January has been a laidback struggle. Demands of work, me trying to determine what this year should look like for me, the unbearable cold — all grappling. I should stop and enjoy this sip of coffee...

I did not expect to receive so much creative input from Shakespeare this month. Back-to-back film adaptations of two of his tragedies. Then his words and style kept popping up elsewhere. I’ve downloaded Lear and Macbeth to my iPad, neither I’ve read before. The vernacular is difficult for me to follow, but I normally get the gist. They are short reads anyway. Might finally read Titus Andronicous. I’ve been told there’s a Lucius in it.

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This month’s playlist:

Ran

Enamored by this adaptation of King Lear. For someone who has never read the source, there were some truly shocking turns. I forgot it was a tragedy and was crushed when the happy ending was snatched away. Fantastic performances. Filmmaking at its finest.

The Tragedy of Macbeth

Adored the artistic choices made for this contemporary adaptation. From casting, to dismissing affected accents, to the thoughtful blend of strengths from stage and screen. I loved the stage design unleashed from the confines of a mere proscenium. The black and white visuals only accentuated the dramatic, emotive architecture. Lovely.

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Already on season five. I’m obsessed. Some of my favorite moments are the inconsequential ones — Picard directing Data in scenes from Shakespeare or other plays. Silly, but full of Picard’s appreciation for craft, Data’s curiosity and earnestness, and their warmth for each other.

Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP

Purchased over a decade ago and never played. The first mobile game that I remember people saying “wasn’t just a mobile game.” A statement buoyed by the craft and uniqueness infused into the title. Its a rather traditional point-and-click adventure. Beautiful pixel art, music. Possess a tantalizing air of mystery. And fairly silly dialogue. Rye but laced with the dramatic; jumbled with contemporary colloquialism and made-up/misused words. A whiff of Shakespeare if you ask me.

P.S. Excited for the Superbrother’s next project. Eleven whole years between games!

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This month I also looked back over the past year of journal entries and shared some field recordings.