A.C.T. M.F.A. Program Tackles the Great Beyond at Zeum

The only fully credited outside college, American Conservatory Theater’s Master of Fine Arts Program raised the bar yet again with Robert O’Hara’s red-hot “Good Breeding” performed on Zeum stage at Yerba Buena Gardens during this hot month of October. The play, based on “Oresteia” by Aeschylus, reflects too many contemporary attitudes and realities to be considered classic antiquity-inspired. (Perhaps, those attitudes have never changed, as the humanity matures at a speed of geological eras). Greek mythology covers about any kind of dysfunctional family—no wonder they call it the cradle of Western civilization—so the playwright, followed by the director (Timothy Douglas) and the well-attuned cast are all having a field day, to which the viewers are generously invited. The gods, the demigods, and the mortals are butting heads or razing each other, blinded by their conflicting interests and wild emotions. Fates collide and cross, vanities run rampant, and Furies (capital F) follow each bloody murderer to seek the most sacred of antique acts—revenge. Sex abounds, as was the habit of the glorious ancient society worshipping the perfect human body. This amount of tension and electricity on stage is probably only achievable with a young, tenacious, and physically fit cast, and that’s what the Program provides in good supply. The show is unfortunately over as of yesterday, but the Program goes on. To find out more, visit http://www.act-sf.org/. Photo: Pylades/Cupid (Nick Gabriel) confesses his love for Orestes (Weston Francis Wilson).

Asian American Art Spans a Century in the de Young Twin Exhibits

A comprehensive survey of the art produced by the American artists of Asian descent is currently presented in “Asian American Modern Art: Shifting Currents, 1900-1970” at the de Young Museum. The exhibit features several great paintings by Chiura Obata, Symbolism-inspired “Wings” by George Matsusaburo Hibi (1930), Cubism-influenced works by Yun Gee, and some great examples of the Japanese-American pictorial photography to name just a few of eye-catching pieces from a vast collection. WWII internment camps for the Japanese Americans called to life a deeply felt series of artwork by different artists reflecting the same painful theme in distinctly different ways. Americanization, urbanization, and the growing influence of modern and extra-modern art currents were duly reflected in the works of the following generation of artists like Gary Woo, Bernice Bing, and Tseng Yuho. Native Californians Ruth Asawa, Win Ng, and Kay Sekimachi took their modernism a step further in their exploration of non-traditional for Asian culture contemporary sculptural forms. As if continuing the legacy, a second exhibit, featuring an Asian American artist opened on the same day in an adjacent gallery at de Young—“Maya Lin: Systematic Landscapes.” A self-proclaimed foremost environmentalist, the artist uses wood, wire, plywood, and plaster to deliver her vision of various landscapes and to call the viewer’s attention to the use of land and bodies of water. At the exhibit opening Lin stressed out her intent to make people think about land and water differently, the way she does, while recreating hidden from view underwater surfaces, like, for example, in the “Blue Lake Pass” inspired by the location of the artist’s summer home in Colorado. Lin also spoke about her other work, "Pin River" depicting Tuolumne River, which is made of straight pins stuck into a wall. The artist replicated the work on a smaller scale, using recycled silver from photo developing, in her limited edition of 30 "Silver River"portable plates. The museum gift shop now offers those for purchase. Both shows are on display through January 18, 2009. Asian American Modern Art is presented by Wachovia, and Maya Lin exhibit—by PG&E. For more information, visit http://www.famsf.org/ Photos: Dong Kingman “South Street Bridge,” 1955 (left); Maya Lin “2x4 Landscape,” 2006 (right).

