Time of the Miracles

M. and I have seen a great Serbian movie tonight-The Time of the Miracles. MoMA have had Serbian movies by a famous director Goran Paskaljevic, in its movie theatre, for the whole month of January.
We actually wanted to see more, but ended up seeing just this one. At least, a really good one.
Paskaljevic, as usual, picked skilled Serbian actors for this story, deriving from a book by another famous Serbian artist-writer Borislav Pekic. It's happening right after the World War II, when the communism in Yugoslavia suffocates the remains of the previous Serbian culture and outbringing, when Serbs were religious and faithful. There's a lot of symbolism and depth in this movie, as well as humor and just plainly interesting moments and characters. One can see through the symbols that are used, and know who certain characters really represent in historical sense, but still not know what is going to happened at the end. And the end itself is not as surprising, as it is effective. It leaves the lingering thoughts in the viewer, which is usually a sign of a good art work. If you haven't seen it, you really should. It stays with you, and makes you think. Which is always good, right?
The setting itself is supposed to be a village in Serbia, but Serbia is not that rocky. I believe it was filmed in Montenegro.
As it does give you an image of Yugoslavia after WWII, it embellishes everything, the fanaticism especially. But I guess you already knew that.

The long lost role

Coming back to my theatre has been bitter-sweat, since I didn't get the part in its latest production. There's a list of names on the bulletin board, with the name of the woman who got the part I wanted. Also, there are posters and postcards everywhere...
I didn't think it would touch me, but it did, and it does.
So today, I asked a colleague, who was observing my audition/interview with the director: "what happened?"
"It was the naked thing, you know, the other girl was comfortable with it."
I knew it! I somehow suspected that might have costed me dearly. Or he found a real German woman.
I keep recalling the audition, you know, like, what if I didn't say I wasn't comfortable with just being in my bikini,with my hands covering my chest for a brief moment? But I wasn't, and I'm not. So I guess, I did the right thing, right?
It seems so hard to break into this acting thing if you're not in the right place, at the right time, all the time, and willing to do anything! Maybe I just don't want it that badly. I just think I shouldn't sacrifice who I am to get what I want. It just doesn't seem right.
Anyway, there were other contributing factors to my loss of this role--the other actress is younger, and her boyfriend gets to play her husband. How fun for them!
Not much acting there, ha?

Weekend auditions

I had two auditions this weekend. Usually, I don't like to audition on weekends, but I decided to go to these two, since I was invited to both, as appose to an "open call."
The first one was "in and out." An actor before me was just finishing his monologue. I got in, talked a bit with the casting director, and did my monologue on a real stage of a college in Manhattan.
Afterwords, the decider said: "Call this number and tell this person that I'm very interested and that you are available on those dates."
"Great," I said happily, "I will."
"I'm from Czechoslovakia," he said. "And I can totally imagine her saying:they invaded the country next to mine," he said to his young, female assistant. She smiled.
That one ended well, I thought. But I got my hopes up before, when others were "very interested."
So I called that other director on Monday. "Please drop me an e-mail and we'll schedule something this week, " he said. And I did, right away. That was yesterday morning. Nothing yet.
The other audition was on Sunday, in the New York Film Academy, at Union Square, for a student film.
When I arrived, I realized that there was no sign up sheet, and there were about six or seven people a head of me. Usually, that's nothing, but these guys really took their time. They spent about 15 to 20 minutes with each of us, which led to about two hours of waiting. I was already there, so I just waited, and talked a bit with another actor.
After my monologue, which was taped this time by three very young guys, I read the sides and had an interview as well.
"You have a bit of a Russian accent, " the one in charge said. "I feel inspired actually, and I wanted to tell you that I'll be working on a character perfect for you."
"Thank you for the compliment. You know where to find me."
I actually thought, why am I waisting my time with these kids? But I could use some film credits on my resume, and you never know who these film student could be some day.

