Mamet’s Land of Equal Criminality

“There are no solutions, only the rearrangement of problems.” So exclaims President Charles H.P. Smith [Andrew Polk], the apparent Commander-In-Thief in David Mamet’s latest play, November, which follows the president and all his man, aide Archer Brown [Anthony Fusco], as he nears the end of his first and (likely) only term.

Yes, that’s just one man. Soon after the curtain rises it becomes clear that Smith has lost his way and his base; even his Secret Service detail has defected for coffee without so much as offering to bring back a cup for their boss. With no money for TV ads, “numbers lower than Gandhi’s cholesterol,” no legacy, and — horror beyond horrors,  no commemorative library! – Mamet’s president manifests a moral bankruptcy that alludes not to any one president in history but rather to the nation’s empty, lint-lined consciousness right now.

While November surely enjoyed maximum traction when it debuted on Broadway in January 2008, amidst election frenzy and Bush fatigue, it is no less timely or fun in its current run at San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.).

In fact, Mamet’s greatest strength in crafting November is his care not to reveal a set point in time, let alone clear sides. Indeed, several times the script refers to our nation’s best asset being the existence of more than one side to take, that the very meaning of freedom is the ability to stand for and against something at the same time. “What we are is a democracy,” says Smith’s disheveled yet socially level speechwriter, Clarice Bernstein [René Augesen], whose desire to wed her lesbian lover on live television serves as the catalyst for Smith’s potential downfall or redemption, depending on which camp he wishes to please.

Keep in mind that Mamet’s POTUS aims only to serve his most critical constituent: himself. Throughout the play, Mamet sets up Smith, who’s more puppet than master, for various known U.S. political pratfalls — last-minute pardons, prison camps, refusal to acknowledge gay marriage, and the pillaging of Native Americans for personal gain — ultimately revealing the president and his nation as a bunch of bigoted, racist, homophobic, greedy, corporate shills hellbent on leveraging power for profit. Even still, when the day is done they have the audacity to wonder, blinkingly, what went so wrong.

Sound familiar?

After depicting this overweight, overwrought American everyman as he blusters and bumbles through his last days in office, Mamet punctuates his vision with one final Pee-fuckin’-Ess:

“I had despaired, these past five years, of that entity I described to myself as ‘The American People.’ This people, to my mind, had elected, reelected, and suffered the depredations of an unprincipled, ungovernable band of thugs. These had cheapened the dollar, enrolled us in an absurd war, alienated immemorial allies, abrogated rational treaties, drowned the country in debt, and knew neither remorse nor obligation. The good news is it’s a spectacular country … we’ve been around for 230 years in spite of human nature. It’s a great place to live.”

David Mamet’s November is playing at San Francisco’s A.C.T. through Nov. 15. Ticket prices start at $10 on several nights. Click here to view showing times and ticket price ranges.

— Kay

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A Hot-Tranny Press



Remember when reality talent shows were in limited supply and Project Runway was television worth demanding? When Michael Kors made more than cameos and Heidi Klum had not just cleavage but clout? When “fierce” was a but a glimmer in the gay lexicon? It feels like a lifetime ago, pun intended.

For anyone hoping to relive past PR glory in perpetuity, treat yourself to season 4 on DVD and feast your style on former winner Christian Siriano’s new book, Fierce Style: How to be Your Most Fabulous Self. If you can wait until Tuesday, Oct. 13, even better—because from 2-3 p.m., Mr. Siriano himself will be on hand to put his John Hancock on your very own copy at Saks Fifth Avenue in Union Square (floor Two).

All attendees are encouraged to read the first paragraph of the book aloud to Siriano while using their best Tim Gunn impersonation. OK, so we made that last part up. But we can’t help it; we’re dying for drama à la the old days. Bring it!

For more information about the book signing, visit Saks.com. Saks Fifth Avenue is located at 384 Post Street in Union Square, San Francisco. The signing will take place on floor Two. Space is limited so please RSVP to 415.438.5411.

