TeenTix Blog by TeenTix

Review of Act of God at SIFF Cinema by Tucker Cholvin This coming Friday, lightning will strike at SIFF Cinema. Act of God, a Canadian documentary film directed by Jennifer Baichwal, is a masterfully done introspection into the symbolism of lightning and storms in the human condition. In interviews with people struck by this awesome force of nature, relatives of those killed by it, storm chasers, musicians, and in forays that range to France, Mexico, and beyond, Act of God quickly fills you with a sense of awe at the sheer power of lightning. Baichwal uses sweeping panoramic shots of powerful storms set to the stories of victims to stress and illuminate the raw destructive force of lightning—images of twisted trees and mangled metal drive the point home. But Baichwal’s concern is not so much in the lightning itself, but in its metaphysical implications. Is a lightning strike a random occurrence in a purely mechanical universe? Or is it a fated, predestined strike by an omniscient God? In tearful interviews with victims and survivors, it becomes clear that there is no easy answer, but countless perspectives. Baichwal travels through religion, science, logic, and emotion in search of answers. Some in the film say that evolution has wired humans to look for and remember patterns; that looking for significance in a random lightning strike is only an uncivilized remnant of our former primitive selves. On the other hand, a televangelist who had a near-death experience following a lightning strike disagrees—in a near-death experience, he saw heaven and his soul in what he believes was an intentional act of God to change his ways. In the end, one bereaved mother expresses the common middle ground: “I can’t accept that there is a reason that [my son] died, but I can’t accept that there is no reason.” The pure power of lightning provokes differing reactions in people; when faced with such a force, Act of God shows how they will harness it, fear it, revere it, or deny it. And by the end of the film, you will be questioning your own worldview as well. Act of God marvelously takes something that we accept in life as commonplace, and in dissecting it allows us to question ourselves and the nature of life. An enriching and engaging film, Act of God is well worth the time—guaranteed to expand your mind and bring a new dimension to this winter’s coming storms. - Tucker C. Act of God October 30th - November 5th SIFF Cinema

"Mary Church Terrell 1919 - Passport Photo" by puzzlemaster on flickr(search results is an art project. Everyday we search for and post a random flickr photo using the search term "passport".)The Teen Tix Passport to the Arts contest is still on!Here's how it works: - Download the passport- Take it with you and ask for a stamp at the box office every time you use your Teen Tix pass - Once you have 6 stamps, return your passport to us to be entered to win fabulous prizes like a $200 gift card to a retailer of your choosing (choose from Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, GAP, iTunes, Pagliacci, Starbucks, Target, or a pre-paid Visa card). The contest runs through December 29th, 2009, so you still have plenty of time to see art and win! Download your passport and all of the contest details here.

Beeswax @ Northwest Film Forum

What is mumblecore? According to Filmmaker Magazine, these films are "severely naturalistic portraits of the life and loves of artistic twentysomethings" characterized by "improvised dialogue and naturalistic performances, often by non-actors. The films employ handheld, vérité-style digital camerawork and long takes. Budgets are tiny. The plots hinge on everyday events. The stories are often obvious reflections of the filmmakers’ lives...A lot of tension ensues over the answering or non-answering of cell-phone calls. Characters frequently attend and perform in sparsely populated weeknight music shows. There is an abundance of road trips."Director Joe Swanburg (Hannah Takes the Stairs) says it's much simpler than that: "The only rule is 'No jerks allowed.'"Either way, it's what's happening in indie cinema right now, and this weekend Northwest Film Forum is giving you the perfect opportunity to decide for yourself whether it's sheer genius or pretentious crap.Beeswax is the story of a couple of vintage clothing-store owners, a couple of sisters, a couple of boys, and a lot of ways you can complicate your life in your twenties. That's you pretty soon guys. Better study up.

The Seattle Times says that right now is a great time to explore "camera art" at the Henry (which we're pretty sure means, y'know...photography). We saw the show last week and we find them to be entirely correct. There are gorgeous, huge, color prints of sawmills and forests and the people who live and work in them in Eirik Johnson's Sawdust Mountain:Photos of the WTO riots that recall (very beautiful) YouTube stills in Allan Sekula's Waiting for Teargas:And, of course, the arresting, "irresistible" (says the Stranger's Jen Graves) show of early polaroids by the late, infamous stirrer of controversy Robert Mapplethorpe:The Henry is open from 11-9 Thursdays & Fridays, and 11-4 on Saturdays & Sundays. Go!Note: this show contains nudity and depictions of sexuality.

