“Two is company, four is a party, three is a crowd. One is a wanderer.” ― James Thurber

Two was DEFINITELY a crowd April 15th for Fame’s second production show.  No wonder, the night – when you can hardly find words to describe an event, you have something there.  Add to the fact that the Fame cast was even more electrified, even more plugged in, despite a GREAT first night of FAME? Literally, words can barely grasp the feeling the audience held – you could see it in the way audience members were smiling following the show, the excitement and questions audience members were asking BEFORE the show as the cast signed up for auditions…

Yes, the lobby was buzzing with excitement and to see the PA hopefuls sign up with the instructors, on the lobby before the show, as the audience stood by and watched this process – the WHOLE recreation of FAME – even starting at 4:50 – was mesmerizing.  I could feel the electrifying moment in everyone present.

Finding my seat in the audience, and having already had an idea of the potential students wanting to get into PA, and from their entrance interviews – I thought, I kind of have a gasp on this.  Get ready for a reality check.  Before I realized it, a soon to be PA auditioning member cast down beside me and started taking to be about how I could rely on him if I needed anything to get the “extra energy” I needed.  When you realize, as an audience member, the cast has worked to turn this experience, INTO an experience, from inside out, now all of a sudden you have an EXPERIENCE beyond a musical.

Most musicals, and of FAME, of course start with the curtain rising, actors in place, and you hear word of their acceptance to PA as any normal production with actors would begin.  Taking the experience of auditioning, taking the experience of the nervousness built up before the actual event, and putting it RIGHT INTO THE LAP OF THE audience members – from the beginning – when you are waiting in the lobby? – No curtain is needed when potential PA auditioning students come up to you and ask you if YOU are auditioning, wondering why YOU are here – oblivious to this being a show  – they have made this a reality for each and every attending member – now THAT – is truly an EXPERIENCE.  Way to go Arturo and Lara, just two of a huge cast that took the idea of FAME, and turned into a personal experience – and sharing it with a larger crowd.  How memorable is that? – I’d say beyond expectations!

Let’s just delve right in and see what occurred the second night – but let me tell you, with a first night without any major bumps, stops, and interruptions, you have to wonder, how can he second night pull off a event that leaves you wanting to go out and audition somewhere?  Well the cast did that and more…

Alani The shirt, the way she wears her hat sideways, without saying a word, you already understand she has some high expectations of herself and what she envisions PA adding to her life, or her adding to PA.  Perfectly played, Alani pushes the mentality of an intimidating experience and adds intimidating to something she rolls over.  You see this in the auditions, you see this on stage, it works all the way through this production.

AlejandraWhen not trying to recite her lines before auditioning, or into her ear buds trying to concentrate, being reprimanded to giving her full attention to being a part of PA, her seriousness flows from her.  You feel the character she portrays in doing anything and folding in herself to be a part of PA and make it.  Through this process you begin to see her develop as a PA student and even loosen up a little by the time graduation begin.  A part well, well-played.

Ana She comes off an portraying the ultimate ballet /dancer potential PA.  She smiles, she pushes herself through amid others and I have a feeling, this is not the last we are going to see of Ana in a production, at least we hope not.  Headphones as a part of her that seems to be not able to be separated, she has this spunk in they way she carries herself that lets you know not underestimate her.

Ana G While she certainly takes being a PA student seriously from her lessons of “finding her emotions” in a particular class, and becoming a world-class chair lifting champion during the process, it is easy to see her positive demeanor is promoted by those students around her.  She is able to take the idea of PA, the stress of performing, but seems to handle it well, positively, and feed off the pressure to succeed – a natural addition to the FAME cast it seems from the beginning.  As strange as it sounds, the flowers she wears say alot about how her personality in FAME reflects as well, you get the sense she will make it no matter what just based on her personality.

Ana PaulaI can’t think of anyone else that would be at the keyboard and still carry the enthusiasm she brings to a musician’s group – her energy and excitement – when she runs on stage is one of many fuels to the FAME fire that excites the audience when the plot is unfolding. Usually you see her attached to Tamara, but you still get a sense of wherever you see Ana Paula, a level of energy that represents the PA and the theme of FAME is there as well.

Ana SofiaLOVE that mischievous grin and you always wonder, what is she going to bring out of that ability to drum and challenge any authority for the sake of music.  You just end up looking for that mischievous smile and looking forward to what Ana is going to do next. A little bit of rebel wants to come out of you in the process  🙂  (I think the drumsticks and bandanna secures this vibe she produces to the audience from the very beginning).

Ana VictoriaMaybe it was sitting so close to the stage this time, but you can see the concern, you can see how she does indeed feel the hilarity of what the PA students bring to auditions, (and trying to suppress the urge to laugh) as well as trying to get alot of the PA students past their egos to perform and “find themselves.”  She does so with a grace only an educator can try to find in themselves.  If possible, she seemed even more chill the second night, yet with an urgency to move her students forward.

AnnabellaOkay, I have to admit, it’s odd to NOT see Annabella as the drummer – she fit into the role so well. Yet, it is exhilarating to see herself still maintain a bit of rebel as she supports Mabel and anyone else putting up a little bit of a fight/and revealing some rebelliousness.  Yes, she still maintains that aspect of her character in FAME on the stage and does it well.

AnaliseFrom when she stands on the chairs to sing and dance to participating in what that PA students do to survive, Analise is really everywhere on stage as well.  it is not easy to miss her and she plays her role seriously and with determination at the same time.  She makes herself visible and is easily a part of the cast, and simply seems a natural part of the cast – making this whole FAME plot very familiar to the audience.  I feel I miss some details she brings to the show as well with so many people on stage and look forward to those in the next couple of shows.

Arturo Attitude, a secret kind of something going on behind the scenes, and not taking much if anything from anyone.  While not Nick tonight, he didn’t need to be.  He was his own person and lets it be known on stage.  Played perfectly and it is awesome to see how versatile he can be before the show in his role, and during, excellent transition and ability that pushes the whole FAME plot forward.

Caroline Again, maybe because I was sitting so close to the stage this time, but the attitude and sense of overconfidence you see in the promo video – it eeks out a bit if you watch Caroline on stage, it’s perfect!  I can definitely see her confidence, and ability, if you see where and when she contributes to being a PA student, she does, she pushes those buttons, and she insures everyone around her knows it, you feel this when you see her on stage.  She is coming to her realizations of what she wants to do as an actor – this is super exciting to see.  Maybe it’s the hat?  I think it’s the hat that sets the tone from the very beginning, but it all works together  🙂

Emiliano It threw me off – I was expecting to see him holding the trumpet, and when he wasn’t I was like…WHERE?….but yes!  In blue!   From the very beginning if the auditions, to being one of many interested in PA, Emiliano plays the part of being a FAME cast member and a potential PA artists, with or without trombone.  He wears this expression as if he is just on the eve of something devilish…

Giulia – Okay so first, let’s get this straight.  It was not that she could wriggle her NOSE, it was her eyebrows.  Now that we have that out-of-the-way, I am not sure what it is, but you sense this level of something ready to be hysterical under the surface and Giulia will be right there.  Not sure where that comes from but it is there.  On stage you sense her willingness to want to be there, a supporter, a reinforcer and just – it is hard to imagine her NOT on stage after the first night, so having the presence? Check.  Being a member of FAME and the PA without having to go out of her way?  Check.  It is excellent to have someone that is just a natural fit, as fits Giulia.

HunterHear more of his voice we did.  It was so so cool to see him cast as Nick and the way he brings a slightly different, almost soft element to this character, and yet, his eyes come alive when he sees what he wants his future to be.  Hunter never crosses the line of having to represent himself by any bravado, but is able to represent himself through the mastery he seemingly knows of his talent.  He knows himself, what he wants, and we find out by the end he learns his mistakes oto avoid losing those nearest to him.  Pretty powerful when you can get the audience reeled in that deeply.

Ingrid – WHOA!    I mean W H O A!  I loved how Ingrid brought a completely new and dynamic meaning to the role that Serena play in FAME.  “She is naturally Serena!” and you almost leave this production thinking her real name SHOULD be Serena – she is – well she IS Serena!  It was awesome seeing Ingrid come upon realization after realization, often found through disappointment but she completely envelops the role of Serena and makes it her own, 100%, absolute.

IsabelIt’s funny, despite being Carmen the first show, Isabel STILL stands out in FAME due to her stature, the way she carries her self, and just her demeanor.  If anyone belonged to PA before they auditioned, you immediately have the feel this would be Isabel.  True, I am biased from her experience as Carmen the night before, but you will see it.  Her confidence, her wanting to be a key element and her ability to be a standout in all she projects to the audience – you realize this in seeing Isabel a natural part of this whole process surrounding everyone auditioning.

Isabella PI love the way she just blends in with potential PA members that seem to share her passion for rock, for being a little rebellious, but not having to do anything to show it.  Isabella seems to just FIT into this whole plot naturally the way she carries herself, reacts to others, reacts to the whole musical in general.  It is easy to see what being a natural is when you fit in as well as she does!

JorgeEVERYTIME I see this role I see a new facet of personality ALSO brought out in someone else. Be it Iris, or Mabel, or one of the instructors, not only does Jorge bring a strength to his own role, but brings out elements in others personalities that you only see after seeing repetitively.  That becomes a whole new level of performing and often it is not possible to find the words to show the power and understanding Jorge moves through in this production. Amazing.

