this should be a day of rest. Two days of work at Friends, and some sessions afterwards, have left me kind of tired. Need a day to chill out. This should be it. Some work later, but now I can take my time. Can you do it? My mind is always frenetic. We will see.
Reading the latest time out, figured out there are several plays running that sound interesting: The Low Road, The Amateurs, Relevance, Is God Is, Platanov-the New Georges project at the Flea. Will I see any,---all of them? Who knows? It seems I am living totally in the moment at this point. Nothing is real until it happens And though all of the plays mentioned above sound interesting---I am not really compelled to see any of them. Maybe, in terms of theater, I am played out! Am I finding it easier to see movies, and think about them (example: The Silence at the Film Forum) What about just hanging out, as I did on Sunday evening. To become knowledgeable about the arts in a city like NY is important, but now I feel "over-knowledgeable" Well, we will see.
Just donated $10.00 to Equity for Flatbush, the organization that fights to protect tenants from what i like to call "predatory gentrification". Harassment of people of color, so that they will leave their apartments, not my thing. My ten dollar contribution makes me feel helpful.
Sunday was a strange day---got the offer to be at Friends early in the morning. Most of the day spent tracking down a book on Paul Robeson, by an enthusiast of his (who is white) named Jeff Sparrow. Kind of interesting. Finished Alice McDermott's novel The Ninth Hour, about a constricted neighborhood in Brooklyn, circa early 1900's (or maybe a little later) and the very strong role the Catholic Church played in the lives of its citizens. Very strong and powerful writing. The neighborhood seems to be what is now Cobble Hill, and of course, is very different. After picking up the Robeson book from the Jefferson Market Library (one of the few libraries that are open on Sunday) had the opportunity to go to a movie at the Quad (one directed by Ozon) but even as I was very close to the box office, decided against it. Why? I guess I just did not want to see a movie, Instead, opted to get on the train uptown at Sixth Avenue, then to the C and off at the 86 Street station. Why? I thought it might be interesting to wander south on Columbus between 86th and 79nth and just see what is there. And of course, this being NYC, there were lots of changes on the block. I noticed a lot of restaurants from different countries (Amsterdam Avenue, one block west, has all the bars) ---everything seemed kind of new. Really enjoyed just challenging myself to walk and observe a different block. When I left the station I walked up the stairs to 87 street and looked west. I remember when this street could have been classified as "dangerous", now it abounds in beautiful brownstones. Oh well, more walks are necessary.
Finally went to the Dive Bar on 96th street for some hummus---had a nice chat with one of the bartenders, and watched some basketball, The place was kind of quiet, which was nice. Was invited to "hang out" at another Dive Bar by a bartender who is at that one on Friday afternoons. Will I do it?
Stay tuned.
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Saturday mid afternoon...
Upset by a picture on facebook showing an unnecessary murder of a black man by a white policeman. Not much you can say...when will this injustice end? The whole thing is stark and ugly.
So, despite this, I will try to give a report on the two "cultural" voyages that I made on Friday.
First, at Film Forum the Bergman movie "The Silence", released in 64---seeing it now gives me far greater understanding of the film's strength: it is very deliberate, brilliantly shot, and knows exactly where it wants to go.Great performances (obviously). Still, it is at times static, and I my mind wandered a bit towards the end. Its content is like, the characters in the movie, self absorbed--you could leave the content but still admire the way the whole picture is shot and structured.
Glad that the Film Forum is doing this Bergman retrospective. I don't really know how many more of the films I will see---but when I left there was an incredibly long line stretching outside the theater for the 6:00 showing of Persona. I guess this festival is really popular. Great to know.
