salad. Tired, then went to sleep. Awoke at around 3;30 after a strange dream in which I meet Frank Crosetti, the man who was the third base coach of the Yankees during the Stengel era. He also lived on 167th street and Walton Avenue, short walking distance from the old Stadium---I remember that street as part of my "safe' childhood, an all white Jewish area at the time. In the dream, he is still alive. Why? Anyway, for some reason, I experienced a lot of anxiety as I awoke. Its always different on the days when I don't have planned work at Friends--not having an immediate focus and goal when I get up, seems to effect me a lot. Still, I am not sure where all the anxiety I faced came from.
Better now, and by not having work it means I can attend a party in Brooklyn at a bar near the old South Fourth which will be kind of a Christmas reunion. Should be meaningful--it is really cold today, but I will try to make it.
Tomorrow, back at Friends for at least one period and then we will see about the last two days of the year. Will report soon.
Monday, December 17, 2018
Monday morning....
a free morning, after sloshing through the rain, wind and puddles of yesterday. Kind of warm and quiet today---have already completed a few errands. Now the facts.
Saturday afternoon at the play: What to Do When it Goes Down---as I expected an intense experience. For a half hour before the actual play begins one stays in the theater lobby which is filled with black victims of racial violence. I saw many names that were familiar to me. Many beautiful pictures. The play begins with the audience taking part in a ritual---we were asked to intone the name of a black person killed by racial violence---in this case, Freddy Gray of Baltimore---for as many years as he lived---in this case 25. Then after some expressions of how we felt, the actual play began. Although it was very well acted, I found the actual play writing repetitive---only a tirade at the very end of the play---which I interpreted as a cry from the parent of a victim---seemed to have strength. Nevertheless, being there, participating, was a very strong experience.
Not much to do after that---returning home I found that I was tired, and so spent the rest of the evening resting---a few quick walks for food and such, but basically remained home. Kind of restless,but not much strength to do much else. In the morning (Sunday) I felt much better, rested and began my Sunday voyages. The first was to Cobra to relax, watch a little football and interact with some of the patrons there. I had a very interesting conversation with a man visiting from France---he was staying at an AIR bnb in East New York---I was kind of amazed that even that far east, there were AIR bnb's. Said hello to a few other people, then headed out---the rain and wind made it impossible for me to stay in Brooklyn---also I was anxious to see a movie, took the L to the sixth avenue stop and went to the Quad. Got in just in time for The World Before His Feet (or something like that) a documentary that follows a thirty something white male whose goal is to travel on every street in the city. I left before it was over---that is how fed up I was with the vision of the picture.The gentleman is bright but totally superficial--he travels in poor neighborhoods, but never once examines what it must be like to live in them, who is there, how the neighborhoods have changed---you could go on and on about the evasions of everything real in the city---almost a quarter of the movie is the young man exploring grave yards! Give me a break! There must have been about a half hour to go when I left---almost screamed at the screen--well, it was a movie I wanted to check out, so at least I know what it is.
Finished the day in a very good way---went to La Flaca, the restaurant far east on Grand Street (Manhattan), watched football and had good conversations with bartender Tom and my waitress friend Raquel. I had not been there in a while, so it was nice to check in. A good place where I am always welcome.
Tonight will try to see my friend Emily's theater project---The Russian and the Jew at the Tank. The web site says sold out---will try to get on a waiting list---I think I should get in. There is a BAN meeting tonight, and I never miss them---but dates are so packed that I have got to reject the meeting to see the play. At least that is the way it stands now. Will report soon.
Saturday afternoon at the play: What to Do When it Goes Down---as I expected an intense experience. For a half hour before the actual play begins one stays in the theater lobby which is filled with black victims of racial violence. I saw many names that were familiar to me. Many beautiful pictures. The play begins with the audience taking part in a ritual---we were asked to intone the name of a black person killed by racial violence---in this case, Freddy Gray of Baltimore---for as many years as he lived---in this case 25. Then after some expressions of how we felt, the actual play began. Although it was very well acted, I found the actual play writing repetitive---only a tirade at the very end of the play---which I interpreted as a cry from the parent of a victim---seemed to have strength. Nevertheless, being there, participating, was a very strong experience.