Cross-Cultural Treasures from Afghanistan at Asian Art Museum

Turquoise-inlaid gold jewelry depicting Greco-Roman deities riding Central Asian dragons is surely a rarity in the history of art. But so is the whole collection from Kabul, currently on view at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Gold bowls from the Bronze Age, ivory statuettes from India, and Roman glassware with hunting and harvesting scenes are among the many ancient artifacts in the opening gallery of the exhibit. Yet the major draw of the show is a stunning collection of wearable gold excavated from a 2000 year-old burial hill of a nomadic family, discovered by a then Soviet archeologist Viktor Sarianidi in 1978. Throughout the war years that followed, workers of the National Museum in Kabul preserved the treasures in unmarked boxes hidden in the presidential bank vault—often risking their very lives. Now, for the first time “Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul” is open to the world, telling a story of a rich and diverse culture flourishing in the central land of the Silk Road around the beginning of our era. The six undisturbed tombs in Tillya Tepe, excavated by Sarianidi, contained over 20 thousand gold pieces in the order they were positioned on the bodies… A six-feet tall man of wealth, wearing a sheer gold belt embellished with intricate medallions featuring warriors on panthers—each with their own distinct features—in tomb number IV. His five female companions (wives?) from 20 to 30 y.o., most likely sacrificed upon his death so he wouldn’t enter the underworld alone—in tombs I, II, III, V and VI—each containing gold-and-gems personal items, obviously worn during lifetime, all different, reflecting the personal style of the wearer whose life was not valued half as much as her jewelry… The most striking feature of the collection is the fusion of multicultural imagery produced by possibly the same workshop with the local materials and most likely by local goldsmiths. Another indication of the nomadic lifestyle—a collapsible gold crown (photo) easy to dissemble and fold for long periods of travel. “Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures” is on view through January 25, 2009 at 200 Larkin St., SF. For info, call 415-581-3500 or www.asianart.org

Ask Emma

Question: My husband and I have two couples of friends with whom we used to meet and spend time often. I noticed that they started holding back since my pregnancy became visible. When I offer to go somewhere on a weekend, they come along, but I don’t hear from them otherwise. From our previous discussions I know that both couples are childless by choice, but I hate to think that our decision to finally have a baby (we are in our late thirties) might affect our friendship with them.
Answer: Congratulations. Soon you will become a mother and forget all about what you previously called problems. If you are sure that your friends’ coldness has no other reasons but your pregnancy, please don’t be taken aback by it. After all, they were clear about their attitude toward babies. While not everybody of your age enjoys snotty noses, there are plenty of others out there who see their whole life in babies, and whom you will meet soon enough when you join their ranks. Children grow up fast. One day, when your future baby is off to college, your old friends might be back. Unless you’ll prefer a company of other empty nesters by then.

New Food Festival Comes to San Francisco

San Francisco’s first annual Fabulous Food Festival, a “cornucopia of culinary delights” presented by Pacific Expositions comes to the Concourse Exhibition Center next month. The Festival will present an assortment of culinary treats from more than 120 exhibitors in over 20 different food categories from baked goods to condiments and from chocolate to cheese. In addition, some food related functional items like ceramic dinnerware; food themed art, cookware and cooking publications will be available. A demo and lecture program by Bay area chefs, authors and food experts will be presented in the Foodie Lounge on the Mezzanine. Live musical entertainment will feature: Sat. Nov. 8: Hale Baskin, Vos dos Brazil, and Cross Section. Sun. Nov. 9: Mal Sharp and his Big Money in Dixieland, Steel Jam, and Listen Here. There will be giveaways from sponsors and exhibitors, and prizes awarded in major food categories. November 8 and 9 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at 635 8th St., San Francisco. The general admission is $10, $7 for seniors, children 12 and under free. For more information, call 415-388-7208, email PacExpos@aol.com or visit www.PacificExpositions.com

