CONTENTS

NOVEMBER 9, 2017 Volume 24 Issue 28

17 POLITICAL EARTHQUAKE
Danica Roem makes history as first trans legislator amid a
Democratic wave that could flip
Virginias House of Delegates.

By John Riley

LOVE STORY
Francis Lee had some personal issues to work out. So he
made a movie called Gods Own Country and in the process
brought gay romance to a whole new level.

Interview by Randy Shulman

26
37 SPOTLIGHT: FLAMENCO FESTIVAL p.7 OUT ON THE TOWN p.11
BUMPY RIDE
Murder on the Orient Express is a fun, if flawed and
unoriginal, adaptation of the Christie classic.

By Rhuaridh Marr

NEW FRONTIERS: WILSON CRUZ p.12 STAGE: A SHORT SERIES OF DISAGREEMENTS p.14
MUSIC: CELEBRATING BREL p.16 THE FEED p.17 FORUM: GLOBAL CRISIS p.19
COMMUNITY: BOYS OF BRIDGE p.21 SCENE: SMYALS FALL BRUNCH p.24
COVER STORY: LOVE STORY p.26 GALLERY: FRANCE IS A FEAST p.33 OPERA: ALCINA p.35
FILM: MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS p.37 NIGHTLIFE p.39
SCENE: MR. MARYLAND LEATHER VICTORY PARTY p.39 LISTINGS p.40
LAST WORD p.46
Real LGBTQ News and Entertainment since 1994
Editorial Editor-in-Chief Randy Shulman Art Director Todd Franson Managing Editor Rhuaridh Marr Senior Editor John Riley Contributing Editor Doug Rule
Senior Photographers Ward Morrison, Julian Vankim Contributing Illustrator Scott G. Brooks Contributing Writers Andr Hereford,
Sean Maunier, Troy Petenbrink, Kate Wingfield Webmaster David Uy Production Assistant Julian Vankim
Sales & Marketing Publisher Randy Shulman National Advertising Representative Rivendell Media Co. 212-242-6863 Distribution Manager Dennis Havrilla
Patron Saint Jack Twist Cover Photography Courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films

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4 NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 Spotlight
ANA PALMA

Spanish Showcase
Spains legendary Francisco Hidalgo returns to Galas Flamenco festival with a U.S. Premiere

B
REAK OUT THE CASTANETS! GALAS 13TH ANNUAL
Fuego Flamenco XIII continues this weekend with the
U.S. Premiere of Binomio, a bold new piece created by
Spains legendary Francisco Hidalgo, who enthralled audiences
last year with the thrilling The Silences of the Dance. Francisco is
again focusing on looking at the human connection of flamenco
and the energy that flows between artist and creating the work
and how they respond to music and how they respond to move-
ment, says Abel Lopez, GALAs Associate Producing Director.
Hidalgo will be joined by dancer Anabel Moreno and singers
Trini de la Isla and Ana Polanco. The performances feature
musical direction by guitarist Jos Almarcha and musician El
Wafir S. Gabril, who hails from Kurdistan. While this is only
Hidalgos second appearance at GALAs popular festival, its
the thirteenth time the theatre has partnered with Casa Patas,
a world-renowned Madrid tablao, which describes the heavy,
reverberating floorboards that amplify the heart-pumping fla-
menco style. Lopez notes that the festivals longtime curator,
Edwin Aparicio, appeared at Casa Patas, which hosts the best
and most authentic flamenco in Spain. By maintaining a con-
nection with Casa Patas, weve presented several of the leading
young, contemporary choreographers and dancers coming out
of Spain, he says.
In addition to the weekend performances, which run from
Nov. 9 to 12, the festival will hold a free family day on Saturday
afternoon, featuring interactive demonstrations in flamenco
zapateo, castanets, and fans. The Spanish Dance Society will lead
two sessions, from 11 a.m. to noon, and from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
With Binomio, were really focusing on the universal appeal
of flamenco, says Lopez. Were presenting contemporary
work, which is not just the dance but the music that accompa-
nies it, with traditional singers. Its important because it bridges
both the contemporary and the traditional flamenco genre.
Randy Shulman

Flamenco XIII continues through Nov. 12 at GALA Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW. General tickets are $45, or $30 for Seniors,
Military, Student, and people 30 and under. Noche de GALA tickets on Friday, November 10, are $55 (single) and $95 (couple).
Call 202-234-7174 or visit galatheatre.org.

NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY 7

 Spotlight
GIGI
Capital Classics, the hump-day series at Landmarks
recently refurbished West End Cinema, continues its
winter season with this nine-time Oscar-winning movie
musical, including Best Picture, and featuring songs by
Lerner and Lowe (My Fair Lady). Vincente Minnelli
directs the Gallic tale about a gawky girl in turn-of-the-
20th-century Paris who transforms into the glamorous
Gigi, yet yearns for something money cant buy. With
Leslie Caron and Louis Jourdan. Happy Hour-priced
beer and wine from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov.
COURTESY OF MGM

15, at 1:30, 4:30, and 7:30 p.m. Landmarks West End

Cinema, 2301 M St. NW. Tickets are $12.50. Call 202-
534-1907 or visit landmarktheatres.com.

PAULA POUNDSTONE
The longtime standup comic, self-proclaimed virginish and asex-
ual, is the funniest panelist on NPRs reliably funny weekend
news quiz show Wait Wait... Dont Tell Me! Poundstone returns for
another weekend run of shows at the Birchmere. Friday, Nov. 10,
through Sunday, Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m. The Birchmere, 3701 Mount
Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Tickets are $49.50. Call 703-549-7500 or
visit birchmere.com.

HALEY REINHART
The jazzy, bluesy Reinhart came to fame as the sec-
ond runner-up on the 10th season of American Idol.
She has been a featured vocalist on several standout
tracks from Scott Bradlees Postmodern Jukebox,
and returns the favor by featuring Bradlee on piano
on several songs on her covers album Whats That
Sound?, including a winsome rendition of Words
of Love by the Mamas and the Papas. Shes now
touring that charming throwback set, including a
stop at the Fillmore Silver Spring two weeks before
the Postmodern Jukebox headlines the same venue.
Monday, Nov. 13, at 8 p.m. 8656 Colesville Road,
Silver Spring. Tickets are $10 to $20. Call 301-960-
9999 or visit fillmoresilverspring.com.

8 NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 Spotlight
DANCE METRO DC
BENEFIT CONCERT
A leading booster of the local professional dance scene
presents a starry lineup at a concert doubling as a fund-
raiser. Performers on tap at this fall benefit include
Keira Hart-Mendoza of UpRooted Dance, Sarah J.
Ewing of S. J. Ewing & Dancers, Katherine Horrigan of
Company Danzante, Adrienne Clancy of ClancyWorks
Dance Company, Erica Rebollar of RebollarDance,
Tarik OMeally, Robert Rubama and the Terre Dance
Collective, and Nancy Flores. Saturday, Nov. 11, at 8
p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 12, at 4 p.m. Dance Place, 3225
8th St. NE. Tickets are $15 to $30. Call 202-269-1600 or
visit danceplace.org.
DAVID DOWLING

RebollarDance

MEAN GIRLS
Tina Feys hit film transformed as a musical and the hottest
ticket in town especially since its stop at the National
Theatre is a tryout prior to its Broadway debut, set for the
spring. Fey has written the shows book with music by
her husband and 30 Rock composer Jeff Richmond and
lyrics by Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde). Casey Nicholaw
(The Book of Mormon) directs. In previews. Runs to Dec.
3 at The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.
Tickets are $48 to $128, although the National will hold a
ticket lottery before each show, and individuals may sub-

MARY ELLEN MATTHEWS

mit their names at the box office to win up to two tickets
at $25 each. Twenty lottery seats are available for each
performance, with names drawn 90 minutes prior to the
show. Call 202-628-6161 or visit thenationaldc.org.

focus in the past few years

has been on the classics
whether love songs from the
Great American Songbook to
tributes to her idols Sarah
Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald.
The latter is the focus of a
concert celebrating 100 years
since the late First Lady of
Jazzs birthday, The Ella
Century. Friday, Nov. 10, at
8 p.m. Bethesda Blues & Jazz
Supper Club, 7719 Wisconsin
Ave. Tickets are $35, plus $10
ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY minimum purchase per per-
Ann Hampton Callaway has written songs for her mentor Barbra Streisand plus the son. Call 240-330-4500 or
theme song to the old TV series The Nanny. But the lesbian jazz singer-songwriters visit bethesdabluesjazz.com.

NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY 9

COURTESY OF THE KENNEDY CENTER
Out On The Town

Matt Gould and Griffin Matthews

BROADWAY, THE NEXT GENERATION SERIES

Every year, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), offers a showcase of new generation
Broadway composers at the Kennedy Center. Previous lineups have included recent Tony winners Steven Lutvak (A
Gentlemans Guide to Love and Murder) and Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dear Evan Hansen). Each program features a
different composer or composing team, who either perform themselves or recruit others to highlight songs in their reper-
toire, cabaret-style. This years series features five up-and-coming composers, all offered in free programs at 6 p.m. on the
Millennium Stage. They include Oliver House (Held Momentarily) on Sunday, Nov. 12; Nikko Benson, on Monday, Nov. 13;
Julian Hornik (Giovannis Room), on Tuesday, Nov. 14; Matt Gould and Griffin Matthews (Witness Uganda aka Invisible
Thread), on Wednesday, Nov. 15; Max Vernon (The View UpStairs), on Thursday, Nov. 16; and Andrew Lippa (I Am Harvey
Milk), on Friday, Nov. 17. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

Compiled by Doug Rule
FILM
CATVIDEOFEST 2017
Filmmaker Will Braden (Le Chat
Noir) has assembled another
80-minute program thats a fancy
feast for cat lovers, chock-full of
cat videos both popular, as well
as new and undiscovered. Yet
CatVideoFest, co-presented with
the Bethesda-based, globally
focused nonprofit Alley Cat Allies,
doubles as a fundraiser and net-
working event for fellow feline fans.
Saturday, Nov. 18, at 5 p.m., and
Sunday, Nov. 19, at 5 p.m. AFI Silver
Theatre, 8633 Colesville Road,
Silver Spring. Tickets are $13 gener-
al admission. Call 301-495-6720 or
visit afi.com/Silver.
MILDRED PIERCE
Inspired by Ryan Murphys Feud on
FX, the Hill Centers film and dis-
cussion series Davis & Crawford,
A Fabulous Rivalry alternates
between cinematic focuses on
Bette Davis and Joan Crawford.
Hosts New Yorker writer Margaret
Talbot and Movie Mom film crit-
ic Nell Minow conclude the four-
film run with the Michael Curtiz-
directed 1945 classic through which
Crawford snagged her only Oscar.
She was a queen at MGM for many
years, and then they kicked her out
very unceremoniously, Minow
says of the film. I think that a large
part of why that is her best perfor-
mance is that she really was suffer-
ing in real life. She really was very
humiliated. And that comes across
in the role. Sunday, Nov. 12, at 4
p.m. Hill Center, Old Navy Hospital,
921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Free, but
registration recommended for guar-
anteed seating.. Call 202-549-4172
or visit HillCenterDC.org.
REBECCA
Alfred Hitchcocks first American
project, the 1940 Oscar winner
stars Joan Fontaine as the young
beloved of a brooding, aristocrat-
ic widower (Sir Laurence Olivier),
and forced to live forever in the
shadow of his first wife. Judith
Anderson, as the creepy housekeep-
er Mrs. Danvers, steals the film.
Also with George Sanders. Rebecca
screens as part of the American
Film Institutes month-long Joan
Fontaine Centennial series. Friday,
Nov. 17, at 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov.
19, at 11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 20, at
2 p.m, Tuesday, Nov. 21, at 3 p.m.,
and Wednesday, Nov. 22, at 2 p.m.
AFI Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville
Road, Silver Spring. Tickets are $13
general admission, or $10 for mat-
inee screenings. Call 301-495-6720
or visit afi.com/Silver.
STAGE
A LITTLE PRINCESS SARA CREWE
The married couple of composer
Matt Conner and lyricist Stephen
Gregory Smith teamed up with
book writer Ellen Selby on a new
musical adaptation of the childrens
novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
Presented by Creative Cauldrons
Learning Theater Ensemble and
directed by Selby and the fledgling
Virginia theater companys Laura
Connors Hull, A Little Princess Sara
Crewe takes place at Miss Minchins
School for Girls, capturing the spirit
of the novel and its salute to the
power of imagination. To Nov. 19.
ArtSpace Falls Church, 410 South
Maple Ave. in Falls Church. Tickets
are $20 to $30. Call 703-436-9948
or visit creativecauldron.org.
ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA
HHHHH
Shakespeares Antony and
Cleopatra is an interesting animal:
not quite historical drama, not
quite lovers tragedy. The already
small Folger Theatre goes super-in-
timate by staging the production
in-the-round and the intimacy gives

NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY 11

CBS ALL ACCESS

NEW FRONTIERS
Part of a historic first on Star Trek, Wilson Cruz is proud that his costar
publicly revealed a long-harbored, traumatic secret

W
HEN WILSON CRUZ WAS A KID, HE WAS
so obsessed with The Next Generation, he set not
one, but two goals for himself: I wanted to be in
a Broadway musical. And I wanted to be on Star Trek. The
43-year-old has since achieved both, his Broadway cap-feather
being Rent, in which he played opposite Anthony Rapp.
Recently, the other goal was met, as Cruz is starring in
Star Trek: Discovery, on which he portrays Dr. Hugh Culber, a
brilliant, young medical officer on the experimental ship. Once
again, he finds himself paired with Rapp, who plays Lt. Paul
Stamets, a fungal expert central to the ships ultimate mission.
In a much-lauded move for a Trek series, Culber and Stamets
are openly gay and in a loving relationship. Set a decade before
the boldly goings of the originals Captain James T. Kirk,
Discovery is more visceral and volatile than prior Treks (its
closest cousin is Deep Space Nine). The new series, which is
available on the CBS All Access streaming service and hits a
mid-season finale on Sunday before going on a two-month hia-
tus, has a unique, thrilling narrative, with each episode boasting
the highest possible production values, the sort usually reserved
for feature films.
I know a lot of people were upset about the fact that the
show was being streamed and they had to pay for it, says Cruz.
I keep telling people Youre paying for something in which
every cent is seen on that screen. Youre not getting gypped in
any way.
The relationship between Culber and Stamets is revealed
in a nonplussed, almost casual manner. I am grateful for the
way that theyve dealt with it all around, says the openly gay
Cruz. We wanted to not make a big deal about it. These are two
people who happen to be gay, who also happen to be officers in
Starfleet, and who also happen to be in a relationship together. I
love the fact that it wasnt A Very Special Episode.
Rapp, also gay, recently made headlines when he took aim
at Kevin Spacey with a horrifying tale of alleged sexual miscon-
duct by the older actor when Rapp was only 14. It was the first
of many dominoes to fall for the House of Cards star who, in a
fumbling, misguided Tweet tried to deflect the issue by coming
out as gay.
Im really proud of Anthony, Cruz says of his friend of two
decades. I stand behind him, and am so proud of the fact that
he has empowered other people to come forward. Cruz, who
also stars in Netflixs 13 Reasons Why, which directly deals with
sexual assault and young people, hasnt experienced harass-
ment on the same level, but admits people have said inappro-
priate things to me. I handled it and walked away and didnt put
myself in a position for it to go any further.
He was furious with the Spacey statement in which he
conflated pedophilia with coming out.... But I was heartened by
the response not just from LGBTQ people and their outrage,
but the outrage of our allies.... I think educated people can make
their own assessment about who LGBTQ people really are. The
community has done a really great job at communicating that. I
think a lot of that has happened on television how weve used
our stories and TV to really allow people to see and know what
LGBTQ lives are really like. Randy Shulman

Star Trek: Discovery is available on CBS All Access. Visit cbs.com/all-access.

