I don't remember the last time I spent more than an hour on a telephone just talking to someone, it's all text messaging now. Not that I'm opposed to the text message, I tried to avoid it as much as possible in my early cellphone days, now it has just become part of daily life. The only people who call me are my mom, my dad, my brother, and my friend Haley. Haley I'm pretty sure will never resort to text messaging and I applaud her for that, it's good to actually get a phone call and hearing the other person's voice from time to time.
There are times I miss talking on the phone, I used to do it so much, now I'm lucky if I get a phone call from someone who is not listed above. The other day I got a phone call from a friend who normally texts me and it caught me by surprise. The conversation was pretty spare with conversation, I don't know if I was too caught by surprise to say anything, or we just hadn't practised talking on the telephone that made it awkward. When we hung up, i had a feeling of regret of not talking more to this person, it probably meant more to me that she called than it did her.
I'm probably a little obsessed with conversation, it's the best way to find something out about someone, and the best way to share something with them as well. I've written a few small plays, all of them involve mostly two people talking, nothing much happens, but they talk. I find when I do try to write something, it starts off with a conversation. "My Dinner with Andre" is one of my favorite movies, as are "Before Sunrise" and "Before Sunset", if you watch those films you'll know what I'm talking about.
I can remember the best conversation I had with someone, it was at least a two hour conversation over the phone, we were up past midnight talking. I can't for the life of me remember what the conversation was about, I only remember the way I felt talking to this particular person, I haven't felt like that since. It was a comfort just listening to this person's voice, and understanding them and sharing our experiences together. Maybe we talked about nothing that night, I don't remember, but there was a closeness to it that can't be denied. Since then I've been trying to get that feeling back anyway I can, but of course this conversation happened when I was young, I wasn't doing much with my life, I was still just trying to figure things out. Today we all seem so busy, and when I'm with people, we're all so busy trying to have a good time, we don't seem to sit and talk intimately. That's really what I miss, feeling that connection with someone, where it's just me and them, I haven't really felt that in a long time.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Dog Sees God: Review
Last night, I went to see the latest production by Ignition Theatre "Dog Sees God". I will try to be fair and balanced, yet that might prove difficult considering I'm good friends with the director of the play, and I've worked with nearly everyone involved with the production in some capacity. However in my defence of choosing to write this review I like to think that I'm very picky about the things I choose to write about. I like to write a lot, and it's difficult to write about things you aren't interested or passionate about. In my other blog (yes I have two blogs) I either write about movies I really really love, or ones I really really hate, the same can be said for any type of art I want to write about. I have to feel strongly about the subject in one way or another in order to spend my time to write about my thoughts. So without digressing too much on the topic at hand, here is my review of "Dog Sees God".
First of all, I think it's important to know what my state of mind was before I came to see the play that night. I was in no mood to see the play, I had just come off work, I was tired, I was in my work clothes, I was happy to have the day off the next day, I just wanted to go home. Yet I had said I would show up to the play that night, there was a ticket put aside for me, I still wanted to see it, but I wished it were on another day when I didn't have to work. In short, I felt obligated to go.
I arrived begrudgingly to the theatre, received my ticket and took my seat. The first thing I saw was the set, which I thought was one of the most creative sets I've seen in an Ignition show, it was very colorful. It had a cartoon feel to it, but one that wasn't too out of this world, in other words, it remained believable.
I suppose I should explain to those of you reading this blog who have no idea what "Dog Sees God" is, that this is a play set in the Charlie Brown universe. All the Peanuts characters are now teenagers, and like all teenagers, even The Peanuts, the world has become a far more darker and confusing place.
The main character is C.B. (Ryan Matilla) who's dog has just died of rabies, he was hoping to have a funeral for his lovable beagle, but none of his friends arrive for it. C.B. starts having questions of the afterlife, but he doesn't find much solace from anyone,just mostly the obligatory condolence "Sorry to hear about your dog".
He does receive some comfort from Beethoven (Chad Pitura) a former friend of C.B.'s who has become the target of bullying from him and his friends. It's from beethoven, C.B. discovers more about himself than he ever thought.
While I was watching "Dog Sees God", I found myself totally engaged in the story, but also the presentation; I appreciated this alternative take on the Peanuts universe, while die-hard loyalists to the lovable comic strip might find seeing their favorite characters turn into dysfunctional teenagers a tad distressing, I found it to be an interesting approach to the issues the play focuses on. By putting topics such as teen suicide, gay bashing, depression, death, and grief in the Charlie Brown world, it makes such a harsh pill easier to swallow. "Dog Sees God" isn't depressing to watch, it's funny, and ultimately leaves you with a hopeful message.
