Reaction to the Compositions

Last week we showed our compostitions to the class. Viewing the different groups performances I can totally see how vastly different our personalities are. Personally, I enjoy these differences. With group #1 i enjoyed how they used the head scarves (props!) to show their topics of discussion. How they had a SURPRISE entrance coming up from the bushes was interesting. And believe it or not I loved how Anja was using her inner actor and creating the evil character that was racist against turks. Bravo Anja, bravo.

Group #2 really showed how to use the different levels in a composition effectively. By moving up the steps you begin to see visually how the history becomes heightened. I also enjoyed the abstract hello and goodbyes. It made the group move all around and yet they all came together at the same time bonded by the greetings. Plus, Michael's remote control music was always a huge plus in the production.

Group #3, in my opinion, had the best location. The two stairways that led to different heights was a great visual and automatically your eye was drawn to the surroundings. Plus, the SURPRISE entrance from behind the audience was unexpected not only because it caught us off guard, but also because she spoke, but she could not be seen. I loved it! nice choice!

In our Yarts group, I really enjoyed getting to know my peers. This process helps you begin to trust and bond with your group members. You begin to see each other's strengths and try to manipulate those strengths to create a unified project. Go yarts! (honestly, i should make t-shirts...)

Talking with Yarts

I found that sitting down as a group and discussing what direction we were going in, not just as a group, but as individuals, was EXTREMELY helpful last week. We each went around the circle and talked what and possibly how we were going to accomplish our goals. This was great because it finally starts to feel juicy on what our group could accomplish. I also was happy that we knew the 7 of us were going to be solidified as team members. YAY! All of us bring such unique and different ideas that it will be interesting to see the end product. I think the goal will be trying to stay cohesive in our presentation while still having our own personal touch.

I also loved that one on one talk with top cahunas. :-) I feel that it's important to be able to address the problems we have or the misunderstandings that we need cleared up. Communication is going to be a key factor in making this project work. And last week I already felt ten times better just because we were able to sit down in a smaller group and hammer out some questions and concerns. So, THANK YOU for taking the time and listening. It was a huge help and I feel that we finally have somewhat of a foundation that we can start building on.

Gay Culture in Berlin

Topics, topics, topics...I have my topic narrowed down to two ideas.

One: Drag culture and how its perceived in Berlin. I think this whole network is interesting because of its shock value. Researching how this community is viewed in Berlin would also be interesting to investigate. I would love to take a couple of case studies and see how one decides to go into this type of "theatre." Are people who aren't into drag support this group? why or why not? Is there a double life in drag? Accountant by day, drag queen by night? Or if you are into the drag scene, do you commit to that lifestyle one hundred percent? When does the makeup come off? I realize I would need to narrow these questions down again, but at the moment I'm just brainstorming my ideas and where I want to go with them.

Two: Being out and gay and how families react. Are Germans known as being liberal on the topic of homosexuality? Or are they more conservative? If they are, is it because of religious backgrounds? If not, what is the reason of being so bias against homosexuals? In this topic, I think I would lean towards doing more surveys than anything else. Get a broader sense on how a majority of the community feels. (or at least, as many people as I can get...)

So this is where I am at with my topics. I realize that they are HUGE but I am completely excited about it and think that where I am going is in the right direction! yay!

HEAD ON!

Well, well, well.....what to blog, what to blog...  The experience watching this film was quite interesting because a group of us from the class had just seen Fair Play. It was amazing how they connected together by the use of rewinding to the beginning of the story. Everyone was making jokes exclaiming, "Fair Play Deuce!". 

What I also noticed was how Europe really has nothing against nudity. I mean, nothing. Literally. I can't even count how many nude scenes there were! I'm not sure if I enjoyed it or was confused by it! They all seem to sit around nude and talk. Which to me just seemed weird...put some clothes on! You're penis is in the way of the dialog!

Now, I actually enjoyed this film and thought it was engaging to watch, but I am somewhat confused on the reasons we were to view this movie. I understand that there were a couple of racist references against the Turkish, such as, the bus scene where the driver asks them to get off. But other than that I'm not sure what exactly we are to take away from the film. 

So, overall, a joy and experience to watch, but WHY this was required as an assignment, a little confused.