I still do not really understand the concept behind the American Folk Art Museum. It is obvious that the art deals with folk art, however, I do not know the real definition of folk art. It was an unexpected visit. A group of us from the IDC class planned to make a trip to see the Tim Burton exhibit at the MOMA. However, we did not realize it was closed on Tuesdays. Next door happened to be the American Folk Art Museum, and when we look on our cultural passports, it happened to be first on the list. Most of the artwork reminded me of a Native American and prairie farm inspiration.

Let me start off by saying Lincoln Center is absolutely just gorgeous. Even though it was raining, the sight of the center was just amazing. It was like nothing i've ever seen before. The seats that were provided to us by Macaulay were also absolutely amazing to enhance our visit to the Opera. It was my first ever Opera and it was one to remember. I was told by a few of my classmates that the very own Meryl Streep was present in the Opera sitting in the 4th row. I didn't get to see her for myself though. The atmosphere in the Opera was just absolutely incredible.

      Meryl Streep's appearance at House of Dead did not prove to be the only thrill of the performance. Before I detail what I enjoyed, our class discussion helped me appreciate the Opera much more. Thank you, Professor Bergman! To begin, I thought the set was incredible. Arguably it was drab and captured the atmosphere of prison life, but the depth and color really inspired more in the performance.  I could see how the set had the essence of a Stalinist gulag, but I felt otherwise. The set resonated to me as a futuristic interpretation of a barrack.

       House of the Dead by Dostoevsky explores remorse. Observing the condition of his cell mates, Alexander Petrovich states, "I never once saw among these men the slightest sign of remorse, the least gnawing of conscience, and that the majority of them believed themselves to have done nothing wrong," (16).  Petrovich's observation separates him from the other prisoners. Not only does it suggest that he alone is remorseful, but that he is morally superior.