The surprise for me came about half way when C.B. and Beethoven confront eachother for the first time, and I began to realize how richly textured this play was. It would've been so easy for playwright Bert V. Royal to make a satire oon the Peanuts gang as teenagers and just leave it at that, instead they are used as a springboard to dive into some real emotional territory. And it's not like The Peanuts have never been emotional at its very core, it is why I think the characters remain so beloved. Royal, stays true to the vision of Charles Schultz in a way by showing this character Charlie Brown going through life and realizing it isn't fair. It's also full of questions that aren't easy to answer, Charlie Brown is in fact, a philosopher, he ponders the big questions, about life and death, why bad things happen to good people, and he speaks for all of us, when he's trying desperately to understand.
The end of the play could be open for discussion, in a way C.B. doesn't find answers, but he finds comfort, perhaps what he receives is a sort of wish fulfillment we could all someday hope for. What it is, is reason to keep going through this life no matter what swings it takes at you.
The world today is rather depressing, it's worse when you're a teenager and you're just figuring this out for the first time, it's that gap between innocence, and the harsh realities that weigh so heavy in young lives. "Dog Sees God" captures that time when the world seems to hate you the most, and the best you can do is move forward.
Props also to the awesome Peanuts dance rendition which made me laugh harder than I have in a long time at the theatre, also the great ensemble of actors, I saw no bad performances here, they all stuck out, each one had their moment to shine and they made the most of it. The set was terrific, I loved the alternate take on the Charlie Brown theme song, it was just a great time at the theatre, I will not soon forget.
First of all, I think it's important to know what my state of mind was before I came to see the play that night. I was in no mood to see the play, I had just come off work, I was tired, I was in my work clothes, I was happy to have the day off the next day, I just wanted to go home. Yet I had said I would show up to the play that night, there was a ticket put aside for me, I still wanted to see it, but I wished it were on another day when I didn't have to work. In short, I felt obligated to go.
I arrived begrudgingly to the theatre, received my ticket and took my seat. The first thing I saw was the set, which I thought was one of the most creative sets I've seen in an Ignition show, it was very colorful. It had a cartoon feel to it, but one that wasn't too out of this world, in other words, it remained believable.
I suppose I should explain to those of you reading this blog who have no idea what "Dog Sees God" is, that this is a play set in the Charlie Brown universe. All the Peanuts characters are now teenagers, and like all teenagers, even The Peanuts, the world has become a far more darker and confusing place.
The main character is C.B. (Ryan Matilla) who's dog has just died of rabies, he was hoping to have a funeral for his lovable beagle, but none of his friends arrive for it. C.B. starts having questions of the afterlife, but he doesn't find much solace from anyone,just mostly the obligatory condolence "Sorry to hear about your dog".
He does receive some comfort from Beethoven (Chad Pitura) a former friend of C.B.'s who has become the target of bullying from him and his friends. It's from beethoven, C.B. discovers more about himself than he ever thought.
While I was watching "Dog Sees God", I found myself totally engaged in the story, but also the presentation; I appreciated this alternative take on the Peanuts universe, while die-hard loyalists to the lovable comic strip might find seeing their favorite characters turn into dysfunctional teenagers a tad distressing, I found it to be an interesting approach to the issues the play focuses on. By putting topics such as teen suicide, gay bashing, depression, death, and grief in the Charlie Brown world, it makes such a harsh pill easier to swallow. "Dog Sees God" isn't depressing to watch, it's funny, and ultimately leaves you with a hopeful message.
The surprise for me came about half way when C.B. and Beethoven confront eachother for the first time, and I began to realize how richly textured this play was. It would've been so easy for playwright Bert V. Royal to make a satire oon the Peanuts gang as teenagers and just leave it at that, instead they are used as a springboard to dive into some real emotional territory. And it's not like The Peanuts have never been emotional at its very core, it is why I think the characters remain so beloved. Royal, stays true to the vision of Charles Schultz in a way by showing this character Charlie Brown going through life and realizing it isn't fair. It's also full of questions that aren't easy to answer, Charlie Brown is in fact, a philosopher, he ponders the big questions, about life and death, why bad things happen to good people, and he speaks for all of us, when he's trying desperately to understand.
The end of the play could be open for discussion, in a way C.B. doesn't find answers, but he finds comfort, perhaps what he receives is a sort of wish fulfillment we could all someday hope for. What it is, is reason to keep going through this life no matter what swings it takes at you.
The world today is rather depressing, it's worse when you're a teenager and you're just figuring this out for the first time, it's that gap between innocence, and the harsh realities that weigh so heavy in young lives. "Dog Sees God" captures that time when the world seems to hate you the most, and the best you can do is move forward.
Props also to the awesome Peanuts dance rendition which made me laugh harder than I have in a long time at the theatre, also the great ensemble of actors, I saw no bad performances here, they all stuck out, each one had their moment to shine and they made the most of it. The set was terrific, I loved the alternate take on the Charlie Brown theme song, it was just a great time at the theatre, I will not soon forget.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
An Experiment in Film and what else I've been doing.
I've been neglectful in my blogging duties as of late, once more my laptop has crapped out on me for what I fear is the last time. I will bring it in for a tune up but until then, I'm borrowing the computer from the local library.
