The Skin Canvas

By vmcdo
Published: May 11, 2011

This day and age tattoos have become an intricate part of today’s culture. Some are covered head to toe, literally, in inked art. Some have even gone as far as piercing eyes of tattooed animals or splitting their tongues to reach a new level of realism. Is this art or extreme body mutilation? Tattoos have been known to date back 5,000 years ago – found on a frozen cave man. The inked markings have different cultural significance and historical connotations. Some historians even think these markings were caused accidentally. Regardless of their history, stigmas of barbarian war markings or indications of pirates, soldiers or criminals, tattoos today mean so many things for individuals in our culture. It has become romanticized with increase exposure of Kat Von D and Miami/L.A Ink, athletes, celebrity, books, etc. Tattoos have become so popular to the extent of vegan inkers. But also they still remained viewed as unprofessional and associated with a negative stigma.

The word tattoo is said to have two major derivation: from the Polynesian word ‘ta’ which means striking something and the tahitian word ‘tatau’ which means ‘to mark something’. So what do these markings mean? Are stars and abstract words of any significance? Are the striking of names and vague shapes a discourse of our individual beliefs or a mere obsession of “what’s in?”

As an individual who is infatuated with tattoos I would love to be the one with a “sleeve” filled with artistic expressions, images, quotes and verses. My roommate and I always fantasize of the imagery of “having our hearts on our sleeves”. I love tattoos because they are unique yet belonging to a community of inkers.

How do you feel about tattoos?

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She Who Struggles

By vmcdo
Published: April 6, 2011

As a college student I don’t always have the time to squeeze in a book just for leisure, but after I picked up the autobiography of Assata Shakur, I couldn’t put it down.

The self titled book, Assata explores the life story of an African American revolutionary’s journey. Assata begins with a captivating sequence of events of an altercation on NJ turnpike in 1973 that resulted in the death of her Conrad and a NJ State officer. The story jolts to her childhood and its juxtaposition to the subsequent events of trails and her life as a political prisoner. Her road from birth to Cuba is a poetic, informative and inspiring story. Her involvement with the Black Panther Party and her strength of discovering the self is breath taking.

Convicted to 25 years to life, her innocence still lingers because of the climate of America in the early 70s. It is a gut retching story of a life of a political prisoner that refuses to let the system eat her alive. It’s a story of love and of strength.

http://www.amazon.com/Assata-Autobiography-Lawrence-Hill-Co/dp/1556520743#_
And for another Juicy Jersey non-fiction of recent history check out

Ted Sherman and Josh Margolin The Jersey Sting
.

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Winter Winds

By vmcdo
Published: February 9, 2011

These can be the most depressing days. The holiday décor has been neatly stored away. The sounds of jingle bells have been silenced and the smells of pine and apple cinnamon have been wisps away with the harsh winds of winter. Snow, cold fronts and freezing rain are the only predictions of the forecast. But don’t fret and don’t fall into seasonal depression! New Brunswick’s art delivers just the escape you need. Take this time to break your routine rut (even if you did just return from your family vacation). February is the month of love- and Black History. Take your lunch at The Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum. Or, plan that special valentine treat with a stay in the Heldrich hotel and a show at the theater.
Winter doesn’t have to be so dreary. This is just one of the many, less expensive get-a-ways. Think like a tourist in your own backyard. Explore new restaurants… explore new realities.

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This Time of Year

By vmcdo
Published: December 14, 2010

New Brunswick knows just how to celebrate the holidays. The city’s festivities are diverse and extensive.
This past weekend we celebrated the 18th annual tree lighting celebration in monument square with a collection of performers, chili, Mayor Cahill as well as a special guest from Santa and Mrs. Clause. The free event brought out crowd of almost a 1,000. We welcomed the holidays with the magnificent illumination of the tree as well as carriage rides. Cheers to Pam Stefanek, ED, City Market for making another year special.
If you missed the tree ceremony, no fret, this month is packed with holiday celebrations.
Enjoy American Repertory Ballet’s 47th year of The Nutcracker at the grand State Theater, Regional Arts Center, as well as performances by Linda Elder and Eileen Ivers. Celebrate a multicultural cabaret with Crossroads Theater Company’s Holiday Jubilee! There is so much to be offered this season. But, the holidays are not always about red nose reindeer, singing ornaments and warm eggnog. This time of year is the season of joy generosity. The State Theater embraces that by finding a new way to bring arts to charity:

‘On Saturday, December 4, a hand-picked group of teenagers made simultaneous debuts with the State Theatre and the Brooklyn-based STREB company. These 12 high school students, from Emily Fisher Charter School in Trenton, are part of an innovative new project known as SLAM Remote.

