Realities behind the Surge of Nationalism in Russia

The Free World may have defeated communism, but have we really won the Cold War? These days, people talk about resurgence of Russia, but come to think of it, this country is still a gigantic nuclear power, roughly tying with the United States. Also, Russia has been the 2nd largest arms exporter after the United States.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, American and British economists may have preached capitalism and market economy to Russians. However, none of Western forces occupied the Russian territory to disarm the Red Army. In other words, post Soviet Russia is neither Japan nor Germany defeated in World War Ⅱ. Actually, I missed this point until quite recently, just as most of the people in the Free World.

The Economist has released a special report on Russia. This report written by Arkady Ostrovsky, Moscow Correspondent of the Economist, presents very helpful insights on a broad range of Russian foreign and domestic politics under the Putin and Medvedev administrations. Quite interestingly, Ostrovsky points out that anti-Americanism in Russia is virulent, not among unreformed communists but among successful and westernized businessmen. Let me review the special report.

Ostrovsky summarizes the current state as the following (“RUSSIA: Enigma variations”; Economist; November 27, 2008). Russia has not become free and democratic as insisted by its government. Also, Vladimir Putin and Dmitri Medvedev take belligerent stances against the West: invading Georgia, and threatening to deploy short-range missiles in Kalingrad against US missile defense system in Eastern Europe. In addition, Kremlin decided to produce new submarine launched missile, named Bulava (“Russia starts production of new ballistic missiles”; Reuters; December 1, 2008). Previously, Global American Discourse quoted a comment by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates that the United States has stopped producing new nuclear arsenals for a long time. It is a serious challenge to the United States.

Though post-Soviet business élites in Russia have strong ties with the West, this does not deter Putin’s nationalist policy. He portrays himself a symbol of Russian patriotism rising from humiliation in the post-Soviet confusion.

Quite interestingly, Ostrovsky points out Russia’s love-hate relationship with America. He says that anti-Americanism among Westernized Russian élites is based on conviction that Russia is not different from America, both in terms of political and economic structure. They take Western preach of liberal democracy as a hypocrisy. However, new Russian élites are no less hypocritical than Western preachers. Quoting Lilia Shevtsova, Senior Associate at the Carnegie Moscow Center, Ostrovsky argues that Russian élites reject democratic governance of the West while they enjoy a Western lifestyle. According to Shevtsova, “hostility towards America and the West sustains the authoritarian and corrupt rule of the rent-seeking elite which portrays its narrow corporate interests as the interests of the nation.” Ostrovsky articulates “By imitating and repelling America at the same time, Russia tries to ward off a hostile value system that includes democracy and the rule of law.”

Professor Andrei Zorin of Oxford University comments “Russia may yet emerge as a nation state, but in the process it could also turn ugly and nationalistic.” Ostrovsky introduces viewpoints among Russian liberals that American triumphalism after the Cold War provokes nationalism in Russia, as Germans felt resented with the Allied Powers after the World War Ⅰ(“RUSSIA: Handle with care”; Economist; November 27, 2008). He argues that missile defense system in Eastern Europe and NATO expansion to Ukraine and Georgia invigorate hawks in Russia. The latter was a key issue at the last NATO foreign ministers meeting in Brussels from December 2 to 3.

Simultaneously, he points out that it is domestic politics that leads to the rise of Russian nationalism. America is a catalyst. Ostrovsky insists that current Russia is more dangerous than the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

This special report presents invaluable psychological analyses of Russia’s new élites and the public. British and American authors will not narrate so much in depth as Ostrovsky does. However, some of his commentaries sound too Russian. From missile defense to NATO expansion, inclusion of New Europe into the West is a vital agenda to restructure the security of the Euro-Atlantic region. It is necessary to be careful to read this article.

Ostrovsky explores furthermore on domestic politics and the economy of Russia in this report. Finally, I would like to introduce his audio comments through this link. Overall, this report is well-balanced to understand Russia from both Western and Russian perspectives. Therefore, I recommend this special report.

Carole Feuerman's Shattered Serena Stumps Sleuths

"The Survival of Serena" was insured, but payment is not assured.


Creating a sculpture like the hyper-realistic The Survival of Serena is a monumental undertaking. Shipped on Continental Airlines to Florida from Italy (the last leg inexplicably by truck) it was destined for the Art Miami exhibition. So it had to be a heart-stopping moment when the packing crate was opened by the shipping agent, and the sculpture, now in pieces, spilled out onto the warehouse floor. Serena was the most famous work yet by Carole Feuerman, America's reigning master of super-realism, and was utterly, completely destroyed and nobody seems to know how, why, when or where. From all appearances, there is a lot of stonewalling going on.