After that, managed to go to the JP Morgan library for mostly the Williams exhibit. It has gotten a lot of publicity, but in actuality it is fairly small. It covers about six of his plays in depth---letters, reviews, pictures, etc. but leaves out the late fifties, early sixties plays that were successful---Sweet Bird of Youth, The Night of the Iguana, and, ironically enough Williams' decision after the success of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, that he would have his next play presented off Broadway. It was the double bill called Garden District, which consisted of two one act plays, one called Something Unspoken, the other, Suddenly Last Summer, which has gained popularity as a movie and as a full length play. And although the exhibit goes from 1940 to 57 (the last of the plays that are talked about is Orpheus Descending) it eliminates Williams's and Kazan's Broadway "experiment", the play Camino Real, written and performed between the Rose Tattoo and Cat On a Hot Tin Roof. Disappointed, I wanted more, much more--it only took me about 25 minutes to pass through the whole exhibit. I left the museum shortly thereafter---too many people, looking at the exhibits.
It was early, and I was in need of a sugar fix. Somehow, I was not in a bar mood (if I was, there would have been plenty of choices) but made up my mind to walk from the Museum, which was on 36th and Madison, to the Greek Diner on 23rd near 7th (I know it because I sometimes go there after BAN meetings) because I desired (yes, that is the right word for it) a cheese danish. The walk down sixth avenue made me cross paths with many people, the city was moving quickly last night. The cheese danish was quite big---but it seemed to be just what I needed, and the coffee was suprisingly good.
Have just finished two sessions---a little tired, there is a party to celebrate the move of a flatbush bakery that I contributed to this evening---hope I have the energy to go. Will report soon.
So, despite this, I will try to give a report on the two "cultural" voyages that I made on Friday.
First, at Film Forum the Bergman movie "The Silence", released in 64---seeing it now gives me far greater understanding of the film's strength: it is very deliberate, brilliantly shot, and knows exactly where it wants to go.Great performances (obviously). Still, it is at times static, and I my mind wandered a bit towards the end. Its content is like, the characters in the movie, self absorbed--you could leave the content but still admire the way the whole picture is shot and structured.
Glad that the Film Forum is doing this Bergman retrospective. I don't really know how many more of the films I will see---but when I left there was an incredibly long line stretching outside the theater for the 6:00 showing of Persona. I guess this festival is really popular. Great to know.
After that, managed to go to the JP Morgan library for mostly the Williams exhibit. It has gotten a lot of publicity, but in actuality it is fairly small. It covers about six of his plays in depth---letters, reviews, pictures, etc. but leaves out the late fifties, early sixties plays that were successful---Sweet Bird of Youth, The Night of the Iguana, and, ironically enough Williams' decision after the success of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, that he would have his next play presented off Broadway. It was the double bill called Garden District, which consisted of two one act plays, one called Something Unspoken, the other, Suddenly Last Summer, which has gained popularity as a movie and as a full length play. And although the exhibit goes from 1940 to 57 (the last of the plays that are talked about is Orpheus Descending) it eliminates Williams's and Kazan's Broadway "experiment", the play Camino Real, written and performed between the Rose Tattoo and Cat On a Hot Tin Roof. Disappointed, I wanted more, much more--it only took me about 25 minutes to pass through the whole exhibit. I left the museum shortly thereafter---too many people, looking at the exhibits.
It was early, and I was in need of a sugar fix. Somehow, I was not in a bar mood (if I was, there would have been plenty of choices) but made up my mind to walk from the Museum, which was on 36th and Madison, to the Greek Diner on 23rd near 7th (I know it because I sometimes go there after BAN meetings) because I desired (yes, that is the right word for it) a cheese danish. The walk down sixth avenue made me cross paths with many people, the city was moving quickly last night. The cheese danish was quite big---but it seemed to be just what I needed, and the coffee was suprisingly good.
Have just finished two sessions---a little tired, there is a party to celebrate the move of a flatbush bakery that I contributed to this evening---hope I have the energy to go. Will report soon.
Friday, February 23, 2018
first week this year...
that I have not been called to work at Friends. Really strange. Of course, I did get a call, but lost the job because I was too late answering it, and this week had only three school days. Earlier this morning I received a call about a possible coverage for next week. We will see if it happens. Yes, not working for a whole week is a little weird---but I am handling it. Fortunately, all the work I did over the last few weeks has put me a little ahead financially, so not too much to worry about on that end. Well, let's see what happens,
Today is totally free. What is the plan? Major league baseball begins its exhibition season today---somewhat interesting, though I find exhibition games boring--very rarely watch them. Still, I am interested to see just what are the starting line ups for today. That is probably about all I will follow, maybe listen to an inning or two.
