by Sandy | Jul 13, 2021 | Arts, Entertainment and Music, Blogroll, Books, Culture, Writers
~The below text was originally posted in 2009. With the popularity of Mr Wilson’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” last year, (film still available on Netflix) I wanted to list his other work again.
The ambitious intentions of a playwright resulted in the impressive, and enjoyable, “August Wilson Century Cycle”. It consists of a play for every decade of the 20th century that would chronicle some part of the black experience in America.
Through the use of his great ear for dialogue, Wilson (1945 – 2005) was able to give us some insight into the daily life – both struggles and triumphs – of an assortment of universal characters that his audience could easily recognize.
An ambitious undertaking, but, his huge vision was realized and, btw, it resulted in 2 Pulitzers and a Tony award. He accomplished a lot doing what he loved to do and perhaps more importantly, August Wilson left a powerful body of work that will be read and performed for years to come. Dreaming big has rewards of all kinds.
All 10 of August Wilson’s plays are collected in hard cover with a nice presentation box. Each has an introduction by an actor, director or writer familiar with his work.
In 2005, August Wilson completed the ten-play cycle:
by Sandy | Jun 19, 2020 | Arts, Entertainment and Music, Blogroll, Books, Theater, Writers
The ambitious intentions of a playwright resulted in the impressive, and enjoyable, “August Wilson Century Cycle” box set. It consists of a play for every decade of the 20th century that would chronicle some part of the black experience in America.
Through the use of his great ear for dialogue, Wilson (4/45 – 10/05) was able to give us some insight into the daily life – both struggles and triumphs – of an assortment of universal characters that his audience could easily recognize.
An amazing undertaking, but, his huge vision was realized and it resulted in 2 Pulitzer Prizes, a Tony award and many other accolades. He accomplished a lot doing what he loved to do and perhaps more importantly, August Wilson left a powerful body of work that will be read and performed for years to come. Dreaming big has rewards of all kinds.
All 10 of August Wilson’s plays are collected in hard cover with a nice presentation box. Each has an introduction by an actor, director or writer familiar with his work
In 2005, August Wilson completed the ten-play cycle:
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by Bob Martin | Jan 7, 2017 | Art, film, Writers
WOW
Such an intelligent film and story line. The pace of the film allows tons of time for reflection. Arrival is a quiet film, absent are the razzle dazzle sound and high energy visual effects that often become the main feature of other SiFi films.
How We Speak to Each Other is Important
The cast is perfect. I don’t particular like awards, and Amy Adams deserve’s something. She is emotionally available and helps facilitate a science fiction tale into something that is real. Congratulations to everyone above and below the line in the making of this film.
by Sandy | Nov 20, 2015 | Arts, Entertainment and Music, Blogroll, Directors, Film, Movies, Writers
They’re doing it again. AMC cable TV is offering an 8 hour “The Godfather” immersion event on Thanksgiving , November 26, 2015. (Hey! Not everyone “streams”, ok?) Times will vary according to location.
“The Godfather” films by Francis Ford Coppola, based on the books by Mario Puzo, live on. Parts 1, (1972) and 2, (1974), re explode every 6, 12 months on some TV channel. If you don’t have 8 hours to devote to the entire saga, you could plug in whenever – meal times, in between telephone calls or text messages – and remember dialogue and revisit scenes that have soaked into our collective bones without even knowing it:
“It was never personal Michael, it was just business”
“I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.”
“I know it was you Fredo, your broke my heart!”
“Leave the gun. Take the cannoli.”
Never gets old, still 2 of the best films ever. “The Godfather” is #2 with a bullet on the American Film Institute list of 100 best movies. Parts 1 and 2 are such a neat package, a single experience. ( I never mention part 3.) Great stuff. Soooo entertaining!
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by Sandy | Jun 14, 2015 | Blogroll, Books, Culture, Writers
Africa: Altered States, Ordinary Miracles, by Richard Dowden
Do you ever get the feeling that westerners do not understand Africa at all? Even after so many years of subjugation and interference, Europeans still don’t have a clue about the people they colonized. They, along with we Americans, black or white, don’t really get how a continent beset by such poverty, misery, cruelty and waste can still produce men and women who keep going. Putting one foot in front of the other, bringing children into their world and expecting good things to happen – somewhere/sometime.
English correspondent Richard Dowden attempts to explain it in his book, Africa: Altered States, Ordinary Miracles. He proposes that the African has a different approach and reaction to life, a different appreciation:
“Terrible times produce strength. Grief enhances joy. Death invigorates living…Africa lives with death and suffering and grief every day, but to be alive is to talk and laugh, eat and drink – dance”.
Africa: Altered States, Ordinary Miracles, by Richard Dowden
btw: The author also thinks that “only Africans can develop Africa.” (Hmmmm.)
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by Bob Martin | Feb 18, 2015 | Art, radio, Writers
There are a ton of people, like myself, waiting anxiously every Thursday, when the next episode of This American Life’s spinoff “Serial” becomes available. If you are not one of us, I suggest that this radio series will have you thinking differently about Justice, The Justice System and your personal responsibility. What I’ve learned so far is that for most everyone in this country
- Justice means to do what is expedient.
- Prejudices or racism resides covertly within our brains and is always a factor in the decisions we make.
- Truth, nothing but the truth is a lie. It more like tell me a story that I could believe.
- Lawyers, be they prosecutors or defense attorneys, are not good or bad. There is no Black or White, just a dull Grey.
- Having a little bit of money can prove to be more dangerous than poverty.
- If you are poor and unlucky you will spend some time in jail. The third certainty in life after death and taxes
Serial is not 48 hours etc. It is far superior to anything that is currently on the air (TV or Radio) that I know about. I don’t have any idea how this story will end up and more importantly I am not rooting for one side to win or lose. What is fascinating is that we have so much faith in the notion of Justice when we should be absolutely terrified.
Finally pay attention to this spoiler alert on the Serial home page
Serial is a podcast designed to be listened to in order. If you’re just landing here please go back and start with Episode 1.
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