Melinda's Top Ten Picks for Museum Exhibits for 2015

The following list of museum exhibits in New York City are listed in alphabetical order:

1.  Louis Armstrong Museum - Queens

2.  Alberto Burri - The Trauma of Painting @ the Guggenheim

3.  Sarah Charlesworth Photography @ the New Museum

4.  Jacqueline di Ribes - The Art of Style @ the MET

5.  Monir Famanfamains @ the Guggenheim

6.  Freedom Journey Photographs @ the National Historic Society

7.  Jacob Lawrence Migration Series @ the MoMA

8.  Pablo Picasso Sculptures @ the MoMA

9.  Jackson Pollack 1934-1953 @ the MoMA

10. Kehinde Wiley paintings @ the Brooklyn Art Museum

Melinda's Top Ten Theater Picks for 2015 (3 are from the London Stage)

The Broadway musical HAMILTON was not only my favorite show of 2015, it is the best show EVER!  This year's theater picks include 3 productions from the London.  The shows are in alphabetical order; although HAMILTON tops the list.

1.  An American in Paris

2.  Between Riverside and Crazy

3.  Constellations

4.  Farannelli and the King - London stage

5.  Fun Home

6.  HAMILTON

7.  Photograph 51 - London Stage

8.  Rasheeda Speaking

9.  Ripcord

10. The Father - London Stage

Melinda's Top Ten Movie Picks for 2015

Here are my picks in alphabetical order -  - No, I didn't see Star Wars or Jurasic Park and I don't intend to see either

1.  A Borrowed Identity - Israeli film

2.  Learning to Drive - Spanish Director

3. Me & Earl & the Dying Girl

4.  Phoenix - German film

5.  "71" - British film

6.  Spotlight

7.  Two Days One Night - French film

8.  Trainwreck

9.  The Big Short

10. Wild Tales - Argentinian film

The biggest surprise was CREED - the latest Rocky incarnation - I liked it.  Michael B Jordan is the actor to watch & Ryan Cougler is the director to watch.

The 2 older recommended videos are:

"The Way He Looked" - Brazilian film 2014 - coming of age story

"What We Do in the Shadows" - New Zealand film 2014 - vampire comedy

Brazilian Film "The Way He Looks" Looking for a Movie Rental-Look No Further

This lazily paced coming of age story set in Brazil (with English subtitles) is about two longtime friends in high school .  One of the friends is girl and other is boy.  And by the way, the boy has been blind since birth.  You clearly see how devoted they are to each other.  Both are likable, kindhearted people.  Their solid friendship gets shifted when a new boy joins their class.  The girl becomes odd man out.  She feels hurt & excluded.  The "friendship triangle" is sophisticated and sensitive.  This is more than can be said of the sophomoric behaviors of boorish teens who take pleasure in humiliating their blind classmate.  The leisurely pacing permits an in-depth look at the bonds of friendship & family.  It's also a sexual awakening and coming of age film that resonates on multiple, complex levels.  "The Way He Looks" (2014) is an endearing & inspiring film.  I give this thumbs up!  

Latest Rocky Incarnation CREED Goes the Distance with Michael B Jordan

Tah tah tah tah (and so on up the stairs)…we've shadowed these fighter film fantasy films before and usually they leave me out cold.  Surprisingly, there was some heat and heft to CREED, mainly due to lead Michael B Jordan as the young boxer (Adonis Creed.)  Adonis "Don" pleads with Rocky (another round with Sylvester Stallone.)  Rocky no longer does that kind of thing.  Until, Don convinces him to take him on as his protege.  Long may the Rocky legacy prosper and the force be with it.  There were several sentimental sojourns: abandoned foster child, rescued & loved foster child, musical love interest going deaf and Rocky fighting/refusing to fight cancer.  Blah blah blah blah…feeling the picture now?  Still, Stallone puts out a nuanced performance which is touching.  Tessa Thompson is the singer girlfriend losing her hearing.  Don asks her how she deals with it, "We do what we can for as long as we can."  Rocky pays a cemetery visit to his beloved "Yo" Adriane and his ole pal Paulie.  As long as they can keep pumping blood into this franchise, it will continue to forge its legacy.  CREED gives credit to the Rocky reincarnations directed by Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station.)   It doesn't pack any knock out punches but it does go the distance.  I'd gladly spar with star Michael B Jordan (lead actor in   Fruitvale.)  Keep an eye open for movies with heavy weights Michael B Jordan & Ryan Coogler.

Richard Brookhiser Lecture "James Madison: Father of the Constitution"

Richard Brookhiser, author of the James Madison biography (2013) spoke at the NY Historic Soc on Wed purported to discussion his contribution to the construction of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.  Brookhiser is a historian, journalist, biographer and Sr. Editor of the Nat'l Review.  Pres George W Bush awarded him the Nat'l Humanitarian Medal in 2008.  I was looking forward to a stimulating talk on Adams' significant role in drafting the Bill of Rights at the Continental Congress in 1789.  I was disappointed by an arcane lecture that rambled through history starting with the Magna Carter.  Adams' role in arguing to establish a Bill of Rights was not made clear.  Consider that the Bill of Rights were amended to the Constitution more than a decade after the original signing.  Brookhiser mentioned that Adams was reluctant to argue for the Bill of Rights & needed prodding from Jefferson & Hamilton.  Hmmm…. I was intrigued but disgruntled that forthcoming knowledge Adams' at reluctance & what exactly were his major contributions.  The points Brookhiser emphasized pertained to warrants, trial by peers and the disavowal of double jeopardy.  However I found the lecture confusing, rambling & dull.  (Although more exciting than the majority of seniors sleeping through the talk.)  The Q&A was inane & gratuitous, except for a question pertaining to the 2nd Amendment which was pushed aside.  Jon Meacham recently spoke on Pres G W Bush, facilitated by David Rubinstein it was fascinating.  I look forward to hearing Bryan Stevenson speak in February.  But, I'm going to think twice before purchasing another $38 ticket in the series of American History at the NY Historic Society.  And, I'm not buying Brookhiser's book on Adams.

Rachel Whiteread Show in Chelsea "Looking In"

Rachel Whiteread (b. Britain 1963) is the 1st woman to have been awarded the Turner Prize (1993.)  Her exhibit at the Luhring Augustine gallery in Chelsea has a ghostly, ephemeral quality.  She takes banal construction materials such as bricks or mundane architectural features such as shades or doors and cast them in resin.  The gesture makes you confront tangible objects & structures with an enlightened perspective.  Do these objects signify coming or going?  Do they serve to access a space or or establish a citadel?  More importantly, you consider the intangible and invisible space that are surrounded by or separated by these objects.  Whitehead used a serene palette that illuminates the objects in a beautiful light.  Much like an insect imbedded in an amber resin or a "snow globe," space comes into consideration.  The impact of her work made me think of trying to capture fleeting time.  We know things are constantly changing around despite a desire for maintaining permanence; change is imminent whether we choose to pay attention or not.  The artists' intent may not have been to make the viewer  wake up and smell the coffee, and then again, she might.

Julliard New Dances: Edition 2015

The dance program at Julliard provides the all students the opportunity to work directly with professional choreographers.  The premier pieces were created specifically for (and with) the Julliard students.  The four choreographers are assigned to work with one class year/level.  The only stipulation is that the work include every student.  The 4 new works presented began with the class 2019 and proceeded to the class of 2016.  The int'l and highly acclaimed choreographers (in order of the performances) were:  Helen Simoneau, Aszure Barton, Zvi Gortheiner and Kyle Abraham.  Simoneau used an original score for "Strange Garden" performed live.  Barton's piece was accompanied by a pianist playing music by Caroline Shaw and Chopin in "Return to Patience." The dancers wore  identical, loose white costumes.  The piece had a soft, dreamlike aesthetic.  The final 2 choreographed works by Gotheiner and Abraham were both charged with dymanic energy and highlighted the atheleticism of the dancers.  Gotheiner's work was my favorite piece. It had whimsy, humor and interesting arcs to the dancing.  The dancers entire bodies were infused with movement.  Abraham's "Non Sequitur Paramour" was the only somber piece.  The lighting design made it appear as if the dancers mystically appeared.  This was a very exciting evening dance.  The student's benefited from professional collaborations and the audience had the delight to watch talented emerging dancers.  

NY Historic Soc Silicon City: Starting in NY

Way back when dinosours roamed…well, slightly later, but it seems archaic to imagine the time before iPhones, personal computers and technology factored in our daily lives.  It's fair to assume that millenials consider technology today as banal & mundane since they have been enmeshed with advanced technology since birth. The pertinent question is what led to technological inception. Motivation is the key to advancement which stems from need & problem solving.  Edison & Fleming developed the light bulb trying to provide incandescent, accessible light.  They developed vacum tubes which are incorporated into every computer. Samuel Morse (1838) frustated at the delay in receiving news of his wife's death, devloped the telegraph; an electromagnetic means of sending digital messages to transmit information instantaneously.  Herman Hollreith (1890) incorporated electromagnetic transmission with punch cards to make accounting and summarizing information more efficient. The imprint from this historic walk through technological advancements is while no specific invention from the 19th C led directly to today's computers, it's imperative to note technology is built on incremental innovations.  The school group I mingled with were more interested in their iphones than tuning in.  They were not duly impressed with much, including images from the 1964 World's Fair that seemed startling & proved prescient.  The Telstar 1 model did spark more interest.  Instead of transmitting signals under the ocean floor, information was first being sent skyward (1961) & transmitted back; "kindah like the cloud."  I empathized somewhat with a lack of enthusiam from students who viewed the exhibit as quaint.  The relics were all reproductions; authentic items would have caused more of a stir.  I too felt like a relic.      

MET's Costume Instit-France's Queen of Fashion, Jacqueline de Ribes The Art of Style

At the entrance to this jewel of exhibit is the iconic photo of Jacqueline de Ribes (JdR) taken by Avedon in 1955.  It is a black/white head shot shown in profile with her raven, plaited hair in a long braid falling down her neck.  The photo is of an arresting & unforgettable beauty.  Ironically, JdR never understood the fuss surrounding this photo.  "Why do people like this picture so much?  I don't feel myself beautiful.  At that time I was not so secure."  This exhibit features 50+ haute couture gowns & outfits starting in the early 1960's - to the 21st C is an exuberant testament to living life large. The videos & photos show her amidst the swirl of celebrities and galas.  She is the vortex of glamour & excitement swirling around her. The artistry found from the combined designs, fabrics, structures & accessories is incredible. The jeweled earrings add extra sparkle.  But, what makes this fashion show of Parisian elegance so spectacular, is JdR's flair & panache. Her indomitable style has dubbed her the "Queen of Couture."  Her timeless fashions also reflected major trends of different epochs: the colorful mod look of the 60's, the boho rock chic of the 70's and the elaborate detailing & lace of the belle epoque era.  She has remained a permanent fixture on the best dressed list since 1962.  In 1983, Town & Country named her the most stylish woman in the world.  And, she has been named to the Int'l Best Dressed List Hall of Fame.  What a dame! Despite her early misgivings, her confidence & je ne sais quoi are something special to behold.

