When I was in Baumholder, the guys showed me one of their favorite movies, The Boondock Saints. I mistakenly thought that Norman Reedus (one of the main actors) was Tommy Flanagan (who was in Sin City as the IRA guy who throws grenades). You can see similarities in the production stills, but not in the first photos on their pages. (Just in case you thought I was absolutely mad for mistaking one for the other.)
Anyway, the film is good. Vigilante justice, Boston Irish, and Willem Dafoe in a role that you get to see in the more independent films. It's one of those movies that has some wonderfully staged moments as well as heart.
Be sure to look at the extras to see the scene with their mom.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
When I was going to the Frankfurt airport
I had a wonderful chat with an Air Force pilot on the shuttle ride to the Frankfurt Airport a few weeks ago. He initiated a conversation when I got into the shuttle as we were the only two passengers. Somehow we started talking about the TV show Combat! which happens to be a show with a strong cult following. When I told him that I am studying theatre, he asked me about Method acting because Vic Morrow, the main actor in the TV series, is often described as being a Method actor and this man (whose surname is also Murrow, I think) had noticed a difference in the style of acting between Mr. Morrow and the other actors in the series.
So I told him I was going to take a bit of a detour, but would get back to his question. I explained how acting used to be very presentational with strong gestures to convey meaning, even stamping before a line in order to draw focus. I made my way through Realism and Naturalism (thanks to Brian Singleton and his class on Movements in European Theatre to have all this fresh in my memory!) in order to explain how revolutionary these changes in performance were at the time. And then I explained a bit about Stanislavsky in order to get to the version of his technique in the US. I mentioned Marlon Brando in A Streetcar Named Desire as well as Inside the Actor's Studio. (He hadn't seen the show, but recognized the Saturday Night Live parody from my description.) Ultimately, I emphasized the emotional recall element of Method acting, about finding that internal motivation.
It was really neat to talk with this man who didn't think he knew anything yet, when I asked him for descriptions of how Mr. Morrow's performance was different from the other actors, he could give me concrete and clear examples of this man's performance. It was one of the most gratifying conversations I've had about theatre/performance with a non-performance person. I felt really excited about being able to communicate information that was relevant (and useful?) to him, even though it isn't my main focus in my work. I suppose it would be like him telling me about the view when he's in an airplane: it's not why he's up there, but it's part of the process/experience.
So I told him I was going to take a bit of a detour, but would get back to his question. I explained how acting used to be very presentational with strong gestures to convey meaning, even stamping before a line in order to draw focus. I made my way through Realism and Naturalism (thanks to Brian Singleton and his class on Movements in European Theatre to have all this fresh in my memory!) in order to explain how revolutionary these changes in performance were at the time. And then I explained a bit about Stanislavsky in order to get to the version of his technique in the US. I mentioned Marlon Brando in A Streetcar Named Desire as well as Inside the Actor's Studio. (He hadn't seen the show, but recognized the Saturday Night Live parody from my description.) Ultimately, I emphasized the emotional recall element of Method acting, about finding that internal motivation.
It was really neat to talk with this man who didn't think he knew anything yet, when I asked him for descriptions of how Mr. Morrow's performance was different from the other actors, he could give me concrete and clear examples of this man's performance. It was one of the most gratifying conversations I've had about theatre/performance with a non-performance person. I felt really excited about being able to communicate information that was relevant (and useful?) to him, even though it isn't my main focus in my work. I suppose it would be like him telling me about the view when he's in an airplane: it's not why he's up there, but it's part of the process/experience.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Soulshine
It's a lovely, rainy morning here in Dublin 6. I had already planned for an at-home, laundry and cleaning morning so I'm kinda glad the weather cooperated. Right now I am listening to Gov't Mule's "Soulshine" and contemplating my day from this position of warmth, productivity, and possibility. It's a nice way to start the day.
Once I get my laundry into the dryer I will run out to get some cooking supplies because I told Gabry's brother that I would make him muffins before they leave tomorrow morning. And I may literally run. It doesn't look like it's raining too badly and the shops are only a fifteen minute walk up the road. As long as I bring a water-proof bag with me and don't buy too much, I think it will work out fine. Obviously I'll get wet, but I don't mind as long as I am knowingly doing it and I have time to dry out. And I think I will mind getting wet less if I am moving through it than if I am standing and waiting for the bus.