What I would like to do this afternoon, is to see The Silence---one of the Ingmar Bergman movies being shown at the Film Forum in his massive retrospective there. I have seen it once before---in the summer of 1964. It opened that summer to great fanfare---I remember feeling very outside of it as I watched it. It will be interesting to see now, at a much more mature age and with much greater depth how this movie comes at me.
Then it will be off to the Morgan Library for its free Friday, which will enable me go to the Tennessee Williams exhibit that is being shown there. I think it is really important that i see it---today seems like the best choice for checking it out. Some other exhibits seem interesting to me as well---may check them out when and if I am finished with the Williams one. Remember, cityboy, you saw the original productions of Sweet Bird of Youth; The Night of the Iguana, and The Milk Train Does Not Stop Here Anymore. Still remember the first two very well---really could not believe that I was sitting midway in the balcony of the Martin Beck Theater, watching Paul Newman and Geraldine Page performing Sweet Bird of Yourth.. Up to age 16, Williams was completely off limits to me, because of its subject matter; finally I was able to watch a play of his. A tremendous experience--Newman, who had the main role, really carried the play---Page and Rip Torn were excellent as well. Could tell you more about it but...anyway, anticipating the exhibit.
Yesterday, after a session at the library, went to the Arthur Mitchell exhibit at the newly built Columbia School of the Arts on far west 125street. Mr. Mitchell, who must now be in his late eighties, was there---I was able to shake his hand, and later ask him a question. great exhibit--many pictures of him performing in his signature roles in City Ballet: Agon; Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream (great ballet), and others. Also, a great interview on tape that he must have given in the late seventies, where he talked about his relationship to Balanchine and also his experiences dancing at Rikers Island. In these interviews, he is very fluid and funny. When he spoke, he seemed to stay on one level---but was interesting nevertheless. I think now we take for granted that the Dance Theater of Harlem is part of the establishment, but in 1968, after the murder of Dr. King, it was a very daring idea, and it just sprung from a vision, and a desire to do something. Glad I went to the exhibit.
That is all for now---have to get on to other things---will report soon.
Today is totally free. What is the plan? Major league baseball begins its exhibition season today---somewhat interesting, though I find exhibition games boring--very rarely watch them. Still, I am interested to see just what are the starting line ups for today. That is probably about all I will follow, maybe listen to an inning or two.
What I would like to do this afternoon, is to see The Silence---one of the Ingmar Bergman movies being shown at the Film Forum in his massive retrospective there. I have seen it once before---in the summer of 1964. It opened that summer to great fanfare---I remember feeling very outside of it as I watched it. It will be interesting to see now, at a much more mature age and with much greater depth how this movie comes at me.
Then it will be off to the Morgan Library for its free Friday, which will enable me go to the Tennessee Williams exhibit that is being shown there. I think it is really important that i see it---today seems like the best choice for checking it out. Some other exhibits seem interesting to me as well---may check them out when and if I am finished with the Williams one. Remember, cityboy, you saw the original productions of Sweet Bird of Youth; The Night of the Iguana, and The Milk Train Does Not Stop Here Anymore. Still remember the first two very well---really could not believe that I was sitting midway in the balcony of the Martin Beck Theater, watching Paul Newman and Geraldine Page performing Sweet Bird of Yourth.. Up to age 16, Williams was completely off limits to me, because of its subject matter; finally I was able to watch a play of his. A tremendous experience--Newman, who had the main role, really carried the play---Page and Rip Torn were excellent as well. Could tell you more about it but...anyway, anticipating the exhibit.
Yesterday, after a session at the library, went to the Arthur Mitchell exhibit at the newly built Columbia School of the Arts on far west 125street. Mr. Mitchell, who must now be in his late eighties, was there---I was able to shake his hand, and later ask him a question. great exhibit--many pictures of him performing in his signature roles in City Ballet: Agon; Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream (great ballet), and others. Also, a great interview on tape that he must have given in the late seventies, where he talked about his relationship to Balanchine and also his experiences dancing at Rikers Island. In these interviews, he is very fluid and funny. When he spoke, he seemed to stay on one level---but was interesting nevertheless. I think now we take for granted that the Dance Theater of Harlem is part of the establishment, but in 1968, after the murder of Dr. King, it was a very daring idea, and it just sprung from a vision, and a desire to do something. Glad I went to the exhibit.
