Month: February 2018

Je n’aime pas in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
DaphneArt: Je n’aime pas

Je n’aime pas (“I do not like”), is the name of a collaborative art installation by Hern Worsley and Nur Moo which opened on Friday, February 9th, 2018 (with a second opening event planned for Saturday, February 10th, 2018 from 16:00 SLT) at DaphneArts, curated by Angelika Corral and Sheldon B.

Described as a conceptual piece, the installation features a build over three levels by musician, builder and artist Hern, within which a series of images by photographer Nur Moo are displayed. Mur is described as having returned to Second Life in the notes accompanying the installation, and I gather Je n’aime pas is something of a celebration of this fact.

DaphneArt: Je n’aime pas

Visits begin inside a building within the installation, on its lowest level. Before proceeding, make sure to observe the viewing instructions displayed in the dialogue box in the top right corner of your screen. In particular, make sure you have your viewer’s Advanced Lighting Model (ALM) enabled via Preferences > Graphics or you risk missing details. There is art on the walls inside the building – but frankly, I’m not sure if the photography is Nur’s or Hern’s or someone else’s.

A set of white arrows line the floor outside, encouraging people to step out into the larger structure. This exudes a modern approach to architecture: great steel beams, arms pentagonal floor sections, and great glass panels. Some are designed by Hern, some are from other creators he has used in building the installation. Central to this is a huge mesh vase, while from the walls hang panels with animated images.

DaphneArt: Je n’aime pas

At the foot of the vase sculpture sits a teleport on an easel that leads up to the middle level. this is where having ALM becomes particularly important. Without it, none of the images projected onto the flat wall panels, the greeble boards, cubes and floor will not be visible. Two more teleport boards sit on easels in the centre of this floor: one up, one down. Go up, and you become part of the installation yourself, courtesy of a trampoline.

This is a difficult installation to quantify. In some ways it likely to be reflective of its name for some; for others it may well be a curious mystery. Conceptual art  is art in which the idea(s) involved in the work take precedence over any traditional aesthetic. As such, this is an installation that needs to be considered as a whole, and not so much as a sum of its parts. given this, how we consider  Je n’aime pas is down to individual interpretation – and I’ll leave this to you to determine.

SLurl Details

This Weekend in Second Life Dance

Posted on by R.

Debauche - February 4 2018
pssst. piano. (Web)

Hi there. R. Crap Mariner, your Dance Correspondent.

I’ll be posting dance performance schedules, similar to Inara’s posts about Seanchai Library readings. We’ll start with the weekend events for now.

And, yeah, I’ll try to get the day of the week right. Sorry about that.

Let’s get started…

(All times SLT)

Friday February 9

1:00PM – RIPA: Make ’em Laugh

Bring on the lovers, liars and clowns! Join River Island Performing Arts for an exploration of comedy and music. This show features the monuments of comedic song and dance as well as a few forgotten chestnuts. Enjoy our cast of ten talented performers as they remind us that life is about laughter–and above all, “Ya Gotta Have Heart.”

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/River%20Island/179/189/1007

6:00PM – Elysium Cabaret

If it’s Friday, it’s Elysium Cabaret! Fancy some imagination? In The Empire Room at Copperhead Road, every Friday at 6pm SLT the dynamic performers of Elysium Cabaret take the stage to bring you a solid hour of entertainment! Featuring elaborate sets and choreography sequenced to an eclectic genre of music, Elysium Cabaret offers something for everyone. Grab your friends and get their early because the sim fills quickly. Come celebrate Friday! Welcome to the weekend!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Copperhead%20Road/74/64/2754

Elysium Cabaret - February 2 2018

10:00PM – Guerilla Burlesque

We are so excited to be back performing Friday night, February 9th at 10 pm in the PITS!

At 10 pm Friday we present to you, our in the round Pit show filled with brilliant made sets, stunning costumes, and engaging music all choreographed to make something wonderful happen on stage! We invite you to spend an hour with us!

We work hard to bring you some of the best entertainment on the grid that you come to know and expect from Guerilla Burlesque. It’s a great show this week directed by Chrissy Rhiano and we will present acts that will take you places only your dreams can do!

