books & articles I read — movies & videos I see — stories & podcasts I hear
In the sentimental wake of watching the final episodes of eight seasons of Weeds, a confluence of three events pushed me into the arms of a new Netflix drama: Orange is the New Black (OITNB). Oh and I am glad they did! Continue reading Signs for Orange is the New Black
Lately, both the big screen and small have been popular in my world. Here’s the latest on what I have been watching:
Side Effects
It is worth seeing this psychological thriller (check your local Redbox). Long after the film ends, you will find yourself pondering questions about who knew what when and how that knowledge or ignorance was used for gain by the individual and those around them. It’s practically a side effect. If you watch at night, be prepared to have strange dreams (another potential side effect). Continue reading Side Effects, Lone Ranger, & Weeds
On Thursday night, I saw MOMIX: Botanica, and I was dazzled. If you wanted to pigeon-hole MOMIX, I think “modern dance” would be the title given, but this does not even begin to do justice to the visual sorcery of the performance. From the moment the curtain rises, the dancers bring you under their spell.
Creating illusions with their bodies and their dress, the boundaries of reality were extended. I was amazed at how simple costume alterations, a black line here or an all-brown body suit there, could metamorphose the human figure into another being. The entire production was a demonstration of our ability to seamlessly transfigure ourselves.
Light and dark become play things as your perception is bent this way and that. For instance, a deep red backlight with no front, side, or above lights transforms the dancers into black shapes without distinct features, or the trickery of a black light on reflective sleeves worn on the arms and legs opens new stretches of the imagination.
The dancers also make deliberate use of props, objects that are often lithe in design and motion while bold in statement.
Altogether, the show is captivating. I highly recommend seeing it if you have the chance.