April 23 2023
existentialautotrip ezine
Issue: April 23, 2023
# 1603
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COVER:
Qimei Liu
performing her Souvenir of the Shared Starlight
Souvenir of the Shared Starlight
I asked my friend Qimei about her recent performance as part of the Kingdom ensemble that thrilled the audience at the Mosesian Arts theatre in Watertown on Friday night, April 7.
She responded:
"My performance was inspired by a deeply personal and unforgettable moment in my life, the sweetest experience from which I learned some of the most profound lessons. Love is a complex blend of devotion, responsibility, knowledge, trust, respect, and commitment, as beautifully expressed by bell hooks.
“The Kingdom Workshop proved to be excellent and empowering, providing mentorship, weekly workshops, a makeup tool kit, and other essentials (such as, chest binding tape, lotion, and old from TransTape) to help transform participants to their masculine characters at the stage. Plus, on the day of the event/showcase, they had on hand a makeup artist and a hair stylist.“
May uses she/her out of stage and he/him at the stage.
Blog meister’s reaction:
The event itself was perfection. Act after act was filled with an energetic affirmation that drew in even old heterosexuals like myself.
Of course, for me, my dear friend Qimei (May), with her performance of Souvenir of the Shared Starlight, stole the show. Her performance included lip-syncing a sad song with complementary slow, expressive, flowing movements. May was confident and graceful. Fluid and stunning.
See for yourself, Here’s the link to her 4-minute performance.
May, center, Wenxuan, left of May
May Liu (insta: o_qimeiliu_o) center
Wenxuan Xue, left of May
and Jimmie John Deere, far right
The Clown: Turvy Topsy(insta: turvytopsy_drag)
Makeup: MT Hart (insta: mt_hart_)
So open and enthusiastic.
MT Hart (insta: mt_hart_)
The makeup king.
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Commentary
I woke up at 3.00am and knew I wouldn’t get back to sleep. I quietly made my morning coffee. Quietly because the kitchen is next to my guest room and I had a guest asleep in there. The guest was a friend enlisting my help as a copy editor and assistant for her coming Drag King performance as part of Jayden Jamison’s Kingdom, a highly-regarded workshop for drag performers. May’s (Qimei) sleepover was to get an early start on her project. I just didn’t realize how early.
I quietly ate my half muffin, drank my coffee, and then sat at my computer to edit my as yet unpublished manuscript. About 3.30am, the door to the guest room opened and a not fully-awake Qimei (May) emerged. She said that her performance night was fast-approaching and too much was unsettled in her mind for her to sleep. She had to get to work on it. Now.
At 3.35am she sat and gave me the background of the lost love still impacting her, and the role she hoped her performance, an expression of her feelings, would have on her well-being. We talked. Her ideas started to coalesce. The title thunderstruck her and she blurted: “Souvenir of the Shared Starlight”. Oh, yes! So perfect.
The hours ticked by. I held the timer while she recited her story. While I watched, she practiced some gestures and steps. We looked through my wardrobe for costuming: her character was to be an old man, and I thought, “Yes. Thank you for the reminder of my age.” Then we rifled through my moved-out daughter’s remaining baubles, taking none, but getting ideas.
The sun rose. The development of the dramatic sketch continued until it became 9.00am, time for Qimei Liu to leave. But she was happy; calm. She had worked out the major components of her performance.
It was almost a week before I saw Qimei again, she on stage. Although I had a taste of what she was going to do, I had only seen her unadorned. On stage, her hair, costuming, and makeup were spot on. She looked stunning. And, in the event, her movements, voice, her gestures, her emotion, well, she took my breath away.
So congratulations, May. Qimei. Qimei Liu. Time has a hand in our lives and memories, but I will not forget the time I spent with you.
Celebrating her performance and participation at Douzo: May and Dom
Kingdom
The product of the fertile mind and artistic expression of Jayden Jamison, a well-loved and highly-respected community leader. He describes his conception of the Kingdom Workshop which hosted the Drag Performances:
”The workshop’s heart and soul describes the purpose. Kingdom exists to level the playing field and creates visibility in the drag community for drag kings. Its about representation and creating safe spaces for individuals who otherwise didn't see themselves embraced in the community. Its about giving people the tools to make their voices heard and improving their lives.”
