People Are Talking: UMS presents Ryoji Ikeda’s...
Posted: 10/31/14
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PERFORMANCES & EVENTS
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All comments by Dennis Bierlein
People Are Talking: UMS presents Bullet Catch at Arthur Miller Theatre:
If anyone was expecting a magic act, they probably should have checked out Mr. Drummond’s previous performances and then have asked for a refund before the performance. Magic was simply the prop which was used to delve into deeper issues about the human condition. Exactly what I think theater should do.
If you are at all interested in art that makes one think, this one is for you.
People Are Talking: UMS presents SITI Company: Trojan Women (after Euripides) at Power Center:
Perhaps you had a problem with your education. I’m not sure performances at UM was a requirement for graduation and your umbrage is misdirected.
When my family and I pay thousands of dollars for tuition and I pay hundreds of dollars out of my own pocket for UMS tickets, I think I have the right to feel indignant. Over the past four years I have given UMS a large chunk of my own money to see their productions because I trusted them to put on a good show or concert for me. UMS didn’t pull through with their end of the bargain this time, so naturally I feel indignant–not because I’m an entitled brat, but because real money has been exchanged and I didn’t get a good show at the theater, which is what I’ve come to expect from UMS over the past 4 years. So stop stereotyping me and lumping me together with a bunch of ignorant ingrates. And anyway, an ad hominem argument does nothing to support your argument.
"by Joe
People Are Talking: UMS presents 1927: The Animals and Children Took to the Streets at Performance Network Theatre:
The type you either love or hate. Took some time to get the tenor of the play but in the end, thought it was successful. Thought the actors were great. Would be interesting to see if all their productions are of the same theme/genre (i.e. the silent Metropolis, from which they derived their name [which also helped in understanding what they were all about]) or if they also do other, more realistic, type theater.
3 Questions for Director Wils Wilson:
Possible spoiler alert—————————
I know this is not the responsibility of the Director but (and maybe I missed it in the dialogue) , usually with the Faustus-themed dramas/comedies, there is a deal made with the Devil which must be paid later. On what grounds did the Devil get himself involved with this dear lady? Or was this a “stuff happens” morality play?
People Are Talking: UMS presents The San Francisco Symphony American Mavericks Festival:
Thursday’s performance was amazing. The music was much more accessible than I had thought it would be, even the Cowell piece. I had overheard that the house sold only about a third of capacity. Where is the adventurousness of the classical audience? They are really missing out on some fantastic music.
People Are Talking [and Video Booth]: Einstein on the Beach at Power Center:
If you get bored listening to Glass, then your not listening. I drove 70+ miles (half in the start of a snow storm) that day to see it and it was more than worth the driving stress. This is another in an increasing list of unforgettable performances UMS brings to Michigan.
I’m writing this from Dallas, TX, where I am eagerly and avidly following your posted comments re: the Einstein previews this weekend. I’ve been a Wilson-Glass devotee for 30 years and am currently trying to help find a way to bring Einstein here to Dallas, as I’m sure that the artistic underground and performing arts culturati here are ready for it and would eat it up with a spoon.
Please describe more about how the abstraction of the piece affected you. Did you have to go through an initial period of boredom or confusion before you experienced any sort of transcendent epiphany while experiencing the piece and if so, how long did any boredom or confusion last? Did you feel that there were too many longeurs in the piece where your interest level was too difficult to sustain, or no? Did you experience any kind of transcendent epiphany at all? Did you think that the whole thing was overblown, overhyped, a waste of money-time, etc.?
Personally, I’m totally psyched by the positive comments thus far, so Let ‘Em Fly, Comrades. Inquiring Minds In Dallas Want To Know. And Thank You Very, Very Much.
"by auteuricon
People are Talking: UMS Presents Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan at the Power Center:
As one commenter noted:
“This is the second performance of this type that we have seen at the UMS. And the second one we left before the end. We swore off Asian dance theater.”
That probably is a good idea. Don’t expect Western ideals of “art” from Eastern culture. In music, painting, or dance. I thought this performance was great.
A Dancer’s Life After Merce:
I hope this doesn’t sound too disparaging of the other members of the group, but if it’s you and Rashaun, I think you’ll be successful, even with the economic downturn. Hoping to see you in the future.