Category Archives: Art Absorbed

Reports of the things I have read, seen, witnessed, and heard, one month at a time.

Embarking on “The Lord of the Rings”

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I have recently began the quest of reading “The Lord of the Rings,” and I know I’m a bad member of the western world for not having finished it earlier. But honestly, I’m glad I didn’t. I wasn’t ready for it in High School. I am now far enough removed from High School to admit all of the things I did not understand and was not ready for.

Image

Like this movie.

Now that I am older and more mature Now that I am not in High School, what was once an arduous task is now a joy and treasure. I warned my friends when I restarted the books that I was very likely to become one of those Lord of the Rings fans. And it’s very quickly becoming true. I have used the word “mathom” in conversation more times than I can recall, and I can’t wait to start reading the appendices.

I love how much music is in the books. It is further contributing to my desire to see more spaces made for the communal making of music. The sharing of songs and the telling of tales. I think it’s so important to make music corporately, which is part of the reason I love writing hymns.  This aspect has also pushed my interest in the stage version of the epic which has played to audiences outside the U.S.

Which includes music by A. R. Rahman.

But one thing that has been bothering while reading the books is the fact that they’re in copyright. I have heard it said over and over again that Tolkien wanted to created a mythology for the English speaking world. But what good is a mythology if it doesn’t belong to the people? A mythology is at it’s richest when many voices are contributing to it creating new variations and threads. This is something that frustrates me about many of our Western mythos. It’s very hard for the layman to contribute to them in an area much larger than fan fiction. I crave for the day when society’s great icons will truly belong to society.

In Fangorn,
Nathan Hathaway Adams

 

Between The Folds

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A Film By Vanessa Gould

I seem to have tremendous luck with watching documentaries on the most seemingly bland subjects. (My previous luck was with a documentary on a font, “Helvetica.”) I watched “Between The Folds” on netflix last night with friends and was blown away. This film beautifully shows the intense and focused world of origami. I was particularly please with how often they referenced the world of music, with one paper folder going so far as to mark his creations by opus number. But I think the thing that intrigued me the most was the fact that origami has a fairly short history as a “legitimate” art form, and it set me off thinking about the wonderful prospects for art as the result of globalization. The hyper-connected age we now live in allows people to from all corners of the world to build what might otherwise have been a niche area. And for that, our culture is enriched.

Magnetic Midnight @ Magnetic Field

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This winter, a new performance venue opened in the Asheville River Arts District.

The Magnetic Field is a full-service bar, cafe and performance house, featuring original attractions in theatre, music, comedy and more.

I think my favorite word in the above description is “original.” The Magnetic Field is a venue that seems genuinely interested in fostering new work in the Asheville area. To that end, they have introduced Magnetic Midnight.

How about I let them describe it for you . . .

Magnetic Midnight is a magical, mysterious, monthly event (the first Friday of each month) in which the best of The Magnetic Theatre meets the best of you. Arrive at 10 P.M. to participate with an original script, song, dance, or routine no more than 5 minutes long, or if you wish to act or direct. Up to 12 acts accepted as they appear. The hunt for the great is on!

Regrettably, the first Magnetic Midnight was plagued with snow. But luckily, thespians are plucky and adventury and decided that the snow show must go on!

Being familiar with the format, the patrons settled in nicely. Two wonderful actors made a bit from one of my recent plays come alive, and it was a delight to watch. One of the actors had been persuaded to come earlier that night when she stopped by the bar for drink! Having a bar next to a theatre is a wonder and a joy.

Also, in addition to the 12 five minute spots, there is a ten minute slot worked into the evening for invited artists to come and workshop longer pieces. It’s these touches that really excite me about the Field as a place for new theatre and artistic pursuits. For example, they also have something called the “Synergy Story Slam.” Which, in the words of Spock, sounds fascinating.

This place really excites me. Their first two productions are both original works! I’m hope to get out there and see what happened “When Jekyll Met Hyde.”

The Magnetic Field

Nathan Hathaway

Thanksgiving Break

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Thanksgiving Break has come and gone.

I am now sitting in my dorm room dreading the approach of classes come morning.