And in the confusing world of insurance, nothing is ever as it seems. An artist insures a piece against damage, and their freight company packs against it as well. And this was no delicate construct - it was wrought from fiberglass impregnated with industrial resins - and had already survived weeks of outdoor display in China, then shipped halfway around the world to Venice for another public airing. How could such a sturdy well-packed artwork come to such a horrible end?

The artist lavished great attention on Serena.

I asked Feuerman about her thoughts on the tragedy.

"As far as packing – It returned in a crate that looked broken and repaired. I can only speculate that Continental Airlines broke the crate and rebuilt it with very thin white wood. The wood was thinner and the piece was not structurally held in place inside the crate. The pieces of the sculpture were scattered and not wrapped and looked like someone broke the crate and rebuilt it improperly. The crate and the sculpture were definitely tampered with. The piece was shattered and in many pieces."

Unfortunately, it is going to take a detective to try to figure out what really happened, since it appears that the culprits did their damage, and then hid it by remaking the crate. From a legal standpoint, that makes it "concealed damage" and gives the insurers and airline a great line of defense.



To understand the issue, here is a quote for an analysis offered by Betsy Dorfman from Fine Art Shipping:

"In the case of the Feuerman sculpture there appears to have been no obvious damage to the exterior of the crate. Upon opening the crate however the sculpture was found to be destroyed beyond repair. In shipping terms this situation is called “concealed damage”. Many types of insurance carry a disclaimer or waiver for concealed damage where the goods have been packed by the shipper and are uninspected by the carrier or insuring agent. If the airline had provided insurance, it likely carried such a waiver and so would not respond to a claim under these circumstances."

It is worth reading Betsy's full explanation, it is a caution to all artists who tend to leave these details to others.

"My sculpture arrived from Italy to the Miami Airport on Continental airlines last week. The shipment originated in New York 2 years ago and has been prominently exhibited in 3 continents. It won this year’s Beijing Biennale and was prominently exhibited in front of the National Museum of China. In 2006 it was exhibited in the Venice Biennale, one of the most prestigious fairs in the world. This year it was scheduled to be exhibited in the front of Art Miami/ Basal fair where more than 50,000 art lovers would have seen it.

It originated in China for the Biennale and was sent to Florence, Italy. The shipper in Florence then sent it on Continental to Miami for the fair. The Jim Kempner gallery from New York City was going to show it prominently outside the fair. It is a monumental twelve foot sculpture that has won awards on three continents and was very valuable. It arrived smashed. Unfortunately, this $350,000 sculpture was insured for only a third of what it was worth. Mr. Malinowski, the customs broker who went to Continental to get the crate into the country feels that there was gross negligence on the part of Continental airlines and that the piece had to have been dropped twelve feet off the plane to be in the condition that it was found in. The airline was uncooperative with him and the authorities had to be called. I am wondering if a folk-lift truck rammed into it, and they repaired it. " - Carole Feuerman

The artist produced three Serenas.

The saddest part of this debacle is, as Feuerman put it: "The airlines, and the Italian shipper are trying to get out of any responsibility to this matter." Stay tuned.

Ultimately the artist might repurpose the damaged pieces. She titled this work "Bubbles III"

Connections: Carole has her own website and is represented by Jim Kempner Fine Art. Both websites show the astounding array of works this wonder artist has created to date.

This Wonderful Life at Barrington Stage Sparkles with Life and Love

Tom Beckett as Ernie the Taxi Driver (Kevin Sprague Photo)

In the film It's a Wonderful Life, George Bailey discovers that his life has made a difference to a whole town. In this rewarding and unusual one-man version of the classic story, Pittsfield's Barrington Stage Company has given their little city a sparkling new Christmas tradition that is bound to warm the hearts of its residents for many years to come. It is so good, I am already planning to take some friends to see it again. Yes, it is that kind of show, so far superior to anything you see on the tube that you don't mind turning off the computer, the Blackberry, the iPhone and switching into full focus mode.

What is amazing about this production is how a few talented people took a classic story, and with props, lighting and sound turned it into a sweeping epic of one man's journey through life. This stage adaptation of the 1946 film was written by Steve Murray and conceived by Mark Setlock. All it requires is one indafatigable actor with unlimited energy reserves and a photographic memory to take up some thirty roles during the course of a nonstop 85 minute journey. The show is performed without intermission.