Juan ManuelI think it was the hat.  Yeah, maybe the hat.  Yet Juan Manuel was much more of a presence this second show, and yet he easily fit into the role of someone kind of hanging back and yet, he seems he as alot to surprise the PA staff with his ability.  He can do all this without truly saying a word, you just get this FEEL.  This is pretty darn great, and it is a testament to what he brings to the stage of FAME.

Juliana – I love how you realize things even more as they progress.  Or you catch the details you miss at first.  The way Juliana’s eyes light up when she sees the opportunity PA provides to her, the look of disbelief when Mabel is finishing a bag of chips at the BEGINNING of ballet, they all enhance her role.  Her optimism seems to pour from her expressions, and she does this so well in the way she carries herself on the stage, you just expect it to all turn out well.  She is made for productions, to this I have no doubt.

LaraLara carries this tailgating, cheerleading, shouting for a fellow PA student mentality that just naturally makes her part of the whole FAME scheme.  She is ever-present based on her energy and enthusiasm she shows, from the very beginning greeting everyone to rooting for them and chanting for them when they have their moment in the spotlight – she is a definite ever-present part of what PA becomes.

LuI will never stop having such a hard time getting over the raw emotion when I saw her expressing what LA did to her. Whoa, I am still carrying that memory.  The intensity of the emotions she hands to the audience, coupled with a voice that moves through you –  I mean THROUGH you – and the slight smirk she is able to produce at the exact right moment – there is nothing I can say about how amazing it was to see Carmen develop and unfolds in front of you, making it even harder to see it all fall apart by the end.  Lu takes you there and makes it impossible for you to return from this experience.

Maria – Nailed it.  I felt that way the first show, and even more so this second show.  It makes such a difference being so close to the stage, almost as if I am seeing a different person, with the same ability x5.  Her gutsiest (new word), commitment even when it shows conflicts with other admin, and her genuine demeanor when it comes to reflecting on her role – in front of students and one on one, there is no doubt when she comes on and off stage she was made for this role.  Absolute and GREAT to see.

ElisaMore of a presence than the first night you see her into everything PA offers and what FAME represents.  You could see her, feel her optimism, and enjoy the carrying-on of the key people who try to shake things up at the PA.  More than just someone hanging back, she asserted herself more so – whether that was from her increased energy level or – it is difficult to put an exact reason on it, but definitely, it is almost that you feel at ease when you see Elisa on stage.

Marion More so than the first night, I kept trying to figure out how I didn’t remember Marion more from the first show, but she stood out even more during the second show absolutely.  When you see her smile, her expressions, she seems to be looking right at YOU, as if you are the only one in the audience.  To be able to do that and not have from the beginning a very specific role that leads out – she has this energy you see as soon as she hits the stage.  It was great realizing and seeing this, and was a definite plus to the overall production of FAME this second show.

NataliaSeriously, she GLARED at me in the lobby.  This was so well done, her role is so well-played from beginning to end.  Take the promo video of her role, and add consecutive degrees of confidence from the first night and you see Natalia continuing to make the idea of FAME her own.  You can’t really say enough to state how well she nails her roles  🙂

Nathalie ZIf you notice Nathalie’s expressions and the way she just naturally is a presence – the wantingness that is felt to belong in PA is shown all over her smile, her hustling back and forth in the beginning to various auditions, and continuing to support the funny the serious, the dramatic, the newly occurring.  She seems to be involved in every character’s dilemma, decision, and advent, and overall, very difficult to see how she would not be on stage to be an overall part of the PA and Fame.  Present from the beginning when all potential students converge for auditions, she seems to be an integral part of all that happens and you begin to look for her at each of the two performances so far. 

Nicolas – Okay, yes.  He does get worked up.  ALOT.  So why do we love seeing this so much?  His demeanor, his ability to turn an accent into an event you look forward too when combined with his frustration – true it makes you worn out a bit when it comes to the amount of time you are laughing.  Plus it is good to see an admin show some frustration when we normally see such cool and relaxed responses.  Nicolas is able to turn the level of “I’m going to bust an artery” into hilarity when the music he envisions, does not match at all with what he receives.  But let me emphasize, the cowbell ?  It is a home run.

NicoleShe doesn’t soften necessarily, but it is almost as you see even more of the who Nicole is as Iris in the second show.  Why?  How?  I can’t put my finger on it, but certainly her intensity, desire, and ability to be that central key and doorway for success for not ony Tyrone, but for the ideal that finding yourself involves getting past something you see as yourself, and coming into your own thanks to the interpretations of reality – she seems to be able to define this.  Hence, this, and Nicole herself, becomes a central part of taking experiences and becoming a new person as a result – how lucky can you be to see this unfold in front of you through this production?

PabloCLASSIC FAME.  The ability to get others to fall into his charms, or to walk away in disgust take work from some, but none from Pablo.  He is everywhere at the same time, and he leaves memories of what FAME becomes to everyone from the beginning to the very end, in so many ways, I can’t even attempt to list them all here.  From his memories of a funeral that impacted his life, to the ability to turn a Romeo and Juliet scene into hilarity, these become two of countless ways he lets everyone know, he is absolutely Joe Vegas.

PedroJust when you think you know a character and you have seen it before – Bam!   Not at all.  I thought I was seeing a new character – and I liked the Pedro from the FIRST NIGHT!  The energy and ability to put himself into the role when tragedy hits Carmen, sympathizing and it seeming as this was occurring to HIS character, and the passion he puts into that cowbell (I could watch that 100 times and still not get tired of it, after I get my breath from laughing) – I LOVE THIS CHARACTER and his growth in one night, when it was a good performance to begin with? – All I can see is GREAT – GREAT – GREAT.

SaraI am not going to spoil anything from her IB Visual review (coming!) – but – if you had to pick of all the cast one that is finding herself in volumes, I pick Sara as a definite.  She rocked the first night with being a team player as part of the ballet troupe, but something just clicked up a notch the second night even more.  Her smile, her interactions with Joe Vegas, I am not sure, but you sense her confidence a huge notch, heck a whole level more so on the second night and to not have her in FAME?  It just seems unnatural to NOT see her on the stage!

Sarah I noticed it when Sarah first came to ASF – and I notice it on stage.  She has a confidence and “I do not care in the least what others think – if it fits me it is all that matters.”  This says everything about her ability and confidence to be an absolute member of the PA and in the FAME set.  You will sense this every time you see her encourage Tyrone, Pablo and those around her.  She carries this sense of mischievousness and plotting that you can sense when it comes to the ego carrying Pablo and Tyrone, and she is ever-present no matter where she is on stage.  LOVE.

Sofia- You can’t take anything away from the supporting hilarity, and cheerleading Sofia brings to those around her.  In no way does she appear a weak character, until it comes to a scale or going more than 30 minutes without food, but her wit, strength, and smile – 100% contagious and genuine in the whole scheme of things when it comes to FAME.  The second night it only amplified and made you laugh even harder.  Love looking forward to her role for each production.

Sofia I She is the PA member you can probably bounce any thoughts, fears, or comments off of.  From the very beginning of the auditioning process, she welcomes a wide array of friends and she comes off as being the ultimate person you can trust.  Despite the advances of Joe Vegas in the ballet room no less, her expressions, ability to take you in as a welcoming part of FAME, and shaking your had with her reactions to all around her – she is no doubt a part of the FAME cast from the very beginning.

SusanneWhile I enjoyed Susanne as Serena so much, I think seeing her in that lead role emphasized her role as part of the PA – and NOT being Susanne as well in the second night.  You don’t need to look for Susanne to know she is a part of the PA and fame cast – you just know.  That says volumes about what she is capable of, without having to be over the top assertive, she just IS – love that about her as a part of any production we have seen her in so far.

TamaraOkay, seriously, I admit it, I am LOOKING FORWARD to the high five when it comes to rewarding the comments made about Death of a Salesman.  Tamara is the ultimate cheerleader and supporter of all things that moves the PA students together.  Do NOT let the lying down and tired during introductions at PA fool you, her “this is going to be good” smile when something is about to happen and ability to push forward an event to the point of hilarity – it is always there in queue – priceless.

XimenaReceptive but standing her ground, being able to pull out that stubborn backbone when it is required, you see this even more in the second show.  From the very beginning when you see her taking auditions, to caring for her daughter during rehearsals at the PA school if you have any doubts of whether she has made PA her home, then we’re watching the wrong show.  She’ll argue, she’ll fight, she’ll go the extra mile in soft and loud actions – but she will be there no matter what.  Ximena just keeps reinforcing the energy and ability to assert herself in this role, and positions herself in the cast of FAME even more in the second.  (How is that possible?)

To have a director return, a dance coordinator, a music coordinator, building and Arts directors, and a Tech Club with stage crew abilities do so much, when so much is asked and many do not expect a level of thanks back with such a needed job – and receiving kudos and thanks back – and doing such an amazing job that a level of even more enthusiasm – see Paty, see Javier, see Jose!, see Isabel, Ale, EVER Tech crew member when they come on

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stage to receive well-deserved applause – in no sense of the way does Tech Crew or the lighting, or the stage crew go unnoticed – as it should be.

When you leave the second night’s show with a feeling like this, you can’t help but think – PA?  FAME?  Yeah let’s do this a few more times at least!  Bravo FAME crew – which

covers MUCH support – as a whole – which makes each one of us feel as if we want to live forever.

