The Voyage (by subway) Out

 So there I was, 3P.M., ready to go to Bushwick, not without some trepidation, thought maybe my stamina was too low, or whatever, but forced myself into going. Subway: 72nd street to 14th, then the long tunnel that connects 7th to 6th avenue, and then my "old friend" the L train to Halsey street, deep in the heart of Bushwick. The train moved very quickly through 14th street, then Williamsburg, then into Bushwick--I arrived just as the party for the Bushwick Starr's  new space was beginning. Nice greeting from Noel, one of the artistic directors who created the space, and Flako, an important member of the arts community connected with the theater. The theater is now just a shell, lots of construction work needs to be done, but hopefully they can turn the building into a great theater and community (that is very important to the theater) space as well.

I stayed for about an hour and a half, had a nice chat with an actress friend of mine, heard a good salsa band, and simply watched the scene. But what was missing? Somehow I had fantasized that many of my Indie theater friends, a very solid community would be there, but actually none showed up. Three years ago, at a party to celebrate the Starr's ten years at the old space, many friends whom I had made over the past ten years of experiencing Indie theater were there--lots of good conversation, warm energy--I had expected something similar yesterday, but it did not happen. So many "missing" people. So perhaps a gap has been created---it is after the pandemic and that group has gotten older--but I think in the end it will be a "whole new world". Bonds made pre pandemic will still exist, but there has been a breach---one will not be able to "go home again". So it was over. Rejoined the L train for my trip back to the apartment--read a good short story by John Updike on the trip home (he is great for trips like this) and got back to the west side, sooner then I expected.

In the apartment I felt relaxed and pleased that I had stuck to my vision of the day and made the trip. Some part of me longs for travel in the city, but at the same time, I am more relaxed in the apartment. Today, not sure if I will take a trip---may want to remain close to home and just relax---read and follow the four playoff games that are happening today. And yet I know I must see the Balanchine movie at the Film Forum--can I make the trip before it leaves on Thursday---we shall see...