It's not so bad, I do miss the solitude a laptop brings you, I could type anywhere without the sound of people doing the same thing.
I've been busy as of late also, Bullskit had just finished its January show, where I was able to do some interesting and may I say (experimental) sketches which I was rather proud of. We had the usual crowd of people who were more than happy with our antics.
I also moved to a new place for the second time in less than four months, this one will hopefully see me through the winter before I find a more permanent residence.
Perhaps the most interesting thing I did in the month of January was I shot a short film. Based on my one act play "Good Morning", we shot it in a rather unorthodox but I think, exciting way. "Good Morning" is the story of a young couple and basically sees them through a morning routine of waking up, slight flirtation, and a small but meaningful talk about the past, the future, and how they see eachother.
As I was rehearsing with the actors, I blurted out "I think this is the best thing I've ever written". I'm very proud of this little 20 minute slice of life, it was inspired by a little moment in my life, and I like to think it has something to say.
I was told by multiple people that this play would make a good film and I must admit I was interested in the prospect of filming something. Film is a passion of mine, yet I've remained dormant behind the camera for far too long, I was hoping for a crack at it.
Along with my producer James Wilson and my DOP Don Armstrong, the three of us came up with a concept. Don's inspiration drew from a Woody Allen type of film where we follow these characters in and out of camera, sometimes they would both be on screen, but we would follow the more prominent personality.
My stress was on a quiet observational point of view, where we don't notice the camera movement, and at some point it stays completely motionless. There is one moment at the end of the film where there is a deliberate movement of the camera that is supposed to be noticed, other than that it was the objective not to notice any movement, but only the actors.
As a result of this concept, much of what is common in film language was thrown out the window, we didn't worry about insert shots, close-ups, coverage, or continuity. I felt this freed the actors up to run through the script from beginning to end, also give them a chance to improvise and explore their relationship.
We did very few shots, so the actors could get through big clumps of the script before we cut, this was also helpful to the continuity of the performances, as a result we did very few takes, the average number being around four in total.
As a director, I had two objectives, one was I wanted to be able to shoot a film on schedule and not run behind time. I'm happy that we finished one day ahead of schedule being able to give everyone Sunday off. My other objective was to create an environment for the actors to feel relaxed and let the pressure off, I think that was accomplished, I felt the environment was calm, everyone was professional and respectful, they were all there to do their duty and as a result we all had a good time.
I looked at the footage for the first time yesterday unedited. I feel what we have is a film that has the potential to be good, the performances are real and natural and I feel we captured it. Looking back at it though, I feel the frame was too tight at times, I wanted to pull back on them more and give the audience more space just to observe. I also felt that we might've done too many shots, that's strange thinking that we didn't do many in the first place, but I feel many of the shots could've gone on even longer. There is one shot that wasn't framed properly at all, and if I could re shoot one shot it would be that one, but honestly this is me nit-picking. I am happy with what we shot, hopefully in editing it will all come together as a whole.
The idea of this film was to capture a relationship at a crossroads, nothing more, and nothing less, and I think we have been mostly successful, when all is said and done, everyone was pleased with the shooting, the actors gave great performances, and I came away wanting to shoot something else.
I liked shooting in this style, I feel I still have to find my voice, and I need more experience composing shots, but I'm interested in stories about people and about relationships. I know many people who've had more experience behind the camera, they know more about the business and the film language. I'd like to think that film is still a new artform and it's important in order for this artform to grow, that new things must be tried to test the language of film, I suppose that was my objective too. I'm not saying what I did was new, I derived from a lot of movies I've seen to come up with this style, but I like to think that film becomes more exciting when it challenges the expectations of the viewer, it becomes unpredictable, and I guess that's what I was ultimately trying to accomplish. At the end my DOP Don saw some of the footage in black and white saying it felt very "European", I guess that's what I was excited about, the aim was more arthouse than multiplex.
It's not so bad, I do miss the solitude a laptop brings you, I could type anywhere without the sound of people doing the same thing.
I've been busy as of late also, Bullskit had just finished its January show, where I was able to do some interesting and may I say (experimental) sketches which I was rather proud of. We had the usual crowd of people who were more than happy with our antics.
I also moved to a new place for the second time in less than four months, this one will hopefully see me through the winter before I find a more permanent residence.
Perhaps the most interesting thing I did in the month of January was I shot a short film. Based on my one act play "Good Morning", we shot it in a rather unorthodox but I think, exciting way. "Good Morning" is the story of a young couple and basically sees them through a morning routine of waking up, slight flirtation, and a small but meaningful talk about the past, the future, and how they see eachother.
As I was rehearsing with the actors, I blurted out "I think this is the best thing I've ever written". I'm very proud of this little 20 minute slice of life, it was inspired by a little moment in my life, and I like to think it has something to say.
