Factory Theatre

http://www.factorytheatre.ca/

Factory Theatre is a theatre in Toronto, Ontario, founded as Factory Theatre Lab in 1970 by Ken Gass and Frank Trotz.

Factory was the first theatre to announce that it would exclusively produce Canadian plays, but it soon became a widely emulated policy by other theatre companies. Factory quickly became known as the home of the Canadian playwright, and is especially associated with George F. Walker, most of whose plays premiered there.
Factory Theatre is of the same generation and importance as fellow non-profit alternatives Theatre Passe Muraille and Tarragon Theatre. In its history, the theatre has produced more than 150 new Canadian plays in mainstage and 500 more in workshop and other formats. Housed in an attractive Victorian mansion, the Factory Theatre operates two theatre spaces. The upstairs Mainspace is a 200-seat house that has the feel of an old sanctuary. Downstairs, the Studio Theatre Cafe is a long narrow intimate space with 100 seats. Both the mainspace and studio cafes have licensed lounges where refreshments are served before and after the show. Factory Theatre is a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatre (PACT), Theatre Ontario, and the Toronto Theatre Alliance.

Argentine Tango

Communication is best done through non-verbal cues rather than spoken. 

This fact is already proven when our forebears communicate among one another through hand signals in the absence of language. This observation of non-verbal communication among our forebears is clear evidence that the “55% body language, 38% tone of voice and 7% verbal communication” is true only in the context of contemporary communication. If we are compelled by circumstances to communicate entirely on non-verbal cues, it is definitely possible.

Which brings us to the issue of this post: exploring non-verbal communication through dances. And in this instance, Argentine Tango. Do note there are distinct differences in Argentine Tango, American Tango and International Tango and these dances should not be confused. Most of you might be wondering why Argentine Tango is selected out of all dances, the reasons of which will be explained below.

All types of dances that include West Coast Swing, Rumba, Salsa, Foxtrot, Latin Jam, Hip Hop and Paso Doble were examined.  All of the above-mentioned types of dances are very interesting dances for all dance enthusiasts to engage in. In fact, many of these dances are considered as social dances. They enhance interactions and communications that are often unspoken as well as creating rapport among the participants in any dance social gatherings.

However, after reading on Argentine Tango and watching some of its dance movements, it could be realised that this dance is special primarily because it is improvisational. What this means is that Argentine Tango does not follow any specified dance steps unlike other dances (although there are some pre-defined dance moves that Argentine Tango dancers are able to use at will).  While the follower takes the lead from the leader as in any other dance, the dances that they participate in are never entirely the same (unless they choose to do so), which makes Argentine Tango dance moves extremely unpredictable and interesting. The dance choreography is almost entirely done on the dance floor in an impromptu manner and this ability to create an entire new dance for every dance has attracted many dance enthusiasts to Argentine Tango.

Dance concepts aside, the ability to improvise the dance moves in Argentine Tango has created opportunities for many dancers to communicate non-verbally on the dance floor in the absence of words.  In life, there are few opportunities for us to communicate non-verbally. Thus, Argentine Tango- with its ability to enable dancers to improvise – bridges the gap that exists between two individuals who wish to communicate non-verbally.  Over time, coordination between the dancers can be improved. While this observation may be seen by many to be beneficial only for couples who are in love, veteran Argentine Tango dancers may most probably beg to differ. Non-verbal communications are for everyone.

Someone once commented that Argentine Tango is all about love and passion. I’d rather say that Argentine Tango is all about non-verbal communication.

For without non-verbal communication, there is no dance.

And there definitely will not be any Argentine Tango.

This information was referred from:
http://patricktay.wordpress.com/2008/04/27/the-art-of-comunication-in-argentine-tango/

3D Street Art

3d Street Art, often known as 3d chalk art is 2-dimensional artwork drawn on the street itself that gives you a 3-dimensional optical illusion from a certain perspective. It can be very breathtaking, realistic and at the same time captivating once you get the angle correct. And creating one is certainly tough and challenging as you are creating a realistic 3d view out of a 2d painting.


3d street art are gaining much popularity these days. Notable brands are already taking advantage of public’s curiosity on 3D street paintings to create awareness for their products. 

Here is a chance to see such a pice of art in development, from the very start.

What is also great about this one is that it became the largest EVER 3D street art ever recorded. Enjoy and thanks for stopping by.

This information was referred from:

http://www.thefloatingfrog.co.uk/inspiration/amazing-3d-street-art-collection/

Hip-Hop vs. RAP

Hip-Hop Defined:

Hip-hop is a form of popular music that's comprised mainly of emceeing and deejaying. 