That is all for now---have to get on to other things---will report soon.
Thursday, February 22, 2018
one win, one loss...
I guess that is the way it should be seen. When I attended the community board land use meeting yesterday evening, I of course, turned my phone down. But on my return from the meeting to the apartment, did not raise the volume, so when i was called to sub a few minutes into my return, I missed the message, and also the job. Ironic, during most of the day, I was checking the phone, every five minutes, at least, then finally when I became absorbed in an interview with an actor on WNYC, and did not check the phone, someone calls with a job. Amazing!
The community board meeting concerned a large apartment house that may be built on Amsterdam near 70 street. The community does not want it, and they are also watching another large possible building to replace the Home for the Blind on 66th street. In both cases, according to the speaker of the night, a city planner, the developer "finagled" a deal to get larger height. Afterwards, there was a chance to speak, and most of the west siders wanted neither building to go through, at least in it proposed form. No surprise. I wonder how many of these attendees are aware of what is happening in Brooklyn, or even know the story of "45 Rivington Street". The speaker, a very charming man, hinted, but did not come out say that the builders are ruthless in their desire to make this work, or that the current administration has solicited money from these very same builders, and for all of its "progressiveness" , the current city administration wants very much to please these developers. I was tired through most of the meeting and did not speak myself, but I am glad that I went---very educational on a certain level.
Not much else to report---a pretty easy day today--tonight maybe bronx doc, where they have an interesting documentary about black fatherhood. Have not been there, or to the Bronx for a while. Always find it interesting to move (not descend) into this very poor area where the center is. Still, always have an interesting time when I go there, conversation is usually very easy---may explore other alternatives as well---sometimes I feel I just want to go to a bar and talk to people, something I have not done in a long while. Well, we will see.
Also, I just found out there is an exhibit devoted to Arthur Mitchell, the pioneering black dancer who danced with City Ballet for many years. It is near where I will be this afternoon, Perhaps will check it out. We will see and report soon.
The community board meeting concerned a large apartment house that may be built on Amsterdam near 70 street. The community does not want it, and they are also watching another large possible building to replace the Home for the Blind on 66th street. In both cases, according to the speaker of the night, a city planner, the developer "finagled" a deal to get larger height. Afterwards, there was a chance to speak, and most of the west siders wanted neither building to go through, at least in it proposed form. No surprise. I wonder how many of these attendees are aware of what is happening in Brooklyn, or even know the story of "45 Rivington Street". The speaker, a very charming man, hinted, but did not come out say that the builders are ruthless in their desire to make this work, or that the current administration has solicited money from these very same builders, and for all of its "progressiveness" , the current city administration wants very much to please these developers. I was tired through most of the meeting and did not speak myself, but I am glad that I went---very educational on a certain level.
Not much else to report---a pretty easy day today--tonight maybe bronx doc, where they have an interesting documentary about black fatherhood. Have not been there, or to the Bronx for a while. Always find it interesting to move (not descend) into this very poor area where the center is. Still, always have an interesting time when I go there, conversation is usually very easy---may explore other alternatives as well---sometimes I feel I just want to go to a bar and talk to people, something I have not done in a long while. Well, we will see.
Also, I just found out there is an exhibit devoted to Arthur Mitchell, the pioneering black dancer who danced with City Ballet for many years. It is near where I will be this afternoon, Perhaps will check it out. We will see and report soon.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
not a lot to report...
apartment is being cleaned today. Actually did some scrubbing in my sink, which I never use, for the first time in what must be years. Pretty impressive.
Last night, returned home after three sessions, happy at what I accomplished but ultimately very tired, so I just stayed in. Not much else to say---I experienced the usual strengths and weaknesses of this strategy.
