General David Petraeus expressed his concern that the Pakistan government gives defense priority to strategic rivalry with India, instead of fighting against insurgents in Afghanistan, at a panel in the House on April 24 (“Petraeus: Taliban, not India, top Pakistan issue”; AP; April 25, 2009). Petraeus warns that Al Qaeda and Taliban in Pakistan pose "an ever more serious threat to Pakistan's very existence." He stresses that Pakistani military forces and intelligence agency must be well-trained to fight against insurgents, and demanded US Congress to fund counter-terrorist trainings and operations in Pakistan (“Petraeus Calls on Pakistan to Redirect Military Focus”; Washington Post; April 25, 2009).
Since the independence from the British Raj, the relationship between Pakistan and India has been strained. When both countries tested nuclear bombs in the late 1990s, tensions in the Indian Subcontinent grew dramatically. The Clinton administration tried to ease the rivalry, but failed to build confidence between both countries.
It appeared that the Bush administration had contributed to substantially improved relations between India and Pakistan, as the United States led initiatives against global terrorism and the Coalition attacked Islamic radicals in Afghanistan. However, Indo-Pakistani relations have become chilled since the terrorist attack in Mumbai on November 26 last year. India criticizes possible ties between those terrorists and the Pakistani government.
As if symbolizing turbulent relations between Pakistan and India, both Indian and Pakistani newspaper reports that General Patraeus said India must be included to the portfolio of Richard Holbrooke, the Obama administration’s Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan (“Holbrooke’s Af-Pak portfolio includes India: Gen Petraeus”; Indian Express; April 26, 2009 and “Is India a concern for US Af-Pak envoy?”; Daily Times; April 27, 2009).
Apoorva Shah, Research Assistant at the American Enterprise Institute, argues that lenient terrorist policy in Pakistan is not the only issue of anxiety for India. The Mumbai attack has undermined the notion of India as a multicultural and democratic nation state. The Indian government is facing an imminent domestic security threats that would damage unification and stability of this country (“The ‘Idea of India’ after Mumbai”; AEI Asian Outlook; May 2009). It is understandable why India reacted so vehemently to Pakistan. But a positive Bush legacy in the Subcontinent must not be ruined.
As the Afghan War is an issue of high priority for the Obama administration, security in South Asia has become increasingly important than ever. The Indo-Pakistani relationship is a must watch issue now, and Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke faces such a critical problem while he tackles the matter of peace and stability in Afghanistan, the War on Terror, and non-proliferation in this region.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Free HD Opera May 1-3 from New York's Metropolitan Opera
The Metropolitan Opera will offer a free weekend of unlimited access to Met Player, the subscription service that makes much of the company’s extensive video and audio catalog of full-length performances available to the public online, in exceptional, state-of-the-art quality. The free preview begins at 5pm ET on Friday, May 1, and runs through midnight on Sunday, May 3.
During this time, users logging into Met Player will have access to the entire collection of more than 200 audio and video performances, including 20 of the company’s acclaimed HD productions from the first three seasons of The Met: Live in HD series. HD titles recently added to the Met Player catalog include this season’s transmissions of Massenet’s Thaïs starring Renée Fleming and Thomas Hampson, Puccini’s La Rondine featuring Angela Gheorghiu and Roberto Alagna, and Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor with Anna Netrebko and Piotr Beczala. Met Player also features the wide range of Music Director James Levine’s work, from Mozart’s comic masterpiece Cosi fan Tutte to Wagner’s epic Ring cycle.
Recent upgrades to Met Player include the addition of multi-language subtitles (French, German, and Spanish) to the current season’s HD titles; English subtitles are available for all videos (but can be turned off if preferred).
Met Player offers a wealth of video performances to choose from, including Puccini’s La Bohème with Renata Scotto and Luciano Pavarotti (1977), Plácido Domingo in Verdi’s Otello (1995), and Verdi’s La Forza del Destino with Leontyne Price (1984), as well as the recent HD live shows from the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons, including Natalie Dessay and Juan Diego Flórez in Donizetti’s La Fille du Regiment. Some of the initial offerings have never been seen since their original television broadcasts: Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana and Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci with Tatiana Troyanos, Teresa Stratas, and Domingo (1978); Price’s legendary farewell performance in Verdi’s Aida (1985); and Tschaikovsky’s The Queen of Spades with Galina Gorchakova and Domingo (1999).
The legendary audio performances include Bizet’s Carmen starring Rosa Ponselle (1937), as well as other Met radio performances from such celebrated artists as Carlo Bergonzi, Jussi Bjoerling, Maria Callas, Franco Corelli, Mario del Monaco, Lauritz Melchior, Zinka Milanov, Birgit Nilsson, Joan Sutherland, Renata Tebaldi, and Richard Tucker.
There is one string involved. In order to register for the free weekend of Met Player, users must have an active username and password for the Met website. New users can easily set this up by visiting the “Register” page at metopera.org and providing basic contact information. No credit card will be required. Additional information will be available on the Met website during this free period to assist customers.
About Met Player
The Met is the first performing arts organization in the world to present such a wide variety of performances in such high quality resolution, available whenever its users wish to see or hear them. The Met developed the new service over the past year, working with a consortium of new technology companies –Move Networks, mPoint, PermissionTV, and POP – adapting recently developed technologies to ensure superior picture and sound quality for the Met’s long-form programming.