Julliard Drama's "As Five Years Pass" by Spanish Playwright/Poet F.G. Lorca

The final Julliard Drama production was "As Five Years Pass" by Spanish playwright/poet Federico Garcia Lorca.  Lorca (b. Spain 1898-1936) writing was on the forefront of surrealism & futurism.  His plays are both beautifully poetic and disturbingly absurd.  The play's themes deal with unrequitted love and impending death.  Lorca's complex pros spoke to embracing hope, love & the preciousness of life itself.  This was an ambitious production that felt mockingly absurd and irritating.  The opening tempest had a motley cast perform a bizarre choreography not unlike "Rocky Horror Picture Show."  Strange characters came and went with little semblance to rhyme or reason.  Perhaps, the best way to enjoy the performance was to embrace the eerie dreamlike quality to prevail.  The interesting art direction provided a surreal aesthetic.  But, the play was precocious and disquieting.  The students ardent performances were admirable but unremarkable, except for Justin Cunningham as the Old Man.  His presence served as an admirable anchor to a rambling of nonsense amidst intermittemt exquisite prose.  I appreciated the students' interpretion of Lorca's work but I did not enjoy it.  Lorca was executed by Spanish Nationalists at the start of the Spanish Civil War for his Marxists views and sexual orientation.  This serious undertaking felt awash with flotsam and jetsam leftover from a storm.  

The Play DADA WOOF PAPA HOT-Gay Marriage Today

DADA WOOF PAPA HOT is the title of the playwright, TV producer, Peter Parnell ("QED" & "The West Wing.")  The title refers to the 1st 4 words spoken by the daughter of an "older" married, gay couple, Rob and Alan. Alan is a journalist struggling to write about about life for gays in the 1980's but is constantly sidetracked by his daily life.  Parnell makes the arguement that life in the 1980's represented the AIDS epidemic, homophobia, rampant sexual exploits and discrimination.  The present liberation of gay rights in the 21st C, including the right to legally wed and adopt children brings its own set of problems.  The play is a paradigm of marriage equality.  All committed couples, be they hetero/gay contend with similar issues:  infidelity, trust, parenting and feeling loved.   This comedy is thankfully a far cry from the brilliant play "The Normal Heart," which poignantly addressed serious crises for gays in the 1980's.   John Hickey (Tony winner for "The Normal Heart") is the central character experiencing crises that are "the new normal."  Alan & Rob, the central couple navigate the bonds of family, commitment and parenthood.  Their relationship mirrors that of their other couples also manuvering the ups and downs of marriage. The intelligent cast, clever staging and insightful writing made for a delightful play about universal themes of love

"Invisible Thread" Auto-bio Musical of Volunteer Work in Uganda

The overly ambitious and self-indulgent musical "Invisible Thread" is based on the playwrights' experiences volunteering in Uganda.  Griffin Matthews co-wrote and stars as himself.  For reasons that are not quite clear (ostracism from his church as a gay man, need for fulfillment?)  he travels to Uganda to volunteer.  He leaves Queens & his Jewish partner, an aspiring musical composer, for Uganda where he finds frustrations and purpose; tutoring young teens.  The staging is overwrought with visual stimulation.  The talented musicians are situated above the stage.  Unfortunately, the only memorable number is "Invisible Thread."  The earnest actors have lovely singing voices with the exception of Matthews who pales in comparison.  The choreography feels strained.  The idea of turning his experiences from Uganda into a play is enticing but there are too many storylines and themes that made the production feel pulled at the seams: attitudes towards gays, fraudulence, oppression, sister/brother relationship, a love triangle, exploitation and leading a purposeful life, to cull but a few.   The messages kept zipping over my head.  "Invisible Thread" was somewhat entertaining but it just didn't hold together.

THE BIG SHORT-BullShit in Banking and Bonds Sales Leads to Major Financial Crisis

THE BIG SHORT is a film about the economic crash in the late 1970's caused by massive financial fraud & greed by major investment banking firms.  And, while millions lost their homes & savings, individual avarice and naivety are also to blame.  How then did the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression occur?  An excellent esoteric question that is answered in entertaining layman terms by blue chip actors and a solid gold supporting cast.  Of course, therein lies the enigma.  Can a movie of such disasterous and droll dynamics be educating & engaging?  Yes. The film is based on the book by best selling NonF writer Michael Lewis and directed with intensity & humor by Adam McKay (headwriter at SNL.)  Still, we feel a guilty pleasure watching the fast paced film knowing the calamitous fallout for so many.  We follow the few clever outsiders who discerned what others chose to disregard (and as a result, benefitted financially.)  The movie breaks down in simple terms (with some sexy cameos) how the banking bond business, tied to enticing, accessible mortgages was built on a house of cards.  In hindsight, how was it that only a handful were astute & asking the right questions?  The fraudulence and stupidity is audacious.  The superb ensemble cast portraying the actual players is led by Steve Carrell, Ryan Gosling, Christian Bale & Brad Pitt.  "Corrupton, embezzlement, fraud, these are all characteristics which exist everywhere.  What successful economies do is keep it to a minimum." (A Greenspan)

CAROL stars Cate Blanchette & Rooney Mara Lesbian Love Affair in the1950's

The film CAROL is based on the novel "The Price of Salt" by Patricia Highsmith published in 1952.  The story deals with the oppressive views of lesbians considered deviant.  Highsmith wrote about her former lover, a socialite who lost her child in a custody battle based on illicit recordings of her lesbian affair.  Thankfully, the need to shield one's sexual orientation for fear of draconian repercussions in our country is a far cry from the 1950's.  Sadly, this is not the universal norm.  CAROL serves as a poignant time capsule of the 1950's when innocence was not "happy days" for gays.  Carol (Cate Blanchette) is the wealthy, sophisticated socialite who avidly pursues Therese, a young sales girl played by Rooney Mara (The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo.)  Blanchette is perfect as the cool socialite with a secret life.  Not secret to her vindictive, soon to be ex, Kyle Chandler ("Friday Night Lights.")  Mara (reminiscent of a young Audrey Hepburn) is credible as the smitten and submissive love interest.  The rapid attachment between the incongruous pair is somehow convincing.  Therese's sexual awakening & self-discovery are revelatory. Blanchette deserves praise for her portrayal of a woman fighting to live her full true life. The movie has an authentic 50's look.  Dir Todd Haynes is revisiting similar subject matter as in his earlier film "Far From Heaven." Dennis Quaid played a 1950's husband whose homosexuality is considered a mental illness requiring psychiatric treatment to absolve his sexual proclivity.  Both serve as significant period pieces that address the demand for tolerance. CAROL is also a beautiful, artsy love story between two fascinating women.  

BROOKLYN - A Blarney Tale of an Irish Lass' Immigration

BROOKLYN is based on the book by Irish author Colm Toibin.  It's the story of Eilis, an Irish girl who immigrates to America in 1947 with dreams of a better life.  Eilis is the younger sister.  Both are living at home with their widowed mother. Eilis is being sponsored by an Irish/Amer priest in the States through the finagling of her big sister.  Life in provincial Ireland holds little promise while the opportunities awaiting a life in America seem boundless.  Eilis played by Saoirse Ronan (Atonement, Lovely Bones) is played with placable innocence.  We see her take root and develop a fondness for her newly established life.  Her homesickness wans as her confidence and affection grow for a young man of Italian immigrants.  Under the solid direction of Irish dir John Crowley, we see through Eilis' keen eyes with wonderment and savvy.  The plot turns back to Ireland at the unexpected death of her beloved sister.  The universal themes of assimilation and finding one's place in the world are touching and meaningful.  There's humor & heart to be found with Eilis' adapting & growing sophistication.  The lucky, charming casting includes Jim Broadbent as her priest/benefactor and Domhnall Gleeson (Ex Machina, About Time) as a love interest upon a return to Ireland.  "Home is home," or where the heart lies.  The film is beautifully shot on both sides of the Atlantic.  This is a yarn overflowing with heartfelt emotions.  

Alvin Ailey's "CRY" is an Enduring Work of Art

Last night's program of the Alvin Ailey Amer Dance Theater was an all Ailey program:  MEMORIA ('79) LOVE SONGS ('72) CRY ('71) and REVELATIONS ('60.)  The works were all choreographed by Mr Ailey beginning in 1960 with REVELATIONS.  They comprise timeless classics that will endure the test of time as great works of art.  As an unabashed "Aileyophile," it was ironic I was only seeing CRY performed for the first time.  Danced by the incomparable Linda Celeste Sims I was moved beyond words by the power and grace she brought to the piece.  I felt every ounce of angst emoted through her movements.  The dance is a triptych segmented with music by Alice Coltrane, Laura Nyro and Chuck Griffin.  Sims's dancing to Coltrane was a mournful elegy of hopeless abyss.  In all 3 movements, Sims' nimbleness and mercurial shifts evoked intense despair and an irrepressible spirit.  CRY brought me to tears and the audience to a rousing ovation.  If tickets are still available for Ailey performances, try to see this phenomenal company in its home at City Center.  When Linda Celeste Sims who joined the Company in 1996 retires, it will be a crying shame.

Jackson Pollock: 1934-54 at MoMA a MUST SEE

The exhibition of Jackson Pollock's works at the MoMA is must see for many reasons.  First, all the work on display is culled from the MoMA's collection. The work spans the early 30's through the time period shortly before his death in 1956 caused by his drunk driving that took the life of  a young female and seriously injuring another woman.  Pollack was known as a hostile drunk and suffered from paranoia & depression. Accordingly, "Every good painter paints what he is."  Pollack was influenced by psychoanalyst Carl Jung whereupon he drew a connection between colors & shapes powers to evoke one's emotions. The vast majority of the works express a chaotic frenzy.  It's fair to conjecture Pollack's compositions emanated from a disturbed mind or one rarely at ease.  "The modern artist is working with space & time & expressing his feelings."  It's exciting to observe the evolutions in Pollacks' techniques, styles & psyche. Works from the 30's & 40's are loosely figurative.  The painting Untitled (1938-41) shows a fallen figure at the bottom of the painting beneath a carnage of skeletal remains.  Picasso had a major impact on Pollack. Note: "Mask" (1939.)  This sparked a major turning point in Pollacks' career.  "Stenographic Figure" followed in 1942 & was lauded by Mondrian when 1st shown by his major patron, Peggy Guggenheim.  In 1943, Pollack's "She Wolf" was presented in his 1st solo exhibition.  This striking painting is considered a bridge to his landmark drip paintings.  Still figuratively abstract, Pollack experimented with heavy layering of paints, found objects, meandering lines and splatters of paints.  Arguably one of his great masterpieces "One: Number 31" (1950) is one of his largest canvases.  This highlights Pollack's innovative genius.  "Each one finds his own techniques."  The collection includes lesser known engravings, lithographs and drawings.  Shortly before his tragic death, Pollack had a renewed interest in painting with brush strokes. "Easter and the Totem" (1954) is reflective of Matisse's aesthetic style.  MoMA has Pollack's last known completed painting "White Light" (1954) which in and of itself is worth seeing.