SLAM Remote used interactive video technology to connect performers and audiences in two different venues: in this case, Crossroads Theatre in New Brunswick and the STREB Lab for Action Mechanics (SLAM) in Brooklyn. Audiences in both locations saw part of the show performed right in front of them, and part of the show onscreen via live-time streaming. At the Brooklyn site, the STREB ensemble launched into their high-flying, death-defying routines. Midway through the performance, the action switched to Crossroads and the student group from Emily Fisher Charter School.

In preparation for the big event, instructors from STREB travel to Trenton in November for a series of five workshops. The Emily Fisher students learned the basics of STREB’s “Pop Action” technique, then created their performance piece.
A longtime State Theater favorite, STREB is famous for their “extreme action” performances—a unique fusion of cutting-edge technology, dance, sports, gymnastics, and the American circus. Their performances are equally famous for creating a dynamic interaction between the audience and performers. SLAM Remote is their latest experiment in creating an artist-audience interface for this age of technology.’ (K.B)

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The Emotional Hostage

By vmcdo
Published: November 5, 2010

Emotions play a big part in appreciating the work of an artist. Just last evening, the rain, and the weariness of the week hindered my ability to connect with The Hostage. Mason Gross’s efforts to recapture Brendan Behan’s play were not in vain, however the drunken Irish shindig, left me craving beer and an explanation.

Was this a part of my emotional disconnect, my longing to be in a dry warm bed after a long week, or was it the meager production that left me dazed?
The set was elaborate and well crafted, captivating the warmth and reality of an Irish home. The actors were high energy and truly dedicated to the part. The play was full of life, sex, beer and controversial topics. No matter how much it offered, I was just not feeling it.
So, it leaves me only to conclude, it takes two to have a well crafted production. It is based on the relationship between the actors and its audience. Last evening, the audience laughed, squealed and swayed with every emotional turn. I was left silent.

I invite you to go see it for yourself! Write in and give me your feedback!

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October Missiles

By vmcdo
Published: October 25, 2010

Theater is an action, not a mere house, building or stage. It is the fundamental nature of storytelling. And this October, New Brunswick has captured the essence appealing to the emotional self with its varied expressions of art. This month I had the pleasure of experiencing three magnificent works. Here is the first, FEN, check back for my insight on Circle Mirror Transformation and Train to 2010 in subsequent entries!

Mason Gross’s production of Fen written by Caryl Churchill, explored corporate globalization and its juxtaposition of the individual success. The story was grime yet full of hope. In this time we can see the drastic differences between classes, thousands falling in between the growing wage gap. It is much more than a global oppression; it shares the stories and lives of common worker of England in the Wetlands in the early 1980s. The duality of roles by the same actor reflects the nature around commonality, sameness across the land.

After rushing in on a Sunday afternoon (I suggest you give yourself ample time to sit, relax and be prepared to enter a new world) I was instantly shaken from my reality when I entered the dim, dirt filled theater. Two hours later, the October breeze quickly brought me back. In my fit of confusion, I could hear the buzz of other audience members questioning, What did I just see?! It was a very valid question. I was in ponder myself, instantly not liking it because it was too abstract to connect. It was not until our discussion in Theater Appreciation class did I come to find meaning. (I guess the class is serving its purpose). The line: My mother always wanted to be a singer, that’s why she never sang, echoed. After an hour of discussion we uncovered the core of dreams. Everyone has them. A sense of desire to reach a new level of self far beyond current reality. Yet, Fen demonstrated the pain of reality. Concluding with no real result it was left for us to decide: departing from one’s dream leaves it whole; better preserved as a mystical possibility than to have tried and failed.

Seemingly, the only escape from the harsh reality was through death, and even then, sprits of the past and dreamers meet in the afterlife. This is a story of hope struggle.

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Ready, Set, FALL

By vmcdo
Published: October 1, 2010

Fall not only brings the change of tint in the foliage (my favorite time of the season by the way!)
But it also brings with it cozy sweaters, warm scents of apple cinnamon, teas and pumpkins. Get ready for the arrival an amazing season of the arts too, shows ranging from theater to comedy!