Once I get my laundry into the dryer I will run out to get some cooking supplies because I told Gabry's brother that I would make him muffins before they leave tomorrow morning. And I may literally run. It doesn't look like it's raining too badly and the shops are only a fifteen minute walk up the road. As long as I bring a water-proof bag with me and don't buy too much, I think it will work out fine. Obviously I'll get wet, but I don't mind as long as I am knowingly doing it and I have time to dry out. And I think I will mind getting wet less if I am moving through it than if I am standing and waiting for the bus.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Updates on the dissertation discussion
I submitted my proposal for my dissertation before I left for Germany. The following Friday (a few days ago), a meeting was arranged for the faculty advisers and the M.Phil. students to discuss each student's proposal. This entire process has been emblematic of my relationship with the department in a more general way: my seeming understanding being contradicted and complicated.
There were no specifics about the proposals nor the process in the course handbook. Upon my request, the head of my program sent out vague details that left me feeling like this was a very informal process. Come the day of the meeting, I walked into the conference room and it felt like there was some process going of which we as students were only partially aware. To top it off, there was a faculty member to whom I had never been introduced. At the end of the discussion, we were asked if we had any questions; I asked this man his name in the hopes that he would introduce himself.
When I saw the head of my program at the graduation party last night, he told me that the mystery faculty member, Eric, is my adviser. He seems nice enough. And now I get to know another member of the faculty.
There were no specifics about the proposals nor the process in the course handbook. Upon my request, the head of my program sent out vague details that left me feeling like this was a very informal process. Come the day of the meeting, I walked into the conference room and it felt like there was some process going of which we as students were only partially aware. To top it off, there was a faculty member to whom I had never been introduced. At the end of the discussion, we were asked if we had any questions; I asked this man his name in the hopes that he would introduce himself.
When I saw the head of my program at the graduation party last night, he told me that the mystery faculty member, Eric, is my adviser. He seems nice enough. And now I get to know another member of the faculty.
Felsenkirche
In the adjoining towns of Idar-Oberstein in Germany, there is a church built into the rock of a hill (Felsenkirche=Church of the Rock). The towns/area are known for their gemstone industry.
There's a legend about the why's and wherefore's of building the church into the rock. Love; Betrayal; Fratricide; Remorse; beautiful church.
Unfortunately, the Church was closed when we were there, but it is strikingly beautiful from the outside. It's one of those sights that will linger in my memory.
Give me land, lots of land
When I was still an undergraduate at UCSC, my friend Andy wrote a play involving lots of math. This can happen with a creatively-minded fellow who majors in math and minors in theatre. Coming from this play and that time, there are two things that always make me think of Andy.
There was a line about cursing the darkness. I never fully understood it, but it has stuck in my memory.
And the Roy Rogers version of "Don't Fence Me In." It was part of the sound design and possibly part of Andy's vision for the show. Regardless, I associate it with that production and with him.
There was a line about cursing the darkness. I never fully understood it, but it has stuck in my memory.
And the Roy Rogers version of "Don't Fence Me In." It was part of the sound design and possibly part of Andy's vision for the show. Regardless, I associate it with that production and with him.
My Velociraptor dream
I had this extensive dream last night about being in this huge house that was attacked by a velociraptor. But the majority of the dream was after this happened when all the people inside the house were attempting to figure out how to survive (i.e. keep the velociraptor outside) and how to defeat this dangerous predator. There were stones and other things to help us move around the house without power, so we could feel our way to different locations and identify them by touch. One of the teenagers had set up a lab where s/he (it was actually ambiguous and indefinite in that it wasn't important or noteworthy) was breeding velociraptors in order to perform some experiments which involved a semi-gelatinous covered creature moving around the house in pursuit of the food the teenager had set up. I specifically remember a bunch of miniature goats in a gallon-size plastic bag that appeared to be preserved and awaiting animation. Someone else had created a large poster (like one that would be used at a conference) with an analysis of the Jurassic Park films and how the characters survived or died in an attempt to help us make effective and life-preserving choices.
The dream wasn't particularly scary or upsetting. It was mostly some weird social psychology experiment, observing human (and animal) behaviour. And I woke up somewhat confounded that I had that elaborate dream about topics that were not at the front of my mind. But I guess that's part of dreams, right? Sub-conscious processing. So far I haven't gleaned anything revelatory from the dream, but I'll let it sit and see if anything significant occurs to me.
