Today's Super Power! Coding

I was on YouTube earlier and saw that the video "What Most Schools Don't Teach You" , and of course the two men positioned in the video advertisement were Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates: why? Because they are some of the most brilliant men who, did not depend on ordinary school methods to be where they are. They depend on the determined and innovative brains they were born with. 

To know that this non profit organization : Code.Org is promoting this development in today's society is awesome, and to have so many great engineers speak about their experience with coding is amazing as well. The wonderful thing about art is that there is no limit on how many people can practice and excel at it, thus these "rock stars" are itching to meet, employ, and inspire the new great!

Gabe Newell, co-founder of video game developer Valve, said it best with this knowledge of coding, "You're going to look like you have magic powers compared to everybody else." Because the advancements that technology is making is truly remarkable and only improving. 

It is art: I saw a video of the new PS4, and all I saw was art. Ans on the other hand, technology does help save peoples lives. I don't think I want to be without this super power, like Will I Am pointed out, we depend on technology to give us our knowledge so we should probably be knowledgeable about it! The video now has 4,719,142 

so I think many people feel the same way. 

 I thought he was cute!

"I'm raping in the rain..."

Um I think that's how it goes, or at least that is the translation of the classic Singing in the Rain by Alex and his droogs in A Clockwork Orange. The scene I am referring to is a really powerful scene in the movie because it connects the two lifestyles of the past and present (which was the future in the book). The book itself highlights how the youth have disconnected from the moral lessons of society, thus creating their own rules and adaptions of the classic expressions.

Alex and  his friend broke into a home of a wealthy couple, terrorizing their home, and raping the woman of the house. As the gang began their work, Alex was singing Singing in the Rain, because that was the only song he could remember the lyrics to. the audience is presented with this juxtaposition of right and wrong just by the character doing wrong is knowledgeable of Beethoven and only sings the lyrics to song of joy.

The song is used again at the end of the film in the end credits as another comparison point. Alex went through behavioral treatment to "correct" his evil behavior. so when the credits are shown, and Singing in the Rain is played once more, the audience is now juxtaposing the torture from the physiologist on Alex and the joy and goodness of the music. This use of music as apart of the narrative was done very well, because i can honestly find multiple connecting points with moral implications between the music in the context of the story.

The Birth and life of Opera:

“Excitement Rage Passion”. That is how Opera has been described in this documentary, hosted by Howard Goodhall. It is a form of music; the form where it is integrated with the real world, fusing “music with universal stories and idea”.  400 years old and still kicking, opera was first created in Florence! The Camerata: a mixture of artists who discussed the arts and sciences came up with bright idea of having a music drama. And this idea has been stamped as irreplaceable in history and has influenced  the modern world as well. It was initially a form of entertainment for the elitist thus it played a big part in communicating political views. “Used as  a vehicle for powerful messages” by Mozart and many other composers. Often many of the composers shared themes in their operas.  Themes of liberation deliverance, catalyst for political change, place for responses, propaganda, and it soon became a national identity for the Italians.

But regardless of the work it did in its homeland, it did a lot around the world as well, and proved that music is a great way to communicate nearly everything. I immediately realized how the emotion of the songs got to me and I don’t speak or understand anything but English, proving that even for the illiterate low class in these countries, the opera music explained a lot about what was going on around them. Howard Goodhalll said it best. The use of song throughout a story “offers the piece a stylistic unity, and music is better at getting across thoughts or ideas that are very sensitive”

Just as important as the music were the costumes and sets used while telling these stories. Because opera told humanistic stories, the sets and costumes were as extravagant as the music in order to fully communicate the ideas in the story.  

The musical and the Opera: The parent or the modern form?

I agree with the host of the film, that opera is the parent of the musical and the exist side by side. The musical drama. Operas are still being composed and the great ones are still being performed. I am familiar with John Adams work, and I note that the art of opera is still being studied and practiced all over the world. I used to wonder why it hasn't died, why it is still appreciated  just as much as it was before. It is a true union of many art forms as American Composer John Adams said. I think it is amazing how you can develop an appreciation for a form of art over time, all the more reason why art stays relevant because until it has been experienced by all, it remains living.