It was a good break. Thanksgiving was delightful and my family managed not to kill each other.

The most interesting/annoying part of break is the fact that you begin to think about life beyond college. This break I started looking at Graduate Schools. Ahhhh! I’m considering getting an MFA in Dramatic Writing.  Concentrate in Playwriting, Screenwriting, or Television. Hmm, should I be artistically satisfied, seek fame, or eat?

I also was completely satiated by my artistic consumption over break.

I read “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe,” “The Fifth Elephant,” and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf.” And I watched “The Invisible Man,” “Frankenstein,” “Were the World Mine,” and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.”

I hadn’t read “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe” previously, due to the story being spoiled for me as a child thanks to BBC Films and Storybooks. In some ways, I’m glad I waited this long to read it, because I feel like I appreciated the nuances more as an adult. The tome I received from the library also featured underlined sentences and corrected verb tenses.  (Oddly enough, “The Fifth Elephant” also had a lot of pencil edits, but that book required it.)

Harry Potter was, as everyone has already said, incredible. I was able to take my sister Artemis to go and see it, and I loved giving her that experience. Dobby had the best one liners, and I plan to incorporate them into my daily life.

My siblings loved the films of James Whale, especially “The Invisible Man.”

“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” was monumental, and I think I have only begun my study of that play.

“Were the World Mine” needed some work. I didn’t enjoy anywhere near as much as I was expecting to. I might write more about that later.

Well, that’s a pretty decent shake down of my break. Some other things happened, but I feel those things need a more thorough dissection.

Nathan Hathaway

The Sandman, By Neil Gaiman

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I can’t remember how long ago I began to read Neil Gaiman‘s Sandman series. I can’t remember what I thought I was getting myself into, or how I thought it would turn out.

Sandman #1 "Sleep of the Just"

Whatever I thought I was getting into, I knew that reading it was going to be a long process. Graphic Novels are fairly expensive, and not always guaranteed to be found at your local library. There was a long lag between reading the first volume (“Preludes and Nocturnes“) and the second volume (“A Doll’s House“).

Dream

I read on, fascinated by Dream’s six siblings (Death, Destiny, Despair, Destruction, Desire, and Delirium). The interplay between these seven, the Endless, is some of the best sibling writing I have ever had the pleasure to read.

The Endless

As my reading was somewhat disjointed (infrequent and out-of-order) I would strain to keep the plot and characters straight. This was easier than its sounds, as a comic it was designed to be somewhat self-contained, therefore some of my straining extracurricular.

Dream with his helm.

I recently was able to finally end my long quest to read “Sandman.” I actually finished it on my birthday, and it was worth every moment spent seeking, reading, and straining. The ending of Sandman weaves in everything from the preceding comics into a gorgeous crescendo of story. Nothing I have ever read has been more satisfying.

Sandman #75 "The Tempest"

Sandman is modern epic. It should be read not only by those who are interested in comics, but those who are interested in story period. Sandman is the very first book I have every finished with a burning desire to reread (this time in order) and also the first book I have finished with a burning desire to own.

Brilliant and inspiring, I am awestruck by Sandman.

Nathan Hathaway

Carrie, By Stephen King

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One of my favorite posters.

WARNING: This post contains spoilers concerning the plot of “Carrie,” but unless you live under a rock, it’s nothing you don’t already know.

I have always had a special affinity for the story of Carrie White, a tortured teenager who eventually rains terror upon her mocking classmates, pious mother, and apathetic town. Perhaps this affinity comes from knowing how similar my story would be if only my menstrual cycle had activated my telekinetic abilities. Sigh.

Having recently finished the novel, I can say it was everything I had hoped for and more. This was my first time reading Stephen King, and I anticipate that it will not be the last. The book moved me in a way few others have. I found myself having to put the book away because it upset me too much to continue. The picture he paints of pain, rage, and panic is horrible and vivid. I think it should be required reading upon entrance of Middle School. “Here’s what you can expect, try not to burn down the village.”

Here’s a video of Stephen King talking about “Carrie.”