For an optimal viewing experience, a multi-core processor, with at least 1GB of memory and 32MB of video RAM, is recommended.
You may also want to visit metplayer.org ahead of the free weekend and watch one of the preview clips (available at all times), to ensure your computer and internet connection are sufficient to enjoy this service.
Utilizing the technology of Met Player - Technical Information here - users have the option of hooking up their computers to new HD TV sets and home-stereo sound systems, delivering the Met’s catalog in high quality. The cleanly-designed, simple, easy-to-navigate interface on the Met’s website will allow users to find their favorite performances quickly.
And after the free weekend?
Subscription fees are priced at $14.99 per month or $149.99 for a yearly plan. As a special benefit for Met members who contribute at the $125 level or above, a six-month introductory package is available for $49.99. Individual purchases will cost $4.99 for HD videos and $3.99 for an audio performance or non-HD video; these individual purchases may be played in a six-hour period within 30 days. Met Player will provide a free downloadable audio and video website player with any rental or subscription order. A one week free trial subscription will be available to anyone after registration.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
The Bach Project: Bluegrass Edition with Chris Thile
Chris Thile is a master of the mandolin, and a multi-talented musician. He has transcribed Bach to the mandolin and it is sensational. For someone who loves both bluegrass and Bach, his blending of two styles is jaw dropping. Then, as if this were not enough, Joshua Bell takes us even deeper, to the emotional components of Bach. He is one of the America's finest violinists, and here we find insights into the composer's work that are very revealing.
The video above is a brief excerpt from The Bach Project, now in post production and slated for release on DVD this summer by ML films.
When Baltimore filmmaker Michael Lawrence set out to film various musicians playing and discussing Bach, he had no idea how much cooperation he'd get. As it turns out, a stunning assortment of players have been filmed for Lawrence's upcoming Bach Project including violinists Hilary Hahn and Joshua Bell, singer Bobby McFerrin, the Emerson String Quartet, banjoist Bela Fleck, and mandolin player Chris Thile. Their involvement virtually guarantees a revealing examination of Bach's music.
The variety of short excerpts released by ML Films and available legally on You Tube is truly mouth watering. Here is another with Joshua Bell.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Key Person: The 60th Anniversary by a British Historian Who Made NATO More Active than Ever
Jamie Patrick Shea Director of Policy Planning in the Private Office of NATO Secretary General, United Kingdom
Education: B.A., Surrey University; D.Phil., Oxford University
NATO held the 60th anniversary summit at Strasburg and Kehl in early April this year. France has come back to NATO command structure prior to this historical landmark. Jamie Shea has been working for NATO since he received his doctorate degree from Oxford University. Currently, he is the closest policy advisor to Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer (Netherlands).
In order to promote public understanding on NATO, Shea gives lectures on NATO history through the video, entitled “Jamie’s History Class”. As he mentions in the video of the first lecture, we learn history to understand what happens in the future. NATO is in the era of transition. It faces new threats of global terrorism, non-state actors, nuclear proliferation, and the Russo-Chinese challenges. As threats evolves increasingly global, NATO operations spread outside the Euro-Atlantic area. Also, NATO has transformed into an acting and fighting organization instead of a deterrence organization against communism. Shea endorsed NATO intervention in Kosovo.
As if implying his future of being involved in policymaking at the turning point, Jamie Shea was born in London on 9-11 in 1953. Having received degrees in modern history from Surrey and Oxford Universities, Shea has been engaged in public relations and policymaking for NATO.
His lecture entitled “1949: NATO’s Anxious Birth” presents some lessons to Atlantic and global security present days. Jamie Shea is right to say that history is a mirror to foretell the future.
From the beginning, some NATO members explored to expand the organization’s coverage out of the Euro-Atlantic region. France wanted to include French colonies in Africa. Actually, Algeria was under NATO’s security umbrella, before winning independence in 1962. The Netherland wanted Indonesia, Belgium wanted Congo, and Portugal wanted Mozambique and Angola, included into NATO defense area. There is something common between these past arguments and global NATO debate today.
Also, Europeans tried to entangle the United States with their security in face of Red Army threat posed by Stalin. This is true to Missile Defense debate these days. Poles and Czechs want to keep the United States close in order to curb the threat by increasingly nationalistic Russia.
The role of NATO is a vital issue in present context as well: whether to deal with military issues only or including socio-humanitarian ones. While Britain and France preferred military role only, Canada insisted on including humanitarian role as currently stated in Article Ⅱ of the organization.
Regarding trans-Atlantic involvement, Shea tells conflicts between isolationists and internationalists in the United States.
Jamie Shea mentions in this lecture that the Congress and the military wanted Europeans to rearm by themselves during the early days of postwar era. Shea points out that they were so isolationists because they desired that the United States retain the right to declare the war independent of multilateral organizations. Come to think of it, Americans took the Iron Curtain Speech by Sir Winston Churchill so bluntly at first.
On the other hand, Department of State was a leading proponent to build a multilateral security organization to deter Soviet expansionism. Shea points out that the Vandenberg resolution by Republican Senator Arthur Vandenberg enabled the United States to overcome constitutional restraints to join a multilateral military command structure.