— Kay

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Filling the Emptiness With Local Art

Poet of the Beat Generation and literary son of San Francisco, Allen Ginsberg, said: “Fortunately art is a community effort—a small but select community living in a spiritualized world endeavoring to interpret the wars and the solitudes of the flesh.”

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Walking down Central Market, Lower 24th Street, 3rd Street in Bayview, or through the Tenderloin, these “wars and solitudes” of life in 2009 are palpable in the abandoned and shuttered shops alone—obvious evidence of the economic hardships that San Francisco is enduring. But in the spirit of community and perhaps in a belief in the transformative power of creativity, the City is striving to shine a ray of optimism into these dark spaces. You could say that San Francisco is rallying to a cry put forth by another artist who’s no stranger to its streets—Shepard Fairey and his graphic work “Make Art, Not War.”

To that end, the San Francisco Arts Commission’s Community Arts and Education Program has partnered with the Mayor’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development to create a pilot Art in Storefronts program to fill empty store windows with temporary installations by local artists. The hope is that, now, when the going is tough, local artists will get going to bring new energy into our struggling neighborhoods.

“These tough economic times have had an impact on our treasured neighborhoods, leaving storefronts empty or underutilized,” stated Mayor Newsom. “Art in Storefronts encourages a temporary alternative use of storefronts that will reinvigorate our neighborhoods and commercial corridors, improve streetscape conditions and safety, and support merchants by increasing foot traffic and instilling community pride. We also believe that the art installations will ultimately help get these spaces leased.”

ais_bayview_web-1The program will launch in Central Market in September, and will run through January 2010. Artists living or working in Bayview, Central Market, Mission, and Tenderloin will have priority in the selection process and, according to Art in Storefronts project partner Triple Base Gallery, art works of any genre that “respond to the history, unique character and positive qualities of [those] neighborhoods” will receive special consideration. In return for working to benefit their community “artists, who have also been affected by the economy, [will be provided with a] unique opportunity to showcase their creativity… and to garner public recognition for their work.” It’s a win-win.

The Art in Storefronts application deadline is August 14. Interested artists can learn more and get the application here.

–Sara

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Leave the Driving to Us

As the troubled auto industry continues to restructure itself and the economic downturn has Americans looking to more affordable (if not eco-friendly) forms of commuting, the strain on public transit is starting wear thin. Despite the record-breaking rise in demand, government-funded agencies are too feeling the pinch of purse-strings and are being forced to cut back. Things have been looking bleak in the greater Bay Area for transit service. State legislature recently cut transit subsidies and have reduced service on many suburban routes. But, in San Francisco, residents may be surprised to see (dare I say) improvements. Mayor Gavin Newsom is hoping the city’s planned series of updates to transit systems will be a benefit to its beleaguered workforce.

sfmuni_bus01

sfmuni_bus03Recently unveiled was the first set in what will eventually be 1100 new bus shelters for the city. The eye-catching structures were Lundberg Design’s winning entry to the city-sponsored design competition. The results are noteworthy examples of how San Francisco is setting the standard for technologically-savvy design. The undulating red roof harnesses enough power from its solar panels to operate the LED displays. All shelters will also utilize a push-to-talk system for the visually impaired [shown left] and, impressively, WiFi. The building materials are even said to be graffiti and etch-proof.

Upgrade indeed. The shelters’ “art” won’t come courtesy of the street anymore. Clear Channel has the monopoly on this public landmark.

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You know the how the old saying goes though. You never get something for nothing. MUNI prices increased across the board on July 1. However, if wild postings and the transportation authority are to be believed, this is only the start of great things to come. Studies are underway to evaluate the effectiveness of a new rapid transit line on Van Ness Avenue. Don’t expect the ribbon-cutting to be speedy though. Service isn’t expected to begin until at least 2012.