Mark the date, make your plans and meet us at the theater doors for the 10 pm Guerilla Burlesque dancing in the PITS! See you on Friday night, we can’t wait!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Idle%20Rogue/96/195/33

Guerilla Burlesque - September 29 2017

Saturday February 10

1:00PM SLT – Mynx Ballet

This season the choreography centers on Classical & Neoclassic ballets. Full of magic, enchanting dancing and costumes. This is the perfect show for new ballet audiences as well as seasoned fans.

We offer you a program for your preview. Travel arrangements have been made to pick up up by Limo.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SkyBeam%20Stowaway/174/92/1220

5:00PM – Phoenix Dance Team

Oh this show is going to be a doozy.. right now we have Phoenix Directors Gracie Lyonesse, Fafnir Kiranov, Imrhien ‘Honey Badger’ Porthos, Con Lorefield, Sebastain Bourne, Ray Lobo, JP Damien, Vanity Black & SouthernComfort Magic bringing you lots of amazing dances along with their choice of music.

We also have guest directors this week one of SL’s bad boys, Si De Brit and Owner & Operator of Centre Stage Theater Ryan Sawyer.

With all of this excitement, our favorite DJ Cara Bravin will be there to babble and keep everyone entertained before and during the show. So grab those friends and come on down to the Phoenix Theater at 5pm for an amazing night filled with fun, love and laughter.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SkyBeam%20Stowaway/27/151/1303

6:00PM – Whymsee Noir

Join us on Saturday, 2/10/18, starting at 6 pm SLT, for Let’s Dance at Whymsee Noir.: Unbreak My Heart! This show is dedicated to all things anti-Valentine, come as you are or dress for a party, and we’ll celebrate the darker side of the upcoming holiday together, ’cause we’ve got the songs, we’ve got the dancing, all we’re missing is YOU!!!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Whymsee/96/192/3286

7:00PM – Paramount

Krewe de Paramount! Paramount Grand Theatre’s brand new show for February. Come join us for an evening of classy but sassy entertainment as we the Paramount Players dance for you, February 3rd and 10th at 7pm SLT.

The Players are dancing in the Mardi Gras and Carnival. It’s even the month of Love with your Valentine! Put your dancing shoes on, come in costume if you like, and see the Players dance!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Hell%20Lust/77/83/22

Paramount Grand Theatre - February 3 2018

7:00PM – Moulin Rouge

LIVE – Cupid’s Delight Dance Show
A romantic evening awaits you as you step through the doors of the glamorous Moulin Rouge Theatre… A night of romance, of mystique and intrigue… The Moulin Rouge is proud to present on stage “Cupid’s Delight,” their Valentines inspired dance show! We hope to see you there for a wonderful, romantic evening!

The Moulin Rouge is celebrating it’s 12th Anniversary in SL! Come celebrate with us!

Semi-formal or formal is always acceptable or dress within theme of the show for the night. Thank you!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Moulin%20Rouge/172/131/31

8:00PM – A&M Mocap Maniacs

We welcome you to our monthly performances at the A&M Theater featuring the incredible dance animations of A&M MOCAP Dance Works. We have 6 talented choreographers to bring you an eclectic mix of music and dance in our redesigned theater. We end the show with a set of dances for you to join us.

Choreographers this month are: Adam and Bella, Nadi, Lina, Corri, Zach and Antonio. We look forward to seeing you!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Mocap%20Dancer/51/219/504

Sunday February 11

12:00PM – Kiki’s House of Burlesque

Treat yourself and your partner to a day out at our lavish playhouse. Beautiful, dancers swaying to a variety of tunes. Professionally choreographed dances and sets with a wide range of costumes. Entertainment, Topless, Adult, Shows, Cabaret, Moulin Rouge.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LORII%20CAPRONI%20ISLAND/134/179/24

Kiki - December 3 2017

1:00PM – Debauche

Debauche return once more to the beautiful surrounds of the Tryst Ballroom. Such a truly wonderful venue and one we always enjoy visiting.