Once involved, the United States has expanded the notion of trans-Atlantic security more broadly than Europeans. Unlike the WEU, the United States included peripheries like Norway, Iceland, Italy, and Portugal into NATO. The foundation objective of NATO was to deter communists, not necessarily to promote democracy. Shea points out that even the membership for General Franco’s Spain was considered.
Another point of focus is Britain in the Atlantic community. Shortly after World War Ⅱ, Britain was a proponent of joint European defense. The United Kingdom led the launch of the WEU. Sir Winston Churchill endorsed regional integration to reconstruct war devastated Europe. However, once NATO was established, Britain leaned toward the special relationship with the United States rather than leading European integration. Shea says this was a lost opportunity for British diplomacy.
Finally, Shea mentions a critical point that real victors of NATO creation were Germany and Italy. I strongly agree with him, considering relatively isolated Japan in the postwar era, because of its hesitation to join collective security organizations.
NATO history presents us with lots of implications to trans-Atlantic security, and also foreign policy of the United States, Britain, and continental Europe. In addition, the German-Italian experience gives invaluable lessons to Japan.
“Jamie’s History Class” is a great help to understand the past and the future of trans-Atlantic affairs, or more broadly the Western alliance of liberal democratic nations. More importantly, he is a man who made NATO more active than ever. Therefore, I recommend this video lecture series for highly motivated students of international affairs.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Chicago Still Going Strong on Broadway - $50 Tickets!
A true New York City institution, Chicago has everything that makes Broadway great: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one show-stopping-song after another; and the most astonishing dancing you've ever seen. It remains one of Broadway's perennial winners. It is now the seventh longest running show in Broadway history.
Our $50 ticket deal is good through June 28. There are two new cast members coming aboad during that period. Sofia Vergara, one of the hottest Hispanic TV stars, will make her Broadway stage debut as Matron "Mama" Morton, the reigning cellblock diva, from April 27-May 24 and June 1-7. And after that, three-time Emmy Award nominee and "Grey's Anatomy" star Chandra Wilson steps into the celebrated role from June 8-July 5.
So here's the deal. Either call 1-212-947-8844 and use code CHWBS44 or go to www.BroadwayOffers.com and use code CHWBS44. This offer does not include Saturday nights, and is subject to prior sale, blackout dates and service fees. Valid for performances through June 28, 2009.
Chicago is playing at the Ambassador Theatre box office at 49th St. and Broadway in New York City.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Japanese Contribution Praised by NATO
Previously, I have posted “NATO’s Partnership with Pacific Nations: Toward a Global and Multilateral US-Japanese Alliance” on this blog. As opposed to criticism by Japanese leftists and nationalists, the world trusts Japan because it is a close ally to the United States. Europeans anticipate Japan’s further commitment to manage the globe, as I argued in that post.
Currently, the War on Terror in Afghanistan and Pakistan is the most critical common agenda between NATO and Japan. NATO Channel TV has broadcasted news on Japanese contribution to Afghan reconstruction on March 31. No other Asia-Pacific nation draws such an enthusiastic attention by Europeans.
Quite often, people talk of Japanese national security merely from Asia-Pacific perspectives. This is wrong. Historically, Japan has deep ties with Europe. During the Meiji modernization, Japan learned a lot from European teachers. After World War Ⅰ, Japan assumed leadership in the world together with Europe. Japan’s historical ties with the Middle East are no less important. It is well known that the Meiji modernization inspired Kemal Ataturk of Turkey and Reza Shah of Iran.
A staunch US-Japanese alliance is a vital asset for Japan to strengthen partnership with its old friends of Europe and the Middle East.
In the news, the reporter narrates Japanese assistance to Afghanistan in culture, infrastructure, and public health. Japanese archaeologists conduct researches to restore the Buddha of Bamian with UNESCO. Expertise in Buddhism is Japan’s strength. Japanese Ambassador to Afghanistan Hideo Sato said that Afghanistan was a forefront of the War on Terror, and Japan must work together with allies and local residents to bring peace and stability. Japan built a tuberculosis clinic. Also, a new airline terminal was build at Kabul thanks to Japanese aid. Ambassador Sato said the new terminal would be the gateway to the world and the next generation.
Regardless of party politics in the United States, a staunch US-Japanese alliance enables Japan to expand partnership with free friends and allies. Japan’s strength such as expertise in Buddhism to restore ancient Buddha will be used more effectively.
Remember that Germany has won recognition as a good global citizen through NATO and the EU. On the other hand, Japan has been taking unilateral pacifist policy, which has somewhat isolated this country from the world. Therefore, I insist that Japan join a multilateral security structure through the US-Japanese alliance. European allies welcome Japan!
Currently, the War on Terror in Afghanistan and Pakistan is the most critical common agenda between NATO and Japan. NATO Channel TV has broadcasted news on Japanese contribution to Afghan reconstruction on March 31. No other Asia-Pacific nation draws such an enthusiastic attention by Europeans.