I was told by multiple people that this play would make a good film and I must admit I was interested in the prospect of filming something. Film is a passion of mine, yet I've remained dormant behind the camera for far too long, I was hoping for a crack at it.
Along with my producer James Wilson and my DOP Don Armstrong, the three of us came up with a concept. Don's inspiration drew from a Woody Allen type of film where we follow these characters in and out of camera, sometimes they would both be on screen, but we would follow the more prominent personality.
My stress was on a quiet observational point of view, where we don't notice the camera movement, and at some point it stays completely motionless. There is one moment at the end of the film where there is a deliberate movement of the camera that is supposed to be noticed, other than that it was the objective not to notice any movement, but only the actors.
As a result of this concept, much of what is common in film language was thrown out the window, we didn't worry about insert shots, close-ups, coverage, or continuity. I felt this freed the actors up to run through the script from beginning to end, also give them a chance to improvise and explore their relationship.
We did very few shots, so the actors could get through big clumps of the script before we cut, this was also helpful to the continuity of the performances, as a result we did very few takes, the average number being around four in total.
As a director, I had two objectives, one was I wanted to be able to shoot a film on schedule and not run behind time. I'm happy that we finished one day ahead of schedule being able to give everyone Sunday off. My other objective was to create an environment for the actors to feel relaxed and let the pressure off, I think that was accomplished, I felt the environment was calm, everyone was professional and respectful, they were all there to do their duty and as a result we all had a good time.
I looked at the footage for the first time yesterday unedited. I feel what we have is a film that has the potential to be good, the performances are real and natural and I feel we captured it. Looking back at it though, I feel the frame was too tight at times, I wanted to pull back on them more and give the audience more space just to observe. I also felt that we might've done too many shots, that's strange thinking that we didn't do many in the first place, but I feel many of the shots could've gone on even longer. There is one shot that wasn't framed properly at all, and if I could re shoot one shot it would be that one, but honestly this is me nit-picking. I am happy with what we shot, hopefully in editing it will all come together as a whole.
The idea of this film was to capture a relationship at a crossroads, nothing more, and nothing less, and I think we have been mostly successful, when all is said and done, everyone was pleased with the shooting, the actors gave great performances, and I came away wanting to shoot something else.
I liked shooting in this style, I feel I still have to find my voice, and I need more experience composing shots, but I'm interested in stories about people and about relationships. I know many people who've had more experience behind the camera, they know more about the business and the film language. I'd like to think that film is still a new artform and it's important in order for this artform to grow, that new things must be tried to test the language of film, I suppose that was my objective too. I'm not saying what I did was new, I derived from a lot of movies I've seen to come up with this style, but I like to think that film becomes more exciting when it challenges the expectations of the viewer, it becomes unpredictable, and I guess that's what I was ultimately trying to accomplish. At the end my DOP Don saw some of the footage in black and white saying it felt very "European", I guess that's what I was excited about, the aim was more arthouse than multiplex.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
The Fullness of Art
Today struck me as an inspirational day, nothing out of the ordinary happened, I woke up, I tended to my daily routine of getting groceries, and making myself dinner, but three instances had an influence on me today which made it somewhat more unique than had they never happened.
The first instance came when I was reading the news on the Internet about Jon Stewart's reaction to the tragedy in Tuscon Arizona where a crazed gunman killed six people and wounded fourteen including a congresswoman. The article inspired me to look up Stewart's speech myself. What I saw was nine minutes of an articulate intelligent speaker, a man who's job it is to satirize the daily events, humanizing a travesty. Stewart cut through the bullshit mostly seen on news stations where political pundits try to point fingers at who's to blame, you could tell he was speaking from the heart. I've been a loyal follower of Stewart since I first saw his show many years ago, he's the most forthright and honest man on television right now, it's no wonder he has more integrity than actual newsmen because he's allowed tell it as he sees it.
Watching the nine minute video put me in a reflective mood, I wanted to be alone with my thoughts after that, I wanted to digest what I had just seen, I was moved by Stewart's words.
A little while had past, it was now about six o'clock, dinner time, I was in my room, kinda wondering what I would do next, not sure. I started unpacking some stuff since I had just moved into a new place. Something struck me, it was a painting on my wall. I had purchased a calendar of Renoir paintings for the new year, it was the first thing I hung on my wall, but I realized I haven't really looked at it since I bought it. I noticed it past the corner of my eye, it was a painting of a crowd scene at a dance. There are many people in the painting, to me it's capturing a moment in time. I don't know much about Renoir or his paintings, but they struck me this one particular day when I saw the calendar. I liked the paintings for a very personal reason, they simply spoke to me, the faces, the people, what they were doing, how it was all captured, I found real truth in what he was trying to convey.
After viewing the painting for a few moments, I got the urge to watch a film, I went to my vast movie collection, the first thing I had unpacked fully and took out a film I had seen many times before. It was "Manhattan" from Woody Allen, I love the film I think it is probably my favorite Woody Allen film. Watching it this time, I happened to notice certain things I hadn't before, as well as remembering favorite scenes that have always struck me as marvelous. There is of course the scene with Woody and Diane Keaton walking through the planetarium, photographed as if they are in space.
