Thaumaturgy

(It's really dramaturgy, not thaumaturgy.) Gavin Witt Baltimore, MD USA thaumaturg Main Entry: thau·ma·turg Pronunciation: \ˈthȯ-mə-ˌtərj\ Function: noun Etymology: French, from New Latin thaumaturgus, from Greek thaumatourgos working miracles, from thaumat-, thauma miracle + ergon work

[thatkindofwoman]

“Change is one thing, progress is another. ‘Change’ is scientific, ‘progress’ is ethical; change is indubitable, whereas progress is a matter of controversy.”

— Bertrand Russell, Unpopular Essays

[stilleatingoranges]

The significance of plot without conflict

In the West, plot is commonly thought to revolve around conflict: a confrontation between two or more elements, in which one ultimately dominates the other. The standard three- and five-act plot structures–which permeate Western media–have conflict written into their very foundations. A “problem” appears near the end of the first act; and, in the second act, the conflict generated by this problem takes center stage. Conflict is used to create reader involvement even by many post-modern writers, whose work otherwise defies traditional structure.

The necessity of conflict is preached as a kind of dogma by contemporary writers’ workshops and Internet “guides” to writing. A plot without conflict is considered dull; some even go so far as to call it impossible. This has influenced not only fiction, but writing in general–arguably even philosophy. Yet, is there any truth to this belief? Does plot necessarily hinge on conflict? No. Such claims are a product of the West’s insularity. For countless centuries, Chinese and Japanese writers have used a plot structure that does not have conflict “built in”, so to speak. Rather, it relies on exposition and contrast to generate interest. This structure is known as kishōtenketsu.

Keep reading

[stilleatingoranges]

The significance of plot without conflict

In the West, plot is commonly thought to revolve around conflict: a confrontation between two or more elements, in which one ultimately dominates the other. The standard three- and five-act plot structures–which permeate Western media–have conflict written into their very foundations. A “problem” appears near the end of the first act; and, in the second act, the conflict generated by this problem takes center stage. Conflict is used to create reader involvement even by many post-modern writers, whose work otherwise defies traditional structure.

The necessity of conflict is preached as a kind of dogma by contemporary writers’ workshops and Internet “guides” to writing. A plot without conflict is considered dull; some even go so far as to call it impossible. This has influenced not only fiction, but writing in general–arguably even philosophy. Yet, is there any truth to this belief? Does plot necessarily hinge on conflict? No. Such claims are a product of the West’s insularity. For countless centuries, Chinese and Japanese writers have used a plot structure that does not have conflict “built in”, so to speak. Rather, it relies on exposition and contrast to generate interest. This structure is known as kishōtenketsu.

Keep reading

[thaumaturgy]

great to spend some time among these peeps, including such an encouraging plethora of the curious and emerging dramaturgy-inclined.

[bcsintersections]

What the Great American Road Trip Says (and Misses) About America

Traveling the open road is an American literary tradition. A history professor says the canon needs an update, especially to include women and people of color.

Miss You Like Hell

The road trip that Beatriz and Olivia take in Miss You Like Hell is an American “tradition”– but who has been allowed to participate in that tradition? It’s no surprise that Beatriz and Olivia are some of the only brown women who we’ve seen represented in this particular canonical journey.

[bcsintersections]

Thoughts of a Colored Man

In Thoughts of a Colored Man, we hear the way that athletes exist in a unique sociopolitical position bolstered by racist histories, policies, and stereotypes. Author and Advocate Tariq Touré also tackles this complex positionality, focusing on athletes engaged in protest against police brutality.  

[bcsintersections]

Thoughts of a Colored Man

“We really get a bad rap in mainstream media, particularly black fathers, you know. There’s always the stereotype that, you know, we’re not present or deadbeats, you know, et cetera, et cetera. And while obviously those situations do exist, it feels very much so that it’s just like disproportionately represented in that way.“

Producer, writer, director, and former football player Matthew Cherry made this short film (and now children’s book) to increase positive representations of black fathers and black hair in the media. Read more here: https://www.npr.org/2019/08/24/754052328/movie-hair-love

[thaumaturgy]

O, what a world of profit and delight,

Of power, of honour, and omnipotence,

Is promis'd to the studious artizan!

All things that move between the quiet poles

Shall be at my command: emperors and kings

Are but obeyed in their several provinces;

But his dominion that exceeds in this,

Stretcheth as far as doth the mind of man;

A sound magician is a demigod:

Here tire, my brains, to gain a deity!

- from DR FAUSTUS by Christopher Marlowe, just because

[bcsintersections]

DAYDREAMS

Daydreams and fine art

How to Catch Creation

“In our crazy and manic world, we don’t have much time for daydreaming between checking our phones, messages and emails, UNLESS we happen to be lucky enough to be an artist.“

Baltimore photographer Connie Imboden discusses the importance of daydreaming on her path towards creation. 

[bcsintersections]

What Does It Take to ‘Assimilate’ in America?

Americans often worry whether newcomers will adapt to our way of life. But we’ve never quite decided just what it is we demand of them.

Indecent

Indecent follows Scholem Asch and his actors as they struggle to determine how their Yiddish theater fits on American stages. Those questions of assimilation and American culture are still very much present in conversations around immigration today.

[bcsintersections]

An Interview with Paula Vogel

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel is making her Broadway debut at the age of 65 with the play "Indecent." We speak with Paula about writing "Indecent", legacy, ambition, and more.

Indecent

“We have to represent America on stage, and we’re not representing it.”

Indecent playwright Paula Vogel on her work, the future of the American theater, and the importance of the arts.

[bcsintersections]

Indecent

Indecent looks at Jewish culture in first half of the twentieth century, but what does Jewish identity look like today? This episode of NPR’s Code Switch interrogates the complicated relationship between Judaism, race, and America, especially in light of the current resurfacing of anti-Semitism across the country.

[bcsintersections]

Antigone

Check out these quotes from some of the fierce women who inspired our production of Antigone. 

[bcsintersections]

Summer Of The Slam: How two fearless Baltimore poetry slam teams took over the nation

"Why do you want to win?"

Antigone

Before her words lit up the stage in our Antigone, Lady Brion was essential in making a national name for Baltimore in the slam poetry circuit. Read about Brion and the other champions who represent this city through their poetry.

[bcsintersections]

8 Books That Feature Queer Jewish Women to Read Right Now

Here are eight awesome books with queer Jewish women characters, from YA to literary fiction to historical fiction and more!

Indecent

Paula Vogel puts lesbians center stage in Indecent, but there are still so many more queer Jewish stories that need to be heard. Start by checking out these 8 books!

[bcsintersections]

An Interview with Jeanine Tesori

We sit down with Jeanine Tesori, the most accomplished female composer in theatre history, for an in-depth talk about Fun Home, composing, her commitment to mentoring young women, being brave, and much more.

Fun Home

Fun Home composer, Jeanine Tesori, on artistic process, female ambition, and taking up space.

[bcsintersections]

14 Diverse Graphic Novels About Coming of Age – Electric Literature

A broad range of perspectives on the drama of becoming an adult

Fun Home

Fun Home isn’t the only graphic novel to tackle the challenges of growing up.