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Fame Firsts – Beginning a Discovery.

First nights are…nerve-wracking, full of anticipation, open a window of what is to come, and that is just what comes to memory first about first nights.   With the 2016 production of Fame, you have a cast, audience, and group of fans all expecting, wondering, and speculating on how things will be different.  No different was the case with ASF’s production of FAME April 14th either.  There are so many things that will, I believe, come out of this first night production, and that already HAVE come out of this first night production, I feel lile this a daunting task to address it and yet – as an audience member much of this lingers with you after seeing FAME.

This is hard to do without giving spoilers but yes, it can be done  🙂   First coming into the FAC lobby, the efficiency of the parents supporting this production, as always is superb.  Having the ability for sandwiches toasted and a plethora of options is EXCELLENT for an after school production, this was definitely the case.  As you are seated you notice the bubbling and sounds, as well as the use of the side areas of the FAC inside, typical of what you would expect of those waiting to enter the Arts building where individuals were about to perform.  The casual nature of the side areas leading to the stage, the FAC area, very well done.  You will see this as you become an audience member of FAME as well – very very well planned.

From the very beginning to end, there is so much happening, you need to make sure you are seeing the leads, as well as the supporting actors 100%, and this takes much scanning of the action on stage, center, left and right stage, even the front and back stage.  I like this as every single potential student of the Performing Arts School and star wannabe has a part to play and does have the ability to do something with their part extraordinary.  This often is not the case in a production, where often it is quite obvious why someone is cast in a specific role.  Along those lines, I never felt during this particular night, that anyone was miscast, everyone had a purpose and a role that seemed to be predestined by this first night’s showing. 

I felt over the course of the whole Fame first night production there were moments that I wanted the sound, music, and voices to be even more elevated, to match the emotions that I felt could be even more elevated as well.  I have a feeling this is a first night discovery and as you will see below, specific cast have definitely been able to reach inside and grab what affects them, moves them, and pushes them to sending that emotion through their voice out to the audience.  There are still some that I want to see project those feelings, disappointments, exciting moments, and their deepest feelings even stronger; I can feel they have much more to say and show about those emotions – to the point that the music, their voice, and their emotions can be elevated to an even higher level to move, shock, and paralyze me in the moment. 

I felt this myself, that this particular production had the potential for all involved to dip inside a real situation of their lives currently, being students and trying to hold onto the memories of the very halls, rooms, and teachers that paralyzed them in moments that they are unable to turn their back on, even at graduation.  With that opportunity at their feet to relive the very moments that will stick with them beyond high school, and to match that with where they hope to go and be after college graduation, this is their moment to live within themselves and project the very emotions that have come up against so far, and definitely I felt that in some of the actors and actresses this first night, and others I so see them just beginning to reach that powerful point, and want to see that occur even more to see how they develop by the end of this production.  This is exciting for me as an audience member and I can only imagine how it must be for the cast themselves.

On a technical standpoint and from behind the camera, I was stunned at how the lighting was brilliant and made for specific moments throughout the show.  My camera told me so as I tried to capture some moments that were difficult to say at best.  Along with my camera the key moments that were lighted amazingly, all was done absolutely in style.  Technical-wise, the set was moved to what seemed to be effortlessly, and as always, the Tech Club and stage crew was on cue and even more than I can remember for a first night performance.  I have said it once before and will say it again, it is so easy to take for granted the opportunity to look over how the set is arranged, how the lighting adds to the overall performance, and how the movement of actors, scenery, and all fits together with the lines of the performers – and yet all flowed better than you’d hope for in a first night performance.

The intermission was again, a necessity to take in the details.  If you notice a prop in the FAC lobby, then you are half way there – and the details there are worth taking in.  On top of that, add the edition of the PA weekly to the list to the pluses of this production, and it is the exact right touch.  YOU DEFINITELY will love how the PA is represented from the PA weekly – and this was a brilliant addition to what you are absorbing from the overall FAME production.  Without further adieu, let’s deep into the details:

Alani- Remember when it was mentioned details are important?  Her facial expressions, reactions, and overall presence is evident from the very beginning and very much belongs in the PA – a great part of the cast.

Alejandra – Definitely having grown from last year’s production, Alejandra positions herself right in the middle of the crowds of students, cliques and drama that usually is being discussed among the students.

Ana – I think one of the youngest PA students and yet she fits right in with everyone as part of the action.  Very cool to see a new face.

Ana G – Always participating 100% with the lessons, students and the action going on.  It has been a pleasure to see her as a regular during this production.

Ana Paula – Optimistic, energetic and always in the middle of the crowds of PA – excellent to see her a part of this team!

Ana Sofia – I find it hysterical she is a pro-rocker for the band she is in and her general enthusiasm for being a part of PA – it is contagious!

Ana Victoria – Her “chillness” is VERY believable – and also contagious to all the potential soon-to be stars, and glad she tried to make certain members that decided to leave PA, try to stay.

Annabella – I have to say, the IDEAL rocker and drummer, I couldn’t picture anyone else as being more the rebel or wanting to be, played perfectly.

Analise – Not afraid to be right in the middle of the action and supporting the energy flowing through the PA students, excellent member of the cast.

Arturo – Yes.  He pulls tug of war perfectly and is a perfect fit for this role, and yes, does justice to the role of Romeo.

Caroline – She doesn’t come off as being the stuck up, arrogant student she appears to be in the promo video, and yet, this was the first night.  We will wait and see- but she is always also in the middle of everything at the PA – right where she should be.  She seems to have grown alot more confidence from last year which is evidence of her growing into roles.

Emiliano – Yes – he plays the part of friend/trickster and trumpet gesture member great – I think as his voice becomes louder with more frequent performances, his personality will also come out more, a good fit it seemed for this role.

Giulia – While we did not get to see her nose wriggling ability as claimed in her promo video, her enthusiasm is evident through all scenes in the production, which easily maker her part of the cast.

Hunter – from the last catch and carry of cast members at the end to the beginning of the production, Hunter is very much a part of the action and is a very supportive cast role in FAME – good to see him as I do not recall him in productions before, but a welcome member with his ability.  I’d like to hear more of his voice!

Isabel – Wow.  To avoid spoilers, her passion to do what she wants and so full of herself to certain level sets up quite a twist in the end – and she is able tp move towards that unexpected twist perfectly, loved her as part of this cast and seeing her at the bottom, towards the end, more than believable – and heart-breaking at the same time.

Isabella P – I can’t recall seeing Isabella in a production before and yet – she fits the role as a tough, rocker, rebellious yet strong PA student, she fits, she JUST DOES  🙂

Jorge – Holy *&$)*(&!#*)_!#@.  YES.  His strength, bravado, machismo, his not giving in and then giving in under tough terms, EVERYTHING.  YES.  All of it, – WHAT A GREAT casting role and played PERFECTLY – LOVED his presence and PA and FAME, much less without even considering and discussing his overall role and presence, excellent – period.

Juan Manuel – While not a lead very much present and a supporting member of the PA and overall student body – he also helped build a strong crowd of students working towards success.

Juliana – Her smile, enthusiasm, energy, grace – she totally, 100% works as part of the cast and then some, I see her becoming more powerful in voice, roles, and energy in upcoming shows of Fame and other productions.  She definitely has this diamond in the rough ability.

Lara – Perhaps one of the most telling moments was the Romeo & Juliet scene, the smile on her face – larger than I’ve ever seen. Her energy and positive energy is very evident all the way to the audience, without a doubt  🙂

Lu – I cheated and saw her performance as a lead in practice, and this evening, her supporting participation in the student body, performing, and of course voice – she is stil a standout and is going to be a blockbuster asset to all performances – truly a diamond in her participation in all things musical, dramatic, and staged – she is AWESOME!

Maria – As headmaster, nemesis to Jorge’s character, arguing with Ximena, sharing the emotions of what it means to be director of PA, and all scenes involved, while I can’t recall her as a lead in past productions, she is PERFECT for this role – I mean she fit amazingly.  Her stance, posture, actions, all of it – YES.  Thanks PA and Fame for letting her having this role it was exact.

Elisa – Obviously from the time she waits to get into PA at the beginning to the tryouts to being in PA – a few things you will notice – HUGE smile always remains, while you might not have seen her in any previous productions she fits in perfectly, plays the part and just – well, why hasn’t she been in previous productions?!  🙂

Marion – Again, after seeing Marion naturally become part of the PA students accepted, she fits naturally in, she is a part easily, naturally, and it is excellent to see her as part of the PA students accepted.  You want to see her succeed due to her optimism.

Natalia – Absolutely represented from Les Miserables, Natalia has this outpouring of optimism and energy that you cannot imagine NOT being on the stage.  NOT AT ALL.  Love Natalia’s optimism, spunk, and energy. 

Nathalie Z – Willingness, energy, and bringing what FAME represents is all part of when we see Nathalie as a part of a production she believes in and of course, she does.  You can tell from her expressions, her desire to be involved and on stage, her heart is with all she does involving drama and the arts.

Nicolas – If you have followed Nicolas’ involvement in the arts – then you know – the unexpected quirky roles he takes – hysterical and they always work.  Tonight was not the exception in the least.  Absolutely, Nicolas carries the weight of hilarity, plot, and personality, and always in a different way – in every production – and this continues through FAME …

Nicole – You watch and are into the relationship that could, would, and does ensue between Nicole and…..you’ll have to see…she does so so well – you expect to see these two in the same situation off stage.  effortlessly, gracefully, and without any drawbacks, Nicole is essential to Fame for so many reasons – and you will see why within ten minutes of her entering PA as one of the best dancers in the institution.