12 NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY

the play personality. In director
Robert Richmonds cozy circle are
a real Antony and Cleopatra. They
may deliver grand and beautiful
language, they may go to war or
die by asp, but they are without
question, living, breathing people
who smirk, cuddle, and lose their
tempers. A magnificent Cleopatra,
Shirine Babb exudes the necessary
countenance in the gorgeous garb of
Mariah Hale. Babb is the reason to
see this production. The only regret
is that the revolving stage is not
activated during her death scene so
that more of the audience can see
her expressive face as she chooses
her fate. To Nov. 19. Folger Theatre,
201 East Capitol St. SE. Tickets are
$35 to $79. Call 202-544-7077 or
visit folger.edu. (Kate Wingfield)
EMILIE
HHHHH
Lauren Gundersons spirited
drama looks at the literary side
of the actual milie du Chtelet,
a genius scientist, mathematician
and philosopher who, in the early
18th-century, published work that
changed the equation describ-
ing one of the fundamental laws
of physics challenging Newton
and the worlds rules about women
in science. Emilie is most searing
when relaying the Marquises righ-
teous anger that such learned and
supposedly wise men as her fellow
scientists might be almost incapa-
ble of taking her work seriously
merely because of her sex. Directed
by Rick Hammerly. Extended
to Nov. 19. Gunston Arts Center,
2700 South Lang Street, Arlington.
Tickets are $10 to $35. Call 703-418-
4804, or visit avantbard.org. (Andre
Hereford)
MANIFESTO! A THEATRICAL
DADA DIVERSION
The latest devised theater piece
from the Helen Hayes Award-
winning troupe Happenstance
Theater is built on text from actual
manifestos from the Capitalist to
the Communist for a show that the
Washington City Paper reviewed as
a delightful romp through the sur-
real. Set during wartime at the sur-
realist Cabaret ReVoltaire owned
by Madam Proprietor and operated
by Middle-Man and the New Girl,
the cast includes Happenstances
husband-and-wife leaders Mark
Jaster and Sabrina Mandell, as well
as Gwen Grastorf, Sarah Olmsted
Thomas, Alex Vernon and Mark
Winch. Closes Sunday, Nov. 12.
Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 West
Preston St. Baltimore. Tickets are
$15 to $25. Call 410-752-8558 or
visit theatreproject.org.
OUR TOWN
The townspeople become Japanese-
style puppets in Aaron Posners
eccentric take on the seminal classic
by Thornton Wilder. John Hudson
Odom (Angels in America) stars as
the guiding Stage Manager in a pro-
PHOTO COURTESY OF EMPORIYUM
EMPORIYUM
Union Market is a haven for foodies year-round, but one weekend every November it
becomes a veritable foodies paradise. In addition to the regular merchants and food
stalls inside the Market proper, over 100 artisans, producers, chefs and restaurants from
around the Mid-Atlantic also set up booths behind the market to sample and peddle their
latest wares and fares. Its a good assortment of tasty edibles and thoughtful gifts, for
friends and family and yourself. A sampling of the more intriguing vendors on hand
this year include: South Mountain Creamery, Zesty Z Spreads & Condiments, Brother
Floyds Righteous Pickles, the Local Oyster from Baltimore, Tibetan dumplings from
D.C.s Dorjee Momo, liquor-infused ice cream from Tipsy Scoop, dog treats from What
The Cluck, New Yorks Sfoglini Pasta Shop, and Bella Rouge Barbeque. The Emporiyum
launches with a Five Year Birthday Party on Friday, Nov. 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. The
Emporiyum is Saturday, Nov. 11, and Sunday, Nov. 12. Dock5 at Union Market, 1309 5th St.
NE. General admission is $15 for admission after 1:30 p.m., $25 for access at 11 a.m. with a
complimentary tote bag, or $40 for VIP access at 10 a.m. plus special bites and sips, and a
gift bag; the Friday Birthday party is $40, or $80 with an All Access Weekend Pass. Call
800-680-9095 or visit theemporiyum.com.
duction faithful to the script and SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE about life, culture and organized
sanctioned by the Wilder Family religion. Yet it still hews to the stan-
Blake Robison directs a produc-
Estate, featuring just seven actors, dard musical mold, from repeated
tion of Lee Halls adaptation of the
who manipulate and animate the musical lines and lyrics, to bois-
bawdy Oscar-winning film from
puppets. Closes Sunday, Nov. 12. terous sing-along group anthems,
1998, both riffing on and celebrating
Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab, 2001 to sharp group choreography,
the Bard. Nicholas Carriere stars as
Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, including a tap number. To Nov.
Will among a large cast including
Md. Call 301-924-3400 or visit 19. Kennedy Center Opera House.
Avery Glymph, Jefferson A. Russell,
olneytheatre.org. Tickets are $59 to $250. Call 202-
Liz Daingerfield, and Naomi
467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.
Jacobson as Queen Elizabeth. To
SAFE AS HOUSES org.
Nov. 26. Baltimore Center Stage,
Pinky Swear Productions worked 700 North Calvert St., Baltimore.
with playwright Natalie Piegari THE PAJAMA GAME
Call 410-332-0033 or visit center-
for over a year to develop a drama In an unusual twist, artistic direc-
stage.org.
exploring the pull of family and tor Molly Smith turns over direct-
nature. Megan Behm directs this THE BOOK OF MORMON ing reins for this seasons Golden
play about a patchwork family pre- Age Musical to Alan Paul, who has
Written by South Parks Trey
paring a suburban house for a vio- proven his mettle with musicals
Parker and Matt Stone, the riotous-
lent storm and deciding on whether at Shakespeare Theatre Company.
ly funny, audacious musical, which
they should wait it out. A knock at won a whopping nine Tony Awards, Choreographer Parker Esse joins
the door complicates things further, to try to rouse interest in this clas-
is both cutting edge in shocking
as the past comes flooding in. Closes sic battle-of-the-sexes. To Dec. 24.
substance yet traditional in style.
Saturday, Nov. 11. Trinidad Theatre Mead Center for American Theater,
The Book of Mormon may weave
at Capital Fringe, 1358 Florida Ave. 1101 6th St. SW. Call 202-488-3300
in unexpected and provocative plot
NE. Tickets are $35. Call 866-811- or visit arenastage.org.
twists and scenes as well as con-
4111 or visit pinkyswear-produc- vey extremely modern sensibilities
tions.com.
NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY 13
 DISAGREEABLE
JANET JACKSON
The renamed State of the World
Tour stops at the renamed Capital
One Arena more than a year and a
Daniel Kitsons A Short Series of Disagreements half later than originally planned on
account of the superstars decision
is perhaps not short enough. to have her first born at the ripe