On N.Y.C. subway, from Barack to Denzel

I was on the train number 4, from Barack Obama's headquarters to the Grand Central. It's a straight shot. Then I walk for about 10 minutes home. I prefer that, than transferring.
The train was packed at 5 p.m. I didn't have any reading material so instead I was observing people. A young woman next to me was playing her ipod very loudly, which made me enjoy her music. It was American Pop and Arabic sounding tunes. She was also filing her nails and touching up her makeup. A guy next to her was watching a movie on his miniature laptop. People across were talking to each other, or just sitting, thinking, people watching.
At one point I felt like I was in a movie. And today I actually registered for an extra in the next Denzel Washington movie. "Is there anything more exciting than being in a movie," I recall rhetorically asking myself. This excitement was almost touchable, reachable, realistic. Even if I just start as an extra, being in a blockbuster movie, even for just couple of minutes, would be such a great experience. And where else could I possibly do this, if not in N.Y.C.? How many people do you actually know who were in a movie??? There you go!

August Osage County, in a white limo

I have seen my first Broadway play on Friday night, thanks to my in-laws. They took M. and I to see this new play everyone's raving about, including my acting teacher and The politically challenged N.Y.Times.
Broadway is very flashy at night. I'm sure you've seen it on TV if not in person. Also, on Friday there were a lot of people around. The theater hosting the August Osage County was, of course, packed.
First, it was hot inside, then it was cold(air-conditioning), then hot again. There was definitely not enough room for one's legs to be comfortable during a three and a change hour play. But the play itself was very good.
The first scene was kind of slow, and it was hard to hear the older, lead actor, the Father. He was speaking quietly, maybe because his role required that of him, or maybe he's just a soft speaker. It made it so much harder to understand him since the whole play was done in the Southern accent.
But the second scene picked the play up. It was interesting, dynamic and funny. The third one as well.
Acting was great, but I did catch them acting. I know it's very hard not to "act," even in my limited experience. But it's also something that an audience, who didn't take acting classes, wouldn't notice.
My father-in-law pointed something out after it was finished. The playwright included every possible dysfunctionality that exist. It was a bit too much for him, over the top, you know. And he is right, though I haven't noticed that myself watching it. I guess I was too focused on acting, and where could I move my legs next.
It's a great play, really. And I'm grateful for the experience. But I do wish it was a bit shorter, with less profanities, and that the theater was more comfortable. Other than that, it was perfect!
Oh, yes, and we came back home in a white limo, courtesy of my generous in-laws. I guess Broadway is not so bad:)

Obama wins SC too!

If you live in the United States, I'm sure you already know by now that Obama has won in South Carolina. How exciting! Not only that he won, but he won convincingly, by taking 55 percent of the Democratic vote. I was still hoping that Clinton will leave with her tail between her legs as the third one, but she came in weak second, with 27 percent. Still, this was a very important primary for Obama since it's giving him back his Iowa momentum. And reminding people out there, that he still has a good chance of winning the Democratic nomination. It seemed to me that some people forgot that, after he came in second in New Hampshire.
I know there's a long fight ahead of his campaign, but as his speech tonight in Sc confirmed, he is an inspirational leader, worth of that fight. And certainly of my support. And I'm looking forward to helping as much as I can, so he can win in New York City. Despite the N.Y.Times.

Bye Bye Times

I was, at the very least, disappointed when I heard that The N.Y.Times endorsed Clinton for the Democratic nominee. Something had to be done! I mean, I myself subscribe to the paper! How could they dare? So I called them up this morning and cancelled my subscription.
"I'm sorry to hear that," a Times' telephonist said. "May I ask why?"
"You endorsed Hillary Clinton and I'm Barack Obama's supporter," I said. And smiled, just a bit.
"I understand," she said. Did she? Maybe she's Obama's supporter too but she needs her job. Or doesn't care. Or...doesn't think it's that big of a deal.
Well, I do. It's a matter of principle. And it made me feel better, like I was making a statement. At least to one person. Actually two. Another woman picked up, to try to get me to stay with the discount. But I was determined. We can always buy The Times on the street. Incognito.

Studying Scenes

I started my new acting course tonight-The Beginning Scene Study. Volume wise, it's a bigger class than Technique. That's not generally good, 'cause one gets less "stage time." But it's the same, good, familiar teacher. And what I like about acting is work on the actual scenes.
I came with a new monologue, but just for the cold reading. I didn't feel like memorizing it yet. I didn't even know if I was supposed to.
The others have been in the class for three weeks already. Some already had scenes. Some worked on different Uta Hagen exercises, such as a "slice of life" one. Everyone seemed to be on a different level, which made me feel more comfortable that I'll fit in.
So I did read my monologue.
"How does that feel?" T. asked.
"Good!" I said. People laughed. And clapped. Apparently, it was good. So, how come I keep getting these positive feedbacks, but not roles?

