CMU Carnival 2008
Today, after a bout of grading exams, Dad dropped me off at CMU's Carnival, where I met William and Beatrice near the booths. William was filling out raffle coupons, and Beatrice and I went to a booth that was largely letters. A student ("man!") from the booth took some pictures of her there, naming and playing with the letters. We even formed a word (M-A-D-E), and she informed him of some of the letters.
After a search for cold liquid refreshment at the Underground, she turned the cup away. We took the bus to her home, singing verses from "The Wheels on the Bus," and her exclaiming "WHOA!" every so often, as we went "bumpety bump." Marissa and Solomon were upstairs, and Beatrice was alternately excited and cranky to be home. She thrilled to walk with my cane, and William attempted to take a picture with her.
William and I had ice cream cups and shakes at Cold Stone Creamery for his birthday before I headed for home, and a bout of more grading.
Labels: Beatrice, Birthday, CMU, family, ice cream, niece and nephew, transportation
Oresteia Project II--Carnegie Mellon University
Last night I saw the second part of the Oresteia Project at Carnegie Mellon University: "The Choephorae" and "The Eumenides." Tuesday night's performance of "Agamemnon," was modern and included elements of experimental theater. Last night, I sat with Nancy C (a neighbor) and Jean S (her friend). "The Choephorae" (aka the "Libation Bearers") showed multicultural influences, from Japanese theatre to modern dance to Sufi religious connotations. Quite visceral, it continued the story of vengeance. Orestes, whose father Agamemnon was slain by his mother, is after blood. And in this production, he seeks and finds it.
Eumenides was performed backstage, with modern cultural influences--including multimedia video games, the bombardment of the news, fashionable spas, sixties girl groups, and (in this case, not-so-)placid suburban life. The kaleidoscopic view of Orestes's acquittal through a plethora of cultural and technical viewpoints was a whirlwind--dizzying and spinning us down into views of his guilt.
Vengeance, vengeance, and guilt...the Oresteia Project.
Labels: CMU, theater
Agamemnon--Carnegie Mellon University
Jo-Anne, Alroy, and I attended the Carnegie Mellon University modern production of Agamemnon last night(, as my first fundraiser for the Pittsburgh Wellesley Club as its new Vice President). Several of the characters had strong performances, and the chorus was rather convincing as madwomen, slaves, and Greek and Hadean citizenry. The story focusses on the return of King Agamemnon at the completion of war. The play addresses not only the heightened emotions of war, but also the strained relations that arise due to extenuating, heinous interpersonal circumstances. A most excellent play that will continue with SRO performances through Sunday.
I hope to see the last two plays of the trilogy tonight.
Labels: CMU, theater
Pippin--Carnegie Mellon Carnival
This past Friday William and I saw Pippin at Carnegie Mellon University. Pippin is the anachronistic story of Charlemagne's son. Pippin was written by Steven Schwartz, a CMU alum who wrote Pippin for Scotch and Soda a while back. When ordering tickets, I explained that my friend Alex from choir was in the production, and was told he was very entertaining (gotta luv gramma!) The whole production was well done, but I must admit that "gramma"'s antics and requests for sing-along were particularly engaging.
Labels: CMU, theater
Freaks
...nasaan? Mom and just I saw Side Show at Carnegie Mellon University tonight, a student production. It is based on the life story of Daisy and Violet Hilton, conjoined twins. The student production was dramatic, with the stark set lit magically by the lighting designer, Ms. Nigrosh. Mom and I particularly enjoyed the romantic tensions between the twins and their beaux, and the atmosphere created by the people in the community of side show attractions.
This musical was produced on Broadway, and the music is a favorite of William and Marissa's. It is playing at CMU tomorrow at a matinee and an evening performance before closing the run.
Labels: CMU, family, theater
