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.