Today is also busy---not sure how much energy I will have left after a few sessions. But I just found out about a community board meeting near the apartment that will center on a large building being built near the library on Amsterdam and about 69th street. I should really go to that and show my support for my community members who feel that the building should not be allowed to be built at its current height--or the height desired by the builders. It is just part of the continuing drama which is being played out all over the city---where you have one group who worships power and money and is not concerned with any moral propriety---or any effect their moneyed desire has on less fortunate people.Can it be stopped? Will try to attend the meeting.
Not much else to report, so I will return to the blog soon, depending on whether I work or don't work.
Last night, returned home after three sessions, happy at what I accomplished but ultimately very tired, so I just stayed in. Not much else to say---I experienced the usual strengths and weaknesses of this strategy.
Today is also busy---not sure how much energy I will have left after a few sessions. But I just found out about a community board meeting near the apartment that will center on a large building being built near the library on Amsterdam and about 69th street. I should really go to that and show my support for my community members who feel that the building should not be allowed to be built at its current height--or the height desired by the builders. It is just part of the continuing drama which is being played out all over the city---where you have one group who worships power and money and is not concerned with any moral propriety---or any effect their moneyed desire has on less fortunate people.Can it be stopped? Will try to attend the meeting.
Not much else to report, so I will return to the blog soon, depending on whether I work or don't work.
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
so i did not get...
to see Pollock on Saturday evening. Too tired..instead opted for a Raul Ruiz movie at the Bunin. (more about this later). Now it seems like I might never see Pollock. Why? A strong review in the Times, now, at least on the web sit for Abrons, they are all sold out. A rediculously short run anyway. Now, if I want to see it, I have to get on a waiting list--not the greatest idea, but I might be able to give it a shot. After all, if I don't get in, I can always go somewhere else---metrograph---my new favorite movie theater is only a few blocks away. No big biggie. The rest of the weekend had its ups and downs---here is a summation:
Saturday night---decided to simply go down to the Bunin and see Vanishing Point, part of the Raul Ruiz retrospective that they were having. Made in the early sevenities---black and white---great camera angles, always interesting to look at, but basically about nothing. A man moves to a small island off Portugal to be alone. And that's about it. He interacts with several people---decent conversations, but not much else happens. A good movie to see if you are already tired (which I was). And at least I paid my dues to the Raul Ruiz retrospective.
Sunday, opted for only one movie: American Promise, a documentary about two black students who at age 5, are accepted at Dalton, the elite Private School on the upper East side. One comes from a middle class family, the other from what seems like a lower middle class family---the film charts the next 13 years of their life---as they move through the school---after the eighth grade, one of the boys drops out, the other stays and graduates. Both students live in Brooklyn, so it means a lot of traveling to get to Dalton. Lots of issues raised. When Sean, the boy who drops out, transfers to Benjamin Banneker high school in Brooklyn, the film documents his four years there in pretty strong detail; it is rewarding to see how hard and committed the public school teachers at this almost all minority school are---the Dalton faculty is well meaning, but kind of shadowy. The parents of the Dalton child, are totally invested in their son's success---so much so that in my opinion, they make too many demands of him while at school. Also of interest: when the documentary observes a high school Dalton class, the white kids seem totally blank or bored. As you can see, a lot of issues are brought up in this movie. A discussion followed afterwards, not great,but.....may recommend it to Jason, who runs the diversity program at Friends. Lots of things to discuss re this movie.
Yesterday---a BAN meeting in the evening--saw Buoys, a movie about the rebellious sculptor in the afternoon---it is a cold, withholding documentary, but I did find some interesting things about the guy.
One of the art teachers at Friends likes his work very much; I saw it to create a dialogue with this teacher---we will see what happens.
Very mild, today, not sure what the evening will bring, will report soon,,,
Saturday night---decided to simply go down to the Bunin and see Vanishing Point, part of the Raul Ruiz retrospective that they were having. Made in the early sevenities---black and white---great camera angles, always interesting to look at, but basically about nothing. A man moves to a small island off Portugal to be alone. And that's about it. He interacts with several people---decent conversations, but not much else happens. A good movie to see if you are already tired (which I was). And at least I paid my dues to the Raul Ruiz retrospective.