S
old age of 50. Its her first tour in
EATED BENEATH A SINGLE, HANGING LANTERN, AT A RUDIMENTARY support of 2015s Unbreakable, her
desk occupied by his laptop, award-winning English monologist Daniel Kitson first set in over a decade that was
spins a tale of urban intrigue in A Short Series of Disagreements Presented Here in actually good, thanks to her wise
decision to reteam with her original
Chronological Order (HHHHH), now at Studio Theatre. The material comes from his producers Jimmy Jam and Terry
investigation into arguments within a neighborhood anti-automobile group based in Lewis. Thursday, Nov. 16, at 8 p.m.
South London. Its a subject astutely chosen for the performers debut in D.C., where 601 F St. NW. Call 202-628-3200 or
visit capitalonearena.com.
municipal life can appear to be governed on a neighborhood to neighborhood basis, and
citizens battle out internecine disagreements in local commissions and listserv threads. JAZZMEIA HORN
Kitson cites as inspiration his random sighting of a ghost bike on a street corner, a A jazz vocalist originally from
poignant image that transcends localities. Everywhere bikes, pedestrians, and cars dart Dallas, Horn is quickly emerging
as one of the genres best new tal-
and dodge, there are passionate urbanites who get involved in trying to even the scales ents, winning prestigious titles in
for one side or the other. The emotion Kitson taps into through a detailed, sardonic the process, including the 2013
excavation of a case of anti-automobile vandalism is genuine, even if his humorous Sarah Vaughan International
Jazz Vocal Competition and the
approach lacks sincerity in the delivery. 2015 Thelonious Monk Institute
Wielding punchy and profane punchlines, Kitson has brought along muffled record- International Jazz Competition.
ings of voicemail messages, and a projector to exhibit barely legible slides of the angry After a headlining concert at the
missives that constitute much of his investigation. A few quips that the audience is wit- Kennedy Center last winter, Horn
returns to the area for two shows
nessing an ongoing reconstruction of the titular events only highlight the performers at Georgetowns celebrated jazz
unsure command of the shows direction. haven. Monday, Nov. 13, at 8 and
The story skitters across two hours from slides to recordings, to rifling through files 10 p.m. Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin
Ave. NW. Tickets are $25, plus $12
and photos, frequently stumbling, despite Kitsons ease with the audience. Theres minimum purchase. Call 202-337-
charm in the performers individuality and empathy, but charm alone cant work the 4141 or visit bluesalley.com.
magic of shaping an affecting comic narrative. Andre Hereford
NATIONAL SYMPHONY
ORCHESTRA
A Short Series of Disagreements runs to November 25 at the Studio Theatre, 1501 14th Gershwins An American in Paris fac-
St., NW. Tickets are $25. Call 202-332-3300, or visit StudioTheatre.org. tors into a tour of Europe program
led by Gianandrea Noseda and also
featuring Respighis Fountains of
Rome, Chaussons Pome, and Fallas
The Three-Cornered Hat Suites No.
VICUNA & THE AMERICAN He returns to the area in support of porary folk. More specifically, its
1 & 2. Thursday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m.,
EPILOGUE new album Tail of Lions. Monday, rooted in influences from Chocolate
Saturday, Nov. 18, at 8 p.m., and
Mosaic Theater Company presents Nov. 13. Doors at 7 p.m. Rock and City forebears, from Duke Ellington
Sunday, Nov. 19, at 3 p.m. Kennedy
a Trump-inspired satire by Jon Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE. Tickets to Gil Scott-Heron, Roberta Flack to