Review of Emma at Book-It Repertory Theatre by Delaney M.I saw the play Emma, which is running at Book-It Repertory Theatre until November 22nd 2009. The novel Emma was written by Jane Austen and Book-It’s version is directed by Marcus Goodwin and adapted by Rachel Atkins. Emma is played by Sylvie Davidson, Mr. Knightley is played by Dylan Chalfy, Harriet Smith is played by Ashley Marshall, and Mrs. Weston is played by Casi Nicole Wilkerson.Sylvie Davidson as Emma Woodhouse. Photo by Adam Smith.Emma is a classic Jane Austen novel that showcases the lives of early 19th century British gentry. Emma tells the story of a young girl, Emma Woodhouse, who is growing and developing in a small rural community in England. Emma struggles with vanity and her stubborn ideals of how she and people around her should live their lives. Along the course of Emma’s self discovery she runs into many little snags where her meddling in the affairs of others and outspokenness lead her into offending her friends and family.The Center House Theatre, where Emma is playing, is small and cozy, with only a few rows of seating and the actors roaming up and down the stairs next to your seat, the audience is drawn into the play, and the setting becomes a reality. The set remained the same throughout the entire play, a painted ballroom floor and blue walls, but as the scenes changed small props, such as a picnic blanket, a candelabra, and chairs, were brought in to help show the small changes in setting. Deane Middleton's costumes stayed very true to the time period and managed to effortlessly combine simplicity of style with beautiful colors and fits of the clothing.All of the actors did a very good job; however, three actors truly took their characters to heart and not only read the lines, but lived them. Dylan Chalfy who plays Mr. Knightley did an extraordinary job, he looks exactly like what I would have imagined and his mannerisms and emotions seemed to flow straight into what his character was like in Jane Austen’s novel. Brian Thompson, or Mr. Woodhouse as he is known in the play, manages to perfectly portray all of Mr. Woodhouse’s bumbling eccentricities without seeming over the top or overly comical. The shining gem of Emma though was Sylvie Davidson, who played Emma. Sylvie was only off of stage for a grand total of probably 2 minutes, and every moment that she was on stage she commanded the audience’s attention with her vivacity and perfect mimicry of Jane Austen’s Emma Woodhouse. All in all the cast is very cohesive and I can quite honestly say that every actor in Emma is highly skilled, and delightful to watch.I would highly recommend Emma to everyone, including Jane Austen fanatics, who will pleased by how alike the novel and the play are. While Emma is definitely an all ages show, in order to fully understand the play and draw as much as possible from the experience I would recommend that it is best for ages 14 and up.- Delaney M.October 23, 2009EmmaBook-It Repertory TheatreThrough November 22nd

To Speak of a Dream @ Intiman TheatreToday's cure for boredom: The Rough Eagles (students from Roosevelt and Cleveland High Schools...get it? Roosevelt Rough Riders and Cleveland Eagles?) present To Speak of a Dream, an original play inspired by Intiman's current production, Abe Lincoln in Illinois.The show is FREE, open to eveyone, and includes a post-show reception with the cast: Rahel Barnes, Tristan Campbell, Taylor Christensen, Chantel Goodwin, Wesley Nead, Vincent Nguyen and Ariel Torrey.Also, check the blog next week for Emma M's feature story about the Rough Eagles program.To Speak of a DreamTONIGHT, Monday, October 26th7 pmINTIMAN TheatreSpace is limited. RSVP to [email protected] or by calling the box office at 206.269.1900

Read Professor Kiley's review

"Passport to Adventure!" by Devpow on flickr(search results is an art project. Everyday we search for and post a random flickr photo using the search term "passport".)The Teen Tix Passport to the Arts contest is still on!Here's how it works: - Download the passport- Take it with you and ask for a stamp at the box office every time you use your Teen Tix pass - Once you have 6 stamps, return your passport to us to be entered to win fabulous prizes like a $200 gift card to a retailer of your choosing (choose from Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, GAP, iTunes, Pagliacci, Starbucks, Target, or a pre-paid Visa card). The contest runs through December 29th, 2009, so you still have plenty of time to see art and win! Download your passport and all of the contest details here.