There is such an array of featured events this month of October. Start today with the opening of FEN! Jump start a month packed with wonderful, affordable events right in the city of New Brunswick. And, as always continue to check back here to read appraises and reviews of the productions.

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The Oasis of Old Man

By vmcdo
Published: August 3, 2010

If you have been bogged down by the construction of George Street, sprayed with dust, confused with reroutes or just plain bothered… take a deep breath, oasis is right around the corner. Literally. Coming off George Street, on the corner of Albany, is a cornerstone of downtown: Old Man Rafferty’s. The versatile restaurant provides a quick, fresh lunch in their deli, a full service menu with great American options and a beverage list that is picked to please. And for the skeptical and sweet tooth, the bakery will satisfy any tongue.

Yes, good food, everyone has that huh? Well take a seat in their sidewalk garden. At lunch have summer salad topped with Salmon while enjoying “Summer Afternoon Music Series”. Set a date, music is played in Kilmer Park parallel to the restaurant’s outdoor seating, only Wednesdays and Fridays between 12pm-2pm.

Or plan a mid week dinner. Last night, my friend and I enjoyed juicy burgers and sweet potato fries in the candlelit garden as the heat and sun fell in a slumber. It was romantic and peaceful, even for two girlfriends chatting after a trip to the mall.

New Brunswick has some hidden oasis… go explore!

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The Brilliance of a Child’s Mind

By vmcdo
Published: July 30, 2010

If you have not sat and listened to a six year old little kid, you haven’t lived yet. Even Bill Cosby paid homage to the creativity of a child’s mind with his TV program: “Kids Say the Darndest Things.”

Earlier this month I had the privilege to visit New Brunswick’s George Street Playhouse Summer Theatre Academy, an artistic twist to summer camps. I won’t boggle you with details of the camp; visit http://www.georgestreetplayhouse.org/theatreclass/summertheatreacademy to learn more about it.
But I do want to go into great detail of my gratifying afternoon. My first pleasure was to be entertained and inspired at the Academy sharings. Breathtaking! There are so many outrageous adjectives that would still fall short of the powerful impact a child in the arts has on any audience. The first group was the 5-8 year old students’, “Songs as Stories”, followed by the brave at heart 9-12 year olds and concluded with the magnificent 13-18 year old students. This was just a private academy sharing to mark progress in the process of their artistic development. But you’re in LUCK!
Performances (Free and Open to the Public) on the Main Stage at GSP:
Original Play by Rising Company (Ages 9 -12) – Friday, July 30th at 2 pm
Original Musical by Teens (Ages 13-17, Young M Company) – Friday, July 30th at 3 pm
Original Play by Teens (Ages 13-17, Young Company) – Friday August 6th at 3 pm

My deepest pleasure was the one on one interaction with some campers and staff. With a brief interview I received insight on the structure of the camp, but most importantly, the magic. The biggest thing they desired to share were the outstanding talents of Jim Jack. Not of his artistic talents, however I am sure they are superb, but as the Educational Director of the camp, they spoke highly of his expectations. Director Jack, according to his team, exceedingly expects excellence from his students, and with loving support pushes them to not only reach a high level of distinction, but surpass it.

The arts for these kids mean so much more than finger-paint and chaotic movement; this academy builds character and confidence. It allows for one to discover the self. A 7 year-old student, Nyssa, defined art as,” expressing emotional feeling.” A first year intern summed up the vast existence of art, in one simple phrase, “life’s release valve.”

Regardless of the vast definitions of art, one thing was agreed upon: the importance of art in a child’s development. Artistic exploration develops skills to build upon for future success: team work, problem solving, innovation and more. Unquestionably, this camp is a venue for exploration and discovery.

Discovering more…

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Excuse the Absence

By vmcdo
Published: July 22, 2010

I know the large fan base is hungry for more art. Not that is has been lacking in the city this summer, it thrives with each degree. And it’s HOTT .
I’ve been working diligently on a master piece. Well, more like waiting for brilliance.
In the process of writing coverage for the George St. Play House Theater Academy, I hit the curtain. Not that the subject lacks coverability… Yes, I know- I made that up, just call me a political satire, Shakespeare did it.
It’s vastness of artistic complexity and talent, leaves me a bit intimidated. But no worries, the post will soon be updated.
The point, stay patient; please don’t rush perfection… or me.:)

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