—Michael

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Cooking With Soul

farmerbrowns_restaurant

Southerners are known the world over for their gentility and generosity of spirit. It may not be a coincidence then that Southern cuisine is some of the most satisfying around. Who could possibly be cross with a stomach full of down-home delicacies? Sweet potato, okra, collard greens, fried green tomatoes, short ribs— food for the soul indeed.

The renewed interest in and reinvention of comfort food has been facilitated by the ever-increasing popularity of organic ingredients. The soul food of old, characterized by deep-fry, lard, and mountains of sugar, has evolved. And, in much the same way, eating healthy no longer means your taste buds have to go on hiatus. Farm-fresh soul food might be the most agreeable-sounding oxymoron I’ve ever heard.

And with the help of restaurants like Farmer Brown, soul food’s health-unconscious perception may soon be a thing of the past. Chef Jay Foster is looking to pay homage to the South’s great culinary heritage and introduce Bay-area residents to a new pleasure that isn’t quite so guilty. Now what could be more genteel than that?

Gumbo (daily variations) — a faithful preparation of the New Orleans staple

Gumbo (daily variations) — a faithful preparation of the New Orleans staple

Crispy Cornmeal Catfish with candied yams, green tomato, pickled onion and fresh romano beans

Crispy Cornmeal Catfish with candied yams, pickled onion and fresh romano beans

Fried Chicken with tillamook cheddar cheese macaroni and mashed potatoes

Fried Chicken with tillamook cheddar cheese macaroni and garlic mashed potatoes

Farmer Brown is located at 25 Mason Street (at Market Street) in San Francisco. One block west of BART’s Powell Station. Call 415-409-FARM for reservations.

—Michael

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Flipping for Filippa K

The signs are all over the TV, the news rags, and most recently my couch. The recession has arrived, and we’d better put on the coffee and turn down the bedsheets because it’s not going away anytime soon. Coincidentally, these dark nights of the wallet are affording me plenty of time for wonderment: What’s with this açai berry and Oprah? What kind of collar would look best on a French bulldog? Why is Scandinavian art and design so darn good? I’d share all of my conclusions, but with all this free time on my hands I’m trying to pace myself. (Time is actually the inverse of money, to my dismay.)

What I will say is that I couldn’t be happier now that Swedish fashion designer Filippa Knutsson has opened her first U.S. flagship store, Filippa K, in San Francisco. With design driven by style, simplicity, and quality, the arrival of Filippa K is a welcome sight in a world gone dark. And in case you’ve forgotten, Scandinavians are well acquainted with darkness.

Filippa K specializes in understated yet contemporary styles that emphasize the person within. In a world mesmerized with surfaces, I find this remarkably refreshing and well worth the price. The company is also a member of the Fair Wear Foundation, which promotes fair treatment and pay for garment workers, and has even begun recycling gently used vintage Filippa K garments in its Stockholm store. Corporate responsibility, impeccably crafted clothing, and seasonless style that weathers trends and time? Wonderment, indeed.

Filippa K is located at 66 Kearny Street, just south of Post. 415-951-0210.

—Kay

Head & Tails: Clock Bar

As the newly opened bar in Union Square’s Westin St. Francis, Clock Bar firmly establishes itself as one to watch. Its drink menu provides a satisfying range of house favorites and seasoned classics. Of note, the Napa Sour offers an interesting, if not overly saccharine, twist on the whiskey sour with its introduction of local red wine and egg whites. The Uptown Manhattan is bold and impactful, though little distinguishes it from the original excepting a dash of cherry brandy. The music selection varied confusingly from smooth instrumental jazz through to favorites like Nina Simone and Al Green. Overall, however, I would say Clock Bar was a gem. Its well-considered drink selection, friendly staff and slick Vegas-like interior provides a pleasing respite to the crowds and congestion of Union Square. Clock Bar is mostly right on chime.
– Michael