A little bit naughty, a little bit risque, a lot sexy, and ALWAYS classy. That’s Debauche. Come join us for the show at 1PM SLT Sunday 11th February.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Forbidden%20Fruit/20/76/3032

Debauche - February 4 2018

1:00PM – The Art Factory

The Art Factory presents Latin Nights. Music by Pitbull, Ricky Martin, Shakira, and More!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Josina/187/161/21

The Art Factory - Latin Nights - February 7 2018

1:00PM – RIPA: Make ’em Laugh

Bring on the lovers, liars and clowns! Join River Island Performing Arts for an exploration of comedy and music. This show features the monuments of comedic song and dance as well as a few forgotten chestnuts. Enjoy our cast of ten talented performers as they remind us that life is about laughter–and above all, “Ya Gotta Have Heart.”

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/River%20Island/179/189/1007

1:00PM – Little Shop of Horrors by the Starlite Dancers @ Rose Theater

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Angel%20Manor/128/128/21

1:30PM – Bollywood @ Royal Opera

The Royal Opera House and Scenic Group Caliope/Diotima present Bollywood Musical. We cordially invite everyone, all members of our opera group, their families and friends to attend this special performance. Join us Sunday, 1:30 pm slt (22:30 cet).

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Oceanea/14/126/39

2:00PM – Dancing Desires

Please join us, as Dancing Desires Dance Troupe takes to the stage after a VERY successful grand opening show! A variety of dances that will showcase everything from fun and exciting to emotional and loving as some of the best choreographers across the grid bring their slice of dancing to the stage! The sim fills up fast, so please come early!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sos%20Community/150/103/2500

5:00PM – Winds of the Sahara

Each Sunday we have a shiny, new show at Winds of the Sahara Theater. Our dances range from burlesque to performance art and you are sure to be amazed at all of the wonder that sets, costumes and music can create. We’ll put sparkles in your eyes and leave sequins on your shirt collars.

FEB 11th only~Winds Theme Show

Is that love I smell or all the King Cakes in the air? Either way, Winds is having a Carnival of Love show we affectionately call We LOVE Fat Tuesday! Come and join us for an evening of Love and Feathers (that sounds wrong)….an evening of Love and Beads (nope still wrong)….an evening of…well you get the idea! There will be a little bit of Valentines and a little bit of Letting the Good Times Roll! (ugh still wrong). You know it will be an amazing show, please come join us for an evening of fun like no other! Laissez les bon temps rouler!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Aladona/124/193/2001

Winds of the Sahara- February 4 2018

Please check with the Dance Queens event calendar for updates and additions to the weekend’s schedule, as well as the many events that happen during the week.

2018 Sansar Product Meetings week #6: Find and Connect 2

Posted on by Inara Pey
Eternity by C3rb3rus

The following notes are taken from the Sansar Product Meeting held at 9:30am PST on Friday, February 9th, 2018 – unfortunately, I was unable to attend the afternoon meeting, so have not notes from that.

These Product Meetings are open to anyone to attend, are a mix of voice (primarily) and text chat, and there is currently no set agenda. The official meeting notes are published in the week following each pair of meetings, while venues change each week, and are listed in the Meet-up Announcements and the Sansar Atlas events sections.

Product Meeting Changes

The “new format” for the Product Meetings, featuring specific subject matter experts from the Lab making themselves available to answer questions from users will now likely start in the week commencing Monday, February 12th.

  • The meetings are liable to be held on different days of the week relative to one another, rather than both on a Friday.
  • Dates and topics will be announced via the usual channels (Sansar Discord channel, meeting announcements, Atlas Events).

Find And Connect Update

The Find and Connect release (see my previous Product Meeting report) was updated on Wednesday, February 7th, 2018, comprising fixes for some known issues.  A list of changes / remaining known issues is available in the release notes. The following provide a little more context on the update.

Character Editor

A couple of avatar issues have been fixed, forcing users logging-on for the first time after the update to go to the LookBook (avatar app). These are:

  • The avatar’s head only having limited movement (particularly noticeable in VR).
  • Switching between avatar genders could merge female and male avatars together.