Pablo – If you had to bottle 1% of his energy, hilarity, jibes, and jabs, and the gusto Pablo brings to stage – you’d never be able to stop – and Pablo does not.  To the credit of the Fame plot line – itself – he is able to pull off an endless pursuit of many, he IS the energizer bunny of insult and hormones, and he is AMAZING on the FAME set.

Pedro – I have seen Pedro transform into more confidence onstage within one year and the FAME stage proves this.  I hope to hear hos voice and confidence still begin to rise, as I feel he has even more to show and reach into the audience.  His availability and reliability to those around him are essential and Fame and it is exciting to see him grow as a cast member absolute!

Sara – The shine you see in her smile, dance, and mingling as a student, artists and FAME cast member is unmistakable.  When she is lifted up high into the air at the end by Hunter, it fits – and she belongs on this FAME cast and stage for various reasons.  It is exciting to see her on stage – and rewarding.

Sarah  – Her boldness, confidence, and presence is one of many that insures her reason to not only be a part of PA, but it is exciting to see her involved in a production – I think for the first time.  I feel it is completely appropriate based on her graduating, her role seems to represent how confident she can be, is, and will be.  Love seeing her in this production for many reasons.

Sofia- Can you picture her saying “OHMYGOSH, SEAFOOD -(you’ll catch the meaning during the production) – however, when you hear and see ‘FEED ME!”  – she nails it, she nails the bravado, personality, the Mojo of an artist and IS the personality of her role  EXCELLENT.

Sofia I – She is coming into her own, becoming bolder, still quiet and yet she is able to represent a presence on stage without much effort.  HOW DOES SHE DO THAT?  She is someone you just want to be a part of any production you are involved in – and she fits in easily with all the students of the PA.

Susanne – It was an absolute pleasure to see Susanne work through the conflicts of someone that has been around her all her life, and try to figure it out along the way.  She does with grace, talent, and this sense of optimism, trying to make it work for her.  She makes it work for her as a part of the cast of FAME, and then some.  It is a JOY to see her back on the stage for this year’s production.

Tamara – It’s funny she represents the details you do NOT want to miss, but easily could, if you do not pay attention to EVERYTHING that is happening on stage.  She has always been able to be counted on for something that adds to the plot and scenes, and FAME is no exception.  Her energy, facial expressions, and overall contributing to the plot and cast as it moves forward always has you looking for her in every production she is in, this is no exception.

Ximena – I love seeing Ximena as a leader in this role for FAME, for she is a leader in all she does, be it art, music, performing, contributing, heart and soul.  It is WONDERFUL to see Ximena, knowing what she does with her heart and soul, on stage and off stage, and you just know, yep, teacher, leader, contributing member of FAME?  TOTALLY XIMENA – love love love.

This is almost IMPOSSIBLE to state but, Alejandra, Andrea, Carlos, Elisa, Enrique, Isabel, Javier, Jose, Julia, Mateo, Mauricio, Patricia, Regina, Robbie, Rodolfo, Stefan, Victor Paulina, (and Paulina could be seen throughout several places throughout the production – she was naturally a part of the FAME environment!) and Paloma – all together?  Under one roof – they are a power house of insuring the lighting, the transitions, the cues, the props, the set, EVERY SINGLE thing that you could take for granted, and shouldn’t look as if they are planned a year ahead of time.  Stage crew, tech Club, and lighting, as well as music, sound, and SO MUCH MORE, the makeup, the costumes, and more than we can list – thank goodness we have these amazing people as part of FAME, hence, no FAME.

You will learn to recognize Teruhi, Hugo, Rosanna, Carolina, Alvaro, Rob for the time, vision, and energy they have devoted to create a risk of a production that is for many, something so different, it takes MUCH risk to even attempt it.  Yet, attempting it they did, have done, and for a first night production, you begin to realize as the acting, boldness, and pure talent thrown into a completely new situation and only better things are to happen from this experience.

You sense the feeling of a family – that is true, from everyone interacting on stage, and I get a feeling that is only going to increase as the shows progress.  How lucky are we to see this happening each show – pretty much beyond being able to put into words.

CONGRATS FAME team for creating an experience – beyond what FAME was in the series on television and bringing some feeling of finishing one’s period, in life, and moving onto a brighter one – filled with memories, nostalgia, and a road towards an artistic future.

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Commerical Break Agenda Amid a City that Never Sleeps!

Screen Shot 2016-04-13 at 2.29.20 AMBefore we go on to the last group of artists from the IB Visual Arts Exhibition, I thought I’d drop a slew of events that are occurring this week and beyond in Mexico City! 

Second Week of April Events for blog

 

Cultural kickoffs in Roma/Condesa, Fame opens up and SO MUCH MORE! 

Check it out here –  Second Week of April Events for blog and enjoy this month of activities!

 

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Puck is Alive and Well…in 2016…

IMG_2843Lunario’s As You Like It – never read this Shakespeare comedy, knew next to nothing.  Maybe even less that than.  Fine.  If the day was any indication – then maybe the night and the play from the London National Theatre would be a surprising…

Rushing home, (Do I smell gas?) walking the dogs, coming back, YES!  I smell gas!  – checking with the neighbor for gas leaks, NOTHING, opening windows hitting the metro, meeting in the 45 minutes travel time from insurgents to Auditorio, (HOT HOT HOT TODAY!) finally getting to Prego with 60 minutes before showtime and yes, 8 tickets and it was absolutely one of those mysterious nights, out of 8 3 showed and really 3 for a bit – and losing one more, so  out of ticket attendees present – it was that kind of night.  Count in flooding, dehydration, exhaustion, Puck was out in full form for Shakespeare on this night, April 11th!

Expect the unexpected and that is what happens as a result of As You Like It.   Not knowing what to expect, the set of a busy office begins the setting of brother against brother, banishment and the daughter behind, the chance encounters of banished daughter and unofficial banished son, supporting friend and non-banished daughter, wow.  The hurriedness of relationships that run into each other are brilliantly exhibited through the busy atmosphere in the above-average hectic office – loud colors – complete with a luche libre wrestle-like match in the middle of the office, that started the misadventures into the woods of Arden. 

It might not sound like Midsummer Night’s Dream or Twelfth Night YET, but yet, the similarities as the plot unfolds in unmistakable.  Rosalinda who disguises herself as a boy, the false love of someone who is ACTUALLY not a man at all, the star-crossed strangers that bump and interact into each other throughout the wood, are just a few mirrors into the traits that Shakespeare has brought in countless other productions, as well as in As You Like it.

You learn to expect the unexpected as well with how characters that seemed slightly taking backstage, taking full front stage by the middle to end of this production.  Out of all the characters, Celia played by Patsy Ferran and Jacques played by Paul Chahidi– wow – they were – they just DID it and broke through SO MANY TIMES!  The hysterical nature of the show definitely did pick up even more in the second half as the connections that were leading to hilarious moments built up and culminated after the intermission.

As I began to see the traits Shakespeare has left behind in As You Like It, similarities found in many other of Shakespeare’s productions, I remember Dr. Kopper.  I remember drawn to as many Shakespeare lit classes as possible because I walked out of his lectures knowing so much more than I thought I would when I went it.  Imagine Macbeth and ONE WHOLE page – from top to bottom of one to two-word phrases, and in its entirety, those phrases and single words, after going through them, and know ing how they told the tale of Macbeth, you walked away KNOWING Macbeth.  True that, I learned this over and over, in this fashion, over many a night “interpreting” every word that was a clue in meaning.

I never thought I’d EVER get to a point where I’d ever truly Shakespeare, and yet, here I am in 2016, and seeing so many connections and meaning in Shakespeare’s lines that I thought I would never figure out.  I never thought I would realize how deep and how diverse Shakespeare has reached to on so many years, and be able to understand those far reaching connections and yet, now they come rapid-fire.  I couldnt;t help but think how I viewed so many things 10 years ago as impossible and looking back at them now and saying, “How did I not see that happening?!”

Watching the behind the scenes talk with actors during the break, you could see the complete hilarity and enjoyment that had in being a part of this production- of what rituals people did before the show, what motivated them, and seeing all the cast relaxed and joking because this production allowed for that mentality – all in the same order and sync that the whole cast did to pull off the full range of hilarity to the audience.

Yes, Rosalie Craig did a GREAT job of pulling of dual gender roles through as well, Joe Bannister certainly pulled off an unlikely success story by the end of the production and playing the underdog hero of the whole story.

Let’s discuss the set.  WHOA.  If you were slightly disinterested in the office structure as the play starts, then the second set you resembled creativity.   Those very same office furniture supplies became the jungle, trees, the forest itself for the rest of the production and worked brilliantly.  AND flattering.  It seems as the hilarity built, you became drawn in more and more of it as the production went forward.  The one way I would want to not forget As You Like It, this was definitely it – it stuck with you.