A Trip to The Moon

The limited camera angles was the first thing I noticed while waiting A Trip to the Moon, a innovative film of 1902! I noticed the orchestral music in the background and of course the dramatic acting! Next it was the grain of the film in self, shaky, black and white and beautiful in its own way.t thins film was the first of its kind to do something like this. The set of the space ship landing, and the rise of the moon, being its own character in the film. Its face so clear and unique. The random stars popping up with faces of their own then transforming into people in the constellations.  I could only imagine the initial thoughts of the people who watched this film when it was first created, they were probably in a totally different awe than me.  I think its important for us to look at what came before the Star Wars and Avatar!

The Technologies of Broadway!

 I got a little worried while viewing the Broadway clips from …. Blog because the objective is to find ways technology was used in a good way.Growing up in this generation, technology is almost everything, and has definitely put its stamp on most of our world. I look at these clips waiting for some phenomenal technologically advanced set, when in reality, most of the clips focus on lighting, costumes and of course the music. I decided to take a step back, and consider the technology I may consider simple, and look at it for the impact it really makes on the show.

1.Time Heals Everything   

        I have always wondered what made a concert so great! I mean it is usually just one person and the band on stage, and  you may not be able to see them well depending on the seat. What makes us able to feel the emotion of the song, other than the volume of the speakers… the lights! I realize it is the lights and no matter how simple the song or the lights, everything adds to the grand scheme of the performance. A simple example of this is Bernadette Peters performing Time Heals Everything: Score written by Jerry Herman. The piece begins with red and blue lights. There is a low, spotlight on the single voice performing. The saxophone in the piece mimics the performers voice and the rest of the lights mimic the intensity of the orchestra. Initially there is less red light and it is surrounded by the blue, but as the music’s intensity grows, the red light grows as well.

2.  

    Man of La Mancha

I am not familiar with this piece, but I understood the content of the piece. The man sung about triumph and hi “glorious quest”. The costumes of the two performers were appropriate to the Spanish style story, and the music played a big part, A lot of the text touched on heavenly things, stars, and the stage light brought the drama of the song alive. The lights were dim, like a summer’s night, almost as if it was lit only by the stars and the moon. As the man’s spirit rises in his “quest” he sings more passionately. At this time, he was also lit by two bright lights, like the moon found him specifically and the woman on the stage fell into the shadow as the lights dimmed down. At the very end, the sung “to reach the unreachable star” and held the end note while he raised his hand. Of course to ad d to this, the same bright lights found him again and the entire background fell into the shadows.

3.    

  The Goodbye Girl

I loved this one partly because im a romantic! But mainly because in theater you really must figure out how to provide just enough visual information so that the viewers understand what they are seeing. One of the videos we watched in class said it best, people know they are going to the theater so they fill in the blanks. I liked this set because the it really looked like the top of a building, and the lighting added to this look, with the ground being lit, the backdrop being lit (the night sky) and the props of the set being lit as well. 

1. Broadways lost Treasures: My One and Only:

I am not familiar with the story line of this show but I really =enjoyed this 5 min clip of what I will call the wedding dance! It was a simple set with low blue lights and a moving stage separator that had my one and only shining in big stage lights. The “coolest” firm of technology was probably the little bit of smoke that was used when the bride and groom entered the dance. I choose this piece because of the dance itself as well as the costumes. They were a big part of how the dance was perceived because the it was supposed to be so exciting the costumes were designed were they had a lot of movement. The choreography reflected this excitement as well.

2.      The Grand hotel, “Take a Glass” was really cool. The background was this contour of a hotel building in little lights! And the dancers were in costumes of normal men and hotel maids. The cool part was the flexible bar that the two main dancers used for their performance. This flexible bar was the most important part of the set because it served as the bar top where the two men took a drink. It was also the support for the “drunk dancer” to use in order to fully execute his character and the difficult tap dance number he had to perform. I thought it was a simple but creative way for his drunken character to really be shown off. 

The Legacy of Josephine Baker

Yes to this video! I was extremely excited to watch this film about the emphasis Josephine Baker. Her legacy is unforgettable and even for someone who learned a little about her while growing up, I was mainly taught that she was one of the most influential people in the Harlem Renaissance. I was aware of her famous dances and costumes, and understood how provocative she was but I could never properly place her in time because I didn't know how she was able to be so successful as a black woman at that time. It was amazing to me. 

