Was this sign ever used???
This blog, as the title implies, is designed to offer thoughts on literature, philosophy, writers and writing, people, places, current events, the meaning of life, famous and unknown thinkers, celebrated prose stylists, artists and their art, scholars, philosophers, fools, pariahs, introverts, wallflowers, neat freaks, fiber addicts, social wannabees and also-rans; it includes daily observations, news-driven commentaries, book reviews and "great-writer" recommendations.
Translate
Monday, July 16, 2012
Theory of Improv
According to my teacher, the theory of improv (a.k.a. improvisational theater) can be reduced to two words: "Yes, and..." Always begin by affirming (somehow) what your fellow actor has said or done; next try to add onto it in a way that expands the scene and changes the dynamic. Nay-saying is a definite no-no. When an actor discounts or rejects an idea that someone else throws out there, this is known as blocking. Blocking is like a conversation-ender. It effectively brings the scene back to square one. Improv is sort of like quilt-building. It requires a duo or an ensemble to create something as a spontaneous patch-work. It's all good.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Metroland by Julian Barnes
I started this novel yesterday. It's about these two British youths who love to make fun of people - especially bourgeois types. The goal is to scope out an "authority figure" or some "uptight bloke" and then figure out a way to "pulls their chain." Sort of reminds you of Holden Caulfield - only more self-consciously European. Everyone's a phony, blimey. But it looks like one of these characters is going to break ranks and actually grow-up. Hurray for that!
Friday, July 13, 2012
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Visions of Summer in Provence
Summer conjures up dreamscapes like no other season. People often speak of that timeless sensation that you can get on a sunny day in July (if you're not in the middle of a heatwave). And if you're wondering where on earth such colorful vistas actually exist, the answer is: Provence - in the south of France.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)