Just making conversation

Posted 8/21/12

Let’s face it, I talk a lot. How fortunate for me then, that I found a way to do so and get paid for it, right, wrong or indifferent. Sadly, in this day of texting and instant gratification, the …

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Just making conversation

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Let’s face it, I talk a lot. How fortunate for me then, that I found a way to do so and get paid for it, right, wrong or indifferent. Sadly, in this day of texting and instant gratification, the art of conversation is getting lost in the shuffle, but old warhorses like me keep plugging along, be it small talk or engaging with others on bigger issues, and life here in the Upper Delaware River region provides plenty of opportunity for both. There are like-minded individuals out there, and in my own quest for “instant gratification” I Googled the words “just making conversation” to see how others weighed in.

“Those who deal with the public all the time probably get tired of making polite chit-chat,” I read (www.textcpr.com), “with people they see all day long, and yet their employers have apparently told them to engage in conversation and show an interest.” Don’t get me wrong, if we run into each other and I start a conversation, I’m genuinely interested in what you have to say, even if it is about my dog. My challenge? Knowing when to rein it in and let others do the talking.

The past week has allowed room for both, with a bit of singing thrown into the mix. I headed out last Thursday to catch opening night at Bethel Woods (www.bethelwoodscenter.org), featuring country acts Brothers Osborne, Kip Moore and mega-star Miranda Lambert, all of whom entertained wildly, kicking off the summer season with a bang. I was unfamiliar with the brothers, but met them prior to the show and they promised (and delivered) a great set. They made room for heart-throb (the ladies were literally screaming) Moore, who raised the roof and in turn prepped the crowd for Lambert, whose legions of fans were out in full force. There’s a huge variety of entertainment coming our way this year, so stay tuned.

On Saturday, I made my yearly pilgrimage to Pine Bush, NY and the town’s annual UFO festival (www.pinebushu fofair.com), which once again drew thousands. With attractions that included authors, vendors, entertainment and the always-fun parade, I strolled the streets, while the Wonder Dog (and her tin-foil hat) sparked lively conversation wherever we landed.

Speaking of “lively conversation,” there was plenty to go around at the NACL Theatre on Sunday, as they opened their doors (www.nacl.org) for the season, presenting “This is Not a Conversation” directed by Ker Wells and created by Israeli-born Itai Erdal and Dima Alansari, who is the grandchild of Palestinians exiled from Jerusalem during the 1948 forced exodus.

In my Google search regarding conversation, I found these words: “Some topics are potentially insulting or intrusive. Before ‘just making conversation,’ it’s often a good idea to count to three slowly and ask yourself if it’s inappropriate or just plain wrong.” The NACL has never shied away from controversial subject matter, and their 2016 season, titled “Take Courage,” will surely spark lively debate throughout the year. Co-artistic director Brad Krumholz addresses this issue in the program’s notes by stating that “the NACL continues to be a home and safe haven for courageous artists, risking so much from their deep conviction that they can, and must, do what they can to change the world.” If the theatre’s opening salvo is any indication, Krumholz’s (and co-founder Tannis Kowalchuk’s) vision undoubtedly will shine.

The play itself is incendiary, if for nothing else than being based on the decades-long Palestinian-Israeli conflict that has divided the world, tearing people and nations apart. Having served with the Israeli army in Lebanon and Palestine, Erdal’s viewpoint walks a fine line, but it is made abundantly clear during the 80-minute presentation, which invites the public to engage in conversation following the show, and any ambiguity that is touched on is given voice through Alansari’s contributions.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Dima was forced to suddenly leave the country just before the opening, and the extraordinary Laylage Courie bravely, courageously stepped in. In less than three days time, Courie grasped as much of the (mildly baffling) physical requirements of the show as time allowed, and with script in hand, took center stage with Erdal. Had I not been informed, I don’t think I would have even noticed that Laylage was in any way unprepared or under-rehearsed, and (IMHO) her intense performance absolutely matched his, step for (mildly baffling) step, note-for-note. The conversation that followed the matinee that I attended was indeed lively and spilled outside following the performance, where there were some raised voices (just a few), which undoubtedly will occur as this production begins its tour.

It’s unlikely that I will be stirring up any trouble in the near future, but if I do—remember that I’m just making conversation.

To see photos from both the Bethel Woods concert and the Pine Bush UFO Fair, visit www.Facebook.com/theriverreporter and “like” our page.

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