Ford Fdtn: Reimaginng Justice in the 21st C with Eric Holder & Carl Lewis

I was privilleged to amongst the guests present to hear a distinguished panel of guests at the Ford Fdtn address the issues of social justice in the 21st C, what has brought us here and what we can do to combat injustice and complacency.  The program was being broadcast live and is available for viewing.  Darren Walker, Pres of the Ford Fdtn welcomed everyone  and was forthright in comments:  "We cannont afford to disconnect injustices rooted in race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, or religion.  We must build bridges between efforts to fight for equality and human dignity."  Eric Holder, former US Atty Gen. was interviewed by Ari Berman, journalist for "The Nation" and author of "Give Us the Ballot."  The honorable Congressman John Lewis was also present.  Mr Holder paid homage to Mr Lewis.  Both distinguished guests pressed upon the necessity to "make noise and be disruptive."  It's imperative to note the Voting Rights Act (VRA) passed in 1965, a major turning point in the civil rights movement is now contending with restrictions contravening voters' liberties.  Between 2001-13, 180 restrictions were issued to section 5 of the VRA resulting in increased gerrymandering, identification requirements and reassigned polling locations.  Mr Holder allows progress has been achieved and owing a great deal to individuals like Cong Lewis who were subjected to brutality in response to peaceful civil rights protests.  Mr Holder conceded to a galvanized backlash resulting from Obama's presidency & his appointment as US Atty Gen.  Holder addressed the need to reform sentencing for non-violent drug offenders and his dismay with the mass incarceration of men of color and its destructive impact.   Holder advocated for drug rehabilitation and employment opportunities.  He stated movements need to establish concrete demands.  Mr Holder called us "a nation of cowards for not discussing race." "Our changing demographics is our strength.  We are not a homogenous nation."  How shall we combine our diverse voices in the pursuit of equality for all?  In part, by embracing our diversities, voting, battling complacency & injustice and making lots of noise.        

Alvin Ailey Performs Wheeldon's "After the Rain Pas De Deux" at City Ctr

Christopher Wheeldon (b. Britain 1973) began his career as a dancer with the Royal Ballet in London.  From there, he danced with NYC Ballet and choreographed works for their company, SF Ballet and various other dance companies.  This year, he received the Tony Award for directing "An American in Paris."  His talents appear boundless and I applaud his creative artistry.  "After the Rain…" was originally choreographed for the NYC Ballet Co where it premiered in 2005.  Ailey first performed this  work last year. Ailey dancers Jamar Roberts & Akua Noni Parker gave a transcendent interpretation.  Their dancing had an ephemeral grace that was softly stunning.  Wheeldon choreographed his piece to the classical composition by Arvo Part (b. Estonia 1935.)   Known for their incomparable athletic grace, Ailey demonstrated their mastery for a broad range of techniques; ballet as well as modern.  It's just as well I didn't see NYC Ballet perform the piece before, because now "After the Rain…" is hard to imagine danced any lovelier than it looked tonight.  

Ron Brown's "Open Door" Premiers with Alvin Ailey Co.

Ronald K Brown, renown dancer, choreographer & artistic dir of EVIDENCE Dance Co premiered his 6th work designed for Alvin Ailey Dance Theater.  His 1st work for Ailey, "Grace" is a masterpiece of dance & artistry.  His newest creation, "Open Door" pushes the bar higher in terms of excellence and creativity.  "Open Door" left me with my mouth hanging open in awe.  The piece which starts with modulated movement of elegance and artistry performed by Linda Celeste Sims.  "Heaven must be missing an angel because she's here with us right now." Sims is a celestial dancer who also keeps developing as an artist and delivers majesty with every phrase.  The veteran Ailey dancer, Matthew Rushing partnered regally with Ms Sims.  The other marvelous Ailey dancers joined with growing excitement to the Afro-Carribean dancing with contemporary Latin flair.   The women's flowing skirts added an element of sass. Brown is one of today's dance choreographic geniuses.  His work combined with the indomitable talents of the Ailey Co will perpetrate Ailey's enduring legacy.  How fortunate to avail yourself of Brown's new piece "Open Door" while it is being presented for the first time.  

Gallim Dance Presents World Premier "Whale" at the Joyce

"Whale" is a mammoth piece performed into 2 parts.  Thankfully, this allowed needed air to vent its blowhole.  The curtain rose on 7 dancers prone singing the lyrices to Nat King Cole's "L-O-V-E" rolling helter skelter.  The piece is awash in a heavy handed interpretation of "Love is more than just a game for two."  The dancers engage in frenetic, sexual entanglements.  The choreography by Andrea Miller (2014 Guggenheim Fellowship Award) was aerobatic & combative.  At times, the aggressive feats were astounding.  (I feared feet striking dancers' faces.)   The overt sexuality was more bombastic than sensual.  The dancers bared their all admirably.  The focus centered around a male/female couple. Their torrid liaison ended with the male plying for love only to be coldly rebuffed.  The nudity was not purely gratuitous.  There were interesting partnerings &  structural formations.  I felt the poignancy of grief at the end of the 1st half.  A nude male dancer tried making his ephemeral presence felt by 3 mourners already losing his grasp.  Still, the male dancer refused to go gently into the night.  The 2nd half evoked an underwater aesthetic with turgid, aquatic movements.  The trancelike moments were an interesting juxtoposition to the intense energy.  The dancers efforts became directed at budging the implacable spurned lover.  The fickle female has a change of heart.  She ensnares her ex-lover by ingratiating herself unabashedly & relentlessly. As they say, 2 in love can make it.  The ensemble's jubilant celebration aroused another singing of "L-O-V-E" danced au natural.  There were moments that anyone would adore.  But,"Whale" was drowned down and my heart just couldn't take it.    

TURKISH Film "Mustang" Musters Top Prize at Sarajevo Film Festival

The Turkish film "Mustang" is no joy ride.  It is a contemporary film based on a real family of 5 sisters living in N. Turkey who are sexually abused by their uncle, imprisoned within the home & forced into arranged marriages at early ages.  This is a difficult and uncomfortable depiction of female oppression that persists today.  The tight-knit sisters are young school girls whose offense is frolicking with boys.  Their behaviors are deemed so anathema to social norms they're forced to be examined by a doctor to verify their virginity to clarify them suitable for marriage.  The liberties taken for granted by the majority of women are not granted equally around the globe.  The gossip of their playful contact with boys brings the wrath of both their grandmother & their uncle.  They have been raising the orphaned sisters for the past 10 years.  The girl's are beaten, banished from school and forced into early and unwanted marriages.  The "righteous & virtuous" uncle does not condemn his raping his own nieces.  Still, there are commendable aspects to this debut film from Turkish/French dir. Deniz Erguven.  Foremost is the loving bond amongst the sisters. The film also captures the stirrings of sexual awakenings.  And, despite the dreadful & oppressive lives these young women face, the 2 youngest sisters demonstrate courage & resourcefulness indicative of a changing world with better opportunities for females.  I strongly recommend the S. Arabian film "Wadjda" to "Mustang" and both are more impactful than the Ethiopian film "Difret."  But, I commend all these films for addressing women's inequality and persecution.  

ALLEGIANCE with Lea Salonga and George Takei

The new Broadway musical ALLEGIANCE is an overly ambitious play about our shameful, immoral treatment of Japanese Americans following the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the outbreak of WWII.  The disgraceful treatment of more than 100,000 American citizens of Japanese heritage has not received adequate acknowledgement nor have the families received appropriate compensation.  To criticize this production for being melodramatic or for its unforgettable musical numbers does not do justice to the historic signifigance of these events.  ALLEGIANCE does have a first rate cast starring Lea Salonga, Telley Leung and George Takei (yes, Mr. Sulu.)  Yes, Takei and his family were disgracefully interned during WWII.  His personal accounts inspired the collaborative writers and comoposer who have created a palatable platform for recounting an ugly segment of history that has been suppressed.  Broadway is becoming the medium for educating the public of its history.  ALLEGIANCE serves as historical storytelling of importance and to subjugate the play to theatrical shortcomings is disloyal.

Aishah Rahman's "The Mojo and the Sayso" at Fordham Theater

The Fordham theater students selected a very prescient, tour-de-force play "The Mojo and the Sayso" by African Amer playwright, Aishah Rahman (b. Harlem 1936-2014.)  Although I'd prefer not to use any label outside of nationality, it's imperative to denote Ms. Rahman as an African Amer writer.  Born in Harlem in 1936, Rahman was raised as a foster child.  She graduated from Howard & Goddard Univ and was a Prof. of Literary Arts at Brown University.  During the 1960's, Rahman wa active in the Black Arts Movement.  Her writing content blazens with corrosive social commentary.  Her writing style infuses a "jazz aesthetic" that penetrates the listener and maintains its hold.  Written in 1988, "The Mojo and the Sayso" is prescient of today's racial upheaval.  An African Amer couple has just received a large payout for the "wrongful death" of their 10 yr. old son Linus on the 3rd anniv. of his passing.  Linus was shot in the back as he & his father (both unarmed) were fleeing from officers.  The wife has turned for solace to the church and the husband puts all his energy into building a car.  Their older son, Blood, is a deeply troubled & volatile.   His parents fear for their safety around Blood as well as for his  welfare.  Police shootings of men of color and their vindications is at the wrenching heart of this play along with the collateral fallout to victim's families.  "How much money is a boy's life worth?" asks his griefing mother.  Religious fanaticisim & fraudulent church leaders are also lambasted in this tour-de-force play.  The student's production is remarkable.  The acting and staging was superb.  I was  transfixed and deeply stirred by "The Mojo and the Sayso."  I chuckled at actor Josh Fulton's program shout out "to the splendiferous cast & anybody else that had anything to do with the making of this production. No thanks to Elizabeth Kline."      

MTA Poetry: "What Do You Belive a Poem Shd Do?" REALLY?