Kirov Ballet Graces Berkeley with its Starlight

The world famous Mariinsky (Kirov) Ballet of St. Petersburg—the eternal bastion of classical dance—brought to Cal Performances a constellation of Russian stars in its program of Petipa’s mixed repertory and a full-length Don Quixote last week. A third act from Glazunov’s Raymonda, "The Kingdom of the Shades" from La Bayadère and Grand Pas from Paquita (both by Minkus), were shown in the mixed program. This biased toward regality repertoire featured some amazing principal dancers like Alina Somova and Leonid Sarafanov on the opening night, and the most synchronized corps de ballet, shimmering in the dance of the shades like a seagull’s feather in sea foam… For the closing matinee, Zellerbach Hall was bursting at the seams when Diana Vishneva starred in Don Quixote—gracious, weightless, angelic-looking, with an ardent smile on her Kitri’s face. Elena Yushkovskaya as Amur, and Yulia Slivkina in oriental dance also showed miracles of agility and anti-gravity. All the programs were accompanied by the Kirov Orchestra, conducted by Pavel Bubelnikov. In its 225-season (and counting) history, Mariinsky Theatre brought to the world stage the most celebrated dancers of the 20th century—Nijinsky, Pavlova, Nureyev, and Makarova among others. For the season programs, tickets and information, visit www.calperformances.org

A Sampling of Berlin Museums at the Legion of Honor

Celebrating the legacy of a prominent art collector of the past century, “The State Museums of Berlin and the Legacy of James Simon” opened in the Legion of Honor, presented by the San Francisco Auxiliary of the Fine Arts Museums. In his day, Simon (1851–1932) solely sponsored excavations in Egypt, the Near East, and Central Asia, and brought back to Berlin the world-famous bust of Nefertiti and the Ishtar Gate of Babylon—besides thousands of other artifacts from different epochs and countries of origin he collected and donated to his beloved city. A German Jew, Simon died on the brink of Nazism, when his legacy of philanthropy, dedication to social welfare, and overwhelming contributions to the status of Berlin as one of the major art capitals of the world was erased by the regime, along with a number of his family members. Tim Simon, an American descendant of the famous collector, became a major patron of the current exhibition, and spoke at the opening about his family history and the enormous wealth of the Berlin art museums yet to be discovered by many Americans. Some of James Simon’s antiquities, medieval, Renaissance and Baroque sculptures, Old Master paintings, works on paper including 18th- and 19th-century Japanese woodcuts, art pieces of the Silk Road, European folk art, and coins and medals are presented in the exhibition, along with an early Renoir painting, and “The Mill Dam” by Courbet—the last gift from the collector before he passed away. The show is on view through January 18 2009 at Lincoln Park, 34th Avenue and Clement Street, San Francisco. More info at 415.750.3600 or www.legionofhonor.org; www.smb.museum Photo by Emma Krasov. Diane B. Wilsey, President of the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and Prof. Dr. Bernd Lindemann, Director of Gemaldegalerie, State Museums of Berlin, discussing the bust of Nefertiti at the opening.

Girls Night Out a Monthly Staple at Melting Pot Larkspur

Occupying a historic landmark—a brick kiln from the 1900s, Melting Pot in Larkspur is impossible to miss. Located along Sir Francis Drake Blvd. on the water edge framed by Marin grassy hills, the place could not have been more fitting for a special occasion restaurant. John McDonald, the owner, is set on creating a community-oriented gathering place for occasions big and small, family celebrations and parties for a cause. Third Wednesday of the month is Girl’s Night Out, and this time, for the National Breast Cancer Awareness month—October—15% of the proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen San Francisco. Last Wednesday, McDonald, 27, his girlfriend Julie Burnbaum (owner of organic clothing company Juleselin) and Mark Thompson, general manager, were all present to greet their guests on a restaurant terrace overlooking the sunset, and decorated with pink balloons. Vendors, like Ashley Rogers of Green Halo Designs (hand-made jewelry) and Jett of Pug Snuggly by Yogi (small dog clothes) among others were displaying their wares while mostly female guests, dressed in various shades of pink were sipping champagne—compliments of the establishment. Renovated and enhanced with air-conditioning, the venue uses its original building in the best possible way—adding modern features while preserving the uncanny beauty of the redbrick structure that survived the Big Quake of 1906. Actually, the kiln supplied bricks to the renovation effort of the time. Currently, it features a distinguished wine cellar adjacent to a vaulted bar and dining rooms of all sizes—for large parties or just couples, with cozy table settings and colorful light fixtures. Being a fondue restaurant, Melting Pot does not have a kitchen, just a prep area, where row fish, meats and veggies are washed, chopped, and marinated before being cooked by the guests on tabletop by dipping various morsels into cheese mixtures, bouillons, or chocolates for dessert. This simple concept has an ability to bring people together and enliven their table talk; therefore the place is well used for birthdays, anniversaries, intimate dinners, and group occasions. According to McDonald, a benefit for the Humane Society is on its way, but so far, any Girl’s Night Out has its own charm—and a special price to boot. For an evening of sheer fun and great-tasting fondue food, call 415-461-6358 or visit www.meltingpot.com. 125 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Larkspur. 100% cotton organic women’s wear at: www.juleselin.com. Original gold-filled jewelry with semi-precious stones at: www.greenhalo.com. The cutest black pug Yogi sells small dog clothes at: www.pugsnuggly.comPhotos by Yuri Krasov. Top left: John McDonald among his guests. Top right: Julie models her organic cotton cozy coat. Bottom left: Claudia Schou and Mark Thompson seated at "lovers' lane" table. Bottom right: Melting Pot bar.