What was not expected was the dialogue to the audience on the part of Rosaline (Rosalie Craig) and yet – it did finalize things.  Yet, is there a final to Shakespeare?  If there is anything I have learned, there is no final to Shakespeare, as evidence through this year’s Lunaria productions.  Such is the experience of life itself and it seemed Shakespeare had more than a handful grasp on that idea.  Years later, thanks to life, Dr. Edward Kopper, and the ability to transfer lines to lines in life’s experience, you realize this…life is a comedy in itself, if you look closely, there is a little bit of Puck everywhere  🙂

 

 

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The I B Visual Arts Exhibition 2016 – Take Two

Screen Shot 2016-04-09 at 7.45.07 AMCeci – It’s subtle at first but, when you walked into the exhibit area of Ceci, the illustration take hold of you and recreate a studio in front of your eyes.  Being able to envision the profiles coming to life is not so easy thanks to the variety of poses, attention to detail and yet relaxed feeling her works give off.  You have no brash colors to compete with the sense of peacefulness and pure concentration as you examine each individual piece.  In one work you sense influences from Andy Warhol, but in all her works, you see a complete unit of style that allows your mind to settle on the detailed attention she had given to each piece in moments of solace – or a studio-style moment of creation.  The studio in San Angel of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo stick out in your mind when you see this meaningful works.

Screen Shot 2016-04-09 at 7.46.12 AMJose  – Entering Jose’s exhibit area, you are struck by the arrangement of pieces, as well as the waterfall effect of piece after piece influencing each other, as well as you the visitor.  The colors of blue, as well as the creation of pieces that take on glass-like (and water-like) impressions draw you into what Jose has to say.  From jewelry, to stand alone works, to Cubist-like recreations, a variety donned with the perfect shades are represented int his exhibit.  Certainly gender is addressed in these conversations, and yet, the simplicting of everyday objects, be it figurines, vessels that are jars, the abilty to recereate and redefine definitions and stereotypes of genders is approached.  The choice of colors truly is a lead to the amazing works Jose is able to represent in gallery fashion.

Screen Shot 2016-04-09 at 7.48.22 AMEva – One of the most important aspects of an exhibit is memory, what sticks with you and what appeals to you as an individual long after the initial view.  One of the very best aspects of an exhibit, and these exhibits, was the artist providing an insight into their ideas and motivations.  Being able to take a handout at Eva’s exhibit wax crucial and one of the most important aspects for a nonartists like me.  I still look back and see how pieces withing her appealing exhibit hall related to my sense of meaning.  Truly, her abilty to recreate a space, Screen Shot 2016-04-09 at 7.49.09 AMcomplete with a shelf, plants, and the themes of “a mind trapped within a body” – encapsulated in a long hall like exhibit – was excellent.  The space itself allowed you to go back several times to the pieces and how they complement the overall theme.

 

Paola- Personal, intricate, expressive, warm, details that draw you in – these are just some of the reasons you will see how magnificent Paola’s pieces were.  Whether native head dress, Screen Shot 2016-04-09 at 8.01.11 AMelephant, Screen Shot 2016-04-09 at 8.01.19 AMlion, or self, there are so many details to take in.  Each one draws you in with its beauty, and almost contains a voice to represent a specific culture, geographic area, or variety of mediums.  The variety of the mediums themselves lend to the creativity, time, and adventurous spirit that shows an intertwining of a personal nature, a beauty within the detail, and yet expressingScreen Shot 2016-04-09 at 8.01.03 AM a simplicity showing the ability art has to enhance.  Paola works with these pieces to create an effortless vehicle to bring out expression to the spectators.  The amount of time that was devoted to specific pieces seems to defy logic, and yet, here these works are truly demanding respect.

Nikki – One of the biggest aspects I have walked away from ths show has been what you thought you knew of students, you realize there is a whole new world of recognition of the student you realize, through their art.  Unfortunately, you see this at the nearing of their graduation, and yet, you are much better for it – to see these individuals in a different light Screen Shot 2016-04-09 at 8.12.38 AMthan what you see day in and day out in hallways and study halls.  Such is the case with Nikki, seing her on the soccer field, through details of contributing to the literary art publication, and so you see in her exhibit.  Screen Shot 2016-04-09 at 8.07.09 AMThe soft yet direct touch you see, be in in paint or photography comes through in each work.  Marion Bolognesi is in fact evident through her use of watercolors, and yet through the Screen Shot 2016-04-09 at 8.12.17 AMuse of siblings as subjects, a personalized feel is present in each of Nikki’s work, nothing to hide and being free to express herself through the exhibited pieces seems to be very evident, and refreshing.

While this is a continuing reaction to some pieces, this by no means is the end as many more reactions are to come with many other awesome artists that have contributed much.

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The International Baacalaureate Visual Arts Examination Exhibition 2016 – More Than Meets the Eye

Screen Shot 2016-04-04 at 9.20.29 PMAnticipation.  Heat.  Anxiety.  Nervousness.  Yes, is it possible to feel the exhaustion of working up until the night of an exhibition – even when students have been working all year on an exhibit?  Absolutely yes.  Many thoughts such as these and more were running through artists’ heads for the opening of the IB Visual Arts Exhibition Friday, April 01 before the very ribbon cutting ceremony.  When the doors opened, a new world that redefined many of the artists was opened as well.  If you have not seen this exhibit let me explain in detail, without spoiling the details.

First a small disclaimer – These were of such a personal nature, I found myself turning at every corner, and needing silence to let such personal aspects of the exhibits to soak in, yes – they reach you that deep if you let them.  I noticed just after three exhibits I had to step outside and reflect but had such a hard time doing so.  I think that is just a major quirk with this exhibit and me – when everyone left I stayed behind to go through again, the whole exhibit to really let it all soak in – by 5:30 I had the following realizations:

Kate – What jumped out at you was the intensity and details of something as simple as facial expressions, hands, fingers, the face, a new way ofScreen Shot 2016-04-09 at 8.22.41 AM.png defining a floral bouquet, and centered – a frame to view everything differently.  The choice of colors to enhance many perspectives was truly uplifting –  when you see the arrangement of cubes and how they can become anything, you realize the depth and thought of how much Screen Shot 2016-04-09 at 8.22.28 AMintensity, with a different perspective, can make a difference.  She is able to do this and more when you find yourself in the center of this exhibit space, and the way she has it spaced?  It surrounds you completely – it envelopes you.

 

 

Ximena – There is something to be said about Ying and Yang, and yet you see a balance of life, death, nature, the body, the soul.  You see bright colors enhanced and bordered by Screen Shot 2016-04-09 at 8.25.09 AM colors and images that make you feel warm, yet wondering – what is life, truly?  By focusing on so many different colors as well as images that represent those colors, you walk into Ximena’s exhibit and feel as if every image, every portrait, every scene, has a message that will be something that will go a year ahead of you. You find at every turn a refreshing chance to redefine something you think you know, but maybe realize there is something quite more.  Allowing the spectator to see that there is always something more – that becomes an art within the art Ximena has created.

Camino – In knowing and examining Alexander Calder, you see some ideas that definitely come from this influence and yet, the rough edges, the sharp sides, the materials used, Screen Shot 2016-04-09 at 8.26.03 AMeasily portray public pieces that could appear in the center of a town, and represent a life, an event, a time in history, and freeze the meaning of that into the very objects Screen Shot 2016-04-09 at 8.27.00 AMCamino has created.  This might sound odd, but through various pieces, I received this image – the same type of image when children are measured by their height over the years on the wall as they grow?  You go from piece to piece and see something that Camino has latched onto that has added to her growth as an artist, it just feels that was the case as you take in all the contrasting, yet, literal and telling pieces that extend into the world, beyond these exhibit walls.

Nicole – When you have someone not afraid to take risks you usually have a real message that sticks with you well beyond the initial reaction.  Welcome to Nicole’s exhibit.  Being able to take experiences that at one time challenged her, working through them, and Screen Shot 2016-04-09 at 8.28.32 AMfunneling them into the exhibit here, I can’t even think of enough words to complement this process.  You have to literally go from picture to picture to realize the person Nicole had to confront, herself, and how she translated what she learned into herself being represented in various ways, on all the walls of her exhibit.  Harsh, biting, real, controversial, taking taboos and you realize the drug behind the literal definition Nicole  refers to, is tied in with the everyday life we struggle with, celebrate, and overcome.  Yes life is graphic, yes life is unpleasant at times, and Nicole rushes in with arms wide open, bravely,  in light of these realizations.  Her art is real, brave, confrontational and will force you to contemplate many issues as well as Screen Shot 2016-04-09 at 8.29.36 AMyour stance on them.  I had never heard of Drypoint Acrylic before, and – you HAVE to see what she does with this technique – the mix of what seems to be an X-ray mixed with what seems to be a window looking in – you just have to see this, a description does it no justice.

Domenica – Several themes pop out at you and yes, Salvador Dali comes to mine.  This splashes of color, splashes of meaning, just come at you in all directions.  Assortments, entanglements, meanings within meanings are searched at and searched for.   Collections, and frames seem to hold ever-increasing meanings, ready to Screen Shot 2016-04-09 at 8.30.55 AMburst out.  You find yourself not once or twice, but three and four times turning around and re-examining a work.  You HAVE – H A V E to take in her sketch book and then you stand back and state – HOW can someone be able to put down such realistic interpretations?  What talent to SAY THE LEAST.  You are drawn into the pages then have to go back through the exhibit and take in the collections again to see how they have leaped out of the pages and onto the walls.