Quite often, people talk of Japanese national security merely from Asia-Pacific perspectives. This is wrong. Historically, Japan has deep ties with Europe. During the Meiji modernization, Japan learned a lot from European teachers. After World War Ⅰ, Japan assumed leadership in the world together with Europe. Japan’s historical ties with the Middle East are no less important. It is well known that the Meiji modernization inspired Kemal Ataturk of Turkey and Reza Shah of Iran.
A staunch US-Japanese alliance is a vital asset for Japan to strengthen partnership with its old friends of Europe and the Middle East.
In the news, the reporter narrates Japanese assistance to Afghanistan in culture, infrastructure, and public health. Japanese archaeologists conduct researches to restore the Buddha of Bamian with UNESCO. Expertise in Buddhism is Japan’s strength. Japanese Ambassador to Afghanistan Hideo Sato said that Afghanistan was a forefront of the War on Terror, and Japan must work together with allies and local residents to bring peace and stability. Japan built a tuberculosis clinic. Also, a new airline terminal was build at Kabul thanks to Japanese aid. Ambassador Sato said the new terminal would be the gateway to the world and the next generation.
Regardless of party politics in the United States, a staunch US-Japanese alliance enables Japan to expand partnership with free friends and allies. Japan’s strength such as expertise in Buddhism to restore ancient Buddha will be used more effectively.
Remember that Germany has won recognition as a good global citizen through NATO and the EU. On the other hand, Japan has been taking unilateral pacifist policy, which has somewhat isolated this country from the world. Therefore, I insist that Japan join a multilateral security structure through the US-Japanese alliance. European allies welcome Japan!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Shakespeare's 445th Birthday to be Celebrated April 23rd
Just a week to go before William Shakespeare is turning the big 445, and theatre companies around the world mark the date with parties and celebrations for the best known writer in the English world. We wrote earlier about the bash at Berkshire Theatre Festival but of course, Shakespeare & Company is also throwing a birthday bash worthy of the occasion. Their Will 445 Bash will rock the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre, along with its lobby and terrace, on April 23 from 7pm to midnight.
Their invitation warns us:
This being Shakespeare & Company, a swordfight is not out of the question. Guests must leave daggers, poisons and treachery at the door. (Mild knavery is permitted.)
Popular favorites Berkshire Bateria will provide the soundtrack for much dancing and merriment. There will be delicious food and birthday cake for all, plus a cash bar. Music is also provided by cast members of last year’s lively production of All’s Well That Ends Well, and partygoers are welcome to bring their own instruments for an end-of-night jam. Lots of surprises await, including tastes of Shakespeare and an advance preview of some of the exciting new plays coming in the 2009-2010 season.
A roster of tremendous raffle prizes includes tickets to see U2 perform at Giants Stadium followed by a stay at the Four Seasons in New York City, two days of rest and regeneration at Kripalu, an in-Berkshire getaway including tickets to Shakespeare & Company’s fall production of Hound of the Baskervilles or winter production of Les Liasons Dangereuses.
Tickets are $20 ($12 for 18 and under) and available at the door or in advance by contacting the Box Office at (413) 637-3353, boxoffice@shakespeare.org, or www.shakespeare.org.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Berkshire Theatre Festival Honors Richie DuPont
Berkshire Theatre Festival audiences and staff still remember Richie Dupont, a young actor who was killed in a house fire at age 24. The young actor was at the beginning of his career. At the BTF he played one of the horses in Equus with Randy Harrison who played Alan Strang in that play, his first BTF appearance. We will never know what his full potential might have been. Ritchie worked as a double on the films "Herbie Fully Loaded" and "National Lampoon’s Lost Reality II."
Each year, a special event is held in his memory to enable other promising actors a chance to learn the business of stagecraft.
To that end, BTF PLAYS!, the year-round educational program for Berkshire Theatre Festival, will be hosting the 4th annual Richie DuPont Award Benefit on May 9th at 8 p.m. at Firefly in Lenox, MA. The benefit will feature live entertainment by Berkshire favorites, the Tony Lee Thomas Band, light hors d’ouevres, door prizes and a silent auction. All proceeds will benefit the Richie duPont Award, which provides tuition assistance for children to attend BTF PLAYS! summer acting camps on the BTF campus.
This year’s silent auction features a “A Night at the Theatre” package including overnight accommodations for two and a complimentary breakfast at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, MA along with tickets to a BTF Main Stage Production; tickets to see The Roundabout Theatre Company’s current production of Waiting for Godot on Broadway, starring Nathan Lane and Bill Irwin; gift certificates to IS183, Plaine’s BikeSkiSnowboard, Route 7 Grill, and Berkshire Bike and Blade; Kayak rental from the Arcadian Shop; and many, many more items donated by local businesses. The event is sponsored this year by Maureen Stanton, Laura Shack of Firefly, and Your Color Connection.
Tickets for the event are $15 in advance and $20 at the door the night of the event. For advance tickets or more information on the event, please contact BTF at (413) 298-5536 ext. 13.
Joan Allen and Jeremy Irons in Impressionism - Ticket DIscounts
If you have been debating whether to see Impressionism or not, here's a discount ticket offer to make it easy on the wallet.