"Passport 1948 page 4-5" by letterlust on flickr(search results is an art project. Everyday we search for and post a random flickr photo using the search term "passport".)The Teen Tix Passport to the Arts contest is still on!Here's how it works: - Download the passport- Take it with you and ask for a stamp at the box office every time you use your Teen Tix pass - Once you have 6 stamps, return your passport to us to be entered to win fabulous prizes like a $200 gift card to a retailer of your choosing (choose from Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, GAP, iTunes, Pagliacci, Starbucks, Target, or a pre-paid Visa card). The contest runs through December 29th, 2009, so you still have plenty of time to see art and win! Download your passport and all of the contest details here.

"Mom's passport photo about 1960" by aroid on flickr(search results is an art project. Everyday we search for and post a random flickr photo using the search term "passport".)The Teen Tix Passport to the Arts contest is still on!Here's how it works: - Download the passport- Take it with you and ask for a stamp at the box office every time you use your Teen Tix pass - Once you have 6 stamps, return your passport to us to be entered to win fabulous prizes like a $200 gift card to a retailer of your choosing (choose from Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, GAP, iTunes, Pagliacci, Starbucks, Target, or a pre-paid Visa card). The contest runs through December 29th, 2009, so you still have plenty of time to see art and win! Download your passport and all of the contest details here.

by Martín Espada

Never pretendto be a unicornby sticking a plunger on your head

Oh my gosh. I'm so glad no one was hurt.More here: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010124445_webgreenwoodfire23m.html#

Henry Open House @ Henry Art GalleryFood trucks! Cupcakes! Karaoke! Oh, and, y'know...ART. The Henry's open house is tonight, they are opening four new exhibits, and there has never been a better time for all you art-curious types to jump in and explore. You can get lost in the crowd, critique the art-world fashionistas, and if someone asks you what you think and you don't know what to say, you can just point over their shoulder and go "Ooh! Cupcakes." Arty people love cupcakes.The new exhibits include:Polaroids: MapplethorpeandEirik Johnson: Sawdust MountainAlso Vortexhibition Polyphonica, Allan Sekula: Waiting for Tear Gas, and ongoing exhibits Inside Out: Portraits from the Permanent Collection, The Gift Shop, and Jasper Johns: Lightbulb. Also food sold out of trucks. Don't miss it.Henry Fall Open HouseFriday, October 23rd8 - 11 PMHenry Art GalleryRegular Hours: Thursday & Friday 11 - 9, Saturday & Sunday 11 - 4, closed M,T,W.Image credits:E.2007.2368 / PD463Robert Mapplethorpe, Untitled (Nancy Nortia), 1973/75. Monochromatic dye diffusiontransfer print (Polaroid), 5 1/8 x 4 1/8 in. (13 x 10.5 cm). Collection of RobertMapplethorpe Foundation. © Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation.Eirik Johnson. Starlite Drive-In, Roseburg, Oregon. 2006Archival pigment printCourtesy of the artist, G. Gibson Gallery, and Rena Bransten GalleryNote: this exhibit contains nudity.

Teen Tix participating organization Taproot Theatre sustained severe smoke and water damage after a fire engulfed what sounds like most of their Greenwood block this morning. The three performances of Enchanted April that were scheduled for this weekend are now homeless. Taproot is looking for a new location in which to perform, and we'll let you know if they find one. If you have a space to offer, please contact Daytona Strong at [email protected]. Good luck, Taproot. And thanks to professor Kiley for sloggin' it.Video of the fire from phinneywood.comUPDATE, 1:40 pm: Seattle Children's Theatre has offered Taproot their space for the remaining shows. Tonight's performance is canceled, but there will be shows tomorrow, Saturday the 24th, at 2 and 8 pm at Seattle Children's Theatre. Hooray!

Awkward, yes oh yes, the acting, everyone with the exception of johua Speed was so over the top,the Mary Todd actor was so annoying.... this play made me wonder not just a bout the man, Abe, but why did everyone vote for him, the scence where he appears "messiah" like praying over the boy almost had me gagging, truly absurd,why was everyone taken with Abe, from what we are told , other than being he tallest man in the room, why did all the characters think he was "the one" seemed more like a "strawman" or 'manchurain candiate' loved the musical numbers and espeically the final scene and not because it was the end of a overly long worship fest but it was powerfully staged.

"I guess they do this here, maybe? I don't know..."Improv Everywhere (the worst-named best thing in the world) strikes again.

Two thumbs up for Leah and the YCW: both are awesome!