The dream wasn't particularly scary or upsetting. It was mostly some weird social psychology experiment, observing human (and animal) behaviour. And I woke up somewhat confounded that I had that elaborate dream about topics that were not at the front of my mind. But I guess that's part of dreams, right? Sub-conscious processing. So far I haven't gleaned anything revelatory from the dream, but I'll let it sit and see if anything significant occurs to me.
The Buck Taylor Experience
Last night was a big graduation/birthday/whatnot party arranged by one of Gabry's classmates. It was a lovely venue in Harcourt (The Odeon) which is an area of Dublin that is a bit more than halfway between Trinity and my apartment. We were in an upstairs room that had cushioned benches all around the room, slightly rounded to create a semblance of booths, but with an end section that didn't enclose the "booth" areas. And there were pillows. Lots of red velour/velvety-ness.
There was entertainment, too. Besides the mediocre music coming from the laptop of the "DJ," there was a man from Kentucky billed as "The Buck Taylor Experience." It was a good time, especially because he sang lots of songs I grew up listening to like songs by Otis Redding, The Drifters, Al Green, James Brown... some of the parents who were there also enjoyed it. It's always kinda funny to me when I know all the older songs and very few of the newer songs (that were playing before and after the performance).
I danced a lot and had a nice time. Although I was ready to stay home under a blanket when I got home from rehearsal, I managed to get myself out there and stayed until 1:30 or 2 am. Ludi, Gabry's brother, danced me around a bit as did a guy whom I am convinced has some clown training because he pulls these faces and has excellent comic timing in his dancing/performing. I chatted with friends of friends and managed to navigate this party where I knew very few people well. And then I came home and slept for a nice long time. (Side note: I had crazy dreams last night which I think will have to be a separate entry.)
There was entertainment, too. Besides the mediocre music coming from the laptop of the "DJ," there was a man from Kentucky billed as "The Buck Taylor Experience." It was a good time, especially because he sang lots of songs I grew up listening to like songs by Otis Redding, The Drifters, Al Green, James Brown... some of the parents who were there also enjoyed it. It's always kinda funny to me when I know all the older songs and very few of the newer songs (that were playing before and after the performance).
I danced a lot and had a nice time. Although I was ready to stay home under a blanket when I got home from rehearsal, I managed to get myself out there and stayed until 1:30 or 2 am. Ludi, Gabry's brother, danced me around a bit as did a guy whom I am convinced has some clown training because he pulls these faces and has excellent comic timing in his dancing/performing. I chatted with friends of friends and managed to navigate this party where I knew very few people well. And then I came home and slept for a nice long time. (Side note: I had crazy dreams last night which I think will have to be a separate entry.)
Getting Combative
There is a moment in the twenty-minute scene in which I am acting that requires some minor violence/assault and I offered to the director that I have done some unarmed combat if he wanted input. For those who don't recall, I saw one of the hour-long performances last term in which there was much unsafe stage violence and it was really upsetting for me. So I offered.
Yesterday we had a four-hour rehearsal which was really good although it was exhausting. At that point, I wish it had been a six-hour rehearsal, though, because we were just getting into some good stuff and had to stop. Hopefully we can get back into that energy and awareness again, although often it takes an accumulation of work to reach critical mass...
And we did a little combat. It was weird to try to come up with choreography on the spot that suited the characters, the moment in the piece, and the director's sensibilities. It was also a challenge to get the actors to slow down and to take the emotion out of it so as to not hurt one another. I was thinking of Mary (my fight partner) and wishing she was there so we could demo the choreography safely and responsibly. Hopefully it will work out. It can't be any worse than trying to do it without safety-conscious staging.
Yesterday we had a four-hour rehearsal which was really good although it was exhausting. At that point, I wish it had been a six-hour rehearsal, though, because we were just getting into some good stuff and had to stop. Hopefully we can get back into that energy and awareness again, although often it takes an accumulation of work to reach critical mass...
And we did a little combat. It was weird to try to come up with choreography on the spot that suited the characters, the moment in the piece, and the director's sensibilities. It was also a challenge to get the actors to slow down and to take the emotion out of it so as to not hurt one another. I was thinking of Mary (my fight partner) and wishing she was there so we could demo the choreography safely and responsibly. Hopefully it will work out. It can't be any worse than trying to do it without safety-conscious staging.