Quyen, (Jayden, out of drag)
At ease.
Being her.
Jayden, (Quyen in drag)
At ease.
Being him.
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Gen Z Corner
Kat Capossela
Coffee. coffee everywhere
A Case for The London Fog
As the daughter of an Italian father and Colombian mother, I have never struggled with lack of energy. This also means that caffeine and I have never settled well together.
Yet, I love coffee shops.
As a result of my temperamental limitations, I’ve become a connoisseur of the most common non-espresso drinks: chais, matchas, hot chocolates, teas, and, of course, London Fogs.
Half Earl Grey tea, half steamed [oat] milk, a dash of vanilla syrup, 12 ounces.
It’s the perfect drink.
A London Fog gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling so many cafe-goers crave, yet doesn’t have the sugar levels of a chai or a hot chocolate and the caffeine of a latte or matcha. It also fills the body more than tea but not to the point of bloating, like an all-milk drink might.
Unfortunately, since it’s not the most well known cafe menu option, it’s good to know your milk-to-tea ratio preferences and communicate them accordingly to your local barista. To newer baristas, you might have to explain the drink entirely, as it's often an off-menu item.
I was introduced to the drink during my two year tenure working at Starbucks in high school. It’s been my go-to cafe item ever since. In my adulthood, I probably have a London Fog five times a week.
Sounds repetitive, I know. But each shop makes it differently. And for further variety, I’ve been replacing the vanilla syrup with lavender syrup or honey. You’ve got to spice things up once in a while.
A London Fog from my favorite local coffee shop, Black Press, on the Upper West Side.
Naia Hilo
Thinking: sit
a chair. An object we use daily.
Who would think to know how complex each piece of architecture actually is.
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Tucker’s Cinema
This month at the Coolidge Corner Theater they’ve been running a program called Animania in which some of the best and most classic anime films have been shown. I would happily write about them all as they’re all brilliant pieces of art but I think I’d bore you all to tears. Instead I’ll just be reviewing one of the films in the program but if you have an interest in anime I highly recommend the films below. If you can catch them before they leave Coolidge all the better.
I got the chance to see Metropolis in theaters for the first time and having not seen it since about 2007 it was a genuine pleasure and felt like seeing it for the first time. Here’s my review.
Metropolis - Directed by Rintaro
Futuristic cities are stirring. At least for me. I spent my youth playing games like Final Fantasy, many of which took place in otherworldly fully realized cities. Those cities were more real to me than any in real life since I spent of my early years living in rural areas of central and western Massachusetts. Taking trips to Worcester, Springfield, or even Boston ended up being slightly disappointing because even though I loved everything I saw in those places they were real. They weren’t magical places full of incredible colors and amazing creatures.
Metropolis is aptly named because it really does make sure the cityscape the story takes place in is as fully rendered as any of those futuristic cities from my youth. The unique character of Metropolis though is it appears to be what people in the 1940’s would imagine a city of the future to be. Cities have enamored me throughout my entertainment life. Los Angeles as portrayed in Bladerunner is a neon wonderland despite the film’s dark story. The Empire Strikes Back’s finale occurring in a place called Cloud City seemed tailor made for me. I think the best locations in stories whether they be movies, novels, games, etc. have a way of colonizing our minds and memories. Metropolis’ titular city joins the other film’s ranks where these cities aren’t simply locations or backdrops. You want to live in them long after the movie is over.
Metropolis of course borrows its title and many of its story beats from the 1926 Fritz Lang film though it should be noted that technically this is an adaptation of Osamu Tezuka’s 1949 manga, itself a reimagining of Lang’s film. The screenplay, written by Katsuhiro Otomo (director of maybe the greatest anime film of all time, Akira) uses Lang’s work as a springboard to tell a thoughtful, ceaselessly exciting story about a world where robots are creates and then mistrusted by humanity. The heart of the story is the young romance that blossoms between Kenichi, the nephew of a detective who drives the story forward and Tima, an android who doesn’t know what she is. The story combines elements of Steven Spielberg’s A.I. and Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner forcing Tima as well as us the audience to reckon with whether a machine is capable of love.
