Red Room Reflections, February 2018
A few words from the Editor –
Dear Readers, before we go any further with this installment, I want to remind you that Red Room simply would not be without you!
This month we have reflections on the February 17 Stage Time and Wine XCVI written in Chinese by Eann Yueh-An Chang and also by our oft-times MC: Addi Eng, who, though Chinese is not his first language, is enjoying using it – for reflections, at least.
Kind of Red XV Feb 17 was the focus of a reflection by poet Sarya Wu.
Finally, an article on earthquake preparedness, written by Tobie Openshaw and originally published in the Taiwan Observer was translated by one of our newest volunteers, Jessie Benjamin.
…scroll down!
by Ruth Giordano, Editor
Stage Time and Wine
by Addi
小紅詩:
這一次 Stage Time and Wine
有不少的 singing and rhyme.
很讓人感動,
跟大家放鬆,
流利的分享妳的 mind.
A cutesy take on the beloved monthly 紅遠寄詩酒. Not a reference to any specific one, more just what we’ve
come to love and look forward to at any given Stage Time. Forgive my clumsy Chinese, and thanks to
everyone who helps to keep the flame alive!
Stage Time and Wine, Feb. 17, 2018
by Eann Yueh-an Chang, Scribe
農曆新年我們在一個空曠的基地裡，過去老舊的圖書館二樓，偌大的平面空間中幻想大家會來這次的紅緣寄詩酒。
新年新希望，大家沒有讓我們失望，過年這次反而比平常更多人，想必是吃飽喝足睡夠了。 這裡是所有魔法起作用的地方，療癒心靈之所在，請你來坐坐，看看紅坊有沒有讓你的心融化。
Kind of Red XV Jazz Night February 23
by Sarya Wu
It was quite literally, a rather red room.
My second time at the Red Room was for the Kind of Red XV Jazz Night February 23 , and I offered to volunteer my time to a place that caters to the culture of listening.
It had a warehouse feel, with various well-chosen pieces of furniture- what appeared to be a ceremonial Chinese marriage bed, a couch made of cardboard sheets, and armchairs in the shape of hands doing the “ok” sign, were some of the obvious signs that this location was something special. The lack of an overbearing authoritative etiquette was refreshing- it genuinely felt like you could talk to anyone in the room (and not think yourself strange for doing so).
I was working the door with my friend Eben, so we were watching all the music happen from the entrance. The smooth instrumental tones of trumpet and bass from the band flooded the serene space as their onlookers chatted amongst themselves with (what became) several glasses of wine. There was relaxation and reserved enjoyment, as a night of Jazz ought to have.
People appeared throughout the night, just to listen to the controlled chaos that was improvising amongst musicians. It was a secret language they shared, and thankfully you didn’t have to speak it to appreciate how it sounded. There was an interesting dynamic to how they communicated: the bassist would flash a look at the lead guitarist, or the drummer would make a signal by slowly changing the tempo, and the trumpet man would stand tall, waiting for his solo to blow us all away. A highlight of the night was when Red Room superstar, Vicky Sun, joined the band with velvety vocals, creating an ensemble that covered classic tunes swimmingly well. Towards the end, most of the volunteers were up and dancing, trying our best to encourage those shy audience members to join our best attempts at moving rhythmically.
It was a room. It was red, not just because of the colours of the decor. It was brimming with energy and life.
So, quite literally and figuratively, a red room.
Photos by 喵助影像 Daisuke Chen.
Earthquake Survival Guide
by Tobie Openshaw
An article on earthquake preparedness, written by Tobie Openshaw and originally published in the Taiwan Observer
Earthquake Survival Guide
Looking back at the last 20-odd years of earthquakes and disasters in Taiwan and elsewhere in the region, one can learn a few lessons and prepare some necessities to ensure that you can survive similar scenarios to what we have seen play out here.
Read the full article here.