Patricia – You immediately want to find a couch and recline – taking in all the pieces.  The color of the walls drawn you in to the browns, the office-like comfortable feel, the idea Screen Shot 2016-04-09 at 8.32.21 AMbehind “Once Doesn’t Count” – you take this in as you keep looking from wall to wall to wall, “It Must Be?” – this is a very interesting question as you take all in around you, reflecting on these contemplative questions, to contemplative pieces.  The browns seem to be naturally designed to go with the walls, everything invites you into the exhibit as one of the warmest rooms you have encountered, would do the same.  The seemingly simple designs become more complex as you take in the arrangement, the crisscrossing patterns that seem simple, yet so complex at the same time.  Every piece seems to hold a deeper message beyond the first glance.

Alexa – When you walk into Alexa’s exhibit you see that the only art is not the art that takes your breath away mounted.  The art of designing a space to create a feel of the art that is contained between those very walls, that is an art itself.  You see this in the real Screen Shot 2016-04-09 at 8.21.03 AMfashion not only from the way she is able to represent a dramatic rise of fabric that is expressive in itself, but when you see the largest representation on the facing wall – ou stop and just try to take it all in.  Screen Shot 2016-04-09 at 8.17.27 AMThe patterned strokes of blues, to yellows to green to tinges of red to more, you have to simply, stand there and Suppose.  Period.  It is amazing.  The deep blues as a background to other pieces, the textures of strokes  that leap out at you or drawn you into the waves of color, the boldness of the textures that combine with the sheer power of the colors – this is a return visit two or three times.  The art of simply arranging the space to get this airy, creative, fresh feel is one that needs no walls, and you feel that talent as you walk in one side of the exhibit and out the other, and back through again to capture that feeling again.  Something as personal as the sketches, writings, and lists that are provided in this exhibit let you realize the personal nature of this space.  This becomes another layer of meaning for sure.  The variety and complexity of so many pieces, so many materials, so many approaches, so many perspectives – it is difficult to not recognize how many different aspects to art are represented – and also to realize how much time it took to explore, as well as create so many.  From photography, to fashion, to paint, to just the ability to explore the depths of texture and color, you leave with a rainbow of color in your mind and your soul, wanting more to take in.

Seven.  This is only seven of many more to take in on a personal level.  Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post to see how much more depth the 2016 IB Visual Exhibition has gone into – and in the meantime, make sure you check it out in person as well.

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Changing “What in the World?!” to “Who in the World?”

There are so many events occurring around us, and so much has NOT been commented on – but if you tune into a few friends’ posts on Facebook – you get more than what you wanted with a share of that info  🙂

Delving into occurrences here seems to be necessary.

Pope Francis visiting in February 2016 in Mexico City.  Honestly, if you thought when Paul McCartney came and gave a free concert in the Zocolo that was a crowd, wow.  Roads were closed right around the corner of my house as well as tons of areas and LOTS of craziness happening with his touring.  Controversy as well, as can be expected with any major event.  The rumor that dogs were killed in mass from the streets so Pope Francis would not see them of course caused a rise of anger.  Overall with that topic and others, it would be the HOPE, that when someone comes to Mexico City, or anywhere, issues that are considered minor, and major, all are addressed at a higher level, but never put on a shelf when that event is over.  That is why we have intelligent, educated, younger generations rising up through the ranks.  The importance of allowing these younger generations to have forums when important individuals come to areas like Mexico City is to discuss solutions, to take advantage of individuals that hold so much public sway, to help solve issues of poverty, social discrepancies, world relations, even down to the way animals are treated as part of a society.  I am not catholic, but see the need to have an open mind to all religions, as well as the belief that all religions have a responsibility to collaborate with other religions to help solve issues that affect us all, rather than religions competing with each other.  Instead of Pope Francis coming to Mexico as a show I hope that just as much energy was used to capitalize on how to remedy many issues with his presence here. 

Of course the film Spotlight, that us out now, happened at an odd time right after his visit and yet there is this.  (I was reminded of this with the presence of the Pope via statue in New York City!) Screen Shot 2016-03-26 at 11.06.34 AM

 

Slavery happened in the United States and according to the government law is illegal, yet still occurs.  The travesty that occurred and was revealed in the film Spotlight also occurred in the past yet occurrences still can hypothetically occur.  What matters is people are involved, care, and work to prevent and better this from ever occurring again.  We can go back and harass and punish individuals today for events that occurred years ago, maybe traces through their family link them to travesties in the past – yet does this better our current and future world?  We need to focus on that and become a better village together – not using the past as a weight, but as a tool to advance.

When Paris was attacked in November 2015, and then Brussels, no doubt the appearance of how many felt when the 9/11 bombing occurred, rose again.  Now that we see a link between these two recent attacks, there is the importance of creating a link of influence to counter these events, that now occur on a regular basis and defying stereotypes we place on religions because of attacks.  Screen Shot 2016-03-26 at 11.08.33 AM  When students at The American School Foundation in Mexico City go through the practice of MUN (Model United Nations) in March, it is vital for all involved to take this to a level of seriousness – why?  It is just a model right?  The chance to be involved in world affairs and allow points to eek out during these moments, to model the qualities to make change when students emerge into the world, this will replace the What in “What in the World?” to “Who” in “Who in the World?”  The who is the vital part, and every chance we have to influence others positively, whether it is through committees and press involvements on a MUN event, through a publication, projects we create to interact with others in our country and beyond, ANY possible chance to contribute to schools in Cuba, to contribute to a non-profit be it financial or with our energy, these opportunities will change the What to Who – maybe not instantly, but they will change as we are headstrong to make this change.Screen Shot 2016-03-26 at 11.08.44 AM

I value the chance to stay in touch with students from the AFS Program as exchange students years after we have had that exchnage because it allows us a path to other countries.  I value the BBC and NPR because even when at home, we can be involved.  Of course chances to be part of MUN, Repentino. International Arts Publications, and ANYTHING allowing my knowledge, energy, and interests to travel here and abroad? – that gives us each a chance to grow our wings to help enhance a better tomorrow.

The 2016 Presidential Election.  Of course the United Stated election occurring now, candidates and the three-ring circus to come and that is occurring.  WOW.  it is difficult being out of the country working, living and seeing from afar the comments made from individuals that represent the United States, and also being able to experience the situations in a different country at the same time.  That is a privilege of being a United States citizen many take for granted, forget, or do not even realize to begin with.  I have been lucky enough to know what a topic is, say immigration and see it from a one-sided point of view, having opinions on this and never leaving the United States, then flip! – being in a another country and seeing it from the outside in – looking to the United States.  Then discussing the issue with individuals it directly affects, and seeing how it impacts my home country, and my mind – begins to open.  My eyes, mind, my attitude, all becomes in need of stepping back and contemplating more before voicing opinions from a one-sided point of view.

I am not ashamed to say as a United States Citizen, I want more from the United States, I want a fuller view, a fuller viewpoint, a more moderate and equal view when it comes to issues, and yes, the United States as a country DOES need to look after themselves, those “themselves” is not contained to someone that was born in Europe only, those “themselves”  are the American Indians, African-American, Germans, Japanese, Italians, Latin Americans, Hispanic, European, Asian, Russian, ALL nationalities that have come together to make American great.  America is not just North America folks and the combination of many cultures in the United States IS the United States.  I would never be proud as an American to support someone hurling racial slurs as a means to make America great, sorry.  I prefer, no matter how strong or weak, an individual that has as much ambition and energy to change things, without questions of controversy in their record, no matter WHO they are.  They have room to grow stronger and better without already having the controversial baggage they carry coming into such an office.  I continue to be embarrassed by the masses to support individuals that indeed, have the traits of power, secretness, money, favoritism, greed, racism, bigotry towards women and races, all the opposites of what really make American great.

If every business owner, educator, employer and employee, in the United States, and outside of the United States realizes the importance of changing that “What” to “Who in the World?” in their modeling of supporting and helping each other change one little thing, once a day, a week, a month, even a year – what a change will we begin to see in the leaders that will represent us, but in the future generations that will also represent all of us, despite our origins.

 

 

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Slowly Pushing Back the Curtain, Much More is Occurring…

…in many different arenas.  That’s right, while the Repentino. staff had been planning implementing, and working towards change at the CSPA Conference in New York for 2016, much was occurring at the American School Foundation as well.  Originally having MUN two consecutive days, plans had changed.  Due to an all out wind storm of epic proportions in Mexico City on Friday, March 11th, March 16th was MUN day two.  Unfortunately, we were not going to be in Mexico with CSPA leaving half our news team for MUN and alot of members with us in New York.

Overall, thanks to a prepared, dedicated, and devoted MUN Press staff, all turned out well.  With a great leader, a great Press staff, and lot so fo communication, the ending video, the overall crisis videos, the Snapchat the Facebook, the Right of Reply, all moved forward.  The dedicated and forward thinking, planning, and implementation was difficult to recognize, and this is part of realizing the bigger picture in students.  Often, things do not focus or revolve around one specific group, individual or event.  Being able to recognize the achievements of the overall group is vital, vital to any club, organization, body of students or activity.  To say one is proud when individuals plow forward under challenges, changes in plan, and surprises in schedules is one understatement, but being able to see individuals grow as a result is what real education is about.

The photographers, editors, PR, video staff, reporters, the editor in chief of Press, HUGE KUDOS for seeing so many changes through and seeing them under a plan of direction, organization, and creativity and yet, there is more…

There are educators and administrators that do the minimum, whether it is MUN, whether it is in the classroom whether it is out of the classroom, and funny, the surest sign of this is not the teacher’s break room (though you might think it is).  It is truly among the students – they know within a hair’s length when an educator is really in their corner, or in the corner for a paycheck, or simply posing.

