december craze

So sad that it's already December and that our class is over.  :(

The middle school performance was out of control--in a good way!  I feel bad for now updating as often as I should have but I just wanted to say that ICAPS was awesome and nothing less!  Banjar 2008 was awesome not only because I felt it came full circle but because the people in it were amazing.  So proud of my banjar.

Where did those last 3 weeks go?

As we continue to retell the Ramayana, the new direction and perspectives that the class is now contributing has made the storyline really interesting. Now that we have a legit performance coming up, I feel like it's all coming together.

I can't wait to see the reactions of these middle schoolers who will be watching and interacting with us. Haha.

reflection

So last week, we all got to dress up in the Ramayana costumes and finally got to telling portions of the epic.  Clearly I did not remember all the important details that happened in the beginning although they're really important.  I'm almost to page 400 (hooray) but I'm beginning to get a little anxious with the story line.  It's not like I don't doubt Rama's greatness, but it's taking forever for him to rescue Sita!  Haha.  Anyway, back to the story telling in our banjar, I loved it.  I loved how everyone filled in a detail here and there, which seemed to jog my memory a little clearly.  

Today in class, we worked on certain phrases/emotions and the certain hand and body gestures that go along with it.  It was pretty fun!  It's almost like another way of performing sign language but done a little more blatantly I guess.  

Even reflecting on the chant at the end of class, it's pretty cool how we really don't seem to know what we're doing but always end up doing something that flows.  I guess you can never really go wrong in this class.  Good job class!

a fresh perspective

As I continue to read Ramayana, I'm finally starting to gain a new insight to how the elements of class and the book content is starting to come together. It really is fascinating to learn of these cultural origins and customs that have been practiced over many centuries. Although I've already watched the Ramayana last year, it was interesting to see how Francis' adaptation of the novel was portrayed so well given the numerous verses of the Ramayana. It is taking me a while for me to get through the book but each time I pick it up, I can't stop reading for at least 20 pages. So far, it's really good.

hooray for theatre 333!

I'm so glad that I'm in this class! I know it's my 3rd class with Francis but I feel good vibes from it so far. I'm surprised how much physical activity the class entails! The other people seem so chill and so open-minded already. I'm hoping to learn something far beyond my expectations. Hopefully taking this class will help me to question things a little bit more and really think about it how it can apply to MY life. Till then, we'll just have to wait and see! :)