A woman cleaning house. Woman: “Wash the dishes after dinner.” “Clean as you go while cooking.” “Put your water glass in the sink when you’re finished with it.” “Don’t leave your things in the middle of the floor.” “Fill the ice cube tray when it’s empty.” “Don’t eat in your room.” “Take your hair out […]
Play a Day: Don’t Touch
What at first glance looks like a library. In front of the bookshelves are velvet ropes, and a sign stage right that says, “Do not touch.” It is actually a museum display. Guests come and go, taking pictures or just staring as if looking at paintings.
Play a Day: Back in the Swing
A children’s swingset in a park. It is in need of repair and seems to have been abandoned for years. A breeze blows, and the swing gently rocks back and forth, as if a ghost child has started swinging.
Play a Day: Show and Tell
A banner hangs from the ceiling reading “show and tell.” A line of people form a queue to the microphone stage left. Each has an item. They speak in silent pantomime and take their turns explaining their object and its significance. One woman’s hands are empty. She takes hey turn at the mic in silence, […]
OUTsider: Connections, Conversations, and Family
One of my favorite aspects of art and performance is putting related pieces into conversation with one another, enriching the conversation surrounding a given topic. I’m so very happy with the way OUTsider Festival’s programming is facilitating those sorts of conversations, and I only wish I had the opportunity to participate more fully this year. […]
OUTsider Fest: Queerness Past, Present, and Future
The creators of OUTsider Festival in Austin really did their homework as far as covering a large scope and breadth of queer art and performance in the programming. Which on the one hand, is refreshing and inspiring. But on the other hand, means that there is just so, so much to discuss. Festivals, conferences, art, […]
OUTsider Fest: Khmer Classical Dance
I never feel quite so Western as in those moments when I’m confronted with Asian modes of performance. So it’s only fitting that the second night of OUTsider Festival in Austin featured a performance by Prumsodun Ok, a practitioner of Cambodia’s Khmer classical dance. I think it’s important to be aware of and claim those moments […]