Friday, February 16, 2007
The Busty Gnome
I can't believe I forgot about this. After we hiked up to the castle and church in Idar-Oberstein, Cory suggested going back a different way, seeing more of the area, and going to get possibly the tastiest meat I have ever eaten. On our way down the steps, we passed many homes. One of them had a busty gnome on the porch. I saw it, laughed, and walked on. Cory insisted that I needed to document this discovery. So here you are, dear readers. I hope you enjoy the view.
My first conference presentation
My first paper on Tom Murphy has been accepted (in an abbreviated form) to the 2007 IASIL conference on Varieties of Irishness. I just read the email of acceptance and it's all still sinking into my understanding, but I am very excited.
I am planning to submit my presentation on Doubt to a different conference which is at once less daunting and more stressful to consider. Less daunting because I feel some level of validation in my work being accepted at a different conference and because the Doubt project began as a presentation. I am slightly more stressed because my fantastical mind starts racing into the future possibilities if I participate in two conferences with two different projects while I am here in Ireland. So mild stress and lots of excitement.
I am planning to submit my presentation on Doubt to a different conference which is at once less daunting and more stressful to consider. Less daunting because I feel some level of validation in my work being accepted at a different conference and because the Doubt project began as a presentation. I am slightly more stressed because my fantastical mind starts racing into the future possibilities if I participate in two conferences with two different projects while I am here in Ireland. So mild stress and lots of excitement.
Gabry's Graduation
I hadn't thought that I would come next year for my M.Phil. graduation ceremony because the cost is prohibitive for such a ceremonial event. So I went to Gabry's graduation, both to support her and to be able to assess if this would provide closure for me. It is conducted in Latin and happens in the Registrar Building which is much nicer than it sounds. There's an organist playing before and after. There's a procession with a scepter and a gilded book. There are some individuals who wear a cowl of white fur which no one seems to understand and I haven't managed to look up. (I may explore and then update this post.)
Master of Philosophy graduates wear black robes with the ornate sleeves (different from the voluminous robes in the US) and a capelet/cowl of light yellow and white satin. Women wear mitered hats, but men don't wear hats, except for the officiants of the ceremony who wear clothing/hats different from the graduates.
The coolest part is that, after your group of five students are each handed your diploma, you file to the side and each sign your name in a large book. No one will ever look at that book, but there is something kinda neat about being a part of this tradition and having some document of that in my own hand.
Master of Philosophy graduates wear black robes with the ornate sleeves (different from the voluminous robes in the US) and a capelet/cowl of light yellow and white satin. Women wear mitered hats, but men don't wear hats, except for the officiants of the ceremony who wear clothing/hats different from the graduates.
The coolest part is that, after your group of five students are each handed your diploma, you file to the side and each sign your name in a large book. No one will ever look at that book, but there is something kinda neat about being a part of this tradition and having some document of that in my own hand.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
I am totally pumped for this incest dance!
Happy Valentines Day! I had rehearsal last night for the scene in which I am acting. The play deals with war and family and incest. The plan for last night was to choreograph the incest-in-action which is being done in an expressionistic way (interior feelings manifest outwardly). The director envisages a movement based couple minutes with a powerful soundtrack that includes music layered with an academic paper on the effects of incest and thunder. Against this soundscape, the movements are not meant to be the reality of sexual contact between the sister and the brother but an articulation of what that contact means.
Anyway, we were all excited about getting to that in the rehearsal process because we've laid a foundation on which we could build this interesting and potentially powerful moment in the performance. While we are getting ready to start, Lee, the guy playing my brother, says, 'I'm totally pumped for this incest dance!"
And all I could think was, "Yeah. Me, too!"
Anyway, we were all excited about getting to that in the rehearsal process because we've laid a foundation on which we could build this interesting and potentially powerful moment in the performance. While we are getting ready to start, Lee, the guy playing my brother, says, 'I'm totally pumped for this incest dance!"
And all I could think was, "Yeah. Me, too!"
ish
You know there is something about a shift in awareness that obscures seeing anything else. That idiom of ignorance is bliss coupled with being unable to return to not knowing once something is known.
One of my classmates told me that when a person is reading, the reader usually blinks at a full stop (i.e. a period). Then she challenged us to not think about that when reading because she finds that once she thinks about it she blinks more frequently because she is hyper-aware of the potential for unconscious blinking.
When I was visiting Cory, he mentioned an increased usage of "ish" in conversation. And I was writing an email in which I mentioned getting home at 11-ish only to recall the look on Cory's face when I used a couple hours after he mentioned it.