Sunday, opted for only one movie: American Promise, a documentary about two black students who at age 5, are accepted at Dalton, the elite Private School on the upper East side. One comes from a middle class family, the other from what seems like a lower middle class family---the film charts the next 13 years of their life---as they move through the school---after the eighth grade, one of the boys drops out, the other stays and graduates. Both students live in Brooklyn, so it means a lot of traveling to get to Dalton. Lots of issues raised. When Sean, the boy who drops out, transfers to Benjamin Banneker high school in Brooklyn, the film documents his four years there in pretty strong detail; it is rewarding to see how hard and committed the public school teachers at this almost all minority school are---the Dalton faculty is well meaning, but kind of shadowy. The parents of the Dalton child, are totally invested in their son's success---so much so that in my opinion, they make too many demands of him while at school. Also of interest: when the documentary observes a high school Dalton class, the white kids seem totally blank or bored. As you can see, a lot of issues are brought up in this movie. A discussion followed afterwards, not great,but.....may recommend it to Jason, who runs the diversity program at Friends. Lots of things to discuss re this movie.
Yesterday---a BAN meeting in the evening--saw Buoys, a movie about the rebellious sculptor in the afternoon---it is a cold, withholding documentary, but I did find some interesting things about the guy.
One of the art teachers at Friends likes his work very much; I saw it to create a dialogue with this teacher---we will see what happens.
Very mild, today, not sure what the evening will bring, will report soon,,,
Saturday, February 17, 2018
did not get to the
Morgan last night---too tired. Worked at Friends and had about four classes in a row. At home not much energy---today is different. Really free until Tuesday morning. Possibly Pollock tonight. Should try to see it; this might be my only chance. Will go down at the last minute and see if I can get in.
Thursday early evening. Caught the 7:00 showing of The Golden Circle. A really good and incisive movie about late thirty somethings, early 40 somethings living in "whitebread" Cobble Hill Brooklyn. Their composure, such as it is, is shook up when one of them, an archivist, hires a 25 year old Australian young woman as his assistant. Lots of strong scenes---really good camera work---the director's camera really loves all the women in the movie---interesting discussions about the strengths, versus the absence of intimacy. Always interesting--it is definitely much stronger than the director's earlier work: Listen Up Philip. But it is telling that the four principles, who live in what has become and is for them an all white neighborhood, all work in jobs---one an archivist, one a therapist (with only white patients) and a husband and wife who own and manage a sound studio---that don't make any demands on them to acknowledge a lower class or a world of people of color---the movie avoids any issues concerning race or poverty---and these are well educated white people. So it is a double edged sword: on one hand there is lots of force in this movie and it kept my interest throughout__on the other hand I was always aware of how insulated and disinterested in real issues these people were. Still, I loved going to Metrograph--may return there this weekend, depending on time concepts.
That is it, wanted to discuss the movie and I did. Will report soon.
Thursday early evening. Caught the 7:00 showing of The Golden Circle. A really good and incisive movie about late thirty somethings, early 40 somethings living in "whitebread" Cobble Hill Brooklyn. Their composure, such as it is, is shook up when one of them, an archivist, hires a 25 year old Australian young woman as his assistant. Lots of strong scenes---really good camera work---the director's camera really loves all the women in the movie---interesting discussions about the strengths, versus the absence of intimacy. Always interesting--it is definitely much stronger than the director's earlier work: Listen Up Philip. But it is telling that the four principles, who live in what has become and is for them an all white neighborhood, all work in jobs---one an archivist, one a therapist (with only white patients) and a husband and wife who own and manage a sound studio---that don't make any demands on them to acknowledge a lower class or a world of people of color---the movie avoids any issues concerning race or poverty---and these are well educated white people. So it is a double edged sword: on one hand there is lots of force in this movie and it kept my interest throughout__on the other hand I was always aware of how insulated and disinterested in real issues these people were. Still, I loved going to Metrograph--may return there this weekend, depending on time concepts.
That is it, wanted to discuss the movie and I did. Will report soon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)