One Actor Fills the Stage With Life

There's no need to recount the familiar story line here, but for the most part it remains faithful to the original screenplay, even though it runs a full hour less than the film. This tightening up of the script is one reason the action on stage never stops, and the audience's attention never wavers. In a one person show, so much depends on the quality of the actor, in this case Tom Beckett. Beckett is probably best remembered for his role as the sound effects man, Mr. Foley, on the AMC series Remember WENN.

Beckett has an impressive Broadway and off-Braodway resume as well, one of many extraordinarily gifted actors who like George Bailey eke out a modest existence, in this case by performing on America's stages. This is his first appearance in the Berkshires, and I hope that we see him again in many other roles in the future. His talent and range are impressive, especially considering that this was his first "one-man" show. He played young and old, male and female, nasty and nice.

George Bailey discovers his past matters

This Wonderful Life was directed by Andrew Volkoff, who also directed last summer's I am My Own Wife and the 2007 hit Fully Committed at Barrington Stage. This show demonstrates that Volkoff is far from content to stay with the same bag of tricks, he has clearly invented many new ones, and each one-man show he does is more multi-dimensional than the previous one. Artistic Director Julianne Boyd sure knows how to pick 'em.

The design team includes Brian Prather (scenic designer), Jeff Davis (lighting designer), Jacob A. Climer (costume designer) and Brad Berridge (sound designer). Renee Lutz is production stage manager.

Desperation on the Bridge

In the first half of the show we see the character of George Bailey as a self-sacrificing good guy, full of optimism and willing to defer his own needs in order to help others. In this day and age, as in 1946, this was a hard thing to do. But then - and now - there were - and are - such people among us, quietly doing the right thing. We often take them for granted. Who among us has not had that dark moment of utter despair, as George Bailey had at that snowy bridge, when all seemed hopeless.

Watching that scene touched off a bit of the jaded cynic in me, making me feel more like the evil Mr. Potter than a human being, but as it played out, those selfish feelings were overwhelmed by a sense of camaraderie with George, and it is such moments that give us catharsis in the dark of a theatre. We see we are not alone in our problems.

The Happy Ending (All photos by Kevin Sprague)

In the tradition of great storytelling, there is a happy ending. Sweet but not saccharine. Actually it is a bitter-sweet moment, one in which tears of happiness and relief merge, with the net effect of an audience leaving the theatre happy, refreshed and glad to be alive.

And that is the miracle of this Barrington Stage Company production. It renews the spirit, gives us hope, and encourages us all to be more selfless and kind, even when we don't get many thanks.

Well, here's a warm thank you to Barrington Stage. This Wonderful Life is the best Christmas present anyone in the Berkshires could ask for!

This Wonderful Life runs through December 20 at Barrington Stage's Stage 2 located at 36 Linden Street, Pittsfield, MA. Performances are Wednesday and Thursday at 7, Friday at 8, Saturday at 2 and 8 and Sunday at 3. You can call for tickets at 413-236-8888 or online at Barrington Stage Co.org

One note: In welcoming the opening night audience, Julianne Boyd explained that due to state budget cuts a chunk of money they were counting on was sliced away, and that to meet a challenge grant, they still needed to raise an additional $70,000 to replace it by the end of December. It's time for those of us in the Berkshires to step up to the plate. This is a company that puts the magic of theatre into our lives not only in the Summer, but year round.

"Go Free" Disney ticket promotion a big hit

A little promotional ticket pricing helps the high Broadway prices go down easier.

Disney's "Kids Go Free" promotion is working like a charm. With more than a million dollars worth of tickets sold in the first three days, and little more than a week to run, it appears that for every ticket given away to a child, one was sold to an adult. In these recessionary times, Disney proves it knows its marketing.

The tickets went on sale on December 1 and the promotion continues through December 12 for performances of Mary Poppins, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid. The tickets are for performances between January 6 and March 13. There are a limited number of tickets allocated to this promotion, and include most weekday and weekend performances. There are a few dates blacked out.

There are other ways to get discounted Disney tickets, though not as well known, but you will have to sacrifice a little of your time in order to access them. But that is the deal - if you are in a hurry, you pay full price.

The Lion King is not just for children.

Other discount strategies

The Broadway ticket brokers and ticket agents have not been immune to the recession, and often end up having bought more seats than they can resell at full price. So a great new strategy is to email or call these brokers and let them know when you want to go and ask if they have any deals.