Obama vs Hillary

We watched the Democratic debate last night in South Carolina. It's an important state for Obama to win, some even say crucial.
Clinton was in her "full attack" mode. The worst one I've seen since Obama won Iowa. That was the moment when Clintons decided they'll play dirty or cry on National Television, if that will get them back their dear White House. I think it's all they've been plotting about in the last eight years.
So she kept attacking poor Obama, who had to defend himself, in my opinion. He occasionally returned attacks, but rightfully so. I mean, you have to show not just the other cheek if you want to run the country, but that you are strong and can defend yourself. I don't think that "turn the other cheek" policy would work with, for example, terrorists.
I thought that I couldn't dislike Clinton more. Guess what!
I would love to read your opinions on the debate. Please, shoot...

Volunteering for Obama

I finally got my act together regarding my long time wish to help Obama win. I absolutely abhor Clintons for many reasons. For one, they bombed Serbia, killing both Serbian and Albanian civilians and dropping illegal cluster bombs. Two, behind them is still the same machinery as in 1999. I would hope that Americans have evolved.
Three, I strongly believe that Hillary only wants to get into the White House, at any cost. And if she does, God help America.
Others? She was pro-Iraq, she is too calculated and not to be trusted. And if she couldn't keep her husband from cheating, how can she keep a huge country safe and sound?! I know, this one is not really credible. But, it's worth a shot.
Anyway, for all these reasons (and others I can't recall right now), I've been wanting to work or volunteer for Obama since July. But, we moved, I've been settling down, looking for a job, traveling, auditioning...Finally, enough was enough. I mean, the N.Y.C. primary is only two weeks away! Something had to be done.
So I made my way to the headquarters today. People over there couldn't be nicer. I've answered the phones and put some info into the database. Answering the phones was a really interesting one. Most of the people who called, called to volunteer or to find out where they can buy Obama gear. One person complained extensively about Clinton, Obama and McCain to ME! One wanted to share her unsatisfaction about the media focusing on Obama's skin color. There are things Obama people teach you to say or do, in these cases. Mostly, the callers can leave a message or discuss issues on the www.barackobama.com. So I said to one unhappy citizen: "Ma'am, if you would like to discuss the issues or policies, you are welcome to do so at www.barackobama.com"
"I can't afford it!"she said. And continued firing.
"Can I take your name and contact number then?"
"They know who I am, I've been calling them every day!" Then, she hung up.

20 F New York, or - 5C

It is so cold in N.Y.C. that I haven't left the house all day long. The cabin fever I would normally feel is subsided but the freezing air coming out of the elevator.
I did go to the gym for a half an hour, even though I didn't feel like it. As my dear high school physics' professor said once upon the time, what it is inert, tends to stay inert. Could I agree more!
Have I been missing Aruba today, and the last couple of days. I wish I can go back, now! The beach, 90 degrees outside, wearing just one layer, the Caribbean sea...:(
Oh, well, there's always next year.
So, I spent a lot of time on Internet today, looking through the auditions and job ads. I've also looked up that Russian actress who probably snatched the role from me last week. I couldn't believe what I've seen on her Web site. She is an accomplished actress, with not only theater and movies behind her in Russia, but also Law and Order!
It made me wonder-what was I doing fighting for the same role with her?!Am I biting more than I can chew?

My first meeting with an agent

I've met my first N.Y.C. agent today. She is a lovely lady in her 60s, I believe. After a short Q&A session, I had five or six minutes alone with her.
"That's a good monologue," she said. "I like your outfit."
Needless to say, I was pleased.
"Do you speak Russian?"
"A little," I said. It's true,I can't lie!
"It's a great skill to have, one of my clients just got a role because he speaks Russian."
Well, I wish I knew that in college. I could've spent more time in Russian classes instead of in Romanticism and Realism. Yes, I'm romantic, and I love the literature of that time. Also, we had a young, single professor.
"I have to tell you, your headshot is not good," she added. "It looks like a passport photo. You need a softer look."
"I know," I said. "I thought I should earn some money before I spend some, you know."
"Off course," she was understanding. Or was she?
"Can I send you a better headshot?"
"Of course. I might need someone with all these languages," she said.
My time was up. I thanked her and left.
The coordinater outside said:" That's a great monologue!Where did you get it?"
I rest my case.