Much like Lang’s Metropolis the city in this film exists on several levels above and below ground. The first thing we see in the film is the Ziggurat, a complex of towers and bridges meant to act as a symbol of nation’s pride and progress when in reality it masks technology the evil Duke Red plans to use to take control of the city. Within the Ziggurat is a throne intended for Tima who we learn was created in the image of Duke Red’s deceased daughter. Tima’s sole purpose as far as the Duke is concerned is to merge with the throne allowing her to take control of every machine in Metropolis. Duke Red’s adopted son Rock despises this plan. First because it means ceding his place as the Duke’s only remaining child to playing second fiddle to Tima who Red prefers.
Rock helps drive the story toward a near cataclysmic conclusion and that’s where the medium of anime truly sings. Nothing can relay the power and terror of mass destruction like animation. Because explosions and shockwaves are drawn the same way as the characters and settings they appear that much more real when viewers are locked into the film’s world. As opposed to a live action film where special effects, however good, are often added after the fact and can be spotted a mile away. In Metropolis there are mob riots, guns, explosions, car crashes, you name it. And all of them are rendered with genuine thrill and terror. Anime differs from America’s traditional understanding of animation where the medium isn’t just intended for young audiences. The Japanese use the medium to tell VERY adult stories.
Metropolis follows many anime traditions. For one the films heroes Tima and Kenichi are children and their innocence is under constant threat from the world and people around them. They’re both drawn with huge eyes to underscore this notion. The other characters in the film are rendered intentionally different. They’re older, their faces carry more weight and cruelty. Their eyes are sinister and often hidden.
One departure the film makes from anime tropes is in its music. The majority of the film’s music is New Orleans style jazz. One sequence is set to “St. James Infirmary” and the movie’s incredible climax is accompanied by Ray Charles’ “I Can’t Stop Loving You”. It’s awe inspiring and impossible not to think of Vera Lynn singing “We’ll Meet Again” at the end of Dr. Strangelove.
Like all the best anime Metropolis’ artwork pays attention to the little things. In one scene the film’s detective consults a book for instruction. He opens it and starts to read when a page flips over. He flips it back into place. These little moments wouldn’t mean much in a live action movie but considering every action in an animated film takes thousands of drawings to accomplish it becomes clear how much care really went into making this film a reality. And this is just a single moment in a movie full of them.
Metropolis is a thoughtful, challenging adventure that covers some weighty themes. The nature of life and love, the role and rights of workers and by extension, machines, the pain of a father’s rejection, and the dangers of fascism. If you aren’t familiar with anime Metropolis is a lovely place to start. If you love anime like I do it’s just another reminder that it’s an art form as worth your time and attention as any other.
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Halibut
I love halibut. Given a good fish and a well carved slice, and there is nothing finer.
Here’s a simple recipe.
Grilled/Seared Halibut
Place a dry broiling pan close to the broiler and let it get very hot. 4 to 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, dry the fish and then brush the top of the halibut fillets with olive oil and generously sprinkle the fish with salt and pepper.
Brush a touch of fat onto the baker’s pan, set the fish on the pan, (hear it sizzle) and return it to the broiler.
The fish cooks top and bottom at the same time. It’s fast so the fish doesn’t lose much juice.
It's done in about 4 minutes.
Remove the halibut fillets from the pan.
Drizzle lemon juice and sprinkle chopped parsley over the fish.
Serve immediately.
Optional: You can also garnish the grilled halibut with fresh herbs or additional lemon wedges.
Nothing like broiled/seared halibut (4minutes cooking time) and a glass or two of a good Pinot Grigio at 8.00am.
Lady Gaga has nothing on this cat.