San Francisco Open Studios a Complete Immersion Experience

After 33 years of Open Studios program in SF, the weekend stretches out to “weekends 1 through 5,” and the amount of artwork on view approaches gazillions. Starved for art? (Are we ever in SF? Of course, we are—the more you binge the more you crave, right, addicts?) Immerse yourself. Last weekend, Fort Mason featured dozens of artists displaying their photography, prints, paintings, drawings, mixed media, jewelry—in addition to home studios in other neighborhoods—Buena Vista, Diamond Heights, Haight, Hayes Valley, Marina, Mount Davidson, Pacific Heights, Richmond, Sunset, Twin Peaks, West Portal. Half of the fun is viewing art in the presence of an artist. Some artists look like their artwork—no, I don’t mean self-portraits—some couldn’t have been more different. One is left to wonder how many layers a human psyche actually has… Don’t miss next weekend, Oct. 18 and 19, and the two weekends after that. Check out http://www.artspan.org/ Some fave artists and galleries to watch: http://www.freyesart.com/, http://andrzejmichael.com/, http://www.niningmuir.com/, http://www.hangart.com/, http://www.thenocturnes.com/, http://art.soniamelnikova.com/, http://www.sadievaleri.com/, http://www.secessionsf.com/, http://www.adriennedefendi.com/, http://www.bapc.info/ Photo: Yuri Krasov. Adrienne Defendi with her artwork at Fort Mason. Sadie Valeri with her artwork at her home studio.

SFMOMA Brings to Light the Spirit of Early Photography

To many, the fact that early photography was not only stiff portraits and smut must come as a revelation. Delicate human bones and robust snowflakes, monstrous insects and intricate bacteria come to life in the new show, “Brought to Light: Photography and the Invisible, 1840-1900.” Following the attendance record-breaking Frida Kahlo summer hit, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art presents scientific photography as art in this profoundly researched exhibit, organized by the Associate Curator of Photography Corey Keller. More than 200 vintage photographs, daguerreotypes and X-ray prints on display emphasize the invisible—microbial life, nebulas, and electric discharges. The fact that the invention of photography coincided with the rapid development of modern science in the early 19th century prompted the use of the former as a recording device for the endless stream of observations and discoveries of the latter. Those fascinating visions of diatoms under a microscope or the Pleiades through a telescope equally called for representation, and the amazing medium generously provided that. In the darkened halls of the photography galleries of SFMOMA the pioneers of the new technology communicate with us today through their meticulous studies of moving birds, cats, and horses; striking lightnings; descending comets, and—a birth of a louse, the eyes of a spider, and a multi-angled image of a naked woman spanking a child (?!) The show runs through January 4, 2009 at 151 Third St., SF. More info at: 415-357-4000 or www.sfmoma.org Image: Wilson Alwyn Bentley, Snowflakes, before 1905; Smithsonian Institution Archives, Washington, D.C.