Not much to do after that---returning home I found that I was tired, and so spent the rest of the evening resting---a few quick walks for food and such, but basically remained home. Kind of restless,but not much strength to do much else. In the morning (Sunday) I felt much better, rested and began my Sunday voyages. The first was to Cobra to relax, watch a little football and interact with some of the patrons there. I had a very interesting conversation with a man visiting from France---he was staying at an AIR bnb in East New York---I was kind of amazed that even that far east, there were AIR bnb's. Said hello to a few other people, then headed out---the rain and wind made it impossible for me to stay in Brooklyn---also I was anxious to see a movie, took the L to the sixth avenue stop and went to the Quad. Got in just in time for The World Before His Feet (or something like that) a documentary that follows a thirty something white male whose goal is to travel on every street in the city. I left before it was over---that is how fed up I was with the vision of the picture.The gentleman is bright but totally superficial--he travels in poor neighborhoods, but never once examines what it must be like to live in them, who is there, how the neighborhoods have changed---you could go on and on about the evasions of everything real in the city---almost a quarter of the movie is the young man exploring grave yards! Give me a break! There must have been about a half hour to go when I left---almost screamed at the screen--well, it was a movie I wanted to check out, so at least I know what it is.
Finished the day in a very good way---went to La Flaca, the restaurant far east on Grand Street (Manhattan), watched football and had good conversations with bartender Tom and my waitress friend Raquel. I had not been there in a while, so it was nice to check in. A good place where I am always welcome.
Tonight will try to see my friend Emily's theater project---The Russian and the Jew at the Tank. The web site says sold out---will try to get on a waiting list---I think I should get in. There is a BAN meeting tonight, and I never miss them---but dates are so packed that I have got to reject the meeting to see the play. At least that is the way it stands now. Will report soon.
Saturday, December 15, 2018
quite a marathon day...
for cityboy, yesterday, and amazingly he made it through! As I stated in the last post, six classes during the day, ending with a long proctoring session in the upper school. Then, off to Stuyvesant High School with the upper school debate team, and one of two "chaperones". Tired, but it did not seem to matter, made the long trip, including a "crosstown" walk from the City Hall 4 station to the school. Arrived there, very hungry, settled in---then left again because I was starving--- found a whole foods store nearby (really not a store, more a universe) and grabbed a piece of chicken. Returned to the school and my chaperone duties---tired but saw it through. Watched a few of the debates---students worked hard, but the subjects seemed a little too imposed. Still, the kids enjoyed it, and when we left at 7:30, they were very enthused and grateful that I had remained with them.This also meant that I had been working at the school since I first came in around 7:30 A.M. to my last step at Stuyvesant at 7:30 P.M. But I did it!
So there I was, tired, but the evening was incredibly mild, almost summary after the cold of the last few weeks. So as I reached the nearest subway station, I realized that I could not go in---my body and soul demanded a further walk. So I traveled north on Hudson street, a major arterie of Tribeca Although cityboy loves to travel around this city, he had not visited Tribeca in a while, so the walk north on Hudson was full of revelations. Lots of doorman, expensive apartments, very tranquil, is it possible that around 35 years ago, this area was just empty? Amazing! How did I feel, a white person, moving through this elegant area, pleased with myself for my actions during the day, and slightly forgetting the displacement that all these high rises in the area had caused, or the segregation that was part of the change. Well, the walk continued up to the Film Forum (Houston and Varick) and then finally into the subway to home. A day full of wonder---always love walking through different areas of the city and "pondering" their meaning. Good or bad? More to discuss at another time.
Today, one session then off to see What to do When it Goes Down, the play on west 53rd street that is a kind of black ritual with anger and hope. What will it be like. Felt that I had to see it---several people that I spoke to who saw it (all of them white) felt the play was very strong. A little apprehensive, but will be there and participate.
All of which will be reported in the next post-when? We will see.
So there I was, tired, but the evening was incredibly mild, almost summary after the cold of the last few weeks. So as I reached the nearest subway station, I realized that I could not go in---my body and soul demanded a further walk. So I traveled north on Hudson street, a major arterie of Tribeca Although cityboy loves to travel around this city, he had not visited Tribeca in a while, so the walk north on Hudson was full of revelations. Lots of doorman, expensive apartments, very tranquil, is it possible that around 35 years ago, this area was just empty? Amazing! How did I feel, a white person, moving through this elegant area, pleased with myself for my actions during the day, and slightly forgetting the displacement that all these high rises in the area had caused, or the segregation that was part of the change. Well, the walk continued up to the Film Forum (Houston and Varick) and then finally into the subway to home. A day full of wonder---always love walking through different areas of the city and "pondering" their meaning. Good or bad? More to discuss at another time.