And it's funny how that vagueness in language, that approximation of meaning is now linked to Cory and somehow that is really gratifying. Similarly, I think of Emer when I realize I am blinking as I read. And that is gratifying, too. I wonder how long I will remember these examples, these connections because they do somehow fit with a deeper understanding of these individuals at this moment in our lives.
One of my classmates told me that when a person is reading, the reader usually blinks at a full stop (i.e. a period). Then she challenged us to not think about that when reading because she finds that once she thinks about it she blinks more frequently because she is hyper-aware of the potential for unconscious blinking.
When I was visiting Cory, he mentioned an increased usage of "ish" in conversation. And I was writing an email in which I mentioned getting home at 11-ish only to recall the look on Cory's face when I used a couple hours after he mentioned it.
And it's funny how that vagueness in language, that approximation of meaning is now linked to Cory and somehow that is really gratifying. Similarly, I think of Emer when I realize I am blinking as I read. And that is gratifying, too. I wonder how long I will remember these examples, these connections because they do somehow fit with a deeper understanding of these individuals at this moment in our lives.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Frolic and play the Army way
I just got back from my little jaunt to Germany to see Cory, a fine, upstanding young man who happens to be related to one of my favorite families with whom I am not blood relative. And he was the most wonderful host. He really made me feel welcome and included and went to great lengths to ensure I had a good time.
Something that really wasn't much of a surprise was that he has surrounded himself with some great friends. I have other friends who've been in the military, but I never got to spend time with folks still in active duty who were my age. It was kinda neat to experience Germany through these men who are stationed there. They called it Little America and it totally was. I went for a while without hearing much German. (I even had Taco Bell and Baskin Robins ice cream cake while I was there!)
I really had a nice time. Some highlights: getting to eat a Kurdistan pizza, seeing a beautiful church built into the side of a hill, and bowling 143(+) under the name Marple. (The picture is proof that I was indeed there, seeing the crumbling remains of a fortress, although I was looking at Cory taking the picture at that precise moment.)
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Kings of the Kilburn High Road
I bumped into Bisi today and found out that he is remounting his production of The Kings of the Kilburn High Road later this month. I am very excited because I didn't get to see it in September. So now I will! And you can be sure that I will post about it. Also, keep your eyes open for my comments on Sam Shepard's new play which will premiere here in Dublin in March/April. I will see it closing weekend (with my M.Phil. classmates at the beginning of April after we submit an essay).
Are congratulations in order...?
I recently received some emails congratulating me on my engagement and asking for details. While I find this game of telephone interesting and contemplated allowing it to continue, I decided it would be better to address is now before feelings get hurt or resentments build about not having been told personally.
I am not engaged. But the confusion seems to have set in when I was seen with my guy in the blissful state that we share when we're together. =) Thanks for the well-wishing and the hopes for me to begin a family. Maybe once we live in the same country again.
Glad to know the word will get around when there is news to share. Although, now I wonder what else is being shared that I am missing out on while I am over here...
I am not engaged. But the confusion seems to have set in when I was seen with my guy in the blissful state that we share when we're together. =) Thanks for the well-wishing and the hopes for me to begin a family. Maybe once we live in the same country again.
Glad to know the word will get around when there is news to share. Although, now I wonder what else is being shared that I am missing out on while I am over here...
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Stupid Cold
I have been absent for a few days because I have been spending time with Gabry and her brother and then I came down with a cold. And I am attempting to limit this sickness to a cold so I am trying to rest and relax and generally take good care of myself. We'll see.
I woke up on Sunday morning convinced someone snuck in during the night to rub sandpaper in my throat. Now I am starting to have a sore nose from all the tissue wiping and nose blowing.
I am going out of town for a long weekend, so I won't post then either. Sorry. But there will be more to come. Updates on rehearsals (a twenty-minute piece on incest), on research (syphilis, globalization, and US politics... but not in one paper), on my travels, and on my first batch of cookies baked in my flat here in Dublin. So check back on Tuesday and there should be something new. You can always post a comment to let me (and others) know what you'll do in the interim.
I woke up on Sunday morning convinced someone snuck in during the night to rub sandpaper in my throat. Now I am starting to have a sore nose from all the tissue wiping and nose blowing.
