“The Merchant of Venice” in NYC

December 23, 2024December 23, 2024 / lolitaland / Leave a comment

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to check out “The Merchant of Venice” in NYC as a member of the press. ARLEKIN & MART Foundation in association with Jadow Productions presented “The Merchant of Venice” in residence at Classic Stage Company (CSC), the Off-Broadway theater company known for its intimate productions and commitment to exploring and reimagining classic works. William Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice” is a play that has sparked debate for centuries due to its portrayal of Shylock, the Jewish moneylender. While often categorized as a comedy, the play delves into uncomfortable themes of anti-Semitism, revenge, and the nature of justice.

Igor Golyak, the director of this production, reimagines the play as part of a live television show, with the audience attending the play as the live studio audience. A central focus of this reimagining is the character of Shylock. Golyak’s production aims to present a more nuanced portrayal of this complex figure, moving beyond stereotypical interpretations to explore the motivations behind his actions. By humanizing Shylock, “The Merchant of Venice” encourages audiences to confront their own biases and consider the devastating consequences of prejudice.

The show features a stellar cast led by Richard Topol as Shylock, Alexandra Silber as Portia, and T.R. Knight as Antonio. The production also features the talents of Gus Birney, Tess Goldwyn, José Espinosa, Stephen Ochsner, Delilah Napier, Noah Pacht, and Elan Zafir, each bringing their unique energy and skill to this dynamic ensemble.

“The Merchant of Venice” ran from November 22 to December 22, 2024 at Classic Stage Company – Lynn F. Angelson Theater, 136 East 13th Street, New York, NY 10003.

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Hilarious Comedy “The Z Team” on Theatre Row in NYC until November 23

November 12, 2024 / lolitaland / Leave a comment

I had the opportunity to attend the opening show for “The Z Team” on November 10th. “The Z Team” is a hilarious new off-broadway play, written by Jeff and Jacob Foy, a father and son playwright duo. They’ve always wanted to write a pure comedy together, and “The Z Team” is the result!

The play follows a failing advertising company’s creation of the Z Team, a team tasked with creating a commercial for a truly terrible product – the Bend and Blend (it’s a yoga mat with a blender stuck to it). The boss of the company, Jerry, assembles a team of the worst employees from each department to create the commercial. What ensues is a chaotic and hilarious journey filled with mishaps, misunderstandings, and unexpected camaraderie.

The show has a clever script, strong performances, and fun direction. I laughed out loud many times during the show, and the message of finding strength in unlikely places and the power of human connection resonated with me. I was also thrilled with the queer representation in this play. The ending was also super cute and fun (and with a sapphic surprise) — but I won’t say any more details since I’m keeping this spoiler free.

Don’t miss your chance to see this show!

“The Z Team”

Venue: Theatre Row (41o W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036)
Run Dates: limited engagement November 8 – November 23, 2024
Director: Jeff Whiting
Writer/Producer: Jeff Foy and Jacob Foy
Cast: Allie Trimm, Tyler Cruz, Ze’ev Barmor, Jakob Martinez-Cooper, Kaelee Albritton, Darby McDonough, Joe Mucciolo, Drew Starlin, Daniel Arana, Gabrielle Filloux

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Exploring Poetry and Dance: Dongpo – Life in Poems

March 17, 2024 / lolitaland / Leave a comment

In a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, Dongpo – Life in Poems was a captivating performance hosted at the David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center, New York City this weekend. The show offered a profound exploration into the life and works of the legendary Chinese poet Su Dongpo. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I attended this show, but I was delighted to be transported into the enchanting world of classical Chinese poetry.

Su Shi (苏轼), whose art name is Su Dongpo (東坡) and whose courtesy name is Zizhan (子瞻) remains one of China’s most celebrated literary figures, renowned for his poetic mastery during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). His works continue to resonate across generations, inspiring countless artists, scholars, and writers worldwide.

Shen Wei was also inspired by Su Dongpo. His multifaceted talents as a choreographer, director, playwright, painter, set and costume designer, and visual effects art director, all come together to encapsulate the essence of Su Dongpo’s life and poetry through his unique style of contemporary operatic dance.

Central to the production’s immersive experience is the live guqin music by Zhao Xiaoxia, which serves as a poignant backdrop to Shen Wei’s choreography. The guqin, a traditional Chinese instrument, evokes the spirit of ancient China, enriching the performance with its melodies and emotive resonance.

Collaborating with a stellar creative team further elevates Shen Wei’s artistic vision. Chinese-French composer Chen Qigang, renowned for his work on the 2008 Olympic Games’ Opening Ceremony, brings a unique fusion of Eastern and Western musical influences to the production. Xiao Lihe’s expertise as a lighting designer, honed through education at the prestigious David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University, infuses the stage with atmospheric lighting that enhances the emotional depth of Shen Wei’s choreography.

At Dongpo – Life in Poems, Su Dongpo’s poetry was brought to life through a dynamic fusion of music, dance, art, and theater. Audiences can expect a mesmerizing journey through the poet’s life, as his timeless verses are interwoven with captivating choreography and evocative melodies.

Dongpo – Life in Poems is not just a theatrical production; it is a celebration of cultural heritage and artistic expression. Through the medium of performance art, the audience explores themes of love, longing, nature, and the human condition.

As the world continues to embrace cultural exchange and appreciation, Dongpo – Life in Poems serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of art to transcend boundaries and connect people across time and space. Whether you are a poetry enthusiast, fan of dance choreography, or have an interest in Chinese history, this show will be a great experience for you.