Monthly Archives: January 2009

(Community Matters)

photos by Richard Finkelstein

In the 80’s, Martha Clarke choreographed this work, a dark interpretation of Hieronymus Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delight (see triptych below, 1504-1503). It’s ethereal & magical – extraordinary imagery. Bosch’s is an important work of art and so is this piece. Clarke avoided the temptation of interpreting literally and spectacularly created this dark representation using aerial, costume & original composition as Bosch used hues. Some thought there’s unneeded humor, though vulgarity has its place in the piece whether interpreting Bosch’s work as a moral warning or a depiction of paradise lost.

Perhaps the most intense on-stage work I’ve ever seen – we’ll see. Always takes me days to place art in context.

We were rushed to make an after show dinner and weren’t able to greet Mikhail Baryshnikov in last night’s audience. I know he wouldn’t remember me, but he’d certainly remember Charles who twice produced his work, the last a private performance for 150 at Saint Mark’s in the East Village (where I was indentured to Misha for the morning).

(Community Matters) Whenever I’m away from Steven, I miss him. Enjoyed going to one of his favorite restaurants (Room Service for Thai) with one of his boyhood friends, now also my dear friend, Rob Oppegard. Same as why I wear your robe and sit at your desk when you’re away! 🙂

(Community Matters) I just asked a man if he was Joe my god – looks just like him.

He answered grinning broadly, “No, but I wish I was.”

(Community Matters) Fired for being gay. Always surprises me that Americans don’t realize we can be fired simply for being gay. Sexual orientation is not protected by federal laws.

(Community Matters)
I’m in NYC attending the annual gathering of the Association of Performing Arts Presenters with my friend Charles Santos. Hundreds of performimg arts companies performing all over Manhattan, hoping to be booked around the world

Enjoyed getting to know Robert Kinney (Kinney Recruiting) on the ride over.

David Parsons performance tonight at the Joyce. Posted from my blackberry.

update: The NYTimes didn’t like it but I take exception with the review. Certainly opportunities to edit a new piece, and while I liked the theatrics of the projections and lighting, suppose many dance purists might object. Maybe a lot of typical David moves, but they are his signature moves and I enjoyed remembering some of his earlier pieces. It was fun, received a standing ovation from the audience and I had a great time. Loved that David remembered me. It’s been 8 years since they played Austin on my 40th birthday and joined us at the house after for a party. Charles & Titas are bringing the company to Dallas on 3/27 & 3/28, not tonight’s piece – Remember Me – but a rep concert, including their signature piece, Caught. Parson’s executive director from the 90s and early 2000s, Frank Sonntag, joined us for dinner and the show, as well as a drink after at G.

(Community Matters) Good gosh. Why must voters endure the bad spins and underground campaigns? News of last night’s robo calls organized by Lee Leffingwell’s undeclared campaign citing Brewster’s question about when Lee’s resignation from council would force a special election.

Big surprise that as an attorney, Brewster would have a perspective on the ordinance calling for a special election. Good thing someone asked the question, or Austin taxpayers would have been spending nearly $1 million when we shouldn’t have to (much less when we don’t have it). That Lee’s campaign hadn’t sought clarity on this and nearly cost us $1mm is the bigger story.

(Community Matters) I’ve been ambigious about my physical location over the last few days because we returned from Marfa several days early. Steven had been away from home for four weeks and I realized I could chill anywhere as long as I didn’t schedule meetings. Thus, the ambiguity.

(Community Matters)

(Community Matters) David Brooks in today’s NYT. Their editorial.

I had lunch with a dear friend today at which we discussed what’s going on in Gaza and potential Middle Eastern policy. Enlightening conversation.

What’s it really mean to be Israel’s friend and in such context, what positions do we take? Same with Palestinians – what do we tell them? Accountability? What are viable forms of democracy in tribal regions? Provoked a conversation about the outcomes of Russia’s glasnost and China’s emerging capitalism. Which people are better off today? What cultural issues indelibly influence the positions of each side in ways we probably don’t understand?

Perhaps the most complex geopolitical issue facing us today.

(Community Matters) hmm, only 2 of 10 Kiva certificates given as Xmas gifts have been redeemed. Get with it boys & girls. There are entrepreneurs around the world ready to launch or grow their busiensses . . . and families needing to be fed.

(Community Matters) A long lost friend found me on facebook today. Haven’t spoken with her in probably 15 years. Not sure how I feel about this statement any longer.

i disagree w/ the practice of homosexuality on a moral/Biblical basis……but that doesn’t mean i love u any less as a person!!!

I’m still fond of her. Just don’t know that I need to reconnect so personally with someone who feels that way. Probably will. But, gives me pause.

(Community Matters) The Miro Quartet playing at Bates on Feb 5 at 8pm.

totally hunky John Largess in foreground