I am going out of town for a long weekend, so I won't post then either. Sorry. But there will be more to come. Updates on rehearsals (a twenty-minute piece on incest), on research (syphilis, globalization, and US politics... but not in one paper), on my travels, and on my first batch of cookies baked in my flat here in Dublin. So check back on Tuesday and there should be something new. You can always post a comment to let me (and others) know what you'll do in the interim.
Gabry's birthday party
We had a belated birthday party for Gabry now that she is back in town. I made her a chocolate cake (I'll post the picture). And we had a lovely dinner with a small group of her friends. We wandered Dublin for almost an hour looking for a pub where we could sit. We eventually went to the Library Bar and had a salon-type setting for the rest of our evening. We laughed; we were witty; I knitted; it was wonderful.
And now Gabry is back!
Friday, February 02, 2007
Eric Bentley
I don't think I mentioned yet that I purchased a book of reviews written by Eric Bentley. In my experience, he was a Brecht scholar who also edited (quite well) numerous collections of theatre essays. I have enjoyed the writing of his that I have encountered, particularly his "Are you now or have you ever been" play about the HUAC investigations.
Well, I found a collection of his theatre reviews and I am LOVING it. I browse through it while I eat my breakfast or wait for my water to boil. It's excellent.
I am slowly building a collection of collections of reviews by theatre critics who have a great knowledge of and appreciation for theatre and its history and its practitioners. It is really interesting to read the theories and analysis of individuals who put themselves out as arbiters of taste on a regular basis. These individuals attempt to articulate standards and are held accountable for them. I have respect for that, even if I don't agree.
Well, I found a collection of his theatre reviews and I am LOVING it. I browse through it while I eat my breakfast or wait for my water to boil. It's excellent.
I am slowly building a collection of collections of reviews by theatre critics who have a great knowledge of and appreciation for theatre and its history and its practitioners. It is really interesting to read the theories and analysis of individuals who put themselves out as arbiters of taste on a regular basis. These individuals attempt to articulate standards and are held accountable for them. I have respect for that, even if I don't agree.
Heated discussion
On Thursday mornings, we gather as staff and postgraduates to listen to a paper presented by one of our peers, typically staff or advanced PhD candidates. The paper presented this week was by Bisi who I got to meet before term began when I helped on Noel's show in the Dublin Fringe Festival. (Bisi directed and produced a production of The Kings of the Kilburn High Road.)
In his paper, Bisi discussed the presence of black persons on the contemporary Irish stage. In framing his assessment, he brought up items in the news, assumptions and biases, in order to draw attention to the images and attitudes towards the darker-skinned residents/citizens of Ireland. For me, it was particularly interesting because I have gone through a similar process of awareness-shift/reorientation through my training at UC Santa Cruz and, much later, at SFSI. It seemed many individuals in the room had not considered before the subconscious effects of seeing black people as violent, criminal, asylum-seeking, illegal, or victims, especially if the person seeing these images doesn't know any black people personally and believes what is being seen as true. Not to say that there are not black people who commit crimes or seek asylum or perpetrate/receive acts of violence; but there are disproportionate depictions of negative images on the television.
Bisi talked about the opportunity for theatre practitioners to take an active and conscious role in presenting a more balanced image, to challenge or provide counter-point to the images/scenarios we encounter regularly. He mentioned examples of well-intentioned integration of casts that inadvertently reinforces the hegemonic structure (the culturally-dominant power structure). This made me think of a story I heard about a production of a Shakespeare play in which a character was hung and, through the wonders of "color blind" casting, the only black man in the entire cast had been cast in that role. Also, the current production at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin features on black man in the cast and he is one of three servants.
Bisi was clear to acknowledge that he didn't infer any ill-intent in productions in which there was integrated casting, but did note that the over-all trend kept the black actors in roles that were in keeping with the aforementioned prevalent images on the television (crazy, violent, victims, etc.).
It was very interesting to hear one man's experience and observations about how the contemporary Irish stage does and does not reflect the current population/demographic/issues of a changing Ireland.
In his paper, Bisi discussed the presence of black persons on the contemporary Irish stage. In framing his assessment, he brought up items in the news, assumptions and biases, in order to draw attention to the images and attitudes towards the darker-skinned residents/citizens of Ireland. For me, it was particularly interesting because I have gone through a similar process of awareness-shift/reorientation through my training at UC Santa Cruz and, much later, at SFSI. It seemed many individuals in the room had not considered before the subconscious effects of seeing black people as violent, criminal, asylum-seeking, illegal, or victims, especially if the person seeing these images doesn't know any black people personally and believes what is being seen as true. Not to say that there are not black people who commit crimes or seek asylum or perpetrate/receive acts of violence; but there are disproportionate depictions of negative images on the television.