Tony Award winners Joan Allen and Jeremy Irons star in the world premiere of Michael Jacobs' Impressionism, directed by Tony Award winner Jack O'Brien. Impressionism is the story of a world traveling photojournalist and a New York gallery owner who discover each other and also that there might be an art to repairing broken lives. Here's your chance to see two distinguished lead actors long absent from the New York stage and a plot about mid-life love to speak directly to the prime Broadway play demographic. And there's one more reason, too, in my book, the cast also includes Marsha Mason.
Directed by three-time Tony Award(R) winner Jack O'Brien, this is the kind of love story that reminds us all that time heals, laughter helps and young love isn't necessarily the best love of all.
Our ticket discount offer represents about 45% off regular prices. Orchestra and Mezzanine rows A-F are $59.50 Tuesday to Thursday evenings, and $69.50 Fridays to Sundays. There are even less expensive $39.50 seats for all performances in Mezzanine rows G-K.
You can order tickets two ways, via phone at 212-947-8844 using the code IMNYTW401 or go to www.BroadwayOffers.com and enter the same code. Performances take place at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, 236 W. 45th Street. This offer is valid for performances through May 24th though subject to previous sale, blackout dates, etc.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Publication in a Think Tank Online Journal
I would like to notify that an edited version of my blog post, “A New Initiative against American Isolationism” was published in Hyakka Saiho, an online journal by the Japan Forum on International Relations on March 31. This is the second time. For reference, see also this link.
I feel honored to have a post in Global American Discourse published again.
I feel honored to have a post in Global American Discourse published again.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Bluegrass Music with a Terrific Twist
Members of Red Chamber, Mei Han (zheng-zither), Guilian Liu (pipa-lute), Zhimin Yu (ruan-lute) and Geling Jiang (sanxian-three string fretless lute).Nothing drives tension away and gets me smiling like some good old fashioned Bluegrass, honest and true American art. So when I heard about the Jaybirds teaming up with Red Chamber, a Chinese quartet using instruments from the far east, my curiosity was aroused. You can hear the unusual and thrilling results on the YouTube video below.
The Chinese lluqin, pipa, sanxian and ruan join the Jaybird's mandolin, bass, guitar and banjo to wonderful effect. The players seem to be having a good time too. The octet plays a wonderful version of Katy Hill and it is shows us how two very different worlds can share things - like music - in common. My thanks to the Berkshire's own Nancy Jane Fitzpatrick for tipping me off to this!
John Reischman and the Jaybirds have a a great website and lots of music to sample.
In my visits to China, I became familiar with the traditional plucked instrument repertoire, often performed in old theatres that were more like refrigerators than concert halls. I could only gaze in amazement at how the instrumentalists worked through such conditions, and managed to keep their strings in tune.
Red Chamber has their own glorious website with lots of sampling opportunities, and a CD if you are so inclined to expand your collection of interesting music. As to the YouTube video above, think about this: in China they will never get to hear or see it. YouTube is so open and free, they don't dare allow its content to be accessed in that nation of 1.3 billion people. Imagine, the skittish leadership of China demanded the opening of the historic Forbidden City where the Emperor used to live, but became a Forbidden Nation as far as speech and culture are concerned.
Upcoming Red Chamber tour dates:
April 29, 2009 - 8pm, Library and Archives Canada - Auditorium, Ottawa, presented by National Arts Centre "BC SCENE"
May 1, 2009 - Open Ears Festival, Kitchener, Ontario
May 3, 2009 - 8 pm, Kalamazoo College, Michigan
July, 2009 - Tour to Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines and India
Upcoming Jaybirds dates:
Thursday, April 16th
East Hartford, Connecticut
East Hartford Community Cultural Center
www.ehccc.com
Friday, April 17th
Mamaroneck, NY
The Emelin Theatre
http://www.emelin.org/
Saturday, May 2nd
Ottawa, Ontario
BC Scene
Library and Archives Canada – Auditorium
http://bcscene.ca/en/
Sunday, May 3rd,
Montreal, Quebec
Petit Campus (57 Prince-Arthur East)
http://www.hellodarlinproductions.com/upcoming_concerts.htm
Thursday, May 7th, Friday, May 8th
Parkfield, CA
Parkfield Bluegrass Festival
www.parkfieldbluegrass.com
New Talent, New Plays: The Guthrie Class of 2009
Two Plays, Two Showcases Not to be Missed
Class photo by George Byron Griffiths
(Minneapolis/St. Paul) A new generation of American actors and playwrights combine their talents, as the Guthrie showcases the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater B.F.A. Actor Training Program Class of 2009 in the Dowling Studio, April 17 – 26. General admission tickets, $10 for adults and $7 for students/seniors, are on sale through the Guthrie Box Office at 612.377.2224, toll-free 877.44.STAGE and online at www.guthrietheater.org.
In Peter Gil-Sheridan’s What May Fall, a man’s fatal fall at the IDS Tower forces nine Minnesotans to face the whimsy and terror of living in a world made of ice. Directed by Sarah Cameron Sunde, this Guthrie commission and world premiere production will feature Ali Dachis, Stuart Gates, Joanna Harmon, Michael Mercier, Iman Milner, Skyler Nowinski, Max Polski, Alli Schaffer and Emily Shain.
Vincent Delaney’s Writer 1272, a darkly comic play about college application essays and the prospective students who try to live up to the personas that they create for themselves, will be directed by Benjamin McGovern and feature Allyson Carey, Zach Fineblum, Elizabeth Griffith, Elizabeth Grullon, Joanna Hubbard, Benjamin Rosenbaum, Michael Roush and Cody Sorensen.