Today, one session then off to see What to do When it Goes Down, the play on west 53rd street that is a kind of black ritual with anger and hope. What will it be like. Felt that I had to see it---several people that I spoke to who saw it (all of them white) felt the play was very strong. A little apprehensive, but will be there and participate.
All of which will be reported in the next post-when? We will see.
Thursday, December 13, 2018
am I superman?
Or super substitute? You might think so if you saw my schedule for tomorrow, which began as two science eighth grade coverages and an advisory, and now includes proctoring a test for the last period, and two kindergarden science classes between the eighth grade classes. You have got to be kidding me! Well, if the staff thinks I am super sub, might as well play the role. Hopefully, there will be some solid plans for the two kindergarden classes; that should make it a little easier for me. Hey, it's great to wanted! Right?
Last night attended the winter concert---which I do every year---this year however, really stood out.Excellent playing by the chamber musicians and then some beautiful singing from the upper school choirs. Colin, the teacher replacing Kristen, who has just given birth, has done a remarkable job with the students. It almost seemed like they were breathing together in some of the songs. A real sense of unity and sharing as the singing was going on. The feeling of togetherness radiated through the auditorium (at least that is my interpretation).
Also, tomorrow, a number of the senior find out if their early decision applications were accepted. Should be a meaningful time---I am hoping that most of those seniors who shared where they wanted to go with me, will get it. I know how meaningful it is to know where you are going this early in the year---so that they can get on with the rest of their lives. I still remember going to the mail box in March of 60, opening up the box, and seeing the letter from Hopkins, holding it in my hand and just sensing that it was an acceptance. A really great feeling!
Today, after some sessions will have to decide what to do this evening. Still some interesting options, if I am not too tired--just might want to rest up for tomorrow's "marathon". My friend Hannah is in a piece at the Harvey at BAM, and there is also the final day of the Petzoid retrospective at Lincoln Center. Maybe it might be best to head down to La Flaca and check in there, or simply "hang" at one of the two west side dive bars. Will have to see how all this plays out, and what message my body gives me when I finish the second session.
Will report soon.....
Last night attended the winter concert---which I do every year---this year however, really stood out.Excellent playing by the chamber musicians and then some beautiful singing from the upper school choirs. Colin, the teacher replacing Kristen, who has just given birth, has done a remarkable job with the students. It almost seemed like they were breathing together in some of the songs. A real sense of unity and sharing as the singing was going on. The feeling of togetherness radiated through the auditorium (at least that is my interpretation).
Also, tomorrow, a number of the senior find out if their early decision applications were accepted. Should be a meaningful time---I am hoping that most of those seniors who shared where they wanted to go with me, will get it. I know how meaningful it is to know where you are going this early in the year---so that they can get on with the rest of their lives. I still remember going to the mail box in March of 60, opening up the box, and seeing the letter from Hopkins, holding it in my hand and just sensing that it was an acceptance. A really great feeling!
Today, after some sessions will have to decide what to do this evening. Still some interesting options, if I am not too tired--just might want to rest up for tomorrow's "marathon". My friend Hannah is in a piece at the Harvey at BAM, and there is also the final day of the Petzoid retrospective at Lincoln Center. Maybe it might be best to head down to La Flaca and check in there, or simply "hang" at one of the two west side dive bars. Will have to see how all this plays out, and what message my body gives me when I finish the second session.
Will report soon.....
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
so we have two "brutal" days
at Friends for cityboy. Yesterday, particularly, four classes,lots of moving around, climbing stairs, etc. Came home and could hardly move. No work today---I think that is a good thing---though I will go to the Winter Concert in the meeting house tonight. Will return to Friends on Friday (if not tomorrow) for some "fun' with the eighth graders and possibly chaperone a trip by the debating society of the upper school, in which they will compete with students from Stuyvesant and one other school Should be fun, if I do it.
Saturday night, turned out to be very special. Went to the TEAM petri project at the ART space in Brooklyn. A beautiful two person show created by Jill F about her four (I think) years teaching special education children (mostly autistic) in the Brooklyn Public School system. Very deeply felt, also my friend Flaco added his own experiences. Jill is an amazing actress---so many good young actresses around---really hard to quantify, but somehow when Jill creates. time and space seem for me to disappear. The piece itself is very potent---I hope it has a life after this workshop, though where it fits is a bit of a mystery. So much that I understood and identified with in the piece, from the 14 or 15 times I worked with special ed kids in Manhattan and Brooklyn when I subbed for the DOE.
