A Rare and Free Shakespeare's Globe Theate in Pleasantville, NY

Occasionally some of the best things are free, as this was the case with the troupe from the famous Shakespeare's Globe Theatre that is performing Hamlet in the US. Over the weekend--including today, Sunday, as I'm writing this--these fine actors are on Pace University's campus.

Performing Shakespearian theater al fresco!

The stage was erected on the lawn, in the open, with no amplified voices, and no artificial lighting. Thus, the weather is part of the show. I watched the play on Friday, much under very dark clouds and occasional drizzle. But, this is how much of theater was experienced in Shakespeare's time, indeed in the ancient world too.

By the way, if you ever happen to go to Greece and the Peloponnese, visit the ancient theater in Epidauros whose acoustics are amazing. It hasn't been modified in terms of seating or major renovations so when you sit all the way up you can still hear people's voices "on the stage", that is, down in the center of this amphitheater. 


Hamlet has a dark theme but it's a classic, of course. The Globe Theater actors are all great. I've seen quite a bit of theater on/off Broadway and their performance is professional and engaging. It may a few minutes to grasp some of the old language expressions but it's easy to follow the dialogue and the plot.

Pace university brought the Globe Theater to Pleasantville, in Westchester for thee free performances. I guess the catch is, bring-your-own-blankets/chairs, and take a chance with the weather. The actors perform in all weather, they said, though probably they meant light rain and wind, not a nor'easter.

In the following week, they'll take their stage and apply their trade indoors, in Pace's downtown campus, at the known Schimmel Center for the Arts  with tickets priced at $35-55. But, it'll be indoors with comfy seating. For me, it was a real treat to experience it outdoors. Bravo to Pace for bring us this.

American Woman, Picasso, and a Bamboo Structure

Perhaps, this scene was quite ordinary back in the old days. Did you notice the parrot?

Ah, a good dose of art on Sunday. The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Fifth Ave in Manhattan is a must-see destination.  It's so immense that you can't really see it on one visit. I'm not kidding. If you go, wear comfortable shoes (you'll walk miles) and make some strategic decisions as to what to see.

I visit several times a year, because there are special exhibits that are on display only for a few months. Right now, there's a big Picasso exhibit, American Woman [see video below], a big bamboo structure on the roof garden (with views of Central Park and midtown), a special photography collection, and King Tut's funeral--a smallish collection of items pertaining to his last trip down the Nile.  I saw all these exhibits, and more. The Picasso and AW end their run on August 15th, so hurry up if you want to see them.

Yeah, he's fine. All of his painting look great! [for those who don't know, a few months ago, someone had fallen into a painting tearing it!]

No spike heels, please!

No smoking, please!

During the suffragette era, when American Women fought for their rights. It's amazing that it took a Constitutional Amendment (the 19th, in 1920) to give women equal rights, like voting.

Oh, the Bohemian era of the early 20th century. Scandalous. Corset-less, looser, more sexual, practical fashion. And, an attitude to match!  [I wish I had more pictures, but the guards didn't allow it]

Is this a bit too much for my bedroom?

Who's this guy?!

These two (I mean the 2 pictures above) are related. Can you guess?...

Stone, metal, glass

Even sons of God must die someday

This is a huge atrium on the west wing of the museum connecting several themed exhibits. Nice place to relax. There are a few others that offer respite, some are a lot more quiet. This atrium can get loud.

Entry to the Picasso rooms, next to the American Wing

Some Art in New York... Visiting the MOMA

Portals to interesting stuff..

This time of the year I take advantage of some free time and do stuff around the Big Apple--which includes visiting museums. It's been several years since I last visited the MOMA (the Museum of Modern Art @ 53 Street), so I popped in the other day. Actually I enjoy modern art even though I think lots of it is a big joke played on the rest of us. Back in 2006, I wrote this post on my political blog. {also has a few more pictures from the MOMA}


The rabbit and the other stuff represent the frustration of a farmer whose artistic proclivities were shunned by the overbearing banality of the need to make a living by selling duck eggs in the village market. [yeah, that's my take on this; do you have a problem with it?]


Every rope has 2 ends. One lays here in a "J" fashion.
Woman & handbag. A must-have fashion item for the frequent flier.



Art is in the eye of the beholder, but I don't think it's always that obvious. If I were to apply the notion of higher art, then we probably can agree on many art forms and expressions. The rope on the wall doesn't do anything for me... other than making me release creative energy while contemplating the relationship between those higher-ups and those lying low on the floor of society--connected but the message of bondage is clear.... I now have a craving for soup!