MTA Poetry in Motion has always been cause for reflection.  However, Ntozake Shange (b. Amer 1969) poem "What Do You Believe a Poem Shd Do?" made me ask, Really - is this for real?  Here's the deal, if you have to explain the joke it's not funny.  If you have to explain how to respond to a poetry, what's the point?  Shange is a highly regarded poet, playwright & author.  She's a self-proclaimed black, feminist and this is all well & good.  Except, I'd like to note my own responses to poetry thank you and not have them spoonfed in didactic prose.  

       What do You Believe a Poem Shd Do?

quite simply a poem shd fill you up with something/
cd make you swoon, stop in yr tracks, change yr mind, or make it up.
a poem shd happen to you like cold water or a kiss.

This feels like a glass of cold water tossed in my face.

MTA Poetry "Lady Liberty" by Palestinian Poet, Playwright Nathalie Handal

MTA's Poetry in Motion which serendipitously appear on subway posters.  I just spotted a very lovely poem "Lady Liberty" written by Nathalie Handal (b. Haiti 1969.)  Handal's parents are Palestenian, born in Bethlehem.  Handal describes herself as Palestinian and also, French, American & Latino.  She's has lived in the U.S., France, Latin America and the Carribean.  It's fair to describe her as a woman of the world who traverses boundaries and radiates light.  With her sparse and luminescent  poem, "Lady Liberty," Handal reigns grace upon our city and more importantly, on acceptance and belonging.  Ms. Handals' words could not be more gracious & timely.

    All stars lead to this city,
She's an angle unfolding midnight
     a river of invisible trumpets
       and sidewalks of moons.
                           she's the blues
                      drunk on the light
                 commuting with love
                                on a salboat
    that's found the perfect island.

Rangers Over Maple Leafs with Zuccers, Bloopers and Seconds to Go

Last night's NY Rangers win over the Toronto Maple Leafs did not come without a lot of oofs & goofs & flying pucks into the stands.   Derek Stepan made a goal from mid-ice.  It was more of a give-me from the Leaf's goalie (oops!)  Uh, where did it go?  It slid through the goalie who was as surprised but not as pleased as the Rangers fans & Stepan (who was seen laughing on the jumbotron).  Lundquist had the night off and goalie Anti Raanta also had a key stone flop allowing a Leafs' goal to eek on by.  While it would be hard pressed to see Lundquist let one slide by, Raanta did a "Lundguist" save by head-butting a Maple Leaf shot.  Raanta has 4 wins & no losses on the season.  The biggest Hey Hey goes to Zuccarello - ZUUUUUC - with 2 assists & the winning goal with less than a minute on the clock for a 4-3 victory.  The Rangers now have 9 straight wins.  Their longest winning streak since the 72-73 season.  Go Rangers!

Chinese Artists Zeng Fanzhi at Gagosian-Got to Go See this Show

I was extremely taken by the paintings and works by Zeng Fanzhi (b. China 1964.)  Fanzhi is an integral artist amongst the generation following on the heels of the Cultural Revolution of the 1970's.  The large oil paintings appear to sprout from the walls.  They are incredibly powerful with ominous undertones.  The paintings feature large, bare black branches in the foreground.  These interlocking limbs seem to ward the viewer away and simultaneously harken you forward by the colorful lights and mystifying landscapes in the background.  I felt a sense of vertigo similar to viewing NYC from an elevated vantage.  There is a push/pull effect that is both eerie and breathtaking.  Most of the figures in the paintings are facing away giving a dreamlike aura.  The only figure directly facing outward appears   childlike in a red robe, seemingly floating on water.  The back gallery is dimmly lit with grey drawings that shimmer.  These drawings on handmade paper resemble slabs of stone inlaid with crystals.  There are 2 elongated branch sculptures. One sculpture as you enter & the other as you exit.  Both these are serene & graceful forms cast in silver.  It was betwixt I became bewitched; not unlike sprinting through the poppies to reach the emerald city.  Run towards this mesmerizing exhibit.  While in Chelsea, there is a doppelganger show at Lehmann Maupin gallery.  There are 2 large scale landscapes by Teresita Fernandez (b. Amer. 1968) made of stained glass & porcelain fragments.  It's interesting to compare & contrast the artists' works.  However unfair, the caliber of Fernandez's work does not compare to Fanzhi's.

The Film SPOTLIGHT-Shines the Shame on Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church

SPOTLIGHT is a compellling journalistic/detective drama uncovering the Hellish, systemic sexual abuse of priests in Boston who preyed upon children and the complicit coverup by the Archdiocese.  Spotlight refers to a group of investigative reporters at the Boston Globe. Their relentless & dogmatic pursuit led to factual support to victims' claims of sexual abuse by their parish priests.  Furthermore, they uncovered the church's complicit, clandestine disavowal of any culpability.  Does this movie lambast the Catholic Church?  Yes, and righteously so.  There is no longer any DOUBT that sexual molestation by priests, religious pillars in their communities was rampant and deliberately swept under the radar. Still, there is unwavering shock at the celestial scope of its perniciousness & known perpetration.  The film written & directed by Acad. Award winning screenwriter Thomas McCarthy does a superb job of following a team of relentless reporters pursuing their leads. Having a cast of headline actors corroborated the intense drama.  Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams and Michael Keaton are dynamic as dogged journalists.  Liev Schreiber as the editor of the paper and Stanley Tucci as a attorney for several of the plaintiffs are exceptional in their roles.  (The entire ensemble deserve Oscar nominations.)  Tucci tells Ruffalo, "It takes an outsider" to get things changed.  Tucci is eferring to himself as an Armenian atty. & Schreiber as the Jewish editor in a predominately devout, Catholic community.  Tucci, the fearless crusader also said "It takes a village to raise a child and a village to abuse one."  The perfidy does not fall on the church alone.  The servitude of silence and self-serving interests are multilayered.  Noteworthy are the failings of reporters.  SPOTLIGHT is an engrossing film. It exposes the evils within the priesthood and the plights of their victims.  As entertaining as this film is, it's essential to maintain transparency to prevent this travesty.        

Sheila Hicks Woven Works Exhibition in Chelsea

The forms, colors and skillful craftsmanship of Sheila Hicks' works are overwhelmingly stunning and quietly stirring.  As a student at Yale, Hicks studied under Josef Albers, renowned geometric colorists whose work influenced many other artists of the mid 20th C.  It appears a "stretch" to weave a connection between her prestigious professor & her own works, but Hicks' interplay of color and intricate, woven geometric patterns are radiant.  The most arresting piece is the floor to ceiling woven "ropes" in muted tones of pale yellows & whites which unfurl & foam as if a waterfall.  The back gallery has a sculpture with bounds of yarns & silken threads of a similar, shimmering color pallet.  These graceful forms render changing hues as in sunrises over fields of tethered straw.  In vivid & dynamic contrast are the totemic wool sculptures in a multitude of bright colors, bound together but offset to give a rippled, kinetic  structure.  The individual shapes are also wound in golden threads.  These pieces are inspired by her time spent in Chile where Hicks photographed weavers and archeological sites.  The Sikkema & Jenkins Gallery exhibiting Hicks' works is well worth visiting.  The woven works have a very sensual, tactile attraction and colorful intensity that render her works appealing.    

The doc. PEGGY GUGGENHEIM: ART ADDICT

The tape recordings of legendary art patron Peggy Guggenheim (PG) by biographer Jacqueline B Weld  are being publicly heard for the 1st time. They were used in her bio "Peggy:  The Wayward Guggenheim" published in 1986.  We hear a very direct and candid PG in conversation with Weld.  Weld asks unabashed and interesting questions to PG regarding her life, relationships, and perceptions.  PG in her forthright and candid answers provide a vivid portrait of a woman, despite any formal art training, amassed the most impressive collection of the most highly regarded artists of the mid 20th C.  It's astounding PG's innate eye for discerning talented artists.  Her eccentric & bourgeois upbringing is both fascinating & tragic.  Her father died on the Titanic, one sister died in childbirth,  the other purportedly killed her 2 children, and her daughter died of a drug overdose at 41. The enigma of her abilities to recognize geniuses is incredible and her patronage admirable. Although, perhaps her patronage served her like a casting couch. The astounding list of artists with whom she had affairs is impressive albeit brief.  She credits receiving sound advice, mostly from Duchamp. And, she attributes her own intuition and relentless pursuits.  During WWII PG went into Paris and shipped all the contemporary works the Louvre did not regard worth protecting to the U.S.  When asked if she was afraid of being captured and sent to the camps she replied "No, it's not in my nature to be afraid."  The film presents an impressive list of artists: painters, sculptors, writers & critics she knew, supported and a scintilating kiss & tell.  Her 2 most important accomplishments were 1)  Pollack and her amassed collection. This 90 minute doc. is an ardent portrait of a maverick at the vortex of an volatile epoch in modern art.  "I am not an art collector.  I am a museum."  

Keira Knightley in THERESE RAQUIN with Judith Light

THERESE RAQUIN is a play by Emile Zola (b. France 1840.)  The plot is reminiscient of Flaubert's "Madame Bovary;" an adulterous woman from a loveless marriage and Dreiser's "An American Tragedy;" a murderous drowning roused out of lust.   Therese (Keira Knightley) is the poor relation relegated to subservience by her aunt and her insuffereable, coddled son Camille.  Camille & Therese are 1st cousins raised together by Camille's mother.  Knightley does an admirable job of evoking sympathy for her indentured life, trapped in a loveless marriage to Camille despite first seeming catatonic. Camille announces plans to move from their provincial town to Paris.  "Change must come sometimes."  The move leads to a sexual awakening in Therese.  She and Camille's artist friend, Laurent, carry on a torrid, insatiable affair which can only be satiated by murdering Camille.  Madame Raquin is played by Judith Light.  Light's acting is suffocating in Act I.  Although it serves her role well in Act II when rendered speechless & immobile from a stroke.   Act I floats along as Theres unleashes her feral character.  Act II permits the illicit lovers to live openly in society.  Except, murder is frowned upon in civilized society and the couple cannot escape justice or the piercing gaze of the ghostlike portrait hanging over them.  The play is dated, overrated and a lugubrious bore.    