Center Concert Hall. Tickets are $15
Robin Baitz (Other Desert Cities), are $25 in advance, or $28 day-of Meshell Ndegeocello. She returns
to $89. Call 202-467-4600 or visit
the gay playwright assaulted by a show. Call 202-388-ROCK or visit to the Atlas Performing Arts Center
kennedy-center.org.
Trump supporter after the inau- rockandrollhoteldc.com. for the third annual Cecily Salutes
guration. A play about an Iranian DC, a concert followed by a dis-
THE CHORAL ARTS SOCIETY:
tailor and his apprentice struggling BETTYE LAVETTE cussion about how to keep gen-
MONTEVERDIS VESPERS OF
to make a suit out of vicuna wool The great, hard-living soul singer trification from chipping away at
1610
for a real-estate tycoon running for Bettye Lavette has been incredibly what makes the local arts scene
Scott Tucker leads the full chorus
president, Baitz has updated the forthcoming about her many dal- unique, with a panel including
and orchestra along with special
work to include rumination on liances with women, including in Cecily, Art All Night creator Ariana
guests the Thirteen in a perfor-
the assault for the Mosaic Theater her recent memoir, A Woman Like Austin, musician Aaron Myers and
mance of a choral masterpiece that
production. Extended to Dec. 3. Me. The New York Times touted her Washington Project for the Arts
brilliantly superimposes Baroque
Atlas Performing Arts Center, Lang as second only to Aretha Franklin Jordan Martin. Saturday, Nov. 18, at
music over traditional Gregorian
Theatre, 1333 H St. NE. Tickets are among her generations greatest 8 p.m. Sprenger Theatre, 1333 H St.
chants, combines sacred music with
$20 to $65. Call 202-399-7993 or and Lavette has finally been getting NE. Tickets are $22.5 to $28. Call
secular styles, and alternates the
visit mosaictheater.org. some of the credit she deserved 202-399-7993 or visit atlasarts.org.
grandeur of the large ensemble with
when she started in the business
solos and duets. Saturday, Nov. 18,
decades ago. She continues to tour DOM FLEMONS DUO
MUSIC in support of last years Grammy- One of the founders of the great
at 3 p.m. Kennedy Center Concert
Hall. Tickets are $15 to $69. Call
nominated album Worthy, return- black bluegrass band the Carolina
ALEX CLARE 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-cen-
ing to the Hamilton for the second Chocolate Drops headlines a con-
With a bluesy, clipped voice that has ter.org.
time this year. Sunday, Nov. 19. cert with bandmate Dante Pope
echoes of Adam Levine and Hozier, Doors at 6:30 p.m. The Hamilton, at the new District Wharfs more
the London-born, Jerusalem-based THE MARIINSKY ORCHESTRA
600 14th St. NW. Tickets are $20 intimate concert venue. The Herd
singer-songwriters brand of soul- Valery Gergiev leads this pioneer
to $45. Call 202-787-1000 or visit of Main Street opens. Saturday,
fired, electronica-accented pop/ of classical Russian ensembles in a
thehamiltondc.com. Nov. 18. Doors at 7 p.m. Pearl Street
rock is as captivating a blend as program including Daniil Trifonov
Warehouse, 33 Pearl St. SW. Tickets
his better-known contemporar- performing his own recently com-
CECILY are $14 in advance, or $16 day-of
ies. A few years ago, Clare scored posed Piano Concerto. Strausss Don
Increasingly known by mononym, show. Call 202-380-9620 or visit
success with the stirringly emo- Juan, Prokofievs Symphony No. 6,
young soprano and D.C. native Cecil pearlstreetwarehouse.com.
tive single Too Close which and Mosolovs Iron Foundry are also
Bumbrays sound is rooted in a deep
famously became the soundtrack to featured in the concert presented
appreciation for mid-century soul
an Internet Explorer 9 ad in 2012. and jazz, 90s-era R&B and contem-