Ask Emma

Question: I don’t know why I am writing right now. I should have done a thousand other things instead. I have so much to do at school and at home that I feel like dropping it all and just watching TV. If I start watching TV I can’t stop. Last Sunday, I spent eight hours on a couch watching stupid reruns and MTV, and I haven’t done a thing for school. My room is a mess. My parents nag me about cleaning my room every day. I know I should clean it, and I have no time to do it. I started an art class and dropped it. I had no time to do art. I sleep only four or five hours at night, and I still can’t finish everything I have to. I feel I can easily fail my midterm. It never happened to me before. I don’t know what to do.
Answer: Are you trying to tell me that you are overwhelmed and stressed out? Who isn’t? Here’s what you should do: drop everything and take a walk. When was the last time you just walked down the street without your iPod or your iPhone glued to your ear? Try it this once. Put on your keds and walk around the block as many times as you need to get tired. While walking, think about what is it you really want? Do you want to finish school with good grades? Then, perhaps, your school assignments have to be taken care of first. Do you want to clean your room? After your homework is done, organize your books and school supplies in one place. Then sort your clothes, put dirty stuff in a laundry box, and fold and shelve or hang everything clean. By the time you will be done, you’ll want to hit the pillow badly, and your sleep will be long and restful. When you wake up, congratulate yourself on your finished homework and your clean (or almost clean) room. After school, repeat from step one. There is no magic pill to cure self-neglect, but if you want to help yourself, there is no one else who would do it for you. Define your priorities, and act. Do one step at a time and continue with your daily tasks even if your progress seems small and slow. It’ll bring results eventually—just don’t give up. Once again: think about what is it you really want. Then at the expense of everything else, do it.

CJM’s New Show “Warhol’s Jews” a Study on Artist and his Models

Andy Warhol’s original show “Ten Portraits of Jews of the Twentieth Century” from 1980 is now on view at the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco in a complete set of paintings, preparatory sketches, and source photographs along with the documentary materials related to the creation of the portraits. In its present incarnation the show is called “Warhol’s Jews: Ten Portraits Reconsidered,” and was organized by the CJM and The Jewish Museum in New York. It remains a mystery how maestro Warhol chose his “Jewish Geniuses” (as he called the series) out of his prep list of 100 prominent figures of the last century, but the chosen ten include a famous French actress Sarah Bernhardt; the first Jewish Justice of the United States Supreme Court, Louis Brandeis; a philosopher and educator Martin Buber; Albert Einstein; Sigmund Freud; the Marx Brothers; Golda Meir; George Gershwin; Franz Kafka, and Gertrude Stein. When asked, Warhol said that he chose his subjects because he liked the faces, but coincidentally or not, none of them was alive at the time, perhaps, providing more creative freedom for the artist in his treatment of the portraits. Met with some skepticism back in 1980, the show has raised questions about the true motives of the King of Pop—was his interest in Jewish cultural icons dictated by anything more than potential commercial success? Three decades later, we have this amazing art—a genuine testament to the undisputable greatness of the artist and his subjects. Now, when the artist has joined them in History, the view at his work has to become clearer and perhaps more appreciative than before. The show is also accompanied by straightforward and witty quotes from Warhol’s diaries, adding to this new understanding of his creative impulses. “Warhol’s Jews: Ten Portraits Reconsidered” runs at the Contemporary Jewish Museum at 736 Mission Street, SF, from October 12 through January 25, 2009. More info at: www.thecjm.org. Image: Andy Warhol, Sarah Bernhardt from Ten Portraits of Jews of the Twentieth Century, 1980, synthetic polymer paint and silk-screen ink on canvas, 40 x 40 in. (101.6 x 101.6 cm) © 2008 Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts/ARS, New York/ Courtesy Ronald Feldman Fine Arts, New York/ www.feldmangallery.com.