Gabriel Byrne and Will Rogers: Artist to Artist Conversation at Linc Ctr Atrium

The David Rubenstein Atrium at Linc Ctr is a fabulous public space.  They also provide a plethora of FREE programs.  Last night had a double bill:  Gabriel Byrne & Will Rogers in a discussion about the craft of acting.  And, a special late night performance & discussion with Conductor Alan Gilbert of the NYPhil.   A line usually forms early outside the atrium for most programs.  The space is limited & fills  quickly.  I was able to gain admittance just as the program began at 7:30PM and found good seating. On stage was Gabriel Byrne, a Golden Globe winner for his brilliant work as a therapist in the series "In Treatment."  Byrne is also a veteran of film & stage (Tony nominee.)  Seated next to Byrne was Will Rogers, a young actor with a bit part in Spielberg's "Bridge of Spies,"  If you blink, you miss it. Rogers performed in a Lanford Wilson's play at MTC.  As moderator, Rogers acted poorly.  Rogers asked Byrne questions regarding their shared craft.  Unfortunately, he wasn't prepared for the role.  He didn't pose perceptive questions and failed to listen to Byrne's loquacious and candid remarks.  Although Byrne did say that was the most important thing he learned about acting; listening.  Rogers failed to follow-up on Byrne's comments.  Their pairing felt awry.  Byrne, a veteran Irish actor regaled us with his gift for gab and was entertaining.  However, he was left doing the heavy lifting in the conversation.  The free talk was a paradigm of "The Actor's Studio."  It had a distinguished guest artist (Byrne) but lacked the skills of host James Lipton to elicit a fascinating discussion.  The idea of an artist to artist discussion was great but this was a somewhat of a missed opportunity.  Perhaps, had this event been more engaging, I would have remained for the FREE 10:30PM discussion & musical peroformance with Conductor Alan Gilbert.

Italian Film THE WONDERS-Shrug It Off

THE WONDERS is a family drama/coming of age story set in the rural countryside which feels more like real life than a movie.  Unfortunately, it also feels more like purgatory and had me making a beeline for the exit an hour into the movie, already 1/2 hour too long.  Dir Alice Rohrwacher (b. Italy 1980) has a fine eye for the arduous grind for family farmers & apiarists who toil to sustain a living and a way of life.  The grind & monotony of their routines is felt early.  Yet there is respite & enjoyment in their togetherness & playfulness in the lake.  It's their boisterous frolicking that causes a film crew member to come over to ask them to be quiet.  The family's curiosity brings them over to see the filming of a promo for a contest for local farmers.  The beautiful, celestial woman featured in the film awakens in the eldest daughter a yearning for more than her provincial life.  Our sympathies lie with the dutiful daughter.  Her pleas to her father to take part go unheeded.  Although, I'm not sure what happens, I didn't remain seated.  Being stung by a bee would haven been less painful.  

NYPHIL rehearses an All Mozart Prog. Conducted by Alan Gilbert

This may have been my last opportunity to hear the NYPhil perform this year.  Fortunately, it was an exceptionally beautiful all Mozart program conducted byAlan Gilbert. The program contained Divertimento in D major, Horn Concerto #2 in E-flat major and Serenade #10 in B-flat major.  We were forewarned The Serenade was not going to be performed in full at the rehearsal.  This was hardly a setback.  The music lifts one's spirit and transports you with it's magic.  Gilbert is a friendly but demanding conductor.  There were frequent stops with the Divertimento.  While I couldn't hear his instructions to the musicians, I tried to compare the rephrasings.  It was interesting to be able to discern a change in tempo or gusto.  Still, everything sounded like perfection.  The Horn Concerto with soloist Philip Myers was performed brightly with only short conferrals between Myers & Gilbert.  The Serenade was intermittently stopped and performed in brevity - but I was entirely grateful.

Julliard Jazz Ensembles Play The Music of Ornette Coleman and Horace Silver

Last night's Julliard School's Jazz Ensembles A performed music by Ornette Coleman and Ensemble E performed the music of Horace Silver.  Both legendary jazz musicians and composers passed away in in 2015 & 2014, respectively.  Their innovative music and imipact on jazz won Coleman a Pulitz Prize in 2007 for his music.  Silver's Obit. in The Daily Telegraph claimed Silver as "1 of the most exhilarating & influential forces in jazz over the last 65 yrs.  The student's themselves played with virtuoso and syncopation.  Ensemble A included a vibraphone played by Jacob Chapman that added electricity and bounce to the music.  It was thrilling to watch his mallets bounce off the keys.  Ensemble E featured Kanoa Mendenhall on Bass who plucked and strummed her instrument with bluesy and classical intonation.  Two alternating pianists Mathis Picard & Paul Bloom shared duty on the piano with verve.  It's entertaining to hear the various students speak of the piece about to be performed; their  interpretation, its history and quotes by Coleman or Silver.   The compositions were arranged by the students; an impressive skill.  I loved the free jazz sound coined by Coleman and jazzy fusion sound of Silver on the program.  In particular, I enjoyed  "Silver's Serenade & "Peace" and Coleman's "Blues Connotation."  Coleman's piece "Sadness" sounded like what hopelessness feels.  The evening however, was nothing short of exubertaing.  I have the highest esteem for the talented students and a slight feeling of envy for their camaraderie, passion and sheer joy of performing.

Author Jon Meacham in Conversation with David Rubenstein on "George H.W. Bush"

John Meacham, Pulitz Prize winning biographer (Andrew Jackson '09) has written a new biography "George H.W. Bush - Destiny & Power."  Monday night, financier & philanthropist David Rubenstein engaged Meacham in a rapid fire, fascinating and intelligent discussion on the life & legacy of our 43rd President; the last living Pres of the greatest generation.  Meacham is a prolific biographer, author & political commentator.  His biography of Pres Bush is the first bio he's written on a living individual.  Meacham replied promptly when queried whether this made the process easier or more difficult, "much more difficult."  However, Meacham was able to interview his subject and was made privy to the many audio tapes that Pres Bush recorded immediately following meetings of utmost importance regarding our nation's foreign & domestic policies & his own reflections on the determining factors leading to his decisions.  Pres Bush, Sr. is our last living president that served in WWII.  He enlisted as a US Navy Pilot prior to his 19th birthday, making him the youngest aviator in WWII.  Meacham discussed the harrowing escape from his nval plane during the war that claimed the lives of 2 of his crewmen.  The tragic & painful loss of their young daughter was discussed. In the hour long discussion, which flew by, Mr Rubenstein did a masterful job of illiciting absorbing information about the Pres, events of the time and defining moments from a razor sharp and intriguing Mr Meacham.  Neither man resorted to notes or fell short of riveting in their conversation.  I was captivated by the lively discussion.  I felt a sense for a man with wisdom and integrity & whose life is endlessly fascinating.  I was thrilled to be present & anticipate reading Bush's biography with avid interest.  It's set for release Nov 10th.  Copies were not made available. That was the only disappointment to a stirring event.  

Alberto Burri: The Trauma of Painting at the Guggenheim

The 1st major retrospective of Alberto's innovative & exhilirating work (which he refers to as paintings) at the Guggenheim spans 4 decades of his work from the mid 40's - 80's.  The trauma in the title may reference the devastation and horrors of WWII.  Fighting with the Fascist forces, Burri was captured by the British and sent to a P.O.W. camp in TX.  Before the war, he was a trained physician.  During his captivity, he made drawings of his experiences and began forming work from found materials.  Upon returning to Italy after the war, Burri left his medicine and focused on an art career. The show is laid out chronologically.  It helps to identify & group the 10 series of his work and follow their transitions.  There is an uncontrolled formation of destruction found in the burnings he made into plastic, revealing apertures & underlying layers.  The 1st gallery has 3 large scale hanging works from the 40's which are exceedingly beautiful & haunting.  I thought of enlarged microscope slides of blood or microbes.  Burlap was an early material he used early on suggests bandages and exposed wounds of vibrant reds.  The burlap & tar express an austere and devastating post war period.  Throughout, Burri focused on tactile surfaces.  The black fractured vinyl "paintings" made me think of the remaining beauty in charred wood.  the white vinyl works have a serene, abandon aesthetic, as if walking on the moon or an unihabited terrain.  The materials & techniques he employed were constantly shifting.  The early stitched materials lead to sodering of heavy metals and molding of plastics.  The "Hunchback" series are interesting protuding pieces, certainly multi-dimensional, also in hues of red.  Other post war artists that came to mind are Fontana, Castellani and Klein for their techniques of taking away, the focus on texture and structure and a monochromatic use of color.  Rashid Johnson's (b. 1977) series of tar paintings reflect Burri's early work.  There is a Phoenix rising from the ruins aesthetic to his work.  I restrained myself from reaching out and touching his paintings, but I was aching to put my hands on them.  

Archibald Motley: Jazz Age Modernist at the Whitney

Archibald Motley (b. Amer 1891-1981) is an African Amer. painter during the Harlem Renaissance whose paintings & portraits transcends race by painting whites/blacks in harmonious social settings, until the end of his painting career.  The self-portrait that confronts you as you enter his retrospective depicts an artist of ambigious race.  There is a portrait of his black father, mixed race mother and white wife in the same room.  The rubesque nude of his wife is direct & unabashed.  There are several other portraits of women, both black & white in the same gallery.  Note a regal, black woman in purple dress with the title "A Woman of Culture."  The portraits in the following gallery show social settings of people of mixed races enjoying themselves.  His maternal grandmother was born a slave and Archibald listened to her talk about her life.  He was raised in an affluent middle class white suburb of Chicago.  He married his high school girlfriend, a woman of German heritage whose parents disavowed the couple.  Motley was the 1st African Amer to have a 1 man exhibit in NYC in 1928.  He commented on race as to its influence on an artist "I say that racism is the 1st thing that they have to get out of their heads.  Forget about this damned racism.  That means nothing to an artist."  There are colorful, exciting jazz scenes that are vibrant and celebretory.  Motley experienced racism later in life while traveling by train in the south.  His experience was reflected in subject matter.  He painted the handling of slaves landing from British East Africa.  The final painting in the gallery "The First 100 Years" (1972) clearly depicts hateful racial persecution and hatred.  This retrospective of Motley's paintings are noteworthy for his skill as an artist and for his focus on skin tones rather race.

FRANK STELLA Retrospective at the Whitney is Stellular

A retrospective of Frank Stella's work spans 6 decades and comprises the entire 5th floor of the Whitney.  It shatters the narrow projection of his work limited to bold, colorful geometric shaped paintings.  There are impressive protractor & lined paintings that will feel familiar. These are reminiscent of other artists' works such as Loving, Martin, Albers & Kelly. The exhibit opens onto an explosive & expansive, 40' painting:  "Das Erdbeben in Chili."  It's a cataclymic clash of color and construction.  Turning the corner, you're confronted by his disturbing black paintings "Die Fahne Hoch," the hanging flag.  This gallery has other paintings from the 60's, or structure paintings or paintings configured into structures with double entendres; open to various interpretations. The hanging "sculptures" called to mind other prominent painters & sculptors: Pollack, Johns, DeKoonig, Chamberlain, Di Suvero, and Smith.  Some forms made me think of playgrounds, amusement parks & speedways. The many layered forms are all uniquely painted.  There is a plethora of materials and plenty of glitter & color. The precise, geometric forms have transitioned into free flowing, traversing forms.  A large assembled screen print from the Moby Dick series is astonishing. The renderings on the left as you enter provide a glimpse into his painstaking, mathematical process. Works by Charles Gaines came to mind.  This exhibit of Stella's work caused me to reflect on other artists.  My favorite piece is "Kamionka Strumilow IV" ('72.)  It's comprised of variegated shapes & multiple surfaces but maintains a definitive shape of depth with harmonious form & colors. "You can only take advantage of those gifts you really have that are part of your character and your luck to be born with those gifts.  I have a gift for structure and strength." (Stella)  Take advantage of this spectacular Stella show and see where your mind takes you.  Take a look at the 2 "star" shaped sculptures on the lower terrace, too.

