Category — Keyana

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            The Metropolitan Opera House was quite a scene on the evening of October 30^th, as anxious spectators swarmed the entrance to the showing of Doctor Atomic.
            Walking into the majestic opera house is an experience within itself. As we were ushered to our seats, the opera house’s monumentality was overwhelming. Professor Bernstein accompanied us as we glided down the aisle overlooking the orchestra. Suspended above us were the iconic Swarovski crystal chandeliers that decorated the ceiling like constellations in the abyss of the night sky. With the lights dimming, our eyes were fixated on the image of the periodic table of elements encompassing the grandiose stage. A wise opening choice as we learn the story of the development of the first atomic bomb, the Manhattan Project. [Read more →]

            On October 21^st, acclaimed author and the current Sidney Harman Writer-In-Residence, Francine Prose came to Baruch College and shared a reading of one of her short stories, “Hansel and Gretel.” Although we expected to hear an excerpt from her newest novel Goldengrove, Prose wanted to read something different, after all there’s “only so much you can read on a book tour.” Afterwards there was a Q&A where Prose provided great insight into her personality and style of writing.
            In her book Reading Like a Writer, a New York Times best seller, Francine Prose writes that “a workshop can be useful, a good teacher can show you how to edit your work…but writers learn by reading the work of their predecessors” (2). Her extensive knowledge and understanding of effective language is clear as she devotes each chapter to a specific aspect of writing, “Chapter 1: Close Reading, Chapter Two: Words…” The very skills she wrote about were apparent in her descriptive and unique characters, as we learned about Lucia who “doesn’t believe in seatbelts – [a] fascist plot,” Polly’s “strange, blond, handsome” husband, Nelson, and Lucia’s gorgeous yet “doomed” daughter, Marianna.

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http://theater2.nytimes.com/2008/09/25/theater/reviews/25conf.html

           Based on the book by Yvonne Latty, In Conflict, presented on September 25, 2008 at the Barrow Street Theater, recounts the story of war veterans who served in Iraq.

           Unlike other documentaries based on war veterans’ experiences, In Conflict neither preaches anti-war, nor advocates being a war hawk. Instead, Latty includes the stories of all types of veterans: amputee, single, gay, female, AWOL, married, middle-aged, black, straight, doctor, war monger. When asked about her selection of veterans, Latty explained how she strived to create a balance, and refrained from modifying the interviewee’s words when writing her book. Perhaps the strongest aspect of the play is its ability to connect with the audience. We hear the raw, ugly, painful, and sometimes nauseating words and experiences of real soldiers. While veterans like Ty Simmons “bleed red, white, and blue,” others like Darryl Anderson “went AWOL and moved to Canada.” Regardless of the story we are envisioning, and despite the comic-relief and hints of sarcasm, In Conflict displays the vivid, shocking, and unnerving stories of Iraq War veterans.

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http://www.siouxwire.com/2008/05/ari-folmans-waltz-with-bashir.html

             Shown on October 2, 2008 at the 46th Annual New York Film Festival, Waltz with Bashir directed by Ari Folman tells the story of an Israeli war veteran as he struggles to recount his memories and experiences during the 1982 Lebanon War. His failure to recollect his entire experience turns into an obsession. Through his travels and discussions with former friends, psychologists, reporters, and comrades, the narrator attempts to piece together his broken memories during his time as a soldier.

             Despite the use of this unconventional medium, animation, director Ari Folman succeeds in depicting the story in which veterans of any war can relate to: Lebanese, Vietnam, or Iraq War. However, it doesn’t take any military experience or knowledge to be entranced with Folman’s autobiographical story. [Read more →]

http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2008/09/26/theater/26vow.ready.html

            Irena’s Vow, presented at Baruch’s Performing Arts Center, tells the story of Irena Gut Opdyke during the German occupation of western Poland in World War II.

            After being raped, abused, tortured, and beaten by Russian troops, Irena was forced to work in a munitions factory in Poland. Overwhelmed with tough work and long hours, Irena faints and is confronted with Major Rugemer. Luckily, she is transferred and given lighter duties, and now also supervises the Jews who work in the laundry. When Major Rugemer gets re-assigned, he makes Irena his housekeeper. After overhearing that all the Jews will be sent to death camp, Irena risks her life by hiding twelve Jews in the Rugemer’s villa. With each passing day Irena and her twelve Jewish friends must combat the tension and adversity they are faced with. After all, the fates of both Irena and the Jews are in jeopardy. [Read more →]

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          Last summer, I had the opportunity to participate in the Merrill Lynch Atlantic Fellowship. Selecting ten students from the US, and ten from the UK, the Atlantic Fellowship offered a comprehensive overview of the financial markets, while also enriching us with the cultural aspects of both London, and New York City. Although I knew there would be several cultural differences in England, I would soon be surprised at the type of encounters I had.

            On the first day we traveled to Merrill Lynch’s headquarters in London. As we entered the building, I went to quickly quench my thirst at a nearby water fountain. The group continued along, and since I knew we had to go to the sixth floor, I didn’t think there would be any issues getting there. However, I soon found out that I was very wrong. I asked one of the passing gentleman where the elevators were, and he drew a blank and confused face. I assumed he didn’t hear me clearly, I repeated, “can you tell me where the elevators are please?” His eyes pierced back with a dismayed and scornful look. He glanced at his watch and seemed to calculate that he wasted five precious seconds trying to decipher what I said. He snarled and I heard him say under his breath, “stupid American.” [Read more →]