My first proper encounter with the story of “Carrie” came in the form of (surprise, surprise) the musical version from the 1980′s. This musical is perhaps of one of the most decried plays in recent theatrical history. Poor directorial and design choices sunk what was at least a decent show, with moments of sheer brilliance. To give you a taste of what I mean, check out the song “And Eve Was Weak, ” sung by Carrie’s mother after Carrie gets her first period.

It saddens me to see such dramatic, moving music tucked away from the rest of the world where only theatre rats like me can find it. It also saddens me when I hear people react to the the mere idea of “Carrie The Musical.”

Musicals are not just about lovers singing about clams and flowers. Thankfully, movies like “Chicago” and “Sweeney Todd” have begun to alter this opinion. Unfortunately, misconceptions about what art forms can do are everywhere.

Some think books boring, comics lowbrow, theatre boring, television dumb, painting pointless, etc. What can we do to break down these barriers and help us to see the limitless potential art in every form? Perhaps it’s just a simple matter of stepping outside of our comfort zones, and giving something a second chance.

What don’t you see the potential in? Why not give a shot?

Introspective,
Nathan Hathaway

X-Men: The Last Stand / Black

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Adding to the list of summer art (well, kind of) . . .

I recently saw “X-Men: The Last Stand,” despite believing many warnings that it was bad. I wanted to see it because of all the supposed parallels with homosexuality. They were indeed there, not really earth shattering or mind-boggling, but present. The fact that mutants have the ability to level cities, and at best a homosexual can make a small church feel uneasy, kind of diluted the comparison. The movie wasn’t very good, the plot wasn’t logical, and the characters got up to 1.5 dementions when they tried really really hard.  But the acting was good, and it wasn’t slow, so it was an enjoyable watch. I’d recommend it,  but only if you have a vested interest in mutants, gay people, or the Golden Gate Bridge.

Also, because of many warnings that it was bad, I read “Black” by Ted Dekker. “Black” is a Christian fantasy novel about a man who inhabits two different worlds. When he is asleep in one, he is awake in the other. One world is the Earth of 2010, the other is some sort of fantasy version of Eden before the fall. This book was not very good. Unfortunately, Ted Dekker is not that good of a writer (especially when compared to his hype), which is only muddled by the fact that his far too blatant Christian parallels make the book seem utterly ridiculous unless viewed from a mainstream evangelical context. If I understand his intent, it is to paint a picture of the true battle of good and evil that goes on in the world we can’t see, but I don’t believe the picture he is painting. His evil characters are very cartoony and non-threatening. His good characters have an idea of love that is completely stripped of its power. When the protagonist, Thomas Hunter, expresses his confusion over the new world he has found with the children of the Eden land (The Colored Forest), they get short with him very quickly, and he is cautioned early on to “play along.” I wish I liked this book more, I wish I could muster up the interest (or courage) to read the next book. I mean, I was able to with Twilight.

I’ve also started watching Firefly (squee!). I haven’t had a chance until now despite having desired to for the past year. I checked out the series from the A-B Tech Library (LOVE that place), and I have set up a rudimentary entertainment system. Since my laptop screen looks like it was hit with a plague of locust, and my desktop isn’t on speaking terms with discs, I’ve decided to play the part of Mr. MacGyver . .

It’s a little buggy, and at this point, more than a little ineffective, but I had fun working on it.

Disappointed and determined,
Nathan Hathaway

Line / Cinderhood

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The summer continues, I still don’t really have my routine down, but it’s not June yet so-

Oh shit.

Anyways! Over the weekend I saw a pair of one acts by Thespian Insurrection Productions. The two plays were “Line” and “Cinderhood,” and aside from being completely different, they had nothing to do with each other. Thespian Insurrection Productions is a group of UNCA students doing community theatre over the summer.

“Line” was one of those weird filled with social commentary but no one’s going to just come out and say it philosophical plays that I am far more accustomed to reading than actually seeing. It concerned a group of people waiting in line. For what, who knows? It was an excellent production, and of the two plays, I preferred “Line.” It stimulated my thinking (as everything else is now that Montreat’s not in session) and it made me crave more intellectual theatre. Overall a smashing success.