Then there are the educators and administrators that go beyond the extra mile for everyone involved. HUGE HUGE Kudos to the educators/administrators that took on so much more the past few weeks this comes down to the areas of adding to a second day of MUN to make it truly successful (fill-in advisor for MUN Press- you know who you are!) – the educators willing to press on with the interruptions in their rooms a week later – and especially from the Repentino. staff, who took time out of their bust week before departure, AFTER school, to listen, critique, and advise on pluses and minuses to help move students to be even more successful at the CSPA Conference.  As an educator, time is everything, and you helped students realize you were willing to give up much of yours for them, and for them to go on and be successful.  Add to that the parents willing to go along with the sacrifices made, taking ten steps back sometimes, to go 12 steps forward, and you have a whole circle of individuals that help create an education outside of the classroom, as well as in.  It often is worth taking the time to stand down, take in the past, and appreciate it and let those around you know how much they created this overall success.

 

 

 

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Wild, Architects of Thought, That is the Repentino. I have Come to Know…

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From this whole trip – the conflicts, the ups, the downs, the laughter the disappointment (that didn’t last long) – everything, if you look close enough, you see that the staff had earned their right to be here months ago when you saw how well they did with the challenges set before them.  Whether I saw this in the film clip WIld that represented their sheer determination to be successful and independent, saw this in a quite that had described their achievements to this point, or many of countless events that made me laugh, contemplate, or just reflect, this staff – deserved to be here for many reasons.  These realizations usually hit on the last day.

Saturday.  We all knew the last day would be as inevitable as the first day which we had been waiting for.  At some point during the week, it sped by, snuck under our radar, and appeared without a minute’s notice.  Here it was.

Waking up later than 6:00 AM was actually a gift while being in New York, it was absolute and it was GREAT  🙂   No expectations, no needs, no have-to’s – it was just G R E A T.  I could imagine it was pretty awesome for the staff to. On the agenda I found myself planning to meet a friend from high school near Penn Station and thanking the manager who helped us out with getting the tickets moved to a day for Phantom where we could see them.  I headed out with a bundled package of sweatshirts from Repentino. under my arm and headed to UPS and a Barnes and Noble early to grab some books to prepare for our Authors Among Us Event.  Broadway, then to a few blocks up from Penn Station, to hit Barnes & Noble at 10:00 – however, the 9:00 AM opening was actually 10:00 – wow – and I was to meet everyone at 9:30 AM at Penn Station – so I changed plans – headed to Penn Station. 

Arriving on the corner of Penn Station at 9:30ish AM – I saw my high school buddy Umar at Modell’s Sporting Goods.  It is still amazing to be able to get together with people from your past, catch up and with it being so long in between.  Having the chance to meet up with friends is a gift itself for sure.

We hit the Starbucks below the Empire State building where he presented me a great birthday gift, a Andrew McCutchen Pirates jersey! Now I had a Steeler’s, Penguins, and Pirates’ jersey (and still owed Umar a list of Mexican items in queue for his generosity!)  We always made the Empire State Starbucks the meeting place, and then would head over to Heartland Brewery for lunch, yet, this was an early day.  Too early for being open, this was still closed and on my timetable, I had set to be back at 1:00-ish to be ready for the 2:00 departure.  We wandered through stores near Penn Station, then headed to Macy’s which while on my previous visit thought it was a seasonal one time thing, saw that their Spring Flower Show was annual.  Everytime in the last two years I have been in Macy’s, I could smell the flowers as soon as you enter and the designs, the way they are added among the various places in Macy’s – it is a must see. 

It seemed that we had just had so little time and the odd thing, while the staff was with our other chaperone exploring Central Park and more, I couldn’t deny that I totally missed them  🙂  I really honestly, valued how much of themselves the staff had brought to New York this year – and that they had brought themselves – you could not deny.  I missed them through and through almost the whole time.  It never seems I have enough time to spend with friends from high school, when I get a chance to visit them, and yet, the time I had been used to seeing this staff this week, it really hit home – being proud of them was an understatement.

Additionally, sometimes you go through so many events and tend to become “used to” all the propaganda, advertising, comments, etc. – without the realization that there needs to be a change.  What I am referring to is how women and females in general are depicted.  I still can’t get over how so much of the public, places women in a category that boxes many women in, and belittles them on the scale of opportunity, talent, and expression.  What I hope is, and what I have seen in the fur years of Repentino., is one small area, among many that are available, to empower women and allow them to become leaders, movers, changers, and a presence not only in society, but in the media and the public sphere.  I never have been so proud of what the female staff of Repentino. have been able to do, this workshop proved how powerful, creative, effective, and influential they can be, and when I say I am proud of them ; that sentiment is part of it. We of course were lucky to have one male stafffer with us, and he did amazing, and yes, he promoted and encouraged the ladies around us to move forward and do great.  That is what Repentino. staff do.  I truly hope to see the names of so many of the leaders we’ve been lucky to have in Repentino. go on and become what they dream of, whether they see glimpses of that in Mexico, in New York, or anywhere, it is vital that these experiences become building blocks for what they maybe can or can’t see themselves doing in the future, but have the opportunity to doing any of these choices they wish to achieve.

While it was shocking to realize how much I had become used to being around the staff all week, it was nice to be able to reflect and hope that these experiences could add to their already attained experiences and push them forward to be anything they hoed to be.  As I parted with my friends and hit Penn Station, heading to Broadway- it felt great to have a lazy, easy day to be able to let these hopes and aspirations surface.  I hit the Barnes and Noble /Broadway to grab a wallet one of the staff had left behind, tried to grab books by Eric Smith and Zoraida Cordova (but as luck would have it, this was the only store in New York out of their books, lol) – then headed back to the hostel.

The staff began to come back from their trek through Central Park, to Rockefeller Center and back, we pulled out the luggage, some last-minute stops to Duane & Reade (Walgreens) on Broadway, and the shuttle arrived at 2:30 PM.  We were all loaded up headed out to JFK, and as we left the limits of New York, no one, especially me, could not help but being absolutely, 100% proud of what the staff left behind in the way of contributions, influences, and working through the difficulties that arose and overcoming them.  Colder than when we arrived, we seemed to be leaving a day ahead of an expected snowfall, and that seemed to be quite fine with everyone!

As we weighed our bags, (mine included being overweight) and getting all in order we made it through to the terminal with ease, a little tired but feeling we completed beyond measure what we had set out to do.  I for one had seen the staff grow in many ways I would have never seen, had it been not for this trip and again, being proud falls on what they had achieved in front of so many people.  On the loooong flight back – (I was able to watch Creed and Wild (not finishing) – I couldn’t help but think of my family as well, and how strange it is sometimes to come to the states and not be able to see them – yet the longing that occurs midweek to return to Mexico.

The staff presented me with an awesome book from Chiapas as a birthday gift, and it was GREAT.  Screen Shot 2016-03-24 at 7.54.24 AM I have always found the most personal gifts were those that seemed personal when given, this was one of the best received for sure.  Having written in the book from ach of the staff that was pretty great alone, and seeing how much heart they put into the success of this trip was another conversation altogether.  We truly could have received every award possible through CSPA but nothing truly embodies the feeling when we go to New York, as the staff themselves, what they bring to New York and how they define New York every year with their talents and abilities, it seemed their gift was emphasizing this again without them having to say a word and to say I was grateful, a HUGE understatement.

You can blog, you can write, you can photograph, but it is almost impossible to catch every little quirky thing that occurs to capture the essence of every CSPA trip, and such was the case here.  The moment that one of the staff had so many blisters from hurrying she just took off her shoes and ran the rest of the way to the hostel, the nervous beginning when no one is talking, everyone is seated in a conference workshop, and all are on needles wondering how it will start, the dilemmas of a missed show only to have the tickets in hand, the random people you meet on the subway and the conversations you are pulled into, the scream of someone scared by a Chewbacca outfit in Times Square, someone was RIGHT behind me, where did she go?   🙂 , the feeling you get inside of witnessing some pretty great moments on a Broadway stage coupled with music, the feeling good feel as you settle down to a shake, coffee,or  meal and realizing you are in the middle of New York CITY! – there is so so much more if we sit down and think about it and hopefully, these will be the moments, along with the obvious moments that occurred, that will last beyond one year, 2 years, or even three, but a lifetime.

I still look back at the very first trip we made and yes, those moments linger and still remain.  It is hysterical to look back and see the mishaps, no matter how well you plan, no matter how well you try to detail everything out, the unexpected always happens.  Yet after year four of attending CSPA representing Repentino., you realize it is perfectly okay, because you have a staff with you that can make anything happen.

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CSPA Day Three, On the Cusp of Finality…

It is difficult for many to realize the amount of work to go into a trip – a trip that has benefits long after the trip itself.  Sure, there is the preparation of making a trip successful and with no hangups, but then there is the bigger picture.  Being able to set up experiences that will last long l past the trip itself – yes a group such as Repentino. wants to represent itself in its best light during the trip – if that there is no doubt.  One could settle for Repentino. being a student publication, but the implications when Repentino. was revived initially four years ago was to be more than that, to reach out and have life-long implications beyond the now – that is a challenge that no one every truly masters, but relies on opportunities that bring themselves to your doorstep every day, as well as planning every single moment – for what can be carried on for not just days ahead, but for weeks, months, and years afterwards, something individuals can carry with them forward beyond the now.  Often difficult situations, decisions, and getting through so much have to be done to do so. 