Afterwards we all headed across the street to Bar 7---a bar that I had passed several times in my wanderings in Brooklyn, had wanted to go in, but never did. But it was eas, since a group of us were going---it is really a nice space, and I had a really nice light beer--no television in the place, so if I go, will have to bring some reading material and hope for some good conversation from people nearbye, or even possibly some "adventure" there. But who knows when the next time will be. I had some great conversations about theater (and only theater) with friends Lucy, Christina, Jess, who directed the piece we saw, and several others. We talked deep into the night---I left the bar around 12:30, late for me, and headed west to Flatbush to pick up the 2 train at the Nevnins Street station. First time I traveled the subways this late at night in a long time---surprised that the subways were not very full, but more, how each car seemed to have at least one homeless person asleep on a bench. Really sad. Did get home okay though, around 1:30,
Sunday, saw the Friends winter play at the Vineyard, Twelfth Night---and even though I know it so well, and had just seen the remarkable production at the Delacourt a few months ago, really enjoyed just listening to the verse. Director Steve B created his usual excellent movement and placement for the students who were performing. Were there some performances that he could have done a little better with? Hard to say---some interesting text choices, but some of the sadness and a wistfulness of the play was lost. Still, I guess impressive on many levels and the audience seemed to enjoy it. After that it was a return to the apartment and one final event of the weekend---watching the movie by Christian Petzoid, part of his retrospective by the Linoln Center film society, the movie Pheonix. Wanted to see another aspect of his film making, about three minutes into the film I realized that I had actually seen this movie before--kind of disappointed by that but stayed anyway---was able to get a lot of sub text that I had not previously--so the time spend was worthwhile.
That is all for now, will report soon.
Saturday night, turned out to be very special. Went to the TEAM petri project at the ART space in Brooklyn. A beautiful two person show created by Jill F about her four (I think) years teaching special education children (mostly autistic) in the Brooklyn Public School system. Very deeply felt, also my friend Flaco added his own experiences. Jill is an amazing actress---so many good young actresses around---really hard to quantify, but somehow when Jill creates. time and space seem for me to disappear. The piece itself is very potent---I hope it has a life after this workshop, though where it fits is a bit of a mystery. So much that I understood and identified with in the piece, from the 14 or 15 times I worked with special ed kids in Manhattan and Brooklyn when I subbed for the DOE.
Afterwards we all headed across the street to Bar 7---a bar that I had passed several times in my wanderings in Brooklyn, had wanted to go in, but never did. But it was eas, since a group of us were going---it is really a nice space, and I had a really nice light beer--no television in the place, so if I go, will have to bring some reading material and hope for some good conversation from people nearbye, or even possibly some "adventure" there. But who knows when the next time will be. I had some great conversations about theater (and only theater) with friends Lucy, Christina, Jess, who directed the piece we saw, and several others. We talked deep into the night---I left the bar around 12:30, late for me, and headed west to Flatbush to pick up the 2 train at the Nevnins Street station. First time I traveled the subways this late at night in a long time---surprised that the subways were not very full, but more, how each car seemed to have at least one homeless person asleep on a bench. Really sad. Did get home okay though, around 1:30,
Sunday, saw the Friends winter play at the Vineyard, Twelfth Night---and even though I know it so well, and had just seen the remarkable production at the Delacourt a few months ago, really enjoyed just listening to the verse. Director Steve B created his usual excellent movement and placement for the students who were performing. Were there some performances that he could have done a little better with? Hard to say---some interesting text choices, but some of the sadness and a wistfulness of the play was lost. Still, I guess impressive on many levels and the audience seemed to enjoy it. After that it was a return to the apartment and one final event of the weekend---watching the movie by Christian Petzoid, part of his retrospective by the Linoln Center film society, the movie Pheonix. Wanted to see another aspect of his film making, about three minutes into the film I realized that I had actually seen this movie before--kind of disappointed by that but stayed anyway---was able to get a lot of sub text that I had not previously--so the time spend was worthwhile.
That is all for now, will report soon.
Saturday, December 8, 2018
A quick one for cityboy
who may not have much time left on the computer--and has been very busy since the last post. That night (thursday) did attend the reunion in Williamsburg. Nice to catch up with everyone---lots of good spirits and feelings among those who were there. Yesterday, after a long day at Friends, mustered up enough strength to go to the Friends varsity basketball game at the new Collegiate High School---Friends one, while the Collegiate cheering team in the stands, behaved boorishly. It was like something out of the 50's, when Ivy League and other schools were all boys.Interesting walk from the apartment to the school which is located far west on 61street. Projects on one side of West End---luxury doorman buildings on the other. That is the way it is in Ny these days.