“Cinderhood” is a piece of children’s theatre, where the actors can’t seem to agree about whether they are performing Cinderella or Little Red Riding Hood. But being a diplomatic bunch, they decide to perform both. At the same time. This play had a lot more running around, with each actor pulling double or triple duty, and must have been very complicated to direct. It wasn’t quite at smooth as “Line,” but I preferred the acting in “Cinderhood.” Many times when the entire cast of four was all onstage I thought to myself, “So where is everyone else?”

I am very much looking forward to the other two productions Thespian insurrection Productions has planned (Closer and The Merchant of Venice) and I plan to be there, either viewing or participating.

Yours bemused,
Nathan Hathaway

Sophmore Year of College, Check!

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Well, sort of . . .

In troth, I still have an hour and a half before I am officially a Junior, which is why I’m taking Old Testament at AB Tech. Let me say that again.

I’m talking Old Testament at AB Tech.

Just about everyone I have uttered that statement to has broken out in giggles or looked at me like I was from outer space. It actually fulfills a Gen Ed requirement at Montreat (Being a Christian College and all that . . .). It looks like it’s going to be a great class. The instructor seems to understand the concepts of simplicity and being straightforward, something precious few professors seem to get. They would rather clutter their classes with busy work and unbending deadlines for every single tiny assignment.

Also, the class has, for the first time, made me grateful I was raised in a Christian household. This has afforded me a greater understanding than some of one of the most important books in the written tradition. It’s also increasing my interest in said book, and it’s nice to study it myself, without the trappings of my upbringing.

I am also ecstatic beyond words to finally have time to read again! Hallelujah! So far I have read:
Starsdust by Neil Gaiman
Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman
The Eternals by Neil Gaiman
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
Troilus and Cressida by William Shakespeare
Genesis

Speaking of Troilus and Cressida, I have grandchildren!

Isn’t it great?

I’m so proud.

Ok, you don’t find this funny. I get it.

Oh, you want me to explain. Uh huh . . .

I’m playing Priam, King of Troy, for two weekends of the Montford Park Player’s production of Troilus and Cressida, directed by Jason Williams. And Priam is super ancient and has grandchildren. Not my usual, but I’m looking forward to it (and you know what they say, it’s good to be the king!). I am terribly excited to be in a show again and see all my downtown friends.

A little bit of vanity while I was waiting for Complete Works to start.

Yesterday, I went to Montford to see “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged).” It was hysterical. I would highly recommend going to see one of their final two performances.

Must dash, I’m going to hang out with the cast of Complete Works, but I’ll end this with the fact that I hope to produce some (probably free) play readings this summer!

Yours forthcoming,
Nathan Hathaway

Art Absorbed in May 2009: The Sights, Sounds, and Ideas

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READ

NOVEL
New Moon
POETRY
The Force That Through the Green Fuse Drives the Flower
Poem in October
The Hunchback in the Park
Fern Hill
Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night
Digging
Sunt Leones
Our Bog Is Dood
Not Waving but Drowning
Thoughts About the Person from Porlock
Pretty
Punishment
Casuality
The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock
Journey of the Magi
The Stolen Child
The Lake Isle of Inisfree
The Wild Swans at Coole
The Second Coming
A Prayer for my Daughter
Sailing to Byzantium
Among School Children
Lapis Lazuli
High Windows
Talking in Bed

HEARD

POP/ROCK
21st Century Breakdown
The Fame
Tonight In This Motel
Together Through Life

SAW

FILM
Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist
Be Kind Rewind
Lucky Number Sleven
The Producers (1968)
For the Bible Tells Me So
MUSIC VIDEO
LoveGame
Poker Face
Eh Eh (Nothin’ Else I Can Say)
Jai Ho (You Are My Destiny)
Paparazzi
Arma-Goddamn-Mother-Fuckin’-Geddon
Know Your Enemy

WITNESSED

THEATRE
The Vortex Cabaret
EVENTS
Honors Convocation – Montreat College
2009 Commencement – Montreat College
CONCERT
Student Recital – Montreat College
Caroline Howard’s Senior Recital – Montreat College