RIPCORD at MTC is Ripping Good Fun Starring Holland Taylor

Can people change?  Can people change their regard for others?  Sometimes people do surprise. And,  sometimes good theater can change our expectations with suprisingly delightful impact.  RIPCOR by playwright David Lindsay-Abaire (Pulitz Prize for Rabbit Hole) starts as play we begrudgingly find mildly amusing, then hilarious and finally, rips open an emotional fallout that packs a wallop.  Abby (Holland Taylor, Two & 1/2 Men) is a persnickity senior in an assisted living facility.  She has hereto for ruled the roost and managed to stave off all roommates from sharing her double room.  She is about to meet her rival in Marilyn, a vivacious, accommodating woman with a lot more steel under her sunny disposition than first appears. This is somewhat a female "SUNSHINE BOYS." But, there is a lot more emotional undertow & strength to these women who don't seem to know when to let go.  A high stakes no holds bet is set.  How far will each go to rouse anger & fear in the other.  The supporting cast add heft to a deceptively stirring comedy. Even if you see where this play is going to land, take a leap of faith and enjoy the fun free fall.

ABT World Premier Ballet AFTEREFFECT and A Few Dances of Yesteryear

Marcelo Gomes (b. Brazil 1979) is a principal dancer wtih ABT and the brilliant choreographer of AFTEREFFECT which premiered at Linc Ctr last night.  The piece called to mind Justin Peck's (NYC Ballet) ballet NEW BLOOD which premiered this season.  There was a similiar connect with their  vitality and resurrection theme.  The androgynous leotards could be interchangeable.   Both ballets are exciting and ingenious.  Gomes' ballet ventures into an after life whereas Peck's maintained a continuous surge of energy & life; albeit brief moments of recessitation.  Gomes' ballet contained sombre, adaggio movements.  I would have liked these ephemeral, transitions if not for the clumps of dancers causing a blockage of movement. The lighting at times was distracing, either too dark or too glaring.  Misty Copeland was lovely in her role although under utilized.  She was more fetching dancing than merely being lifted.  Most impressive was the allegretto footwork danced with animato particularly by the male pairings.  The daring leaps & catches were exhilarating.  AFTEREFFECT is an innovative effective work worth viewing repeatedly.  Paul Taylor's COMPANY B which 1st premiered in 1991 felt tame & dated in comparison. The last piece, THE GREEN TABLE which premiered in 1932 was also a curious selection on the program.  Both COMPANY B & THE GREEN TABLE are performed without pointe shoes; a modern foray into major ballet companies.  THE GREEN TABLE by Kurt Joos was first performed in 1932.  This is a very dark, macabre, militaristic ballet.  It is a powerful theatrical work that is chilling and commanding.  The opening & ending scenes felt like a Marx brothers parody of negotiating military officials.  Other scenes convey combat readiness and the carnages of war.  Interestingly, this work feels contemporary and compelling.  A bizarre & beguiling evening of dance.  The highlight was Gomes' new ballet, AFTEREFFECT.    

FOOL for LOVE Starring Sam Rockwell by Sam Sheperd

The heart wants what the heart wants whether it is unrequited love, obsessive love or illicit incestuous love.  Every love story has 2 sides (if not 3) and it's rare, if not impossible, for the parties involved to view the relationship with the same perspective.  Sam Sheperd (Pulitzer Prize/Inductee inthe the Theater Hall of Fame) is a volatile & explosive writer. The B'wy debut of the twisted drama FOOL for LOVE stars an unforgettable Sam Rockwell as Eddie and the formidable Nina Arianda as May.  These 2 fine actors capture the combustible heat of the couple.  Their passion is is tempestuous & torrid.  They are bound to each other as if lassoed like animals unable to free themselves.  May's benign date for the evening, Martin, becomes fodder for Eddie & May to vent their versions and convince him of their veracity.  The old man who sits off-set is the psychological voice that anchors the 15 year history of Eddie & May which may evoke some sympathy for their affair or perhaps make you grateful for your mundane (in comparison) romance.  Sherperd's 32 yr. old play is only now coming to B'wy.  I'm amazed it took so long to stage this powerful play as I am by its incredible grip on my emotions.  FOOL for LOVE has many splendid things to recommend, subtlety is not one of them.

KONGO: Power and Majesty at the MET

The incredible collection of woven cloths, sculptures and ivory carvings combine to make for a fascinating and simultaneously, cringe worthy exhibit.  Exhilirating for the intricate and beautiful woven cloths and arresting carved figures dating back to the 15th C and disparaging for impending colonialism and slave trade that will soon thread its hideousness into the region.  The carved elephant tusks, Oliphants, are exquisite for their intricate designs but cannot be viewed without concern for the impending extinction of these majestic animals.  More egregious is the suffering inflicted by the slave trade industry which took hold of the Kongo territories by the mid 17thC.  By the mid 19thC, 1/3 of the population were enslaved to the Americas.  Having stated the heinous past coerced onto Central Africa, there is much to be awed by in this show.  Again, the early woven cloths are to be admired for the skill, design & craftsmanship required.  Note the 12 paneled cloth that was stitched together that was created sometime between the 16th-17thC.  The show contains numerous wood carvings & sculptures of women breast feeding. This may represent fertility and aspirations for future generations.  The markings on the backs of the women are indicative of the lacerations made on the backs of females as seen in a neraby photo.  Powerful in form but futile for their intent are the 15 large wood sculptures embedded with numerous sharp objects known as "Mangaaka."  Their purpose was to thwart off invading enemies.  There are 15 on view out of the 20 known to exist.  The majesty of this show at the MET is not to be missed but it is not to be viewed without reflecting on the devastation inflicted on central Africa.  I suggest walking back through the exhibit for the many objects that may have been overlooked.      

Ethiopian film DIFRET-Fighting the Tribal Practice of Abducting Girls for Marriage

The Ethiopian film DIFRET depicts the tribal custom of kidnapping young girls and forcing them into marriage.  The story is based on Aberash Bekele's life was abducted by a group of men on horseback, beaten, raped and held prisoner to be forced to wed her rapist.  Aberash's was 14 at the time.  She seized a rifle and attempted to flee her captors.  They surrounded her and when they refused to retreat she fired & killed her tormentor in self-defense.  Aberash is represented in this English speaking film by a girl with the name Hirut.  Hirut's female defense atty was Meaza Ashenafi who founded the women's defense practice that took on this precedential case in 1998.  The courts found the defendant acted in self-defense and was freed.  The tribal council in the village demanded payment to the dead man's family & banished Aberash.  She was released but fled from her village for her own safety and that of her family.  This abominable practice & oppressive misogynistic culture was prevalent in the last decade of the 20th C in Ehtiopia and is being disbanded through the courts.  The clash between village customs & the court systems established in the urban centers proved courageous on the part of Ashenafi, Aberash and others.  Actress Angelina Jolie and artist Julie Mehretu executive producers on this powerful film that brings awareness to the ongoing sexual violence against women & children. It should be noted, Jolie was accused of by Aberash of exploiting her murder trial by releasing her story without her consent, without compensation originally & for putting her family at risk.            

W Marsilis Jazz Orch Plays Monk Featuring Piano Prodigy Joey Alexander

Wynton Marsalis & his Jazz Orch performed a concert of all Monk's music.  A legendary jazz pianist & composer, Monk's music is in the utmost echelon of signficiang jazz composers along with Ellington & Strayhorn. Monk is known for his innovative style & virtuoso techniques in his 70+ innovative jazz compositions.  Last night's fantastic performance was a special event that featured 12 yr old piano prodigy Joey Alexander (b. Bali 2003.)  At 6, Joey was able to play by ear, melodies on the piano from listening to his father's jazz collections.  At 11, he won the int'l improvisational prize in Odessa beating out hundreds of prof. jazz musicians from 17 countries.  An exuberant and delightful performer, Alexander took to the piano and played to the amazement of the audience & awe of his fellow musicians.  Dan Nimmer, pianist for the jazz orch. performed as did another remarkable guest pianist, Brad Mehldau.  This was a exceptional evening for jazz enthusiasts.   Three incredible generations of great pianists, Monk's ingenious music, and brilliant arrangements by various band members. Marsalis' banter welcomes us into sharing his passion for the artform.  Marsalis described Monk as having a really original sound which holds all of the past in it; the blues and the church.

SUFFRAGETTE-British Women Fight for Women's Rights

It's easy (& comfortable) to forget the suffering of those who paved the way for our established rights.  It's also understandable (though not excusable,) we often taken privileges for granted.  As shown in  SELMA, African Amer. were brutally beaten & arrested for their non-violent protests seeking civil & voting rights in the 1950's.  SUFFRAGETTE is a political/social drama that depicts that oppression & struggles of women in the early 20th C.  The film by British dir. Sarah Gavron ("Brick Lane") and British screenwriter Abi Morgan ("The Iron Lady") is about the battles wrought by impoverished,  working class women fueled on by women of aristocracy.  Peaceful means gave way to violent  protests.  Decades of non-violence proved futile in garnering equal rights for women.  Carey Mulligan is Joe, an industrial worker since childhood with a husband & young son.  She inadvertently gets caught up in the suffragette movement but becomes a prominent advocate.  She is made to suffer greatly by the police and her husband. He bars her from their home & their son for her affiliations.  Husband had the legal righ to give their son up for adoption; women had no authority.  This is not a Mary Poppins movie with only stylish suffragettes. The upper class women could afford to be staunch women's advocates without fear of reprisal.  This is a harsh (& at times melodramatic) film showing how mercilessly abused a class of women lived who were systematically disavowed their rights. Men  were granted omnipotence over their wives.  Women of aristocracy cheered on those who served prison time for the cause but were not subject to  the same repercussions.  The all star cast includes Helena Bonham Carter and the always imitable actor, Brendan Gleeson as the lead investigator.  He persecutes the women in the ranks with a dawning awareness of shameful injustice.  Meryl Streep's minuscule screen time doesn't merit promoting.  Although a commendable film of social justice, the film is not formidable.  The years voting rights for women were 1st established are credited at the end.  