Tonight, the project in Brooklyn, tomorrow, Twelfth Night at Friends and maybe the Russian and the Jew later in the day. Have to see this because my friend Emily is in it and one of the creators.Will report soon.
Tonight, the project in Brooklyn, tomorrow, Twelfth Night at Friends and maybe the Russian and the Jew later in the day. Have to see this because my friend Emily is in it and one of the creators.Will report soon.
Thursday, December 6, 2018
just found out...
that there will be a party of sorts at an Italian bar-restaurant in Williamsburg tonight---this is the anniversary of the opening of South Fourth--it has been organized by a former bartender-manager there, Mark, and though I don't have much more information about who will be there, I am hoping that a lot of my friends from South fourth, who I have not seen since the closing, will be there too,
Luckily, no work today at Friends, so I should be fresh enough to go.
Not much else to report---Tuesday night turned into a "rest" night--necessary for my full day in the library at Friends yesterday, and my session afterwards. Have spent the last three nights in the apartment---today should be a nice break.
Tomorrow, back at Friends and then possibly a basketball game against Collegiate which will be held not far from my apartment. Saturday brings my friend Jessie's theater project in the evening, and Sunday, the Friends production of Twelfth Night--looking forward to it. Possibly going to some projects in the saturday afternoon, sunday evening slot, and I would like to see one or more of Petzoid's films, now being shown at the Walter Reade in Lincoln Center.
Wow! That is the plan! Will report soon.
Luckily, no work today at Friends, so I should be fresh enough to go.
Not much else to report---Tuesday night turned into a "rest" night--necessary for my full day in the library at Friends yesterday, and my session afterwards. Have spent the last three nights in the apartment---today should be a nice break.
Tomorrow, back at Friends and then possibly a basketball game against Collegiate which will be held not far from my apartment. Saturday brings my friend Jessie's theater project in the evening, and Sunday, the Friends production of Twelfth Night--looking forward to it. Possibly going to some projects in the saturday afternoon, sunday evening slot, and I would like to see one or more of Petzoid's films, now being shown at the Walter Reade in Lincoln Center.
Wow! That is the plan! Will report soon.
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
never at rest....
cityboy-s mind, body, hard to say. No work today---a very hectic day yesterday, a program at Friends followed by a session on 145th street. After the session, retreated to the new Spanish bakery almost across the street from the library. There, as a form of congratulation for some hard work, gorged myself on a delicious but large piece of chocolate fudge cake with some really good coffee. Just about closed up my stomach for the rest of the night, which was spent at the apartment chilling out after the long day. Did not sleep well either, but got through it. Tomorrow a return to Friends, I will be in the library all day---the another session uptown. No work today---I both need the break, but also feel incredibly restless when the structure is gone. Tomorrow at Friends all day in the library. Kind of grueling, but I want to be there.
Saturday, it became too difficult to go to Flatbush for the activist meeting in the afternoon and then to Bushwick for the Starr anniversary show Instead, came home, rested, and had a revelation listening to Mefistofele the opera written by Arrigo Boito on the radio. Great singing, particularly from Angela Meade, singing Marguerite--I had heard the opera before---city opera did it in the sixties and seventies, with the great bass baritone, Norman Treigle. Surprised that I knew it that well. Still, excited by just hearing it; it is a much better opera then I thought---the music just rushed at me while I was at home.
That evening headed to the Starr for their anniversary program. I felt this could be a special day for me and I was right. Lots of people there that I knew, lots of good conversation---some friends whom I had not seen in a few years, very happy to see me. Just learned that my friend Frank and his wife Nyla, will be returning to NY after living a few years in Seattle.Great news! It will be fun to hang out with him. This party-performance was really a chance for me to rediscover my "theater self". Lots of very specific conversations. All good, was very happy when I left.
That night, alone in bed, figured out what the "reality" of the whole thing meant. Perhaps more will be revealed later.
The next day, Sunday, a nice day weather wise, returned to Bushwick to watch the first part of the Giant game at Cobra--Olivia, my bartender friend was happy to see me, but the bar was filled with very loud people, proclaiming their love of being smashed---not the best way to follow a football game. Left and went to the BAM area--but tired quickly---found myself returning to the apartment by 6, staying there into the night, preparing for the next day of work at Friends.