Russlish

I haven't been able to organize myself since we came back from Aruba. You know, mess everywhere, unpacking, laundry, all the exciting stuff. I was also invited to an audition on Wednesday night. I wasn't feeling up to it, running around all day, trying to get back on N.Y.C. pace. (Which is running.)But a word is a word so, off I went. I actually got a cab which I never do. Unless I'm sick.
So the young woman director hands me this script mostly in Russian, but transcribed into English. I know, it sounds weird. It was weird. I mean, I can read Russian, easily. I had three years of Russian in college...theoretically.(I didn't go to all the classes...I didn't go to a lot of classes...) But Russian, as English, in Latin?!Very confusing. There were not many people there, so I thought:"No one else can probably read it better than me anyway..." Five minutes later, there's a real, flesh and blood Russian actress walking in...
What did I tell you. Maler!*
*Refer to the previous post or to a good Serbian dictionary.

Pictures are worth thousand words...

Rough landing...literally and figuratively

I'm back in New York. Aruba was wonderful, but I missed New York. Just a bit.
The last Arubian day was part pleasure, part pain. We had an enjoyable swim in the sea after an amazingly short downpour. The funny thing? It didn't change anything, except that the sand was wet. It was still 31 degrees C, and people were at the beach and in the water.
We had the late check out and a pretty smooth check in at the nice,small but uncrowded airport. Everyone loved Nina there. Seems that Arubians love cats. One more plus for the island. She was a little nervous, naturally. She meowed a bit while we were checking in, she gripped tightly while I was hugging her through the security and she wasn't happy when we took off. But the rest of the time at the airport, and three out of four hours on the plane, she was sleeping. With her bag opened! A remarkable cat, one of a kind!
The landing was a little rough, and the cold ever rougher. But the worst thing was one of my voice mail messages, I've only listened to at JFK.
"Hi Marija,..., I was wondering if you would be available to do some work at Law and Order tomorrow..." I swear,my heart almost stopped, right there in front of the carousel. It's what I wanted! A little too late! The message was from Jan.7, the day we took off for Aruba. In Serbian, there's actually a word for a person like me. "Maler." In lame terms, it means:I'm not that lucky. Hey, they might call again...

Swimming at dark

After being "not happy" with M. for dragging me to see the California Lighthouse, in the middle of nowhere, with only sand dunes around us, we returned to our beloved Eagle Beach at 7 p.m. The sun has already set and we were able to do what we wanted--go for a swim in the moonlight. The water was warmer than during the day. There was no one else in it, only people having dinner on the beach, and the live music. It was an amazing experience! And the one that saved the day!Only one more day left!

Dinner on the beach at sunset...really

We had an amazing dinner on the beach, with the sunset. And I'm not making it up nor I took the idea from some movie. Our resort has a "restaurant" on the beach, called...guess??? Passion's! How creative!
But at 6:30p.m., when the sun sets here, and the tables and chairs are placed in this perfect, white sand, that feels wonderful on your feet, and all this just off the water. They also lit torches and placed them in the sand as well, one above each table. Food was good too-seafood soup filled with the actual sea fruit, and grouper--one piece was grilled and one rolled--left no room for dessert. The service was more than nice and attentive. We also had some live music-- a local singer was singing goldies. And we took some great pictures from it, that will remind us of this honeymoon like experience, even though it isn't our honeymoon. It's the most romantic dinner setting I've ever seen. And the most unreal.