Experience Loading  and Progress Indicators

This was noted in my previous meeting notes, the progress bar seen on an experience splash screen is still in its first iteration, and can appear to “hang” while loading content for uncached scenes.

  • It’s been suggested a count of assets loaded (e.g. 23 out of 96 or something) could help prevent feelings that the load process has hung.
  • It’s been noticed that on occasion, an experience can hang on loading, then quiting and restarting the client / reloading the experience can cause it to load and start OK.
    • This was noted before the progress bar was added, and has been more noticed since the addition of the progress bar, which might be indicative of a load problem / connection issue upsetting the load process.

Experience Concurrency Indicator

The experience concurrency indicator (green icon in the top left of the experience Atlas thumbnail / description image) is reporting avatars as being present in experiences when no-one is in fact visiting.

  • This is a known issue, caused in part by a degree of latency which can occur between people entering and leaving an experience, and the Atlas being updated, and the Lab is looking to improve this.
  • If the Atlas has been left open for an extended period, refreshing it (e.g. reloading the page in the case of the web Atlas) might force an update of the concurrency indicators for experiences that have seen a change in the number of people visiting.
  • Note that this indicator only applies to visitors in a published experience, it doesn’t count people actively editing the scene associated with the experience.

General Feedback

Outside of the points raised above, general feedback for the Find and Connect update is:

  • Load times have (in general) improved.
  • Performance has improved within experiences, probably as a result of the update optimisations included in the release.
  • LookBook is a lot more responsive and gives a smoother experience.
  • Issues of names not showing in Desktop Mode when hovering the mouse over an avatar seem to have increased, and dropping into / out of LookBook and re-spawning in an experience no longer consistently fixes the issue. This is a known to the Lab and is being investigated.

Voice and Text

Voice Indicators

The debate on how to more easily identify who is speaking continues both at the Lab and among users. Ideas put forward include:

  • A over-the-head indicator of some kind (a-la Second Life) – perhaps a an illuminated dot only seen when speaking. There is some resistance at the Lab to this approach as it “breaks immersion”
  • A voice indicator in Sansar’s people floater. Potential problems here:
    • It requires people to always have the people floater open, which could be intrusive and “immersion breaking” for some (possibly more so than a dot that only illuminates when someone is speaking).
    • It currently wouldn’t work for people in VR, who cannot see the chat / people floaters.
  • An auto-rezzing “speaker’s stick” indicator that automatically rezzes in front of the avatar of someone speaking, and vanishes when they are silent.
  • An avatar animation (again a-la Second Life “speaking” animation gestures); but again, this might be a problem for users in VR using hand controllers.

Currently, this issue s not on the immediate road map to be addressed.

Text Chat  / People Floater in VR Mode

  • This is still being considered at the Lab and not currently on the implementation road map.
  • It is possible that the first iteration will allow VR to see text chat, but not necessarily have the means to type text.
    • Users may have the option to toggle this on or off.
    • Some form of indicator that messages have been left in text chat, even if the text panel isn’t visible is also seen as advantageous.
  • The ability for VR users to respond in text is seen as a longer-term issue to resolve.

Voice vs. Text Debate

There is an ongoing debate about preferred communications in Sansar.

  • The platform is a lot more geared towards voice use; so there is a concern that encouraging text chat (as with making text visible to VR users) could shift the bias away from voice to text.
  • There are situations where text chat is the better means of communication, e.g:
    • As a means of saving a transcript of a business discussion / arrangement.
    • To assist with character role-play (e.g. no issues of a voice failing to match a character  – orc, dragon, elephant, etc), or a male user having a female character or vice versa, etc.

Discord has been pointed to as a “solution” to group chat, etc., with Sansar. However, while there are advantages to this (e.g. Linden Lab do not have to develop a Discord-like environment within Sansar) there are also disadvantages (e.g. Discord is not particularly intuitive for a new user; it actually means time in Discord is time potentially away from Sansar; it means placing data and information in the hands of yet another third-party, etc.).