Bisi talked about the opportunity for theatre practitioners to take an active and conscious role in presenting a more balanced image, to challenge or provide counter-point to the images/scenarios we encounter regularly. He mentioned examples of well-intentioned integration of casts that inadvertently reinforces the hegemonic structure (the culturally-dominant power structure). This made me think of a story I heard about a production of a Shakespeare play in which a character was hung and, through the wonders of "color blind" casting, the only black man in the entire cast had been cast in that role. Also, the current production at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin features on black man in the cast and he is one of three servants.
Bisi was clear to acknowledge that he didn't infer any ill-intent in productions in which there was integrated casting, but did note that the over-all trend kept the black actors in roles that were in keeping with the aforementioned prevalent images on the television (crazy, violent, victims, etc.).
It was very interesting to hear one man's experience and observations about how the contemporary Irish stage does and does not reflect the current population/demographic/issues of a changing Ireland.
Results on my first paper
For those who don't know, the grading system in Ireland is quite different from the United States. Personally, I find the system over here rewards achievement in a way that the system in the US, as it has been implemented in my experience, does not. Both function on a scale of 0-100 points. Whereas most evaluation in the US has 90-100 being top marks (A), in Ireland first level marks start at 70 (A-). Top marks (A+) are 86 or higher. A grade of C in the US is usually 70-79 while passing is 50 in Ireland. With so much opportunity to reward excellence, however, I find the 50 means something different here in Ireland than it does in the US.
I remember when I was a teaching assistant at UC Santa Cruz that discussions of grading were very difficult because the range of acceptable grades was too small. The difference between 88 and 90 became huge when we rarely delivered grades below 75. With a 50-point spectrum for passing grades, there is a lot of room for different levels of achievement. And my course handbook outlines the qualities in the writing for the different levels in the 100-point spectrum. While each assessment is a subjective evaluation by the course instructor, there is an attempt to make the standards clear for the entire department. That makes it easier for the instructors and for the students as far as I can tell.
Anyway, I scored a 70 on my first essay (the Tom Murphy-noir one). I'm pleased, but I am also aware of how much more work I can do to make my paper stronger. I won't do it just yet, but I hope to do a revision before coming home. For those who have read previous academic papers that I wrote, this is significantly more readable. If you really want to read it, I will send it over, but it will be a much better paper after I do additional work.
I remember when I was a teaching assistant at UC Santa Cruz that discussions of grading were very difficult because the range of acceptable grades was too small. The difference between 88 and 90 became huge when we rarely delivered grades below 75. With a 50-point spectrum for passing grades, there is a lot of room for different levels of achievement. And my course handbook outlines the qualities in the writing for the different levels in the 100-point spectrum. While each assessment is a subjective evaluation by the course instructor, there is an attempt to make the standards clear for the entire department. That makes it easier for the instructors and for the students as far as I can tell.
Anyway, I scored a 70 on my first essay (the Tom Murphy-noir one). I'm pleased, but I am also aware of how much more work I can do to make my paper stronger. I won't do it just yet, but I hope to do a revision before coming home. For those who have read previous academic papers that I wrote, this is significantly more readable. If you really want to read it, I will send it over, but it will be a much better paper after I do additional work.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Another reflection on fighting
When I was watching the football/soccer match from the library window on Wednesday, I was reminded of how scrappy sport is. What I mean is that the elegant and smooth plays are few and far between. The red/black team managed to maintain control of the ball through passing while the white/blue team would have bursts of force in taking control. There were a few near collisions in the mid-air attempts to head the ball. A few times the players connected and it looked like it hurt. But it goes with the game so they played on.
Sport in real life is quite different from sport on edited footage or in films. Similarly, fighting in person is different from staged fighting. The reality of watching a person who knows how to fight pummel the less apt party... two people who are drunk and scrappy... it's not the same as watching Rocky Balboa.
I wonder if my aversion to watching violence in person is that, particularly in public disorderly conduct, I may well end up in the middle of something in which I was not an original participant. I'm glad I have taken some karate and self-defense classes. I'm even glad for my stage combat training. And I get the exhilaration of sparring. But the unknown factor, the potential for things to get out of control, the possibility of not being able to protect myself... it sends my inner six year old to a not happy place.