In waking up on the last day of the CSPA Conference, as these thoughts came to mind, it was humbling to see how proud the staff of Repentino. did in lieu of so many challenges.  The challenges of presenting methods that the staff have been learning and mastering all year, speaking to a group of individuals they never met in the first place, as well as the preparation that went into all of this alone, add to the fact that many of the staff never had to present to individuals other than they knew, let alone being able to get across to unknown attendees the importance and discoveries made along the way.  There are so many aspects that made just presenting, and not attending, a challenge, and yet, every single staff showed the belief in what they have learned, what they have done along the shoulders of so many, an came forward and proudly showed this with the fears nervousness, and doubts they carried with them.  And here we are.  The last day of CSPA, and the week amid so much working through so many things, and we will wonder days after this week, will any of this stick with us?  How did this week go so fast without us realizing it until the last day?  True, some moments played out in slow motion, and yet, the last full day in New York amid so much happening just – FLEW.

Even with all this occurring, I am not the easiest person to be around as many staff can tell you when so many things seem to be occurring at once, the sense of stress and worry making sure all are obtaining memories that will push them forward successful, basic anxieties of day-to-day schedules, preparation for sessions, they way others will best be able to accept what we have tried to do as a staff, that is just the surface.  No matter how much I try, worry and trying to fend off mistakes in the future still creep up on my day to day moods and the staff were able to stick and deal with my moodiness and extreme worries, which to be honest, can be trying.  That alone the staff should win a medal for.

Nina, a staff as a freshman at ASF, had moved to New Jersey.  We were lucky enough to have Nina as part of the staff still long distance, and she has been one of the best aspects of our  staff as well.  Being able to work from a distance in difficult, sometimes impossible at best.  We have been lucky enough to  have Nina be a part of our continuing success, herself traveling last year to be the one staff accepting the 2014-2105 CSPA awards, and again being lucky enough to have her a part of this year’s staff at CSPA. KNowing I’d see her as we started the day, and her Mom who was also a part of ASF was a great plus as well for this last day.  When I met them in Lerner Hall, it was as if she was still with us every day, and we both headed to Columbia early to insure that the equipment /technology in two rooms was ready for the last presenters of this week (that seems so strange to say) – Screen Shot 2016-03-23 at 9.46.33 AMValeria, Natalia, Alexa were able to shift the presentation from Wednesday to Friday to allow the double broadway show to occur, which alone was a stressful but well welcomed advent, and so all was set.  In Hamilton 717 Dreaming Your Publication into Everyone’s Reality, Screen Shot 2016-03-23 at 9.11.47 AMtook place, as well as in 516 all that is related to PR and Repentino.. 

 

While this was occurring, the presenters for fOnTs ArE tHe NeW yOu – so a few noteworthy aspects.

The PR presenters pulled off a GREAT representation of Repentino. using a creative Prezi.  The whole week so many other things were occurring and yet, you would have seen their presentation and thought, they lives for putting their energies into this – and yet, they had been juggling five other things at the same time.  Shifting to Hamilton 717 at the same time, two usually quiet and soft-spoken students began tackling the task of bringing much information to a highly attended workshop.  You could see and feel the energy and boldness seep into their presentation as they went along, and were able to handle the challenge of presenting confidently – with total success.  Session 2 enabled them to address every concern and issue that came up among the attendees, and provide a great path of ideas to all those that attended. While session 2 of the PR presenters was cancelled it went to show that the presenters were able to provide ideas, solutions, and answers in such a tight framework, that a second session was not needed.  They pulled off a very successful presentation that left ideas with those that left.

Screen Shot 2016-03-23 at 9.11.20 AM Usher in the Font session with two very capable staffs and wow, the attendees kept coming in like a flood, and at one point, the red shirt assistants that help with technology had to place a sign saying session closed.  Now seriously, on the last day of a conference you expect less that half being there and attending, and yet, the opposite happened with all session on this last day of CSPA.  It seemed at moments this was the first day.  The unique aspect of this session occurring was the usual impersonal topic of fonts being used and the ability of the staff to make it personal with all involved.  Speaking of being involved, the second session actively let all staff be involved with the very concepts being introduced with fonts in the first session – and all were very willing to be involved and participate – another sign of a truly successful presentation.

At the close of the sessions of presentation, we met at the center of the Columbia campus, snapped the traditional picture of successful attendees, we broke for lunch.  For the advisers lunch, we attended the ceremony of those that were awarded the Gold Key Recipients, which were Erinn Harris, Susan Massy, Kristi Rathbun, and Mike Simons.  It was refreshing to see so many colleagues giving all their time to push students forward to be more successful than these educators, with some of their very students in the room to witness this, a legacy had been created  The main aspect I kept thinking was how talented, successful, and full of potential the students and staff in the last four years I have encountered were worthy of the same honors I was witnessing.  I hoped that such a feeling would be felt by all who have attended the CSPA, as well as those individuals that have been a part of Repentino., that truly is the ultimate sign of success with all other aspects a close second. 

As we finished and 2:00 approached, we met in the Lerner Hall lobby (the auditorium was closed due to being ready for the Awards Ceremony.  We learned that a detail had been left out and we would not be a part of the Crown Awards which, to me was pretty tragic as the reviews we received from Ms. Zweibel’s session yesterday, Thursday were glowing, excited, and magnificent.  No doubt we would have received the Gold Crown and yet, we walked out with six individual awards we never had received to date for Repentino. – as well as a PRESLM NCTE award, so give and take.  Sitting through 2 and a half hours of not receiving the awards when the Repentino. staff had given so much of themselves to everyone attending – we knew the staff earned the afternoon to celebrate their success in the workshops.

Half of our group headed to explore Barnes & Noble on Broadway, half of our staff headed to the Rockefeller Center/Empire State Building, and you could almost see the relief in knowing, our presentations were homeruns and the staff had gone beyond the extra mile to show how successful they were as Repentino. Staff.  We came across some awesome finds at Barnes & Noble, then awed at the floor to ceiling books at West Sider Used Books, then to the hostel for a desperate attempt at a 50 minute catch up session on sleep, assignments, and changing.

5:15 hit and flew so fast (I managed a 20 minute nap) and we headed out to meet our staff at the MOMA.  Friday nights are free and we found ourselves, as usual per the Friday night MOMA crowd, surrounded by masses.  We made ourselves part of the check desk line, as there an ironic surprise.  I wear my Jays jacket from Seaford because it is the best equipped jacket I have for colder weather and while in line, someone behind us asked, “That is Seaford?” and I paused for a second and said yes!  Turns out that individual was from that area, and we laughed and caught up with that area, and she also was familiar with the Butler, PA area.  We laughed, caught up and it shows, the familiarity of others, does not stop anywhere, it can happen in Mexico, New York, Slippery Rock, anywhere  🙂

Having being through the permanent exhibits, I hit the temporary exhibits, and there were many.  From the courtyard, to the middle level of Japanese arhcitecture, Screen Shot 2016-03-23 at 9.12.28 AMto the top Screen Shot 2016-03-23 at 9.12.44 AMfloor of soon to be exhibited Degas and Marcel Broodthaers, the temporary exhibits took as long as the temporary but were all well taken in, the MOMA, is the MOMA afterall. 

With a little time left, I went out of the MOMA, took a stroll around the block, hitting the Magnolia Bakery Screen Shot 2016-03-23 at 9.13.37 AM well as the corner hotdog stand, Screen Shot 2016-03-23 at 9.13.52 AM and admiring New York at night, our last night in NYC.

Meeting back in the lobby of the MOMA, staff capturing some great posters of photographs being given out, we headed to satisfy our grumbling stomachs.  The Carnegie Deli loomed in front of us, as smells drafted out, we were itching to get inside.  Soon enough, we were seated and whoa.  I still reel at the sizes of proportions in the states compared to outside of the states but then add the Carnegie Deli, and you get times two of that proportion.  From Screen Shot 2016-03-23 at 9.14.14 AMonion rings, to fries, to sandwichesScreen Shot 2016-03-23 at 9.14.02 AM to yes, the cheesecake Screen Shot 2016-03-23 at 9.14.19 AM that rivals the Empire State Building, we worked through the size as we took in all the autographed photos in the Carnegie Deli – and yes, some did take on the pickles that arrived as well.

Sauntering through Times Square for the last time, I had to say I was never more grateful than being surrounded by a staff that just pushed forward and emerged successful beyond any measure of the reviewers of CSPA, the judges, the attendees, anyone.  It was a gift to be surrounded by such a staff full of potential and success, and being able to internalize all they represented.  As we made the metro become our last night trip, all of this always hits you in waves as you come up to the last day of the experience, after putting so much into this adventure.  it wasn’t hard to sleep with a smile on your face knowing that so much success was achieved and that in the part of such a great staff.  Exhausting?  Yes.  So much planning?  Yes. Exhilarating and worthwhile?  Absolutely.  And yet, there still is Saturday  🙂   it is true for me, trying to put aside something for the moment and have it be present to carry on for longer than the now, but for days, weeks, months, and years ahead.  That takes alot of taking yourself and setting it aside for others, alot of planning, alot, alot, alot of thinking, but certainly this week proved it is all worth it.  🙂

 

 

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