  • There is potentially a bias towards Discord at present, as it does only have a very small community of Sansar users involved within it. There are questions as to how well it scale should Sansar reach tens of thousands of active users trying to engage in group conversations, locate groups, etc.
  • Conversely, can Linden Lab realistically encompass everything users need directly within Sansar without overwhelming the ease-of-use aspects the platform is supposed to have, and are approaches used in Second Life (e.g. full group integration) the most optimal solution?

The Voice / chat debate and options for text chat and voice indicators may form a part of one of the new focused Product Meetings in the future.

Kamigami, Pandora Resort in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey

Kamigami, Pandora Resort Town; Inara Pey, February 2018, on Flickr Kamigami, Pandora Resort

Note: this vision of Pandora Box of Dreams closed on August 1st, 2018, so the SLurl have been removed.

Lokhe Angel Verlack (Jackson Verlack) is a master in creating immersive environments, and I’ve covered a number of his region designs over the last few years – the most recent being Namaste, under their Pandora Resort/Pandora Box of Dreams banner (read here for more). Recently, he had his partner, Miza-Cupcake-Verlack (Mizaki) opened a new destination at Pandora Resort – Kamigami, a Japanese themed, down-town style environment with some nice little touches.

As with Namaste, a visit to Kamigami commences on the upper deck of an airliner zapping through the sky. Arrows on the floor direct passengers down to the lower deck and to teleport boards sit nestled in the cabin door lobby. One of these takes visitors to Namaste, the other to Kamigami, where they are delivered to the lower entrance to a metro station – the steps to street level offering the only way forward.

Kamigami, Pandora Resort Town; Inara Pey, February 2018, on Flickr Kamigami, Pandora Resort

Climbing the steps reveals this is not the better part of town; the red-bricked buildings are grimy with age, the streets – although apparently pristine tarmac, possibly washed clean by the falling rain – are lined with piles of rubbish, old oil cans and signs that some attempts are being made at renovation.The metro sign on the wall of the steps suggests we’re in Kyoto, in which case, this might be an older, more outlying part of that city.

More signs, neon and painted boards, hang from walls, extend from posts carrying overhead power lines and are mounted on overhead gantries. Some of these are typically Japanese while others offer a more Chinese lean, and some have a distinctly western look and feel; all of which gives the setting an eclectic look and feel.

Kamigami, Pandora Resort Town; Inara Pey, February 2018, on Flickr Kamigami, Pandora Resort

Most of the builds are admittedly shells, but part of the interest in a visit is finding your way around the streets separating them into blocks, taking in all the little details. I say “most”, because wander far enough and you will find places that are open to avatars to explore, such as the magic shop along one street and, most particularly, in the south-east of the build where a series of covered alleys offer little market stalls, eateries and curio shops.

The largest buildings in the setting are of distinctly European / western design. They sit within formal gardens positioned on the rugged table of rock that raises them above the surrounding town, an aloof position befitting their imposing looks. A narrow cutting in the rock,, marked by stone steps, presents the route up to these two manor-like buildings, both of which appear to be places of learning … or of dark acts.

Kamigami, Pandora Resort Town; Inara Pey, February 2018, on Flickr Kamigami, Pandora Resort

Keep an eye out, as well, for the town’s canal; not because of the water or for boats, but because of its unique display of fish that are literally flying along its course, rather and swimming. These can be seen from the road running alongside part of the canal, or from the old stone bridge spanning it.

As with all of  Lokhe ‘s builds – and as one might expect from my description of him at the top of this piece – Kamigami is eye-catching in its level of detail and touches.  Visually, it is as engaging as Namaste, down on the ground level below it – but in a very different way. There are opportunities for photography among the streets. As such, a visit is once again recommended.

Kamigami, Pandora Resort Town; Inara Pey, February 2018, on Flickr Kamigami, Pandora Resort

Muse Dance Company Presents “Fiddler on the Roof”

Posted on by R.

Sat Sri Akaal, everyone! It’s your Dance Correspondent, R. Crap Mariner.

Coming up on Sunday February 18 and Sunday February 25 at 9AM SLT, the Muse Dance Company presents their production of Fiddler on the Roof.