The hanging skeleton was rather interesting as juxtaposed to the exposed stairwell. It could signify the inescapable reality that either you run up or down the staircase the monster will get you eventually.


Below, a big room with lots of posters that when placed together represent the colorful humanity--which, despite its small differences, can hang together in a beautiful mosaic!



I think I'll go back soon because when I visited on New Year's day it was so crowded that I didn't get to see everything. I did take some more pictures though many galleries don't allow it--so I didn't get any there.

A Street Fair, A Museum, and A Movie Under the Stars

I used to work in the city and hanged out in cool places but then life happens and I moved out. First, a stint in New Jersey and then back to New York, in Westchester. Not exactly far from the city but not exactly within a distance that a spontaneous outing is ordinary. It takes planning now and a lot more leisure time to venture into the city. It seems that some of my friends who live in NYC find my company desirable and they drag me into doing something there.... I appreciate that. Maybe I shouldn't say it publicly but I do find things in the city to do on my own as well.... There just so many opportunities for such...

These couple picts are from the First Avenue Fair. The street was closed for several blocks and as you can see thousands of people attended. Free music and stuff too. All year long, there are street fairs/festivals in this very diverse city. And, remember, the city has 5 boroughs, not only Manhattan! Ever since I got a mag subscription to Time Out New York I've found lots of interesting events, but you can check TONY's site yourself for free: http://newyork.timeout.com/ .

Then it was the Metropolitan Museum. I go there several times a year. That's how you can really see it. It's so vast that one or two visits aren't enough. There's always something new on display. Yeah, I know the suggested admission price is $20--which is a bargain for a tourist--but if you're a New Yorker and want to visit often, I'll tell you in private how to get in for free or almost free....

The Francis Bacon exhibit (red banner on the left) is a delight to the morbid-prone individuals. I think the artist was a very disturbed person and his paintings reflected that. Not a fan, if you didn't get my drift.

However, the Model As Muse fashion exhibit is a great one; I recommend it. It has many topical and period treatments; I'm sure you find something of interest in the many rooms. Great displays too. Couldn't take any good pictures because they don't allow any photography. Think of that, fashion without pictures... Geesh.

Of course, I appreciate modern art but not all of it. Salvatore Dali's works (like the one ontop of the page) are interesting. Picasso was a genius, as well as many others. The pictures here (besides the girl) are of works I enjoyed during this visit.

I've been wanting to go to the Museum of Modern Art since it's been some 3-4 years when I last visited but haven't had the chance to do so. Definitely this summer.

Now, I don't want this to spread but the roof terrace of the Met is a must-go-and-see place. It's small and the museum doesn't really make it easy to go there. Ask for directions. There's only 1 elevator and 1 staircase that go there, so it's got to be your mission, unlike the rest of the museum where you can wander freely all over.

The roof terrace has some great views of Central Park and midtown. It also has new artwork. This time there was some metal structure, like bare tree branches that threatened to impale the unwary....

Who's this guy with that tiny camera? These windows reflect the whole terrace and they can frame a nice picture with the artword and the sky...

Strolling through Central Park can offer relaxation, excitement, exercise, entertainment, and great views. It's very diversified and I'm willing to bet that many New Yorkers (city residents) haven't fully explored this great public park. I know, I've seen the old pictures of disrepair; I've experienced the decay in the late 1970s and 19080s. It wasn't pretty.

But the park has been cleaned up, it's safe, and gorgeous. Above the Belvedere Castle, next to an open air theater. This tiny castle is accessible to the public. From there you can see the Great Lawn, Turtle Pond, and the Delacorte theater, as well as much of the park.

When you see lots of people with blankets and chairs and an inflatable big ..screen at dusk, don't leave, check it out. The many francophones milling around made it more intriguing. The reason was this movie, Home, by Yan Arthus-Bertrand. [hit the link and for the next few days you can watch it on YouTube]. The free screenings in NYC parks on Fridays are sponsored by the French Embassy, http://www.frenchculture.org/ Watch the movie [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqxENMKaeCU], enjoy the city, and have fun this summer. I'll be posting some more pictures as the summer goes on....

See ya...

PS. This post has clickable pictures... so, if you want to see them open up bigger just click on them. If you steal them and repost them, just give me credit.

A Fine Walk Through PepsiCo Gardens

This is what I saw recently at PepsiCo Gardens in Westchester, NY.

If you click on any picture in the slideshow, you'll go to my online Picasa album. Gorgeous day to stroll around. This modern art garden requires lots of walking, so it's best on a good day. There are about 45 sculptures strewn all over. I snapped pictures of most of them, but I have a few here. The gardens are located at Pepsi's headquarters and are free to the public.