Sadly of course in history classes we don't thoroughly study the great musicians and dancers who made a difference in the Black identity in america. Regardless of how much I can see her influence in artist like Janelle Monae and other great female performers, I didn't now the extent of Josephine Bakers Greatness from age 17(or younger) to age 68!


                


I loved this documentary on her life as a star. She was a  recording artist, night club owner, live performer, fashion guru, dancer, actress (1^st black actor to star in a international film),  heroin, mother wife, activist, creator and the list can continue. Her charisma, courage, and sometimes naive judgement made her a true role model.  She was an opportunist in her movements around the world.
I thought it was an interesting history lesson that was reflected in her story. She saw the Harlem Renaissance as her ticket out of america and ironically the colonization of Africa by the french made her a jewel in Paris. Many french natives were embracing all things African so Baker was a brilliant mix between the African and European arts. Her entire existence was a statement of freedom and unity of culture. Her dancing was therapeutic for her and her audience and she will be remembered.

Just a few quotes from the documentary that really helped me understand Josephine Baker:

“She stood for a certain kind of liberation for black people.”

“The new negro has no fear” 

considered blacks “Exotic Flowers” 

“Never a victim of the stereotypes.”.... regardless of how much the influenced her performances.

"Exported the  Harlem renaissance to Paris”

This is Janelle Monae! Her style is very Jo Baker and n this video "Tightrope" you can see it!  Pleas enjoy. Janelle Monae TightRope

Madame Butterfly Animation

The first thing I noticed, and of course the first aspect introduced in the animation was the Music after a cold silence! I am familiar with opera and it was noted in class that it is an American take on the Japanese culture, but even in the music I think the composer did a wonderful job adding the cultural style to the music.

The animation was awesome. And I would recommend these types of adaptations to anyone who doesn't like the idea of opera shows. This animation incorporated the music by setting it as the tool for emotion. For instance, at about  6:20 Madama Butterfly is still waiting, listening to the same music he left her with, while she looks towards his ship, playing new music stylistically. This small distinction just in music showed that he had moved on, while she was still clinging to him and their past relationship.

Please Watch:  Madame Butterfly 

I liked this animation also because of the clear communication of the work while using no dialect. I think that alone is using technology well in art. The butterfly that landed on her only when she was in her happiest moments was a beautiful touch.  The umbilical cord kite situation was quite interesting, a sure way to show an attachment between the mother and child.  Also, where the soldier returns, with his new family, and just rips the umbilical cord from the mother’s stomach, in order to take her child spoke volumes. The way he ripped it out of her while holding the child, not even looking at her showed his little concern about the feeling or attachment the woman had to him through their child. She also falls to the ground so emotionally, and the operatic music got louder as her pain grew.

Overall I enjoyed it. I realize while watching adaptations that they only make me want to go see the great operas, because the music is so essential in the transformations. So I think Pjotr Sapegin's Madama Butterfly, did its job.

Whose Black Face is That?

It was interesting to me that one of the guest speakers on the documentary said that the makeup was used also as a disguise. They were able to do the show and then disappear into the crowds unnoticed. 

Minstrel Shows

Growing up, I was taught about the Black Face shows as a part of my education of my heritage in America. Understanding the dynamics the struggle for and of  the Black identity in America was important to my family. I always found a few things ironic about this topic, especially with the sub topic of the arts. Plainly put, Africans were stripped of their culture when they were bought here as slaves. Your culture is a major part of your identity. It makes you who you are individually and who we are collectively. 

In the transition from slavery into a free life, African descendants began to redefine, remember, and recreate their identity, while also trying to merge with the American identity.

The minstrel shows tried again to take this power out of these people’s hands.  Some blacks chose to join the acts, and make a stand that way. Some chose to be bold and make a stand by creating their own realities in show business. I look at it as the many steps in the journey and history if the identity of a generation and people.

I am not here to argue whether it was racist, or necessary, or anything like that, because there is no discussion.  My main understanding from all of this is the need for culture. Personal culture. Personal art forms. It is essential in defining identity. The black face shoes was a form of documentation, a note taker in the events taking place at that time, and we, as humans, must have our arts no matter how revealing they may be.