"Passport control" CruisAir by on flickr(search results is an art project. Everyday we search for and post a random flickr photo using the search term "passport".)The Teen Tix Passport to the Arts contest is still on!Here's how it works: - Download the passport- Take it with you and ask for a stamp at the box office every time you use your Teen Tix pass - Once you have 6 stamps, return your passport to us to be entered to win fabulous prizes like a $200 gift card to a retailer of your choosing (choose from Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, GAP, iTunes, Pagliacci, Starbucks, Target, or a pre-paid Visa card). The contest runs through December 29th, 2009, so you still have plenty of time to see art and win! Download your passport and all of the contest details here.

Review of Abe Lincoln in Illinois @ Intiman Theatre by Emma K.If there is one name that has stood the test of time, a recognized staple of democracy and equality, it is surely that of Abraham Lincoln. President Obama heralds him as his favorite President, while history books laud his actions and sing his praise. The side of President Lincoln that we know is one of strength and force. Through his fight for ultimate American values he arguably established himself as one of the figures whom our nation is most proud to call its own. Yet, at what cost to his person, and at what toll to his spirit? These questions are explored in Intiman’s illuminating biographical play, Abe Lincoln in Illinois.Allen Galli, Reginald André Jackson, Russell Hodgkinson, and Erik Lochtefeld as Abe in Abe Lincoln in Illinois. Photo by Chris Bennion.Written by Robert E. Sherwood to commemorate Lincoln’s Bicentennial, this play examines the period of Lincoln’s life from his early adulthood to his election. Fictitious characters share the stage with historical figures, including Lincoln’s wife Mary Todd and adversary Stephen Douglas. A great theme of the piece is Lincoln’s attachment to Illinois, and accordingly the play itself radiates a strong sense of community. This is conveyed by members of the ensemble sitting onstage to watch scenes, and singing during set transitions. Their rapport with each other creates the ease and simplicity of Lincoln’s home life. The stage is mostly bare, set against a background of high grass and a tree blowing in the wind. Wooden slatted pillars stand off to the side, used as entrances and exits, while a wagon is moved around the stage throughout the various acts. All of these components create an environment of comfort and familiarity.When the audience is first introduced to the President-to-be he is, all in all, what we expect - the unkempt, charming backwoods boy striving to learn and better himself. Yet as time progresses he is revealed to be insecure, tentative - anxious even, constantly questioning his validity as a man and a thinker. His self-deprecation weaves its way throughout his entrance into politics, at some times endearing, at others off-putting. This is more of a comment on Lincoln’s own person than the actor behind this rendition, Erik Lochtefeld. Mr. Lochtefeld expertly colors in the aspects of this man that we recognize, and also those that are unfamiliar - his Lincoln is awkward, sensitive, introspective, and commanding.Mr. Lochtefeld is strongly supported by a seasoned cast, with the wonderfully passionate Peter Dylan O’Connor as Billy Herndon, impeccable R. Hamilton Wright as Stephen Douglas and robust Hans Altwies as Joshua Speed standing out. Also to be noted are Angela DiMarco as Lincoln’s ill-fated sweetheart Ann Rutledge and Clayton Corzatte as a delightfully blunt and cynical Ben Mattling. The only weak link in this cast of nineteen is Mary Jane Gibson, as Mary Todd. She delivers the character with precision, but lacks the fierce strength that she so often declares possessing.Sheila Daniels expertly directs the play which is a beautiful mix of comedy, thoughtfulness and excitement. It is a balance between the public and private life of a deeply contemplative man. Lincoln’s quest for moral and self-understanding shows the importance he placed upon his actions. As he anguished over his decisions and values, so he showed the respect with which he held his position. Nothing was taken lightly during his life, nor is it in this production. His story is handled with care and sensitivity by all. As the generations look towards a new leader in Washington D.C., it would be worth their while to revisit one of the past in this revealing and delicate production. Abe Lincoln in Illinois is a must-see.- Emma K.October 17th, 2009Abe Lincoln in IllinoisINTIMAN TheatreThrough November 19thRecommended for people ages 15 and up

"Passport picture from catalog 1989" by Hugo90 on flickr(search results is an art project. Everyday we search for and post a random flickr photo using the search term "passport".) The Teen Tix Passport to the Arts contest is still on!Here's how it works: - Download the passport - Take it with you and ask for a stamp at the box office every time you use your Teen Tix pass - Once you have 6 stamps, return your passport to us to be entered to win fabulous prizes like a $200 gift card to a retailer of your choosing (choose from Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, GAP, iTunes, Pagliacci, Starbucks, Target, or a pre-paid Visa card). The contest runs through December 29th, 2009, so you still have plenty of time to see art and win! Download your passport and all of the contest details here.