In addition to What May Fall and Writer 1272, the Class of 2009 will present two evenings of Snapshots, a series of monologues and short scenes from classic and contemporary literature.
The artistic staff for New Talent, New Plays: The Class of 2009 includes Jeffery Murphey (Set Designer), Cana Potter (Costume Designer), Karin Olson (Lighting Designer), Montana Johnson (Sound Designer), Carla Megan Sandoval (Property Master), Carla Steen and Lauren Ignaut (Dramaturgs, What May Fall), Max Mondi (Dramaturg, Writer 1272), Jenny Moeller (Stage Manager, What May Fall), Caitlin Sheaffer (Stage Manager, Writer 1272) and Adam Ehret (Assistant Stage Manager).
Class photo by George Byron Griffiths(Minneapolis/St. Paul) A new generation of American actors and playwrights combine their talents, as the Guthrie showcases the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater B.F.A. Actor Training Program Class of 2009 in the Dowling Studio, April 17 – 26. General admission tickets, $10 for adults and $7 for students/seniors, are on sale through the Guthrie Box Office at 612.377.2224, toll-free 877.44.STAGE and online at www.guthrietheater.org.
In Peter Gil-Sheridan’s What May Fall, a man’s fatal fall at the IDS Tower forces nine Minnesotans to face the whimsy and terror of living in a world made of ice. Directed by Sarah Cameron Sunde, this Guthrie commission and world premiere production will feature Ali Dachis, Stuart Gates, Joanna Harmon, Michael Mercier, Iman Milner, Skyler Nowinski, Max Polski, Alli Schaffer and Emily Shain.
Vincent Delaney’s Writer 1272, a darkly comic play about college application essays and the prospective students who try to live up to the personas that they create for themselves, will be directed by Benjamin McGovern and feature Allyson Carey, Zach Fineblum, Elizabeth Griffith, Elizabeth Grullon, Joanna Hubbard, Benjamin Rosenbaum, Michael Roush and Cody Sorensen.
In addition to What May Fall and Writer 1272, the Class of 2009 will present two evenings of Snapshots, a series of monologues and short scenes from classic and contemporary literature.
The artistic staff for New Talent, New Plays: The Class of 2009 includes Jeffery Murphey (Set Designer), Cana Potter (Costume Designer), Karin Olson (Lighting Designer), Montana Johnson (Sound Designer), Carla Megan Sandoval (Property Master), Carla Steen and Lauren Ignaut (Dramaturgs, What May Fall), Max Mondi (Dramaturg, Writer 1272), Jenny Moeller (Stage Manager, What May Fall), Caitlin Sheaffer (Stage Manager, Writer 1272) and Adam Ehret (Assistant Stage Manager).
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Steppenwolf's Tempest a Creative Triumph
Steppenwolf's Tempest is a feast for all the senses. Photos: Michael BrosilowChicago's Steppenwolf and England's Shakespeare, who would have thought it was going to be such a perfect pairing? Never before had the company undertaken the Bard's work, but now they have taken Shakespeare's enchanted masterpiece about the magic of forgiveness and the result is magical. For this effort, Steppenwolf ensemble member Tina Landau re-imagined this classic tale of art, freedom and the transformative power of forgiveness.
Ensemble member Frank Galati returns to the stage as Prospero, his first performance at Steppenwolf since The Drawer Boy with John Mahoney in 2001. Tina Landau has been an ensemble member since 1997 and has staged such inspiring Steppenwolf productions as The Time of Your Life, Cherry Orchard and The Diary of Anne Frank.
The Director and the Cast on the first day of rehearsals.The Tempest was Shakespeare’s final work. The story is about Prospero who is exiled to an enchanted island where he harnesses the powers of magic and masters the spirits that dwell there. His desire for revenge drives him to conjure a mighty storm trapping his enemies on the island. The production features ensemble members Alana Arenas, K. Todd Freeman, Frank Galati, Jon Michael Hill, Tim Hopper, James Vincent Meredith, Yasen Peyankov, Lois Smith and Alan Wilder with Eric James Casady, Miles Fletcher, Stephen Louis Grush, Emma Rosenthal and Craig Spidle.
In previews since late March, it officially opened this week for a lengthy run through May 31st. Specific performance and ticket information can be found on the Steppenwolf website.
Frank Galati and Jon Michael Hill. Photo Michael Brosilow.In the photos shown here, it is clear that the set itself is part of the ensemble. In her directives to the scenic designer, Takeshi Kata, Landau set out some guidelines. “The design cannot be too square, too solid, too geometric for this play about sea change, rupture and transformation. The alignment of the space should not be clean. Work against straight lines." The set, she explains, needs to be "immersive," creating an "explosive and disorienting experience." There is no question that she succeeded.
The North Korean Challenge: Missile Crisis, Rivalry against the Sino-Russian Axis, and the Successor
The Iraq Gap has not resolved in the North Korean Crisis. China and Russia are reluctant to impose a binding declaration against this rogue regime. During the Iraq War, the global media bitterly criticized the Bush administration’s unilateralism to advocate UN led peace enforcement. The Obama administration has shown conciliatory attitudes to challengers to the West. Prior to G20 Summit in London, President Barack Obama talked with President Dmitri Medvedev of Russia on nuclear disarmament, and both presidents agreed that there was no Cold War rivalry again between the United States and Russia.
