It is true that today anything faster is better. The time it takes to connect to wifi or ordering that complicated coffee drink even taking the perfect selfie is wanted instantly. Though it is refreshing to see in real time the connection between people meeting for the first time, enjoying every bite of a meal and simple being with a friend face-to-face. I do not see theatre becoming completely diluted in that hopefully we will always desire those "present" times rather than a click away. Personally, it is hard to always be in that mode of truly being present somewhere without thinking of 101 things and more. Every time I catch myself in that state, I resent being there but it so easy and convenient to not be in the present. Abramovic's performance art does exactly the opposite. She is all there and no where else. My favorite piece of hers is one we watched in class, "The Artist is Present". Here is a beautiful performance art piece where she opens up for people to sit across from her and stare. No dialogue, no faces, just being present.
For the second question, my thoughts immediately went to the Highland Coffees ordeal. Personally, I have not been face to face with the owner or the landlord wanting to sell HC but after countless articles, blogs, comments, and conversations, the story I know now has been filtered through many perspectives and lenses. I know people of both extremes, furious that it's closing and excited for a new beginning somewhere else. The Tuesday after everyone heard the news I went to HC for a few hours and I felt very present there. I took time looking around at the structure, the paintings, the people, even focused on the smells and sounds because in that moment I was conscious of mine and everyone else's presence there. Mainly because as of now in a few months no one will be "present" there.
After reading this article, all I could think of is, "Really another restaurant and most likely bar?!" Why?! But now I see how what other people were sharing about the closing changed my view of the place. Instead of being thankful and remembering the good times there, I found myself on the side of being angry that a wonderful local business would be replaced with yet another restaurant, assumingly to bring bigger bucks into the area.
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