The film ended, and I felt a fullness of life and love and wonder. I was suddenly hungry, I missed dinner time, it was now 8:45pm, I went upstairs, the kitchen was a mess, I took some time and cleaned the kitchen, not watching the clock or anything, I fixed myself a meal, I finished everything by 10:00pm, I now felt the urge to sit down and write about these three experiences I had today. Before I go to bed, I think I'll read a few chapters from a book.
The first instance came when I was reading the news on the Internet about Jon Stewart's reaction to the tragedy in Tuscon Arizona where a crazed gunman killed six people and wounded fourteen including a congresswoman. The article inspired me to look up Stewart's speech myself. What I saw was nine minutes of an articulate intelligent speaker, a man who's job it is to satirize the daily events, humanizing a travesty. Stewart cut through the bullshit mostly seen on news stations where political pundits try to point fingers at who's to blame, you could tell he was speaking from the heart. I've been a loyal follower of Stewart since I first saw his show many years ago, he's the most forthright and honest man on television right now, it's no wonder he has more integrity than actual newsmen because he's allowed tell it as he sees it.
Watching the nine minute video put me in a reflective mood, I wanted to be alone with my thoughts after that, I wanted to digest what I had just seen, I was moved by Stewart's words.
A little while had past, it was now about six o'clock, dinner time, I was in my room, kinda wondering what I would do next, not sure. I started unpacking some stuff since I had just moved into a new place. Something struck me, it was a painting on my wall. I had purchased a calendar of Renoir paintings for the new year, it was the first thing I hung on my wall, but I realized I haven't really looked at it since I bought it. I noticed it past the corner of my eye, it was a painting of a crowd scene at a dance. There are many people in the painting, to me it's capturing a moment in time. I don't know much about Renoir or his paintings, but they struck me this one particular day when I saw the calendar. I liked the paintings for a very personal reason, they simply spoke to me, the faces, the people, what they were doing, how it was all captured, I found real truth in what he was trying to convey.
After viewing the painting for a few moments, I got the urge to watch a film, I went to my vast movie collection, the first thing I had unpacked fully and took out a film I had seen many times before. It was "Manhattan" from Woody Allen, I love the film I think it is probably my favorite Woody Allen film. Watching it this time, I happened to notice certain things I hadn't before, as well as remembering favorite scenes that have always struck me as marvelous. There is of course the scene with Woody and Diane Keaton walking through the planetarium, photographed as if they are in space.
The film ended, and I felt a fullness of life and love and wonder. I was suddenly hungry, I missed dinner time, it was now 8:45pm, I went upstairs, the kitchen was a mess, I took some time and cleaned the kitchen, not watching the clock or anything, I fixed myself a meal, I finished everything by 10:00pm, I now felt the urge to sit down and write about these three experiences I had today. Before I go to bed, I think I'll read a few chapters from a book.
Monday, January 3, 2011
New Years Resolutions
I have to say on a professional level, 2010 was a banner year, I was writing more than ever, I enjoyed my time on Bullskit better than before, I directed the "It's a Wonderful Life" radio play at The Matchbox, which was a tremendous success both professionally and personally, and I started prepping for a short film which is a personal passion of mine.
Right now I'd say I'm in a good place, despite the fact that I have to move yet again from the place I am (I was there for only three months), it's a slight setback. This year I hope for focus on more of the things that make me happy and do things I have yet to do that I haven't done yet. Here's a list of my New Years resolutions.
1. Go to Paris: Well Europe in general, this is the big thing I want to accomplish, I've never been over seas, yes I feel it's expensive, and I personally don't like being broke, since I've been that before. I don't know exactly what I want my plan to be, whether I should backpack there, go on a week long tour, go with someone, go alone, I don't know, but I know I want to experience a different culture than I have been, and right now Paris represents so much for me, it's a place for art, for intellectuals, for pretty much everything that excites me.
2. Write a full Length play.: I've written two small one-act plays, I've been struggling to move forward from that, to move out of my comfort zone sort of speak. I think I'm ready to write a full length play, I have ideas in my head that are developing into something more labyrinth in my mind, I'm sure whatever is in my head will find its place onto the page.
3. Get a place of my own.: It may be the fact that I turned 30 a month ago, or the fact that I'm tired of answering to untrustworthy landlords, but I'd like to find a permanent place for myself, somewhere I can have the space and comfort for all my belongings without feeling I'm in anyone's way. I'm not saying I'll buy a place, but at least find somewhere or be financially dependent to be 100% completely independent.
4. Spend more time with family: This past year hasn't been easy on the family Robinson, we had some tragedy that makes you remember what really is important in life. My family hasn't been that close, but we do come together in times it really counts. Many of my non-immediate family are like strangers to me, but I'd like to change that. Some of my cousins are the same age as me, and they are people I like to get to know more.