Lebanese Arrtist Walid Raad-Scratching on things I could disavow at MoMA

Walid Raad (b. Lebanon 1967) an internationally acclaimed artist, has assembled an installation at MoMA that is astounding for its ambitious attempt to archive, authenticate and validate Middle Eastern Art.  Most striking is Raad's questioning of what remains and it's validity.  This is construed within a political construct that demands we ponder art within the context of war & mass destruction.  The large jagged white wall that bisects the exhibit on the 2nd floor is from an original remaining wall in Beirut.  This is next to an model replica of the 1st white cube art gallery.  The miniature art in the model is indistinguishable and homogoneous.  The only discernable piece is a colored non-audio video of the artist speaking.  The import of the work is to establish a sense for what remains from the vast destruction of works and an acknowledgement of those 100,000+ lives killed, wounded and the 1,000,000's of people displaced.  There are recurring themes of military tacticle maneuvers and of foreign powers that figured into the Lebanese Civil War 1975-90.  Architectural installations have an incoherent sense of disassembly and construction.  I felt a somber ambience of loss and a calming sense of continuity.  The artworks on the 3rd floor appears as morphed ancient relics.  These works are arresting and quite haunting.  There is a double entredre to what the items represent; ancient artifacts or modern compilations?  Perhaps this stems from the artists' rebukes to being asked to exhibit repeatedly in Lebanon until he accepted in 2008. Raad claims,"There's the problem wtih facts.  Once they fall apart, they are very difficult to put back."  "Scratching on things I could disavow: is a humpty dumpty historical & political response that felt beguiling, combatative and calming.

Selected Short Stories-Told by Jane Kaczmarke & Felix Solis at Symphony Space

Last night's performance of 4 selected short stories from "100 Years of the Best Amer. Short Stories," was a delightfully entertaining way to have stories brought to life.  It's a treat to listen to stories read aloud.  The short stories were read & enacted by Jane Kaczmarek (Malcom in the Middle) and Felix Solis (The Good Wife.)  The evening's introduction to storytelling & acting was by Laurie Moore ("Birds of America" & "Bark") whose gift for gab lent poetic praise for those who share her literary craft.  The 1st story was "Fiesta" by Pulitzer Prize winning author, Junot Diaz (b. Santo Domingo 1968.)  It was brought to life by Mr. Solis. His accents & body language gave life to the characters. The central character, a young boy in a recently immigrated household and the cast of relatives & neighbors recently transported from the Dominican Republic were brought to life.  His phrasing & body language evoked humor and warmth to the story of familial love & foibles.  Ms Kaczmarek enacted "Brothers" by Sherwood Anderson (b. Amer. 1876.)   The story was read with poetic phrasing that harkened the loneliness underlying the stilted conversations between the protagonist and his elderly, lonely neighbor.  The older man concocted an ongoing fabrication of his life as intended to bridge a friendship formed of fleeting conversations.  The kindness rendered of patient endulgence was as tender as the thirst for human connection.   Listening to the readings was as enticing as a fireside chat on a howling night.  As enthralled as I was, I did leave at intermission.  I was drawn away by the desire to watch the METS bring home the Pennant.  GO METS!

MIKE KELLEY at Hauser & WIrth-Step into Another Dimension

Mike Kellye's exhibit "Kelley's Kandors" refers to the planet where Superman was born.  As the comic legend portends, Superman was sent into orbit to escape the catacylsmic destruction of his planet &  landed safely on Earth.  Possessing omnipotence, forced Superman to live a double life & maintain a shroud of secrecy causing him to feel ostracized from mere mortals.  Being a fan of comics & super heroes is irrelevant in regards to experiencing the world created by Kelley.  People should run (or fly) to see this show before it implodes this weekend.  The 1st gallery is a darkened room with lit sculptures that resemble sic-fi fantasy lands.  They were all hauntingly beautiful.  One in particular reminded me of the Emerald City.  The room has a futuristic/fantasy aura that is magical & delightful.  The 2nd room features bold red/blue/yellow colors and large glass terrariums containing metropolis sculptures.  The direct reference is to Superman and the lore which credits him for sustaining his birth planet under glass.  He can neither connect with the people from his planet or liberate them; merely sustain them in a purgatory prison.  The 3rd and final room has a creepy & disturbing video with menacing clowns and corporal punishment.  (I found this video repugnant.)  But, I did marvel at the large cave like structure where visitors are required to cover their shoes before entering.  It is worth exploring the cave which is offers a treasure cove of jewels & a sense of insulated isolation. Born in 1954, Kelley took his own life in 2012 after completing the work in this installation.  His vexing body of works include critical writings, photography, performances & drawings.  Consider this work, by a creative, tormented artist as you respond to the splendor he captured along with a growing sense of disassociation from the world.  

SUPER HEROES in GOTHAM at the NY Historic Soc-Comics Blast from the Past

If comics and superheroes are your thing, then make your way to NY Historic Soc. exhibit SUPER HEROES in GOTHAM because you're sure to be WOWED!  Comic con has come a long way since its 1st convention in 1969 with a few hundred young people in preppy dress (check out the photo.)  Zowie, yes!  In fact, this rather small exhibit which highlights original sketches & drawings 1938-41 and the early 60's should knock out a lot of people.  Perhaps, 1 of the 3 original batmobiles from the campy TV series might be all it takes to floor you.  But, if superheroes & comics do not immobilize you like kryptonite than it's not worth leaping tall buildings to view the art, artifacts and character storyboards that I found rather boring.  Comics have become a pop culture phenomena which seems to be growing faster than a speeding locomotive.   I'll admit to a fondness for Archie & Snoopy comics but the superheroes never gave me a thrill.  Still, it was fun to see (anonymous) photos of youngsters sitting on curbs or at newstands reading comics in the early 60's.  I remember Julie Newmar as catwoman. I was disappointed in her lackluster leotards/gloves & kitten ears which seemed so provocative at the time and even more deflated by the Penguin's flimsy umbrella.  Some of the original sketches, drawings & covers packed a punch.  The 12 cent price on the comics underglass would probably draw a jawdropping figure.  I'm curious to attend a comic to experience the spectacle.  SUPER HEROES in GOTHAM was less than spectacular.    

BRIDGE of SPIES with Tom Hanks and Mark Rylance Is Worth Seeing

Dir Steven Spielberg colloborates with his male muse, Tom Hanks, to tell a historic, patriotic, biopic, spy thriller.  Hanks is as a phenomenal actor.  He combines the all American good guy qualities & talents of James Stewart, Gary Cooper, Gregory Peck, and George Clooney.  I have high praise for the noble and indomitable credibility Hanks brings to his role as James Donovan, an insurance atty. who is recruited by the C.I.A. to act as a liaison. Donovan is asked, in an unofficial capacity, to negotiate the release of a US pilot shot down over Russia on a reconnaissance mission and sentenced to 10 years in a  Gulag.  Prior, to this "civilian," clandestine & risky assignment, Donovan was tapped to represent Russian spy, Rudolf Abel in our court of law.  Despite his minimal criminal representation or because of it, Donovan is given the thankless task of providing Abel a defense as guaranteed by our Constitution, "the rights of our system of government are the greatest weapon we have to uphold in the world."  Abel is found quilty & given a lengthy sentence but spared the electric chair; thanks to Donovan's defense.  Donovan argues presciently for keeping Abel alive as it may prove useful should our country need to bargain for the return of our citizens.  The screenplay is by Nathan & Joel Coen who add their dark brilliance to this convulted but compelling cat & mouse game of espionage.  Rudolf Abel is played to perfection by Mark Rylance, another actor of exceptional skill.  This movie connects due to fine acting, historic storytelling and its sense of patriotic pride.  As a spy thriller it never quite heats up, but this is a glorious movie worthy of distinction.  

Julliard Composers Concert-Original Compositions Performed by Fellow Students

The Julliard Composers Concerts are the highlight of all the extraordinary performances to be enjoyed by the public; for free.  I'm staggered by the talented young artists' original compositions performed by their fellow students.  I urge everyone to attend these free concerts that are creative outlets for displaying the talents of young composers & young musicians working together.  There were 6 compositions on tonights' program.  Each composure introduced their piece explaining their inspirations.  All the performances demonstrated budding geniuses.  I will highlight 3 of the 6 works.  Nicky Sohn composed The Real Princes inspired by Hans Christian Anderson story, the Princess & the Pea.  She composed for the following instruments:  violin, viola, cello, bass, flute clarinet, piano, percussion and tenor, for whom she wrote lyrics.  The composition was conucted by fellow student Robert Garza III.  The music underscored the vocalist and established the fairy tell whimsy invoked by the story.  Sohn showed mulitple skills in composition, arranging & storytelling.  My personal favorite was Will Healy's "Do You Live on a Star Too?"  Healy explained he was drawn to a photo taken from outer space looking back at our planet which "appears as a beautiful blue dot of light among the stars."  The piece was for a piano & marimba duo.  The music evoked a walk in space; free floating and dazzling.  Joseph Yungen gave a virtuoso performance on the marimba.  The final piece on the program was Will Stackpole's 2 Miles from Here, influence by Miles Davis' "method for creating small ensemble jazz music."  He featured 2 trumpets, french horn and 2 trombones.  The reference to Davis was ambigious but he improvised the brass quintet into interesting melodies and harmonies.  The Composers Concerts is the most thrillling of the school's performances, highlighting original  compositions performed by Julliard's students.  The next concert is in Nov.  No tickets required.  

The Taiwanese Film THE ASSASIN Dir by Hou Hsiao-Hsien

THE ASSASIN is a Taiwanese film with English subtitles.  Dir. Hsiao-Hsien (b. China 1947) was taken by his family to Taiwan fleeing the Chinese Civil War.  The Hsiao-Hsien was awarded The Golden Lion Award at this year's Cannes Film Festival for the stunning shot film, THE ASSASIN, which is set in 9th C China.  The plot is a pastiche of myth, martial arts, loyalty and love story.  The choreography for the sword fighting scenes are remarkable and reminiscient of "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon."  The heroine is played by the breathtakingly beautiful Taiwanese actress Shu Qi.  Qi plays the martial arts master assigned by her mentor to kill her former fiancee.  The plot is plodding with minimal dialogue but these factors don't deter from the allure of the lush landscapes, period costumes, choreography & battle scenes and the exquisite Shu Qi.  THE ASSASIN is not as visually impressive as "Crouching Tiger" but it falls within a similar martial arts genre with its own mystique and majesty.  The film could be viewed without sub-titles and not diminish its impact or aesthetic powers.