Unlike Iraq, the United States needs Chinese and Russian involvement in North Korea. Any bilateral talk with Pyongyang will be interpreted that the United States recognizes North Korea as an emerging nuclear power. In addition, China and Russia have strong leverages on North Korea since the beginning of the Cold War. In an interview with FOX News, Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense K.T. McFarland, who was also a national security staff to Henry Kissinger, says that China is the only power to persuade North Korea because it supplies food and energy to Pyongyang. Quite importantly, she is extremely concerned with nuclear proliferation to Iran, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Egypt, because of arms race in the Middle East. McFarland does not worry so much about North Korean attack to Alaska（”China Key to North Korean Missile Test?”; FOX News; April 3, 2009).
The anti-North Korea alliance consisted of the United States, Japan, and South Korea faces a critical dilemma. While Chinese and Russian involvement is necessary to prevent the Pyongyang autocrat from committing dangerous adventurism, their interference is a hurdle to impose effective pressures on North Korea. As far as the North Korean crisis is concerned, President Obama is tested in the following issues: non-proliferation, global and geopolitical rivalry with illiberal powers of China and Russia, and impacts on the War on Terror.
Although stakeholder governments want to avoid escalation of this crisis, 57% of American voters prefer a military action to destroy missile launching facilities in North Korea (“57% Want Military Response to North Korea Missile Launch”; Rasmussen Report; April 5, 2009). Actually, Israel bombed a French-built nuclear power plant in Iraq during the Iran Iraq War to stop Saddam Hussein’s dangerous ambition. Facing a crisis, American voters favor approaches by George W. Bush 1st term and John McCain over those by Barack Obama and Jimmy Carter. Of course, I believe it preferable to avoid an escalation of crisis. However, the United Nations has not overcome the Iraq Gap. Also, China failed in controlling the rogue dictator in Pyongyang. Therefore, the result of this poll is understandable.
Finally, I would like to mention an article by Nicholas Eberstadt, Resident Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. He points out that the real problem behind this missile test is the timing when the totalitarian regime is becoming fragile. The rocket was launched just before the annual Supreme People’s Assembly to decide the successor of ailing Kim Jong Il. In conclusion, Eberstadt says “A monolithic regime with a dying monarch is now suddenly exposing unfamiliar cracks to the outside world. This development may prove even more consequential for North Korea's future than Sunday's missile launch.” (“Kim's Crumbling Dynasty”; Wall Street Journal; April 6, 2009)
This crisis is beyond non-proliferation. The tripartite alliance of the United States, Japan, and South Korea, must be well prepared for geopolitical rivalry in the Korean Peninsula, against China and Russia. This is a long lasting test for President Obama.
Unlike Iraq, the United States needs Chinese and Russian involvement in North Korea. Any bilateral talk with Pyongyang will be interpreted that the United States recognizes North Korea as an emerging nuclear power. In addition, China and Russia have strong leverages on North Korea since the beginning of the Cold War. In an interview with FOX News, Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense K.T. McFarland, who was also a national security staff to Henry Kissinger, says that China is the only power to persuade North Korea because it supplies food and energy to Pyongyang. Quite importantly, she is extremely concerned with nuclear proliferation to Iran, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Egypt, because of arms race in the Middle East. McFarland does not worry so much about North Korean attack to Alaska（”China Key to North Korean Missile Test?”; FOX News; April 3, 2009).
The anti-North Korea alliance consisted of the United States, Japan, and South Korea faces a critical dilemma. While Chinese and Russian involvement is necessary to prevent the Pyongyang autocrat from committing dangerous adventurism, their interference is a hurdle to impose effective pressures on North Korea. As far as the North Korean crisis is concerned, President Obama is tested in the following issues: non-proliferation, global and geopolitical rivalry with illiberal powers of China and Russia, and impacts on the War on Terror.
Although stakeholder governments want to avoid escalation of this crisis, 57% of American voters prefer a military action to destroy missile launching facilities in North Korea (“57% Want Military Response to North Korea Missile Launch”; Rasmussen Report; April 5, 2009). Actually, Israel bombed a French-built nuclear power plant in Iraq during the Iran Iraq War to stop Saddam Hussein’s dangerous ambition. Facing a crisis, American voters favor approaches by George W. Bush 1st term and John McCain over those by Barack Obama and Jimmy Carter. Of course, I believe it preferable to avoid an escalation of crisis. However, the United Nations has not overcome the Iraq Gap. Also, China failed in controlling the rogue dictator in Pyongyang. Therefore, the result of this poll is understandable.