Here’s their show announcement:

Photos for Muse Interview at ModemWorld.me

Fiddler on the Roof, a musical

Fiddler on the Roof returns to the Muse Theater! This Tony-winning production, being presented by the | muse | dance company features stunning movements and dance by choreographer Anu Papp. Mark your calendars! You don’t want to this all time favorite show!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Whymsee/118/7/2019

That’s the TL;DR, but what does it take to put together a dance production? Who is Anu Papp and why does she create in Second Life? And what influences help form her style?

I know I want to know. So, let’s go exploring, shall we?

Tell Me More…

Photos for Muse Interview at ModemWorld.me

Anu brought me over to her home on Sunday morning. It’s a pastoral setting from the Baroque Era, and the soft-focused hues and tones reminded me of the sets that she builds. Even in her appearance, you can see those muted tones and the minimalist greyscales. “I am not often seen in SL, only on stage,” she says. “ I tend to live at the theater or on a platform.”

Anu is a Sikh artist from Scottsdale, Arizona, who writes, creates music, and has painted in the past. She is also a healer and an instructor in Kundalini yoga. “I have done meditations and taught some of Kundalini in here,” she says. “A lot of this is random when I get in the mood.”

The peaceful and flowing moves in yoga influence the choreography in her productions, helping to keep balance and steady. However, to my surprise… she revealed that she’s not a dancer in Real Life. “I think we all love to dance in SL,” she says. “I just took it further.”

She got her start in Second Life in 2005. “I was the founder of non-profit, In Gaia’s Lap and its division Artists4Mercy and 5013c focused on keeping the arts alive in orphanages globally.  I used the art of technology by running an online radio broadcast to get my message out there.  A friend of mine in the music industry suggested SL as a means by which I could capture a larger audience.  Within days of landing I found myself at Lost Gardens of Apollo, and lo and behold, I heard my radio stream. Dane Zander ended up becomes one of my biggest supporters for the radio, and my stream was the core of his sim for years.”

In time, she brought together the House of Habsburg roleplay community, and from them, the Muse Dance Company performers. It’s a group that’s grown close over the years. “I talk to the majority of them via phone and voice,” she says. “We have shared our lives together forever, cried together, lost loved ones, watched their children grow up. It’s a tight group.”

Dance Together

With this family, she didn’t want to just create another cabaret or variety show, but something that reflected her style, full productions instead of individual disparate acts. And she’s also looking for meaning with those productions: “When I was hosting sacred dance, a friend of mine who left her body last year came to me and told me that she really appreciated my doing the dances because she was wheelchair bound and it made her feel alive. I think that was always in my head moving forward, to put smiles on sad faces and making people feel really good about themselves.”

The first production of the Muse Dance Company was The Nutcracker. Before the availability of SpotOn and other choreography tools, she painstakingly arranged poseballs for the dances. “Needless to say, she says. “I crashed the sim and was horrified for years after that.”

Muse Dance Company - Nutcracker - December 3 2017

These days, things are a lot smoother with the new tools, as you can see from Muse Dance Company performer and videographer Glyn Morgath’s of Glynda Productions video of her recent revival of The Nutcracker:

Vision

The venue in which she stages these productions reflects her minimalistic style, but from a modern approach than the Baroque of her home region. Elevated platforms with comfortable sofas for the audience, muted lighting, darker greyscales with the focus on the wide stage.

Photos for Muse Interview at ModemWorld.me

As for what goes on the stage, Anu tends to be the visionary and choreographer for the team, building the sets to her vision and arranging the formations and moves, selecting the costumes. “Everything I do is a process of creation of the mind,” she says. “Depending on where I am in RL, it is extended here in SL…..and it is created. I draw on human form, emotion and life experiences. It is a labor of love, and I want people to feel something.”
However, recently, she collaborated with dance performer choreographer Cordie Cerise for her Mystic India production. Anu’s Muse Theater is on Cordie’s Whymsee region. “We understand one another thoroughly and she is so easy to work with.”