Precarious Theatre is Young, Fresh, and “Deranged by Love”

In a play written by an anonymous author(s)—[text by Precarious] this new theatre ensemble uses a side plot from Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, or claims so. The troupe works wonders with this vaguely generic material, delivering a talented and enthusiastic performance in multiple roles through a series of high-voltage dialogs and hilarious people-puppets scenes. Christian Cagigal (Miguel and others) and Sarah Meyeroff (Zoraida) open the show on a right note, followed beautifully by Hannah Knapp (Luscinda), Andrew Calabrese (Cardenio), Nicole Lungerhausen (Dorotea) and Erin Carter, smartly cast in the role of Don Fernando. Artistic director Matthew Graham Smith, who teaches special courses in devised ensemble creation at ACT’s MFA Conservatory, obviously knows how to bring out the best in this ensemble. The play is richly embellished by the original rock music (and lyrics) by H. P. Mendoza, puppets by Lanie Wieland, costumes by Janice Koprowski and set and light design by Amanda Ortmayer. “I’m Yours! Or Deranged by Love” runs through October 25 at EXIT Theatre, 156 Eddy St., San Francisco. Tickets and info at: www.precarioustheatre.com Photo by Stephanie Temple.

Villa Florence Grand Reopening

Photos by Yuri Krasov

Renovated Villa Florence Spreads La Dolce Vita on Opening Night

The grand reopening of the historic Villa Florence Hotel in the heart of San Francisco turned into a truly Italian feast inside the lavishly decorated lobby on October 2. The warm hues of wall paint, dark wood floors, intricate chandeliers, framed mirrors, inviting salon furniture, flower arrangements with fragrant pink lilies—all hinted at the ultimate Tuscan villa experience, enhanced by modern conveniences and contemporary designs. At the entrance, two Anita Ekberg impersonators in blond wigs and strapless black dresses were greeting the guests, while three more were luring them into renovated with a romantic flair rooms, open for viewing and decorated with images of Sofia Loren and other Italian movie stars. In the front lobby, a model was sitting for “a street artist” on a high platform over a lavish seafood display provided by the praised Kuleto’s restaurant. Overflowing with oysters, mussels, salmon crudo, ceviche, pickled mackerel, crab legs, and giant shrimp the arrangement seemed good enough for a Roman emperor (or for a regular San-Franciscan). In the bar area the whole length of the counter was covered with house-cured meats—bresaola, soppressata, coppa, mortadella, prosciutto—the names alone are pure poetry, and semi-soft and very soft Italian cheeses, by the end of the evening dripping with delicioso milk fat. In the restaurant area a new take on the most traditional dish—risotto, prepared with red beats, and crostini with broccoli rabe and basil over goat cheese were served just to make one feel the excess of indulgence, but that was not the end of it. Upstairs, a small line formed to get a scoop of Ciao Bella gelato with an espresso shot, and almond biscotti with that intoxicating fennel aftertaste… But enough about food. Let me quote a hotel description which says it all: “Located in Union Square, Villa Florence is a Boutique Hotel that celebrates the Italian heritage through its luxury hotel décor, family-style hospitality and Italian spirit. A colonnaded entrance and Giotto-style wishing fountain welcome guests to a unique Italian experience. The lobby features a mural of 16th century Florence and a Medici-style fireplace and is decorated in Italian Renaissance colors of crimson, gold, violet and bronze. Kuleto's Wine Bar, nestled between its namesake next door and the hotel, adds to the Italian spirit of hospitality, featuring more than 40 wines by the glass and taste, including selections from Italy and California, with flights from Australia, France, Spain and New Zealand.” And yeah, a brand new 24-seat intimate Bar Norcini just opened in the hotel lobby. It’s all in addition to 183 guest rooms with 29 junior suites, FeatherBorne® Bed packages, plush towels, robes and slippers, LCD flat screen TVs and iPod docking stations. Each meeting room for 10 to 120 people features audio/visual equipment, conference call capabilities and complimentary high-speed wireless Internet. A complimentary business center is also available to all guests. Villa Florence is located at 225 Powell Street, SF; Kuleto’s Restaurant—221 Powell Street, SF. Seek more at: http://www.villaflorence.com/, http://www.larkspurhotels.com/, http://www.kuletos.com/, http://www.chiaobellagelato.com/ Photo by Emma Krasov: Feeling lucky, punk?