Chi Chis and Bon Bini Festival

Every Tuesday evening, there's a Bon Bini (Welcome) Festival at the Fort Zoutman in Oranjestad. Since we are going to be in Aruba only on one Tuesday, we decided it's something we shouldn't miss.
It was somewhat small gathering of locals and tourists, where locals brought their traditional food and dances, and tourists brought their money and cameras. We enjoyed several different, colorful Arubian dances, waltzes, where women were wearing long, wavy dresses, and danced their choreography kind of slowly. Sometimes, their were holding flowers above their heads while dancing, sometimes their were holding some kind of treads, ribbons, while making a brade and dancing. Very folkloric. There was also a band called Los Amigos, consisted of only men, that was favorite of M's. They played their own version of Arubian music. They were pretty good.
We enjoyed not only the perfomance while feeling good about ourselves for absorbing a part of Arubian culture, but also the local tasty fried fish and fish balls, for much better prices than in restaurants. Locals were also selling desserts and crafts around the watching crowd of mostly tourists.
Back in Eagle Beach, we enjoyed beautiful, clean, green Caribbean waters with frozen coctails on the side. Chi Chi is the best one I've ever had, and I consider myself a bit of an expert. This is my third trip to the Caribbean, and on each one I've consumed at least couple of these tropical drinks a day. They're just too good to pass, and only as good here. We also had Mango's, Strawberry Shortcake, Aruba Arriba, which is their most famous coctail, but not frozen, and Bay Breeze. They are all yummy but inferiour to Chi Chi. I'm not sure what's exactly in it, but I know it's Pinacolada base and Apricot Liquior. And I bit of Vodka I believe. It goes down really smoothly when you're watching the waves after you've swam, and while it's the happy hour on the beach bar-our loving "two for one."

Greetings from Aruba!

Here we are, finally, in paradise. Not a complete one though.
Let me start with our trip. My genious idea to bring our cat to a four hour flight, proved to be not as genious. Nina was fine until we took off! I guess the noises of taking off scared her, so she started meowing in her carring case. So I took her to the bathroom where I let her out. She was still scared. You know how stable and quiet plane bathrooms are. We stayed there until she came down, which translates to the real time into a half an hour. When she volunteerly went back to her bag, I took her back to the seat. I repeated the same ritual two more times, but she didn't even want to get out of the bag, to that small, dirty bathroom. Smart cat. Somehow, four hours went by without bigger incidents.
On our cab ride from the Aruba airport to our Amsterdam Manor resort, we enjoyed beautifull Arubian architecture of Oranjestad. It's Dutch colonial, with small vivid color buildings everywhere, so you have a bright yellow house next to a pink one. I really like that colorfullness. Our resort is small but with everything one needs: the pool, beautiful powder sugary beach and crystal clean coldish water, bar on the beach, couple of restaurants with good food, a store and obviously internet.
We dined at Mango's, a restuarant right in the middle of the Amsterdam Manor. Our snaper and shrimp in creole sause were delicious. The rooms are actually miniture yellow houses, with kitchenettes inside, and tiny outdoor areas.
It's windy but M. says that's good-it keeps the mosquitos away. Mosquitos can be a big problem in the Caribbean. They were in the U.S.Virgin Islands three or so years ago.
All in all, it seems to be a great place. I wish the water is warmer, but as M. poined out, it is January.

Audition, with Burek on the side

I had another audition today. I was good, pretty good considering how nervous I was. Yes, still. I'm not sure why, but I always am before any public performance... more-less.
First, I did my monologue, looking right at the director's eyes. I'm not sure if that's the way to do it, 'cause he can do something to throw me off my lines. He did smile couple of times. That's a good sign since my monologue is a bit funny.
Then, I had to read from the sides(the play.) I've never seen this play before. It's apparently by a well-known English playwright I've never heard off. English literature, except for Shakespeare, was not the strong point of the University of Nis. It was interesting, and I think I read well, considering I've never seen the lines before.
The call backs are next week, and hopefully, he'll call me back.
Afterwords, M. and I went to the Balkan restaurant, "Djerdan" for the first time.
It resembles a Balkan "kafana," an ethnic restaurant, and it has the full menu to prove it--burek, jogurt, sopska salata, baklava, tulumba--all traditional Serbian and Bosnian dishes. We weren't sure if the place is Serbian or Bosnian. Our waiter had Bosnian accent. Two waitresses, despite looking Slavic, were speaking obviously non-native English. Bosnian drawings are on the walls. And papers on the bar.
So my guess is-it's a Bosnian Serb's place. Not that it really matters.
Burek was good, sopska salad was not really sopska-most of it was mixed greens. It must be sopska a la New York.
Tulumba was excellent, but baklava was very disappointing. Hard, not soft and syrupy, as it supposed to be. But overall, it seems like an authentic place, where one can eat well for a reasonable price.
Next time, we'll go for burek and tulumbe. And jogurt. The one you drink.