Tonight, will see how I feel around 5. I would like to go to La Flaca and see if my friend Bob, the owner is there, but will be determined by energy level. Lots of other choices as well---will report soon.
Saturday, it became too difficult to go to Flatbush for the activist meeting in the afternoon and then to Bushwick for the Starr anniversary show Instead, came home, rested, and had a revelation listening to Mefistofele the opera written by Arrigo Boito on the radio. Great singing, particularly from Angela Meade, singing Marguerite--I had heard the opera before---city opera did it in the sixties and seventies, with the great bass baritone, Norman Treigle. Surprised that I knew it that well. Still, excited by just hearing it; it is a much better opera then I thought---the music just rushed at me while I was at home.
That evening headed to the Starr for their anniversary program. I felt this could be a special day for me and I was right. Lots of people there that I knew, lots of good conversation---some friends whom I had not seen in a few years, very happy to see me. Just learned that my friend Frank and his wife Nyla, will be returning to NY after living a few years in Seattle.Great news! It will be fun to hang out with him. This party-performance was really a chance for me to rediscover my "theater self". Lots of very specific conversations. All good, was very happy when I left.
That night, alone in bed, figured out what the "reality" of the whole thing meant. Perhaps more will be revealed later.
The next day, Sunday, a nice day weather wise, returned to Bushwick to watch the first part of the Giant game at Cobra--Olivia, my bartender friend was happy to see me, but the bar was filled with very loud people, proclaiming their love of being smashed---not the best way to follow a football game. Left and went to the BAM area--but tired quickly---found myself returning to the apartment by 6, staying there into the night, preparing for the next day of work at Friends.
Tonight, will see how I feel around 5. I would like to go to La Flaca and see if my friend Bob, the owner is there, but will be determined by energy level. Lots of other choices as well---will report soon.
Saturday, December 1, 2018
so it was...
the movies, last night, and an amazing one at that! Transit, by Christian Petzoid, a German film maker who the film society of Lincoln Center is honoring with a retrospective of his work. Transit is a brutally intense film that takes place as the Germans are marching through France in the end of 1942. It centers on the frightening circumstances facing those who request a visa to leave on any ship going to South America, Mexico or the U.S. Cityboy was invaded by the frightening reality those people had to deal with, if they could get out at all. If not, I guess certain internment in one of the German camps.The central character is a young man--- who is caught in the middle of all this. The movie is beautifully filmed---I felt totally vulnerable while watching it--there is no happy ending at all--good people in the movie disappear. But for the first time in a long time, while I was watching a movie, I was completely involved.
Afterwards, the director of the film, Mr. Petzoid, spoke. He seemed like a very bright and friendly man----he is definitely a movie nut, at least that is what I got from hearing him speak. As I woke up this morning, I still felt vulnerable from the vision of the movie. Good move, cityboy! Afterwards, grabbed one pizza slice and went home---too tired to hang out at a bar.
Feeling really good today. This means that I probably will head to the Brooklyn Library on Linden Boulevard for the meeting to deal with the increasing displacement of people of color in the neighborhood.
After that, the Bushwick Starr program that I spoke of in yesterday's blog entry. Also, just ordered a ticket for What to do When it Goes down, the play at the A.R.T. theaters on 54th and tenth. Took some doing, apparently this is a play by a black playwright that really confronts its white audience. At least that is what I think? But from reading about it it seemed like an important play to see at this time, and two Saturday afternoons from now, seemed like the only time I knew I would be free. So I bought the ticket.
That is all for now, will report soon.
Afterwards, the director of the film, Mr. Petzoid, spoke. He seemed like a very bright and friendly man----he is definitely a movie nut, at least that is what I got from hearing him speak. As I woke up this morning, I still felt vulnerable from the vision of the movie. Good move, cityboy! Afterwards, grabbed one pizza slice and went home---too tired to hang out at a bar.
Feeling really good today. This means that I probably will head to the Brooklyn Library on Linden Boulevard for the meeting to deal with the increasing displacement of people of color in the neighborhood.
After that, the Bushwick Starr program that I spoke of in yesterday's blog entry. Also, just ordered a ticket for What to do When it Goes down, the play at the A.R.T. theaters on 54th and tenth. Took some doing, apparently this is a play by a black playwright that really confronts its white audience. At least that is what I think? But from reading about it it seemed like an important play to see at this time, and two Saturday afternoons from now, seemed like the only time I knew I would be free. So I bought the ticket.
That is all for now, will report soon.