I suppose it's not the end of the world that I will avoid partaking in public, unorganized violence. And I can prepare myself further for the possibility of having to protect myself. And then my inner six year old won't need to worry so much or feel nervous watching Rocky in action.
Sport in real life is quite different from sport on edited footage or in films. Similarly, fighting in person is different from staged fighting. The reality of watching a person who knows how to fight pummel the less apt party... two people who are drunk and scrappy... it's not the same as watching Rocky Balboa.
I wonder if my aversion to watching violence in person is that, particularly in public disorderly conduct, I may well end up in the middle of something in which I was not an original participant. I'm glad I have taken some karate and self-defense classes. I'm even glad for my stage combat training. And I get the exhilaration of sparring. But the unknown factor, the potential for things to get out of control, the possibility of not being able to protect myself... it sends my inner six year old to a not happy place.
I suppose it's not the end of the world that I will avoid partaking in public, unorganized violence. And I can prepare myself further for the possibility of having to protect myself. And then my inner six year old won't need to worry so much or feel nervous watching Rocky in action.
Kinda like a snow day
My class for yesterday was canceled, but I didn't find out until I was already at Trinity. Not that it would've changed my plans drastically. But then I found myself with the prospect of an undefined schedule. I floundered for about thirty minutes, chatting with classmates, commiserating in this question of what to do now. Eventually a couple of us went to the library, another to eat lunch; everyone got sorted.
I went to the reserve desk because it was the only copy of the plays I needed to read that was accessible without ordering it (which typically takes overnight for delivery). So I prepared myself to curl up in the window of the reserve area and read for an hour until I finished the plays I'd started earlier in the week. Outside the window is the soccer pitch and there was a match going. So I sat and read and watched the match and enjoyed the heater that is located under the window seat juxtaposed with the coolness coming through the glass of the window and held in the concrete of the window seat.
I realized it would've made an interesting painting: The perspective from inside the reserve room of this institutional-looking window with a young woman with an open book, curled up for extended reading, but she is looking out the window towards the match. Her gaze goes through the unruly bushes to see the teams (red/black vs. blue/white) vying for the ball, often in the air for competing headers. Just beyond the match is another patch of field and on this patch of grass are a bunch of birds (probably seagulls) meandering around in less focused interaction of their own that draws a contrast to the organization of the match. And holding up the back of the scene are The Pavilion (yellow and pleasing on that grey afternoon) and the Moyne Institute (a building occupying the corner of the lot with a striking and also pleasing facade).
It was a nice way to work and relax and enjoy my day without classes.
I went to the reserve desk because it was the only copy of the plays I needed to read that was accessible without ordering it (which typically takes overnight for delivery). So I prepared myself to curl up in the window of the reserve area and read for an hour until I finished the plays I'd started earlier in the week. Outside the window is the soccer pitch and there was a match going. So I sat and read and watched the match and enjoyed the heater that is located under the window seat juxtaposed with the coolness coming through the glass of the window and held in the concrete of the window seat.
I realized it would've made an interesting painting: The perspective from inside the reserve room of this institutional-looking window with a young woman with an open book, curled up for extended reading, but she is looking out the window towards the match. Her gaze goes through the unruly bushes to see the teams (red/black vs. blue/white) vying for the ball, often in the air for competing headers. Just beyond the match is another patch of field and on this patch of grass are a bunch of birds (probably seagulls) meandering around in less focused interaction of their own that draws a contrast to the organization of the match. And holding up the back of the scene are The Pavilion (yellow and pleasing on that grey afternoon) and the Moyne Institute (a building occupying the corner of the lot with a striking and also pleasing facade).
It was a nice way to work and relax and enjoy my day without classes.
A bit of clarification
Found out this week that my expectation of having to have two papers finished for the first week of April is incorrect. I must have one done by the beginning of April, but the other isn't due until the beginning of May. So I will still be researching them simultaneously for a bit until I decide which one is progressing more quickly so I can emphasize that one for the April deadline.
But I am pleased that I am already working towards topics and will have additional time to complete my papers. Of course, that's time during which I anticipated working on my dissertation, but I guess it will all balance out in the end.
But I am pleased that I am already working towards topics and will have additional time to complete my papers. Of course, that's time during which I anticipated working on my dissertation, but I guess it will all balance out in the end.
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