Sometimes you will get an offer right then (a bird in the hand and all that) and you should be prepared to make a pretty fast decision. Though many will pressure you to act instantly, it is reasonable to tell them that you have to check with the others first. Even with a short grace period, calling them back as soon as you can is a good idea since their ticket inventory is limited and usually the first person with the money takes them regardless of promises made.

Alternately, if you email you can ask them to email you any late breaking deals for the dates you are interested in. Some will, some won't. Since tickets are in a constant state of flux, it is not possible to predict.

Armed with a seating chart and open dates, you can also be a well informed consumer when you do this. My number one rule of thumb is to always ask early on if the prices quoted include all service charges. Then, if some place down the road a surprise fee is added to the conversation, think twice about dealing with that broker.

The Times Square Info Center between 47 and 48 Streets

Should this strategy fail, and I arrive in midtown Manhattan without tickets in hand, I do check for what are called "twofers" at the tourist information operations. These are ticket sized coupons that often offer large discounts direct from the box office. The one pictured is on Broadway near Times Square and easy to find.

My final option is to stand in line at theTKTS booth in Duffy Square where tickets are always sold at 25 to 50% off. I will be writing more about them in the near future, so you might want to subscribe to this blog to keep up with cheap ticket strategies and offers.

The new Half Price TKTS Booth

Buying from the box office, whether at full price or a discount can be a smart strategy too since you do not pay the Ticketmaster surcharges which often add insult to injury. I would rather give those service charges to the independent brokers who got me a real deal.

So now the question is, which Disney show. Here are some capsule descriptions of the three currently running:

The Lion King

The Lion King is at the Minskoff Theatre

I simply adore this show. Disney’s beloved film comes to eye-popping life with Julie Taymor's amazing staging. Winner of six 1998 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, The Lion King pulses with an award-winning score and innovative choreography, costumes and masks which bring the classic story of the young royal heir Simba and the animals of the African Pride Lands to vivid life.

Lion King Seating Chart

Even with a top price of $110 on weekends, the Lion King is the most difficult Disney show to find discounted tickets for. This one show brings Disney almost a million dollars a week in ticket sales. No mere high school musical can compete with the large cast and orchestra which have made this the longest running Disney show.

The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid at the Lunt Fontanne Theatre

An underwater advanture with Ariel the mermaid in this splashy Disney musical. In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, a beautiful young mermaid named Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. With award-winning music by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, The Little Mermaid is a musical favorite for audiences of all ages.

Little Mermaid Seating Chart

There is a fairly steady supply of discount tickets for The Little Mermaid.

Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins at the gorgeous New Amsterdam Theatre

The young ones will experience a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious time with everyone's favorite nanny. Based on P.L. Travers' stories and the classic Disney film, Mary Poppins brings to life the story of the Banks family and their magical nanny. Featuring the movie's Oscar-winning songs, this enchanting musical lets you rediscover the power of family and the joyful memories of childhood.

Mary Poppins Seating Chart

Of the three Disney shows, Mary Poppins is the easiest one to find offered at discounted prices.

Finally! BSO offering digital downloads from its archive

The BSO onstage at Symphony Hall, Boston


Last year I made gifts of music to my friends and family via Apple's ITunes. It was affordable and easy. This year I may be sending the Boston Pops Orchestra to my friends who enjoy classical, light and heavy.

It's possible since the Boston Symphony has finally launched its digital download service, though the selection is sparse and somewhat curious. Certainly it is nice to honor bygone eras when Serge Koussecitzky, Erich Leinsdorf and Charlels Munch led this great institution, but I look forward to the day more recent concerts are available. Especially some of the legendary programs under Seiji Ozawa and the current Music Director, James Levine.

But it is a start, and the lateness of the entry at least means state of the art technology. Each recording has been digitally remastered by EMI's Abbey Road Studios using 24-bit state-of-the-art technology.

Keith Lockhart conducts the Christmas Pops

I enjoyed browsing the BSO website for a look at the various MP3 downloads and Classical CD selections which are being offered. There are generous samplings to give you a flavor of what you are buying. A very nice beginning.

Terrorist Attack in India Poses Grave Challenges to the Next US Administration

In view of Mumbai terrorist attack on November 26, the Washington Independent has published “Obama’s First Test?: The Terrorist Attacks in Mumbai Highlight a Simmering Crisis in South Asia” on November 28. Since the attack, the relationship between India and Pakistan is turning worse. This is a critical challenge to the War on Terror in Afghanistan and nuclear non-proliferation in the Indian subcontinent.