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Chuckles and Thoughts
Ogden Nash: The Pelican
A wonderful bird is the pelican,
His bill will hold more than his belican.
He can take in his beak
Food enough for a week,
But I'm damned if I see how the helican."
AI NOTES ON THE POEM:
Firstly, the poem is humorous and playful in its use of language and imagery. Nash was known for his witty and irreverent style, and "The Pelican" is a prime example of his skill at using humor to make a point. The poem's nonsensical ending is particularly memorable, and adds to the overall charm and quirkiness of the piece.
Secondly, the poem has a strong sense of rhythm and rhyme. Nash was a master of light verse, and "The Pelican" demonstrates his ability to use rhyme and meter to create a musical and memorable poem. The poem's AABBCCDD rhyme scheme and consistent meter contribute to its overall appeal and accessibility.
Finally, the poem is deceptively simple in its structure and subject matter, but contains a deeper message about the nature of the pelican and its unique characteristics. Nash uses the pelican as a metaphor for the ability to hold and carry things, which can be interpreted in a variety of ways, including as a commentary on human greed or as a celebration of the natural world.
Overall, "The Pelican" is a classic example of Ogden Nash's signature style and wit, and has stood the test of time as a beloved and memorable poem.
A brown pelican opening mouth and inflating air sac to display tongue and some inner bill anatomy
Bjørn Christian Tørrissen - Own work by uploader, http://bjornfree.com/galleries.html
A brown pelican opening mouth and inflating air sac to display tongue and inner bill.
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Social Life
My social life has exploded. It’s great fun. These past few days have been highlighted by attendances, first at Jayden’s ‘Kingdom’, the Drag King show presented on Friday night, and then on Sunday, with May Liu, at the Constellation Theatre Company at Boston University. Dynamic Lex and I spent Marathon Monday together, hanging about Newbury St for coffee, followed by a lovely lunch at La Voile. And, during this explosion, even more meals shared with, respectively, Tucker, Jim, and cousin Lauren. What fun.
“Love it when the kids are at camp.”
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Mail and other Conversation
We love getting mail, email, or texts, including links.
Send comments to domcapossela@hotmail.com
text to 617.852.7192
This, from Qimei Liu, is representative of a dozen exchanges as we developed the stories about her performance for the magazine.
Hi Dom,
Thanks for your kind words and support. Have a great night. Take care.
Best,
May
Blog meister responds: What a great experience! Thank you.
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Korean Drama
Crash Landing on You
is about a successful South Korean businesswoman and chaebol heiress who, while paragliding near Seoul, South Korea, is swept up in a sudden storm, crash-lands in the North Korean portion of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), and meets an army captain and son of the Director of the GBP in the Korean People's Army who decides he will help her hide. Over time, they fall in love, despite the divide and dispute between their respective countries.
The premise of Crash Landing on You was inspired by a real event involving South Korean actress Jung Yang. In September 2008, Yang and three others had to be rescued after bad fog had caused their leisure boat to drift "into the maritime boundary between North and South Korea.
The series aired on tvN in South Korea and on Netflix worldwide from December 14, 2019, to February 16, 2020. It is the highest-rated tvN drama and the fourth highest-rated South Korean TV drama in cable television history.
See it on Netflix.
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Short Essay*
BIPOC is an acronym that stands for "Black, Indigenous, and People of Color." It is a term that is often used in the United States and Canada to describe and recognize the shared experiences of racial and ethnic groups who have been historically marginalized and oppressed in those societies.
The term is often used in discussions of race and racism to emphasize the need for intersectional analysis and advocacy, recognizing that different communities of color may face unique challenges and forms of discrimination. By using the term BIPOC, it highlights the distinct experiences and perspectives of Black and Indigenous people, who have been subject to particularly severe forms of systemic oppression and violence.
The Blog Meister selects the topics for the Lead Picture and the Short Essay and then leans heavily on Wikipedia and ChatGPT to provide the content. The Blog Meister usually edits the entries.
**Community Pictures with Captions are sent in by our followers. Feel free to send in yours to domcapossela@hotmail.com
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