Muse Dance Company - Nutcracker - December 3 2017

Fiddler on the Roof

Which brings us to her latest production, Fiddler on the Roof, based on the Tony Award Winning Broadway musical. The story, set in the small village of Anatevka in 1905, tells the tale of Tevye, the father of five daughters. He tries to maintain Jewish cultural and religious traditions while the modern outside world changes all, and his daughters are drawn away to increasingly non-traditional marriages.

Photos for Muse Interview at ModemWorld.me

I remember growing up with the 1964 cast recording, with Zero Mostel as Tevye. Who hasn’t sung “Sunrise, Sunset” while flipping between Windlight settings, right? I’m curious why a peaceful and tranquil yoga instructor would select a musical with a jarring Klezmer musical style. For some reason, Sholem Aleichem’s work doesn’t quite line up with someone who lives on a peaceful sim named after the fourth chakra.

“My family came from a small village on the Romanian border, in Hungary, first-generation Hungarian Jew in America” she says.”Therefore, the ballets, I like the storylines the classical music. I am not the easiest puzzle to put together.”

Her SL and RL partner, Ferdinand Scarmon, will appear in the lead role, and the many Muse Dance Company performers as the cast. “The Muse Dance Company members are a great group of people,” she says. “Many have been with me forever.” She’s planning on 19 performers on the stage at once; large casts on the stage are a hallmark of her productions, and I’m always worried someone will crash out and break the line.

Photos for Muse Interview at ModemWorld.me

It’s not just keeping the line from crashing out, mind you. I talked with Violet Sweetwater, one of the many wonderful people in the Muse Dance Company, and about the complexity and difficulty in scheduling and coordinating, she said “Anu has to arrange dates and times for her dancers at least four times over for a show. We’re SLT plus 8 hours, there’s a dancer from New York, I think, and two from Ohio. So, to get us all sorted, it’s an achievement in itself.”

Photos for Muse Interview at ModemWorld.me

Thank you, Anu and Violet, it was wonderful to talk to you and learn more about you and what you do. And I hope that the readers mark their calendars for this production.

Sat Nam.

Additional Information

So, who wants to be next?

50 cats in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Cica Ghost: 50 Cats

Cica Ghost opened her new installation 50 Cats early in February 2018. Following on from Bird People, which presented something of a conundrum (see here for more), this is an altogether more light-hearted piece, offering a little tongue-in-cheek fun.

As a strap-line, the installation uses a quote by novelist and short story writer Bobbie Ann Mason, One day I was counting the cats and I absent-mindedly counted myself. It’s from her first published novel from 1982, Shiloh and Other Stories, although beyond the reference to counting cats, this doesn’t appear to have a deeper meaning for the installation – or at least, not one I could fathom.

Cica Ghost: 50 Cats

A visit begins in the south-west corner of a sandy island. Almost entirely devoid of trees, this little island has a ring of houses, tall and thin with pitched roofs, surrounding its lone hill. It is atop the hill, with its wooden fence crown, that the cats can be found. And there really are fifty of them.

They are standing, sitting, lying down, rolling on the ground, chasing butterflies, watching one another, washing – doing all the things cats do. Some look happy, many look a little nervous, some have a look of pathos in their eyes, as if asking to be taken home and shown a little love. None of them show the slightest interest ion the two trees in their garden nor the dustbins occupying a corner, despite the latter oft being associated with stray cats. For human visitors however, a click on the lid of one of the bins might generate interest and raise a chuckle.

Cica Ghost: 50 Cats

In a similar nature to the dustbins, there are a number of “bunny cars” – some of which can be touched for animations as well. These are also fun to play with, and grab the attention. Also to be found on the fence and on some of the buildings are Cica’s little cartoon stick people. And do keep an eye out for the mice; they are as captivating as the cats.

50 Cats is a wonderfully light-hearted build offers fun and smiles. For those who love cats, and wish to respond to the heartfelt looks of wanting to be taken home an loved, each one is available for sale. Just right-click to buy a copy; all can be resized to suit personal needs.

 

SLurl Details

  • 50 Cats (Pillow Rock, rated: Moderate)