5. Finish all the books that I own: I've been a huge collector of books for years now, usually when I come into chapters I buy a new one, but I've made a solemn oath that I will not buy another book until all the ones on my shelf are read.
6. Direct another play: I did have a mini-panic attack after doing "It's a Wonderful Life", sometimes wondering what I was doing, but in the end I was happy and proud with the finished product, and I liked working with my whole creative team, so I wouldn't mind trying my hand in it again, it probably means having to read more plays than I am used to, but I think if I can find something that really interests me, I would love to do it.
So that's about it for now, I hope 2011 is another good year personally as well as professionally, I'll continue doing things that make me happy which includes writing in these two blogs as much as I can, happy New Year to everyone who reads this.
Right now I'd say I'm in a good place, despite the fact that I have to move yet again from the place I am (I was there for only three months), it's a slight setback. This year I hope for focus on more of the things that make me happy and do things I have yet to do that I haven't done yet. Here's a list of my New Years resolutions.
1. Go to Paris: Well Europe in general, this is the big thing I want to accomplish, I've never been over seas, yes I feel it's expensive, and I personally don't like being broke, since I've been that before. I don't know exactly what I want my plan to be, whether I should backpack there, go on a week long tour, go with someone, go alone, I don't know, but I know I want to experience a different culture than I have been, and right now Paris represents so much for me, it's a place for art, for intellectuals, for pretty much everything that excites me.
2. Write a full Length play.: I've written two small one-act plays, I've been struggling to move forward from that, to move out of my comfort zone sort of speak. I think I'm ready to write a full length play, I have ideas in my head that are developing into something more labyrinth in my mind, I'm sure whatever is in my head will find its place onto the page.
3. Get a place of my own.: It may be the fact that I turned 30 a month ago, or the fact that I'm tired of answering to untrustworthy landlords, but I'd like to find a permanent place for myself, somewhere I can have the space and comfort for all my belongings without feeling I'm in anyone's way. I'm not saying I'll buy a place, but at least find somewhere or be financially dependent to be 100% completely independent.
4. Spend more time with family: This past year hasn't been easy on the family Robinson, we had some tragedy that makes you remember what really is important in life. My family hasn't been that close, but we do come together in times it really counts. Many of my non-immediate family are like strangers to me, but I'd like to change that. Some of my cousins are the same age as me, and they are people I like to get to know more.
5. Finish all the books that I own: I've been a huge collector of books for years now, usually when I come into chapters I buy a new one, but I've made a solemn oath that I will not buy another book until all the ones on my shelf are read.
6. Direct another play: I did have a mini-panic attack after doing "It's a Wonderful Life", sometimes wondering what I was doing, but in the end I was happy and proud with the finished product, and I liked working with my whole creative team, so I wouldn't mind trying my hand in it again, it probably means having to read more plays than I am used to, but I think if I can find something that really interests me, I would love to do it.
So that's about it for now, I hope 2011 is another good year personally as well as professionally, I'll continue doing things that make me happy which includes writing in these two blogs as much as I can, happy New Year to everyone who reads this.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Book Reviews
Pride and Prejudice: The first time I read Jane Austin was about five years ago when I read "Sense and Sensibility". I didn't much care for that book at the time, yet I was compelled to read it. I read "Pride and Prejudice" in September while I was on holiday in Vancouver Island. I was taking a train ride to Victoria, and it was then I fell in love with the book and Austin's prose. The book succeeds all its expectations on being a wonderful romance, plus having a heroine which was written in the 19th century but was so modern and witty. I can understand why "Pride and Prejudice" holds such esteem to classic readers.
Our Mutual Friend: Dickens' final finished book, one I read for the first time this past November. When I read the beginning paragraph of a Dickens book, I am automatically transported to his time and place, his characters more than any other writer's become alive in my mind, his themes are universal and I am constantly touched by his books. I'm like a broken record, I am very unhappy that I have read all of his finished novels now. I still have "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" to read, but it will be incomplete, it's not difficult to wonder why Dickens was so beloved, and why he is still revered today as the greatest novelist of all time. Despite what cynics think, his books I will cherish for all time.
True Grit A wonderful little compact book just a little over 200 pages tells the story of a young girl in the frontier time who hires a marshall named Rooster Cogburn to hunt the man that killed her father. The story is told from the girl's perspective and has that wonderful sense of old American dialect mostly associated with Mark Twain. The book is a great yarn, I couldn't put it down, it was just very entertaining not to mention the filmed remake of this year which I put as the best time I had at the movies so far this year.