The other two components that complete the four elements of hip-hop are graffiti and breakdancing. As hip-hop evolves into big business, the four elements (emceeing, deejaying, graffiti, and breakdancing) are constantly being merged with others like clothing trends, slang, and general mindset.

Rap Vs. Hip-Hop:

Rap is a form of music that stemmed from hip-hop culture. Hip-hop is a lifestyle with its own lingo, dress code, etc. In the words of KRS-One, "hip-hop is something you live, rap is something you do."

Hip-Hop Started in the Bronx:

A product of cross-cultural integration, rap is deeply rooted within ancient African culture and oral tradition. Hip-hop is believed to have originated in the Bronx by a Jamaican DJ named Kool Herc. Herc's style of deejaying involved reciting rhymes over instrumentals. At house parties, Herc would rap with the microphone, using a myriad of in-house references. Duplicates of Herc's house parties soon drifted through Brooklyn, Manhattan. Herc and other block party DJs helped spread the message of hip-hop around town and spawned tons of followers.

Humble Beginnings:

Some of the earliest rap songs ever recorded include "King Tim III (Personality Jock)" by Fatback Band and "Rapper’s Delight" by the Sugarhill Gang. The latter reached the #36 spot on the Billboard charts (a huge feat by 1970's standards), thus demonstrating hip-hop's ability to draw commercial appeal.

Hip-Hop As a Melting Pot:

Hip-hop as a musical melting pot is still evolving. It has become more eclectic, borrowing from soul, jazz and live instrumentations with the likes of De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, and most recently Kanye West championing the ‘soulful rap’ movement.

If you want to learn more about the history of Rap music, follow this link 

"History of Rap Music"

This information was referred from:
http://rap.about.com/

The Scream

The Scream, one of the most alarming paintings of all time, is expected to fetch more than $80m (£50m) when it goes under the hammer this spring.

The only version of Edvard Munch's iconic painting left in private hands will lead a sale at Sotheby's in New York this May as the market for big-name artists shows no sign of receding.

Philip Hook, senior specialist in impressionist and modern art at Sotheby's, said: "This is one of the most important works of modern art we have ever sold."

Sotheby's believes that The Scream may be second only to the Mona Lisa as one of the most recognisable works of art, and points out that it has influenced Andy Warhol and The Simpsons.

Munch painted this version of The Scream in 1895 as the central part of his Frieze of Life series. One expert on the artist said: "He looms large in the imagination. The Scream may not look particularly striking or shocking these days, but at the time it was radical. It was all about expressing the psychological state."

Munch completed four versions of the work. Three are in Norwegian museums. The piece going up for auction is owned by Petter Olsen, whose father Thomas was a friend and patron of the artist. The 1893 version and the 1910 version have both been stolen from different Norwegian museums, but both were recovered and remain on display.

Mr Hook said: "It speaks to the anxiety and alienation of modern man. It is the image that launched a thousand therapists." This version is more vibrant than the others and has a poem painted onto the frame by the artist.

Petter Olsen said: "I have lived with this work all my life, and its power and energy have only increased with time. Now, however, I feel the moment has come to offer the rest of the world a chance to own and appreciate this remarkable work."

The Norwegian businessman said the proceeds would establish a new museum, art centre and hotel at his farm, opening next year to coincide with the 150th anniversary of Munch's birth.

A major exhibition of the artist's work is to open in the UK later this year, when Edvard Munch: The Modern Eye opens at the Tate Modern in June.

This information was referred from:
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/news/

Graffiti Artist in Action

Morganistik says: in Paris it’s very rare when you can catch by day a graffiti artist in action. In fact the law is so scrict about that that it’s almost impossible.

I went to visit the museum Fondation Cartier where they had an exhibition about the history of graffiti “Né dans la rue” (born in the street). They had the good idea to set up a huge wall outside the museum on the street that artists could use for 6 months.

That picture shows you that even if they were comfortable with a stool, they were still hiding and ready to leave at any moment with the spray-paint cans near the bag and helmet.

Morganistik takes pictures of urban art, electronic music producers, the fashion world and weird details.

This information was referred from:
http://www.morganistik.com/blog/graffiti-artist-in-action

Music and Developing of Communication Skills

Listening to music evokes emotions, and playing music can be just like communicating emotions. Some people find this a very powerful experience. Music enriches the lives of people and should be considered a necessary part of education.

Scientific studies of the brain have mapped more extensive neural connections in musicians than non-musicians. Scientists have also observed that studying music often results in enhanced mathematical ability. Some studies have shown a relationship between music and memory (known as the Mozart Effect), but they are less conclusive.

• •