The Rake Magazine

Author: Danielle Kurtzleben

  • Alan Weisman

    Now, here’s fodder for daydreams and late-night speculation: What would happen to the earth—and, more pointedly, to our massive infrastructure of buildings, bridges, subways, and sculptures—if the human race were to disappear? Author and University of Arizona journalism professor Alan Weisman has asked the question of everyone from geologists and paleontologists to art conservators and the Dalai Lama, and the answers are utterly fascinating.

    ……………………………………………..

    This month he discusses the well-researched thesis put forth in his new book, The World Without Us. Come prepared for an ecology lesson, as well as some delightful trivia. For example: Without us, mosquitoes would thrive, domesticated cattle would die out (of course), and a plastic bottle cap would likely outlive your house.

  • Mina Agossi

    Calling Mina Agossi a jazz singer is like calling Michael Jordan a basketball player; it’s technically true but woefully understated. Like the best singers, Agossi makes it abundantly clear that her voice is an instrument, whether she’s working with her own compositions, Ella Fitzgerald standards, or Jimi Hendrix covers (which she renders complete with raucous vocal “guitar” solos). The chanteuse’s majestic voice contrasts with a cool, funny stage presence that is perfect for the intimate Dakota. Her banter between songs can be downright hilarious. At her last Dakota appearance, she asked the audience in her gorgeous French lilt: “What is this Minnesotan dish … the casserole?” Best see her now before she jumps to larger venues. 1010 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-332-1010; www.dakotacooks.com

  • Super Night Shot

    If you happen to be wandering near the Walker some evening this month, do not be alarmed if you’re accosted by a young European wielding a video camera. This is merely part of the “War on Anonymity” waged by the Gob Squad, a performance art troupe whose members hail from the U.K. and Germany. One hour before each 9 p.m. performance, troupe members will take to the mean streets of Lowry Hill, where they will allow serendipity to take over as they incorporate unsuspecting passersby into their impromptu cinematic creation. Then they will hustle back to the Walker to treat their audience to Super Night Shot, a one-hour, four-screen showing of their uncut footage. We’ll be intrigued to see what kinds of material they can generate by provoking us supposedly modest Minnesotans. Walker Art Center, 612-375-7600.

  • Speed-the-Plow

    There is Shakespearean language, with its grand soliloquies and sonnets. And then there is the language of David Mamet, who made his name by elevating everyday speech into an art form. This fall, The Jungle Theater brings those trademark machine-gun sentences, stutters, and profanities to the stage with Speed-the-Plow.

    .

    Jungle Artistic Director Bain Boehlke directs this satire about a Hollywood producer who is torn between art and money when he’s given twenty-four hours to green-light either a spiritual, apocalyptic film (pitched by his gorgeous secretary) or a sex-and-violence-packed action flick (pitched by a close friend). Consider it a palate cleanser after the summer of Transformers and Spiderman 3. 612-822-7063.

  • La Bohème

    The Minnesota Orchestra finishes its 2007 Sommerfest series with Puccini’s immensely popular La Bohème. The opera is a staple of classical music fans’ collections. But its arias and plotline also are familiar to the uninitiated; after all, Rent and Moulin Rouge are but two examples of popular modern takes on the tale. This production features a cast of world-class singers as well as local favorites Minnesota Chorale and Minnesota Boychoir. The Minnesota Orchestra, too, plays an essential role, as the musicians occupy their usual front-and-center real estate—creating a visually spare but ultimately aurally lush production. For an added treat, keep an eye out for restaurateur Vincent Francoul, owner of the musicians’ hang, Vincent; he has a bit part in Act II. 612-371-5656; www.minnesotaorchestra.org