Robinson Crusoe: Another book of mine that has been lying on my shelf for years and just waiting for someone to open its pages so that it might live. I finally read the book that I was curious about for sharing my same name. It is a classic story, yet it is very much one that is of its time, telling the story of a permanently unlucky britishman who is stranded on a desert island for 28 years. For most of that time he spends it alone fending for himself and having a spiritual awakening in the process. Yet the politics the book depicts of the time are very old fashioned, when it is revealed that the reason Robinson Crusoe goes on his voyage is to find slaves to work on his plantation, it's also disheartening to see the way he treats his tribal companion Friday whom he rescues. Despite Crusoe's spiritual awakening, it doesn't stop him from treating Friday as a sub creature, more of a pet than a man. Of course in one way, the novel could be thought of as an allegory of the civilization of the western world, there is probably no inaccuracy the way Crusoe is depicted. Yet the book fell apart at the end when Crusoe does get back to civilization, and it takes too much time discussing his financial issues of the plantation. Here was a man stranded on an island for 28 years, someone who learns to fend for himself, yet when he returns, it's business as usual, he seems to have learned nothing from his experience, only now he has a loyal companion who will work for him for free. Amazingly enough, I learned "Robinson Crusoe" was the most popular novel of the 19th century.
Our Mutual Friend: Dickens' final finished book, one I read for the first time this past November. When I read the beginning paragraph of a Dickens book, I am automatically transported to his time and place, his characters more than any other writer's become alive in my mind, his themes are universal and I am constantly touched by his books. I'm like a broken record, I am very unhappy that I have read all of his finished novels now. I still have "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" to read, but it will be incomplete, it's not difficult to wonder why Dickens was so beloved, and why he is still revered today as the greatest novelist of all time. Despite what cynics think, his books I will cherish for all time.
True Grit A wonderful little compact book just a little over 200 pages tells the story of a young girl in the frontier time who hires a marshall named Rooster Cogburn to hunt the man that killed her father. The story is told from the girl's perspective and has that wonderful sense of old American dialect mostly associated with Mark Twain. The book is a great yarn, I couldn't put it down, it was just very entertaining not to mention the filmed remake of this year which I put as the best time I had at the movies so far this year.
Robinson Crusoe: Another book of mine that has been lying on my shelf for years and just waiting for someone to open its pages so that it might live. I finally read the book that I was curious about for sharing my same name. It is a classic story, yet it is very much one that is of its time, telling the story of a permanently unlucky britishman who is stranded on a desert island for 28 years. For most of that time he spends it alone fending for himself and having a spiritual awakening in the process. Yet the politics the book depicts of the time are very old fashioned, when it is revealed that the reason Robinson Crusoe goes on his voyage is to find slaves to work on his plantation, it's also disheartening to see the way he treats his tribal companion Friday whom he rescues. Despite Crusoe's spiritual awakening, it doesn't stop him from treating Friday as a sub creature, more of a pet than a man. Of course in one way, the novel could be thought of as an allegory of the civilization of the western world, there is probably no inaccuracy the way Crusoe is depicted. Yet the book fell apart at the end when Crusoe does get back to civilization, and it takes too much time discussing his financial issues of the plantation. Here was a man stranded on an island for 28 years, someone who learns to fend for himself, yet when he returns, it's business as usual, he seems to have learned nothing from his experience, only now he has a loyal companion who will work for him for free. Amazingly enough, I learned "Robinson Crusoe" was the most popular novel of the 19th century.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
What Christmas Means to me
Christmas has come once again, it's in the air, it's barely felt these days but it's there. You have to try harder to find the true spirit of Christmas these days, what exactly the true spirit is it's hard to tell. For the Christians it is indeed the most joyous time of year, the birth of Jesus, for close families it's a time to come together, it's the time of peace on Earth and good will toward men. For me the romantic who likes to find humanism wherever he can find it, it's probably my favorite time of year.
I always, as Dickens has said have tried to keep Christmas in my heart all year round, we sometimes forget it, but I do indeed feel happier when it is. Christmas has always been special to me, since I was a child, of course there's something magical to it when you're young, and I think people try to keep that magic with them, it's the disappointment we feel as adults that sometimes ruins that illusion we once had.
Christmas has become more complicated and I think we've made it as such. We've built more stores to buy things, we make more cool things to buy, and some of us are not afraid to go into debt to capture that wonderful feeling of opening the gift we truly want.
We all know the importance of getting that child that special toy, I can only understand the anxiety parents feel when they realize that special toy is now sold out, they go on a searching binge trying to find it, checking every nook and cranny available to them, the one thing in the world they don't want is to disappoint a child's Christmas and who could blame them.
Yet the mistake is made by making Christmas purely materialistic, it adds to the pressure of the holidays, we work ourselves into an early grave to achieve this unseen happiness. There is that brief relief one can feel when they find the gift they've been searching for, but that sort of happiness is fleeting. After the gift comes the next gift, then the turkey dinner, then the Christmas cards to those people who might not be as important in your life but you feel bad if you don't include them as well. Then there's the post-Christmas boxing day shopping, a custom that boggles my mind which celebrates gift returns and buying more things for yourself you perhaps didn't get. Therefore the point of finding that perfect gift come Christmas is lost, since you can just pick it up the next day at a lower price.