Ever since the United States started negotiations on a nuclear deal with India, Global American Discourse has been paying attention to the Subcontinent. This blog quoted commentaries by Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and Former Under Secretary of State Nicholas Burns, and mentioned a broad range of bilateral issues from nuclear weapons, terrorism, regional security, and the economy. Stable relations between India and Pakistan are essential for further US-Indian partnership. However, as there were Pakistanis among the terrorist attackers, India suspects some involvement of Pakistan.

The Mumbai attack reminds me of a controversial remark by Vice President-elect Joseph Biden, “It will not be six months before the world tests Barack Obama like they did John Kennedy.” It seems to me that the world is testing President-elect Obama before he is inaugurated. Both India and Pakistan are frontlines against Al Qaeda and Taliban in Afghanistan. Political tensions between both nuclear powers in this region undermines strategic blueprint of the United States.

At this stage, real backgrounds of this attack need to be investigated completely. Ties between the attackers and terrorist organizations like Al Qaeda and Taliban are suspected.

According to Spencer Ackerman of the Washington Independent, the Mumbai terrorist attack poses significant challenges to US and NATO mission in Afghanistan. Currently, President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan has begun to demand withdrawal of Western forces while talking with Taliban leaders (“Karzai — Whoa! — Calls for a Timetable to End the Afghanistan War”; Washington Independent; November 25, 2008).

Furthermore, the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank in Washington DC, has released a new report to recommend that the Obama administration renew military-oriented approaches in US-Pakistani relations by the Bush administration (“Partnership for Progress: Advancing a New Strategy for Prosperity and Stability in Pakistan and the Region”; November 17, 2008). The report says “U.S. policy must recognize that the military component alone is insufficient to build stability and security in Pakistan,” and calls for “a diverse approach, including strengthening governance and rule of law, creating economic opportunities and exploring political negotiations” with insurgents.

The terrorist attack inflicted dreadful impacts on US strategy in this region. Thorough investigation will reveal critical network of terrorists in this region. The Bush administration has created a strategic framework in the Indian subcontinent and Afghanistan. Will the Obama administration succeed in developing the framework made by current administration? Yes, Mumbai attackers test incoming administration in Washington, DC.

Martha Clarke Recreates A Garden of Earthly Delights

The triptych that is the original source of inspiration

Martha Clarke's The Garden of Earthly Delights is now on stage

I have been fascinated with the painting The Garden of Earthly Delights ever since I first encountered it at the Prado Museum in Madrid decades ago. Choreographer Martha Clarke has brought it to life on stage, though I missed its early incarnations at the American Repertory Theatre some 25 years ago.
Picture from the 1983 ART Production

After its initial appearance, it has returned in a full dance production and is now on view at the Minetta Lane Theatre in Manhatttan.

The Crucifixion is suggested, Rex Miller Photo.

Imagine trying to make the images in this stunning triptych come to life. The painter Hieronymus Bosch, or "El Bosco" as the Spaniards call him, certainly had a 21st Century imagination. Spooky film specialists Tim Burton nor Russ Meyer are not even in the same league. But choreographer Clarke take the Bosch vision on with great success, She doesn't try to replicate all the events depicted on the three panels, but uses them as a starting point for the acid-laden artist's version of Paradise, Earthly Existence and Hell. The painting is from the era when true perspective was not yet developed, so to suggest the crowded canvas, much of her action takes place in the air, with phantasmagorical happenings both on earth and in the heavens. The aerial work is stunning.

Simplicity evokes the painting's complexity. Rex Miller Photo.

Clarke worked out he original choreography in the early 80's and showed it as part of the American Repertory Theatre 1983 season. Back then Robert Brustein was artistic director, and he was way ahead of his audiences. It also had a short run at the Minetta Lane Theatre where it was originally slated to run until January 18 but a comment (see below) notes that it has been extended to March 1st. People's memory of it was so indelible that Clarke was continually prompted to undertake the enormous task of restaging it. Fundraising for this project was more difficult than putting the production itself together, the New York Times reported today.

Trees from Martha's back yard decorate the stage. Richard Finkelstein photo.

You can view more of Richard Finkelstein's creativity on his wonderful website. Dance photography is a great creative challenge to get right, and he does it with panache.


At the Minetta Lane Theater, 18 Minetta Lane, Greenwich Village; (212) 307-4100. Through Jan. 18. Running time: 1 hour 15 minutes.