A BALLERINA'S TALE-ABT's Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland is renowned for being the 1st African-Amer. to be the 1st soloist with ABT one of the world's major ballet companies.  Admittedly, I didn't appreciate the magnitude of what Misty accomplished or consider fully the barrier that had been in place for far too long.  Nevertheless, the movie is most engaging by Misty's performances. The pride Misty garnered for women of color is discussed in the film as well as acknowledgement of the systemic "white supremacy" that had reigned in the  ballet world.  The film begins with charming footage of Misty dancing as a young teen.  It's remarkable that she came to ballet at 13 and at 15, she was awarded the top honor in a major ballet competition.  Ms Copeland joined ABT Corps de Ballet in 2001.  I relished her exuberance in her early travels to China with the company & her delight in making friends & living in NYC.  However, it wasn't long until Ms Copeland admitted to feeling "alone & sinking in a world that had become home.  I had very mixed feelings and feelings of shame with my body."  The highlights of the film were excerpts of Misty's rehearsals & of her performing Thunder Bird.  She danced her a solo role despite suffering from stress fractures which required surgery.  Following her Dr and chiropracter visits felt voyeuristic and intrusive. Her return to ABT as a soloist after her surgery is nothing short of miraculous.  Credit was given Misty for changing the demographics of the ballet audience.  I am looking forward to attending ABT with Ms. Copeland dancing next week.  I regard Ms. Copeland's talent and dedication with the highest esteem.  I feel this biopic film will have limited appeal apart from  ballet fans.  I hope in this 21st C, we will have shattered any remaining glass ceilings and the tagline of firsts will become an obsolete nomenclature.

EMPANADA LOCA at Labyrinth is a CUTUP of SWEENY TODD

The gruesome play about a woman whose life spirals downward with strewn corpses cooked into empanadas fails to deliver a palataple play.  The 1 act dark drama is 1 long, drawn out monologue starring Daphne Rubin-Vega as Delores.  Rubin-Vegas has a fierce & vulnerable presence.  She was at the helm to regale us with her life story from her make-shift lodgings several levels beneath NYC's subway tunnels.  Unfortunately, there were too many rats fleeing from this stinking ship. Dolores was  orphaned as a child.  Her mother was a cop who was sho & her doorman dad drowns himself in drink.  Still, she managed to get 2 years of college under belt before she meets & falls heedlessly for Dominic, a dope dealer.  She takes the wrap for a drug bust.  She messed up & refuses to rat him out; cause that's what you do. After serving 13 years & never hearing from him, she returns to their old neighborhood.  Playwright Aaron Mark appropriates the remaining plot from Sweeny Todd with a sordid, story twist.  Trouble is, EMPANADA LOCA becomes butchered & monotonous.  Delores' tale of woe feels like purgatory and I couldn't wait for EMPANADA to end.

Iranian Film TAXI Takes on Censorship & Social Commentary

Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi benevolent character in this, his 3rd feature, TAXI belies a bonafide bravery & determination to defy the constraints of Iranian mandates.  Despite political pressure & an  order against Panahi in 2010 to make films, Panahi released "This Is Not a Film" in 2011 by a circuitious route into Paris.  Again, in 2014, Panahi conceived "Closed Curtain," a film which bends the rules on filmmaking as though going through the looking glass allowing Panahi to have the last laugh.  TAXI tackles censhorship issues in part, by blurring the lines between doc. film making.  He cunningly utilizes the vehicle of his niece to outline the absurd restrictions she must adhere to in order to make a film for a school project.  Hana, Panahi's niece, prattles away how she must manuever and at the same time bemoans the laws impinging liberties on everyday life in Iran.  Add to the journey a motley mixture of characters who ramble on about arrests, executions, social hierachy, sexism & bootleg music & videos.  Throughout, Mr. Panahi maintains a patience and warmth that transcends all the detirus that filter through his cab.  The jab in riding in Jafur Panahi's cab is - can he possibly be risking serious legal repercussions?  Because, for some reason, someone has their foot off the brakes.  Panahi is making a clean get away with heresy.

The FATHER by French Playwright Florian Zeller on Stage in the West End

Zorian Zeller (b. Paris 1979) is a brilliant young playwright.  His encompassing grasp of dementia and the painful pratfuls of caring for a parent no longer able to fend for themselve, explores and evokes the confusion and complexities with piercing clarity.  Anne is a caring & loving daughter to her aged father, Andre.  Andre's weakening facilities & increasing foibles are making life Hell for both father & daughter.  Grappling with solutions to an ever worsening situation is exasperating and confining.  The clever, sparse staging of an aptmt. is laden with ambiguities as to whose aptmt. it is and who is the actual daughter, her love interest & caretaker.  We not only empathize with the pangs of senility we become emeshed in the experiences.  And, how much is a child obligated to forfeit from their life to care for an ailing parent?  The blackouts with dissonant loud music (soothing when played as originally written) make for jarring & intentionally confusing lapses.  The sets are slightly altered each time.  There is a componding befuddlement of place & characters which  excelerates the sense of losing one's grasp of reality.  The actors are all convincing in their roles which makes the issues of elderly abuse and familial responsibility odious & discomforting.  This is not a happy, feel good play. The FATHER is a meaningful and serious consideration of what we all will confront; sooner than we expect.

FARANELLI and the KING Starring Mark Rylance in London

The London production of the historic/operatic drama FARANELLI and the KING stars theater royalty, Mark Rylance.  Rylance, arguably one of the world's greatest stage actors was born in England but moved to the U.S. with his family as a child.  His father was a prof. at UW-Milwaukee where Mark studied theater.  Last year, Rylance starred on B'wy in Twelfth Night which was a colossal success. Due in large part to his performance & to the authenticity of the period costumes & set including burning candles.  The actors were seen as their dressers put them into their garb, authentic musical instruments were played.  The London stage and seating area are on a much more intimate scale.  This enhanced the richness of the tight but lush set.  The center aisle was a pathway for actors to enter & exit  adding a layer of excitement and immediacy.  The playwright,  Claire Van Kampen, is Rylance's wife.  Van Kampen has taken artistic liberties with the historical reign of King Philip V of Spain (Rylance) who despite bearing the crown, was a melancholy insomniac who cared little for ruling his kingdom.  An opera prodigy, Faranelli was just gaining fame for his remarkable singing voice.  Faranelli performed for King Philip which brought the King out of his duldrums but ensnared Faranelli into a dungeon like existence and was never relinquished til the King's death.  This infatuating period piece is an operatic drama (performed by 2 alternating singers.)  They sing standing behind the actor performing the role.  FARANELLIE and the KING is theater at its most magical majesty. Plato describes the powers of music, "It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything."  This is how I left felt deparing the theater.

PHOTOGRAPH 51-Across the Pond with Nicole Kidman

The London production of the play PHOTOGRAPH 51 is written by Amer poet/playwright Anna Ziegler.  The play centers around Dr. Rosalind Franklin (Nicole Kidman) the only female working in an a sexist, scientific field with the goal to unlock the mystery to life.  The play takes place in the early 1950's in a subterranean bomb shelter which is dark, dismal, depressing and whose purpose was to protect the Londeners during bomb attacks.  Ironically, the life saving caverns where scientists are spending the majority of their time sealed off from the very things that make life worth living.  Crick & Watson who developed the double helix model to represent DNA & so doing received the Nobel Prize,  built their discovery on subterfuge.  They appropriated the x-ray studies of DNA molecules from reports & photos of DNA molecules that were the life's work of Dr Franklin.  Franklin is portrayed as a relentless scientist not known for her collaborative efforts.  Kidman gives a brilliant performance as a woman whose life is cut short by cancer and whose life is rendered lonely and riddled with regrets.  The scene between Kidman & a "co-worker" from Yale, having dinner together over a white linen cloth covering the lab table is molded by desires expressed in a dialogue not spoken aloud is the eureka moment of what could have been.  So too with her British counterpart, if only one had conferred with the other for work or for pleasure…what might have been.  The intelligent writing, Shakespearean oeuvre set, and leading acting result in a stirring historic/scientific play.  We're enlightened by scientific discovery and the make-up for life: Doing, Needing and Not Always being Alone.  Anna Ziegler should be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.

THE MARTIAN starring Mattr Damon-The Indomitable Human Spirit Tethered with Duct Tape

Andy Weir turns his Sci Fi award winning novel into a stellar script with an all star cast.  Matt Damon plays the resourceful, indefatigable hero who is (understandably) left for dead on Mars.  Much like other great survivalist stories, i.e. Robinson Crusoe, Mark (Damon) must fend for himself against insurmountable, life-threatening problems and the pangs of solitude.  Mark, the botanist on a crew that includes an aerodynamic team of 1st rate stars (Jessica Chastain & Kate Mara) who converge to create the pinnacle in ingeniuty & tenacity mixed with gravity defying humor.   The story orbits between the space shuttle and earth.  The ground crew at Nasa also combusts with incredible talent: Chitwetel Eljior & Kristin Wig.  The only dud on the team is Jeff Daniels as Teddy the head of Nasa who phones in his flat, over trodden role. This one miscast does not steer this endearing & entertaining film off course.  Having read the Weir's brilliant novel, I hadn't planned on seeing the film.  This would have been a gross misjudgement of astronimical proportions.  THE MARTIN speaks to the human spirit and the strength that comes from working together.  Whose the genius who invented duct tape?  BRAVO to him/her and to the team that put together an extraordinary film where anything is possible.

UGLY LIES the BONE with Mamie Gummer at the ROUNDABOUT

Written by Linsey Ferrentino, UGLY LIES the BONE shows the fallouts of war through a female Afghanistan vet, Jess, (Mamie Gummer.)  Jess returns from battle badly disfigured and in constant pain.  Gummer, Meryl Streeps' daughter, recently played her mentally unstable daughter on the big screen in Ricki and the Flash.  Jess is suffering from PTS.  She recently returned to live at home in FL with caring sister Kacie.  The scenes shifts abruptly from their shared, run down family room to a health care facility where Jess is being treated for pain by an unseen individual.  She is given a surreal world created from her spruce, snow covered images.  A sliding bedsheet divides the set & serves to show this virtual winter wonderland provided Jess to help her move forward & set aside her pain.  The writing suffers from mawkish drama & grating humor in the guise of Kacie's loser boyfriend.  There is one  poignant scene between Jess & her former lover Stevie, a married simpleton who desires very little from life.  Jess asks Stevie to describe for her what she looked like before she left.  Stevie played by Chris Stack was convincing in his feeble character who brought damaging hope into Jess' life.  The play speaks of 2nd chances.  The unseen voice spews out vapid wisdom:  move forward & let it go.  There's little worth sinking your teeth into with UGLY LIES the BONE.