Folio is Best in the Fall

Folio Winemakers’ Studio is a cozy home of Folio Fine Wine Partners, founded in 2004 by the Michael Mondavi family. On a warm autumn day, you most likely will encounter maestro Michael in person, crushing a fragrant cab berry in his fingers just outside the Studio, or tending to his guests under the high-beam ceiling of local art-decorated tasting room. Folio Fine Wine Partners produce and import high quality brands not only from the surrounding hills, but also from the wine regions of traditional and emerging suppliers around the globe. International members include Argentina, Italy, Austria, Spain and New Zealand. Michael Mondavi, Founder & Coach, his son, Rob Mondavi Jr., Founder & President of Winegrowing, and daughter Dina, Founder & Marketing Manager, rightfully consider winemaking art, therefore Folio is a studio, and the wines presented here have mythology-inspired names, like Oberon, Medusa, or Rocinante. And, who would not be tempted by the Spellbound? Tony Coltrin, Director of Winegrowing, has been working with the Mondavi family for generations, creating the magic of the right time and the right pick, blended together in your glass. Folio is located at 1285 Dealy Lane, Napa, CA. Taste Gallery open daily from 10 to 5. Call 707-256-2757 or visit www.foliowine.com Photo by Yuri Krasov: Visiting filmmaker-TV crew from Ukraine enjoy their wine tasting with hospitable Michael Mondavi.

Nostalgic Rock ‘n’ Roll Draws In Silver-Haired Crowd at ACT

The ability of music to unlock the deepest longings of the soul, to connect to human psyche on an utterly abstract level, and to unite kindred spirits is explored in ACT’s first production of the season—Rock ‘n’ Roll, directed by the Theater’s Artistic Director, Carey Perloff. The playwright’s own life story—a Czechoslovakian Jewish family fleeing the Nazis, living in the exotic lands before becoming English, with little Tomas Straussler emerging as a world-renowned Tom Stoppard—is loosely reflected in the main character’s transformation from a Czech native into an English schoolboy. Jan (Manoel Felciano) contemplates on his luck, acknowledging that his dual allegiance allows him to escape a purely English fate of growing up “moderately enthusiastic,” treating foreigners with a “mother-superiorly kindness,” and basically, never giving a damn about what’s happening elsewhere. When a real-life Czech band, The Plastic People of the Universe ends up in jail, a rock ‘n’ roll fan Jan realizes that in his Soviet-occupied Motherland even the most abstract of arts becomes politically dangerous by the virtue of being free. His life changes drastically as he returns to his native land, but his character remains intact, allowing him to reconnect with those he left behind—a Communist Cambridge professor, Max (Jack Willis) and a muse of his youth Esme (older—Rene Augesen). The latter also plays Max’s wife, Eleanor, who is slowly dying of cancer. The spouses’ discussions on the nature of mind vs. body are some of the best-written dialogs, enhanced by great acting. Esme (younger) is played by Summer Serafin as well as Esme’s daughter Alice in the next generation. When a play spans a lifetime, it’s bound to be nostalgic. When it contains bits and pieces of an author’s life, it can’t be anything but bittersweet, compassionate, and deeply humane. Rock ‘n’ Roll is not Tom Stoppard you know—not of Rosencrantz and Gildenstern Are Dead, not of the Travesties—this crowd pleaser leaves out irony for the sake of deep emotions, it offers a balmy embrace of great memories for the grateful… still alive. As a famed Russian rock star puts it, rock ‘n’ roll is dead, but we are not yet. The show is superbly directed and staged (scenery by Douglas W. Schmidt) with a soundtrack of iconic rock ‘n’ roll music. Runs through October 18 at 415 Geary St., San Francisco. For tickets, call 415-749-2228, or visit http://www.act-sf.org/Photo by Kevin Berne.