Finally, I would like to mention an article by Nicholas Eberstadt, Resident Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. He points out that the real problem behind this missile test is the timing when the totalitarian regime is becoming fragile. The rocket was launched just before the annual Supreme People’s Assembly to decide the successor of ailing Kim Jong Il. In conclusion, Eberstadt says “A monolithic regime with a dying monarch is now suddenly exposing unfamiliar cracks to the outside world. This development may prove even more consequential for North Korea's future than Sunday's missile launch.” (“Kim's Crumbling Dynasty”; Wall Street Journal; April 6, 2009)
This crisis is beyond non-proliferation. The tripartite alliance of the United States, Japan, and South Korea, must be well prepared for geopolitical rivalry in the Korean Peninsula, against China and Russia. This is a long lasting test for President Obama.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Tough Financial Questions for America's Symphony Orchestras
Almost every one of America's 1200 orchestras has seen the economic collapse of their endowment. Long range planning that took place a decade or two ago was based on the assumption that the stock market and other investment vehicles would continue to grow and throw off healthy dividends. That assumption proved correct for many years, but now lies in a deflated heap of devalued paper.
At the same time competition for the top name conductors, soloists, players and even administrators heated up, fed by the artist management companies, fickle public taste and opportunistic head hunters. Salaries escalated to meet the ability of large endowments to cover the shortfall between ticket sales, contributions and higher expenses. Here's an excerpt from a brilliant column you must read in the Philadelphia Inquirer written by their music critic, Peter Dobrin.
"Is it really a good thing that Deborah Borda, president of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, made well over $1 million for the year that ended in September 2007? Or that a hornist in the New York Philharmonic made $300,000, an oboe player in the Philadelphia Orchestra $249,000?
How about a stagehand at Carnegie Hall who makes $425,911 - plus $107,041 in contributions to benefits plans and deferred compensation?
These are the kind of salaries you'd expect in a sector with more money than it knows what to do with, not one fretting about the future.
One of the most startling costs of running an orchestra is the guest roster, with pianists, violinists, cellists, and others making $30,000 to $70,000 for a single performance. Are they worth it?" - Peter Dobrin
We thank the always helpful Arts Journal for pointing us towards this timely story, filled with the kind of details that make for good reading. So does Peter Dobrin's blog.
We have already begun to see the top salaries for corporation executives, athletes, pop stars, and yes, nonprofit arts organizations begin to crumble. Just how far they will tumble remains to be seen, and we can't help thinking that the arts will take the severest beating.
The New York City Opera is desperately trying to shape a budget to support another season. They have approached their unions for concessions so that the company may begin performing again, and the unions have rebuffed the overture, saying the management is responsible for the problems and they won't give an inch. With this sort of myopic attitude there may well be no work at all for them. And that would be a tragedy.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
A TONY KUSHNER CELEBRATION AT THE GUTHRIE
April 18 - June 28, 2009
Theatre fans - gay and straight - are taking vacations, checking Priceline and friends for lodging, and otherwise bending their schedules to take in the most exciting theatre event of 2009.
That's because this spring the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis will present a landmark theater-wide celebration honoring the work of playwright Tony Kushner. Best known for his two-part epic Angels in America, Kushner is the recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for drama, an Emmy Award, two Tony Awards and an Oscar nomination.
The celebration will feature three productions on three unique stages, including the Tony-nominated musical Caroline, or Change, the world premiere of The Intelligent Homosexual's Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures (commissioned by the Guthrie), and an extraordinary line up of five rarely seen works in tiny Kushner: An Evening of Short Plays. In addition, the Theater will offer a series of speakers, scholars and special events designed to fully examine and celebrate Kushner's body of work.
Saturday, April 18 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Don't miss it! Cheap tickets, prizes, free movie and more! Click here for details.
The opportunity to fully immerse yourself in all the Kushner Celebration has to offer comes on Extreme Kushner Weekends – Friday, May 22 through Sunday, May 24; and Friday, June 5 through Monday, June 8. In addition to seeing all three productions on these weekends, a theatergoer can participate in exciting programming before and after each show to deepen their experience, including Saturday Seminars and speaking engagements by Kevin M. Cathcart and Tony Kushner.
Extreme Kushner Weekends will also include free discussions in the Guthrie’s lobbies, which are open to the public. Talk Abouts are scheduled before and after the productions Friday through Sunday and are led by Guthrie staff, artists and special guests.
For more information on this and all the Guthrie offerings and events, check their website.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Main Squeeze Accordian Orchestra: Girls Gone Weill
Accordians are wonderful musical instruments. Forget Lawrence Welk. Think of a woman holding one close to her bosom, practically embracing it, and it not only breathes, it makes glorious music that can make people laugh or cry. And it's not easy to play. Remember when you first tried patting your head and rubbing your chest at the same time? Well, try that at 400 notes a minute.
The Main Squeeze Orchestra presents their annual Kurt Weill memorial show Girls Gone Weill at the HighLine Ballroom in New York CIty. The all-female eighteen-piece accordion ensemble has gained a cult following; they'll tackle the works of the great German songwriter. The show is Sunday, April 5 at 7 pm and tickets are $12 in advance, $14 on the day of the show. Tickets are available on their site for this gig, and many others over the coming months, in New York and beyond.
However, if you go to Goldstar Events and sign up, you can get freebies, comps. There is still a $10 minimum per person for drinks.
"The Main Squeeze Orchestra …overflows the scales of feminine virtue in the name of song. More sugar cube than vegan icing, they do cabaret and camp... while dressed, coiffed, and rehearsed like some Central European Berry Gordy fantasy." --The Village Voice
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