I've spent this month re-reading Charles Dickens a man who at one point was known for revitalizing Christmas in the 19th century with "A Christmas Carol", a book so popular it brought back old customs that were thought lost in its time. Dickens was thought to be a sentimentalist and some would argue to a fault, yet when I read his everlasting story, there's a respect he feels to the spirit of Christmas, which was something he felt carried a little dignity to it, he felt it actually made people into better human beings, it wasn't just sentimental Victorian era schlock, otherwise it wouldn't have lasted this long.
In retrospect, I would feel Dickens would role in his grave if he saw the sight his words have taken this time of year. His sacred quotes have been twisted by advertisers in order to make us feel a certain phony sentimentality, or nostalgia towards Christmas. When Dickens published " A Christmas Carol", Scrooge told everyone to keep Christmas in his own way, this sentiment was meant to be a criticism to Scrooge, yet if one were to say it today, it would make a lot of sense, why bother to keep Christmas the way others keep it, full of materialism and phony sentiment, the spirit is lost that way, why not step back and choose to keep it your own way, you own honest and modest way whatever it may be.
In other words, I'm pleading, let's take Christmas back, take it away from the large chain stores, the huge advertisers and those pesky debt collectors who still haunt us from Dickens' era. Let's keep Christmas in our own hearts, as Dickens said for 365days a year. I'm a hopeful optimist, which is probably because when I see people, I see a great struggle to keep with the norm, they don't dare stray away from it, otherwise they could suffer unhappiness.
I hope we come back to the Christmas Dickens wrote about better than anyone, Christmas that was magical, where it seemed like some sort of presence overtook you for that moment and you felt good, and human, you felt peace around you and in your heart, that's what Christmas should be.
I always, as Dickens has said have tried to keep Christmas in my heart all year round, we sometimes forget it, but I do indeed feel happier when it is. Christmas has always been special to me, since I was a child, of course there's something magical to it when you're young, and I think people try to keep that magic with them, it's the disappointment we feel as adults that sometimes ruins that illusion we once had.
Christmas has become more complicated and I think we've made it as such. We've built more stores to buy things, we make more cool things to buy, and some of us are not afraid to go into debt to capture that wonderful feeling of opening the gift we truly want.
We all know the importance of getting that child that special toy, I can only understand the anxiety parents feel when they realize that special toy is now sold out, they go on a searching binge trying to find it, checking every nook and cranny available to them, the one thing in the world they don't want is to disappoint a child's Christmas and who could blame them.
Yet the mistake is made by making Christmas purely materialistic, it adds to the pressure of the holidays, we work ourselves into an early grave to achieve this unseen happiness. There is that brief relief one can feel when they find the gift they've been searching for, but that sort of happiness is fleeting. After the gift comes the next gift, then the turkey dinner, then the Christmas cards to those people who might not be as important in your life but you feel bad if you don't include them as well. Then there's the post-Christmas boxing day shopping, a custom that boggles my mind which celebrates gift returns and buying more things for yourself you perhaps didn't get. Therefore the point of finding that perfect gift come Christmas is lost, since you can just pick it up the next day at a lower price.
I've spent this month re-reading Charles Dickens a man who at one point was known for revitalizing Christmas in the 19th century with "A Christmas Carol", a book so popular it brought back old customs that were thought lost in its time. Dickens was thought to be a sentimentalist and some would argue to a fault, yet when I read his everlasting story, there's a respect he feels to the spirit of Christmas, which was something he felt carried a little dignity to it, he felt it actually made people into better human beings, it wasn't just sentimental Victorian era schlock, otherwise it wouldn't have lasted this long.
In retrospect, I would feel Dickens would role in his grave if he saw the sight his words have taken this time of year. His sacred quotes have been twisted by advertisers in order to make us feel a certain phony sentimentality, or nostalgia towards Christmas. When Dickens published " A Christmas Carol", Scrooge told everyone to keep Christmas in his own way, this sentiment was meant to be a criticism to Scrooge, yet if one were to say it today, it would make a lot of sense, why bother to keep Christmas the way others keep it, full of materialism and phony sentiment, the spirit is lost that way, why not step back and choose to keep it your own way, you own honest and modest way whatever it may be.
In other words, I'm pleading, let's take Christmas back, take it away from the large chain stores, the huge advertisers and those pesky debt collectors who still haunt us from Dickens' era. Let's keep Christmas in our own hearts, as Dickens said for 365days a year. I'm a hopeful optimist, which is probably because when I see people, I see a great struggle to keep with the norm, they don't dare stray away from it, otherwise they could suffer unhappiness.
I hope we come back to the Christmas Dickens wrote about better than anyone, Christmas that was magical, where it seemed like some sort of presence overtook you for that moment and you felt good, and human, you felt peace around you and in your heart, that's what Christmas should be.
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