this weekend
I went to the Alley's production of Othello last night and quite enjoyed it. The set was basically what "backstage" looks like, and the costumes were a mix of period and leather. The first two-thirds of the first act was the best, with the dynamics of the voices of the actors quite good and well varied for the different emotions and intensities they were portraying. After that, as the plot got more intense, the actors got shriller. It's hard to convey emotional intensity on a large stage without getting loud and shrill, and by about 9 - 9:15 last night, these people were no longer up to the challenge. Which is odd, because they did a better job earlier on in the show and they were all miked. Anyway, the lighting and set were good, and if I were reading Othello with an English class now, I'd take them to see the production. I also got some good ideas for Hamlet for next fall, since it looks like I will be teaching English again after all in spite of having many new projects to have to do as curriculum director next year with the school's new strategic plan.
This afternoon is a friend's 70th birthday party (he was a teacher of mine when I was a student at SJS and later a colleague there, now retired). Speaking of retirements, a number of stalwarts are retiring this year. There are times I can sympathize ;-).
Tonight is Crazy For You at sjs (sold out, so I'm not quite sure where I will sit--maybe in the booth or with one of my students up in a spot booth, or maybe just in the aisle til I can get to a seat that was sold but not occupado). Tomorrow, I'm speaking in a Unitarian church on the subject of how religion, science, and the humanities are starting to converge some after literally a millennium or more apart. My first "sermon" outside of Chapel at sjs since I was 15 and spoke in a youth service in a Baptist church in southern california. Where, btw, I was well received and told by several people afterward that I had "the calling." Hah.
After storms associated with the cold front, it's now clear and mid-40's here today. No going to the country this weekend because of all the social functions going on, but spring break starts after school next friday, so that will be good.
This afternoon is a friend's 70th birthday party (he was a teacher of mine when I was a student at SJS and later a colleague there, now retired). Speaking of retirements, a number of stalwarts are retiring this year. There are times I can sympathize ;-).
Tonight is Crazy For You at sjs (sold out, so I'm not quite sure where I will sit--maybe in the booth or with one of my students up in a spot booth, or maybe just in the aisle til I can get to a seat that was sold but not occupado). Tomorrow, I'm speaking in a Unitarian church on the subject of how religion, science, and the humanities are starting to converge some after literally a millennium or more apart. My first "sermon" outside of Chapel at sjs since I was 15 and spoke in a youth service in a Baptist church in southern california. Where, btw, I was well received and told by several people afterward that I had "the calling." Hah.
After storms associated with the cold front, it's now clear and mid-40's here today. No going to the country this weekend because of all the social functions going on, but spring break starts after school next friday, so that will be good.