Obama charms Iowa

M. asked me a while ago why do I like Obama. "He's charming, and smart, and educated, " I said. "And different."
The first time I've heard of Barack Obama was in my journalism boot camp at AU, in summer 2006. He was a charismatic young speaker at a Democratic convention. We had to write a story about it.
He was speaking about hope back then as well. He was proud of his Kenyan father and Kansas mother heritage. He said that his story is only possible in the U.S.A.
Tonight he got the most votes in Iowa, to my outstanding joy.
A friend of mine, a State Department officer, recently said: "My job would be so much easier if Barack Obama would become the president." I absolutely agree that he would change America's image in the world, in a positive way. And America could use some image makeover. Not to mention that having a half African-American, half white president would prove to the rest of the world that at least some Americans are not racists. And that not only Clintons and Bushes can lead this country, like it's a kingdom.
So, hopefully, 2009 will be a much better time to be in this country. That is, if Obama wins it all. Fingers crossed!

Our ball dropped too, but not in Times Square

Some days, I don't know what to write about. Some days, I don't know what to write about first.
So many interesting events occurred in the last several days.
There's so many pictures I would like to share with you.
Chronologically, M. and I discovered a great brunch place, close to the Union Square--Barbounia.
Fashionable settings, not packed on Sunday, tasty poached eggs with feta somethings and unlimited, yes, unlimited Bellinis or Mimosas for a fixed price! My kind of place. Also, reasonably priced. What else could you ask for, in New York?! Brunches are very important to New Yorkers, I understand, So is reading the Times.
The other amazing place is this Asian bistro called Tao, where my high school friends brought M. and I to, today.
There's a huge Budah statue in the middle of a huge dimmed-light dinning room. The lounge, where we were sitting, chatting and having great deserts and cocktails, had that typical loungy-cluby-fancy New York atmosphere. We were sitting on some kind of two-person love chairs, without the back.
The tables I've passed had creative-looking dishes, which I can't wait to try. It's on 58Th and Madison. It was packed soon after we arrives, with a group of loud Italians behind us. Obviously, an internationally appealing place.
As far as the New Year's Eve, we spent it with our good friends from California, in an apartment in Queens, while the whole New York craziness was just 10 blocks away from our place. I have to admit, part of me was tempted to try out the whole Times Square--ball-dropping New Years Eve. More for other people that myself. I mean, everyone is going to say:"you live in Manhattan and you haven's been to the Times Square for the New Year's Eve?!" Despite, we decided against it. Honestly, I hate the Times Square. I'm also not a big fan of standing on my feet forever. The idea of being crunched up between millions of people from every side, made me feel claustrophobic. So we opted for a low-key version. After all, since all four of us friends left Belgrade in 2004, how many times do we get a chance to await for a New Year together? So, with Egyptian seafood and blueberry martinis, four of us, old friends, and their daughter, listened to Bregovic and CNN, until that ball dropped. It was great!
On the same day, I had my even older high school friend, I., over for some bagels and coffee. We laughed at my door. This life is so funny. One never knows where it will lead.
As I've written before, he has a great job in Pennsylvania, and he came to N.Y.C. for New Year's Eve.
I felt strange, but in a good way to be here, in New York, Midtown, in my own apartment with M. and I. I mean, they are from different worlds. And yet, here we all are. We caught up in Serblish, laughed, and went down the memory lane a bit. It's interesting that when we were kids, we weren't part of the same high school crowd really. But yet, here we are now. Living just couple of hours apart, thousands of miles away from our high school and homes, all grown up. And with a lot to talk about.
Another high school mate came briefly to visit- V. M. and I actually got a chance to get to know him better today too, at Tao. Again, this life is so, so funny...And fun!