14 NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY

by Washington Performing Arts.
Sunday Nov. 12, at 7 p.m. Kennedy
Center Concert Hall. Tickets are
$45 to $115. Call 202-467-4600 or
visit kennedy-center.org.

EXHIBITS
ART14 WINTER 2017: LUCINDA
FRIENDLY MURPHY
The winter edition of the seasonal
art series at the Coldwell Banker
Dupont/Logan office focuses on
a series of large paintings by this
Mid City Artist grouped under the
title The Art of Evolution. Murphys
work is an exploration of the mys-
teries of evolution from the Big
Bang to our big brains, with a more

PHOTO COURTESY OF GMCW

recent focus on images reflecting
large cosmic interactions and small
neurons in the brain. Opening
Reception is Thursday, Nov. 9,
from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. On display
through February. Coldwell Banker
Residential Brokerage, 1617 14th St.
NW. Call 202-387-6180 or visit face-
book.com/midcityartists.

ENAMELISTS GALLERY:
HOLIDAY SHIMMERS
Unique enamel pieces by local art-
ists are justing waiting to be dis-
covered and purchased as glittering
gifts inside the Torpedo Factory in
Alexandria and the only gallery out-
side of California devoted solely to
enamel works. Options range from
beautiful framed pieces to display
bowls and plates to jewelry, all in an
array of colors. Opens Tuesday, Oct.
31. To Dec. 3. Enamelists Gallery,
105 North Union St. Alexandria.
Free. Call 703-838-1561 or visit tor-
pedofactory.org.
FOTOWEEKDC 2017
A citywide celebration of pho-
tography, this years 10th annual
FotoWeekDC specifically cele-
brates Landmarks of Photography
through special exhibitions and
installations, events, film screenings,
and lectures. Highlights of the event
taking place at FotoWeekCentral
(neighboring host venues Spain Arts
& Culture and the Mexican Cultural
Institute), include a Competition
Winners Gallery and Cislanderus,
the latter an exhibition focused on
a group of Spanish-speaking peo-
ple who, in the late-18th century,
migrated from the Canary Islands
to what is now Texas and Louisiana,
where their culture lives on today,
if barely. In addition, the Dupont
Underground hosts the World Press
Photo Exhibition through Nov. 26
and featuring a juried selection of
photos from photographers in 126
countries, presented by Lightscape
Foundation. FotoWeekDC launches
with an opening party co-present-
ed with BYT and featuring open
bars, small bites, photo booths, live
music and more, on Friday, Nov. 10,
from 7:30 to 11 p.m. 2801 16th St.
NW. Tickets to the Opening Party
are $60; the World Press exhibition
costs $10 to $25. Visit fotodc.org
GAY MENS CHORUS OF WASHINGTON: IT TAKES TWO
This is our strongest season in a long time, artistic director Thea Kano says of the Gay
Mens Chorus of Washingtons upcoming year of song, dubbed Make America Gay
Again. Were really intent on sharing our individual stories. Youll see a lot more of our
individual singers stepping forward on stage and saying Hi, my name is Ive sung with
the chorus for x amount of years, and I come from.... The 37th season kicks off with an
annual cabaret, focused on duets and the power of two, things that go together in song
and in life. Theres certainly a lot of acknowledgement of love relationships, but also of
how friends hold us up at the end of the day, says Kano, who cast 15 singers to perform a
series of songs, mostly duets, from shows such as Dear Evan Hansen, Into The Woods, and
NBCs Smash. The evening culminates in a sweeping finale where all the singers come
together. Its a secret what thats going to be. Its just so stunning, I want people to be
surprised. Saturday, Nov. 11, at 4 and 8 p.m. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE.
Tickets are $39. Call 202-399-7993 or visit gmcw.org.
RONI HORN to imagine how Federico Fellini, ums Betty Boyd Dettre Library and
Marylands modern art and archi- Charlie Chaplin or Buster Keaton Research Center. Through Nov. 17.
tecture-focused Glenstone Museum might have depicted their subjects 1250 New York Ave NW. Admission
offers an exhibition of more than if they were painters. The result is $10. Call 202-783-5000 or visit
30 works by Roni Horn, drawn are images that are whimsical and nmwa.org.
from the museums collection and elusive, rather than strident and
selected and installed by the artist
herself. Spanning four decades of
explicit in their interpretations. To
Dec. 17, with a Gallery Talk with FOOD & DRINK
her career, works on view explore Woodward on Thursday, Nov.
wide-ranging topics including 16. American University Museum BINDAAS FOGGY BOTTOM
nature, ecology, identity, landscape in the Katzen Arts Center, 4400 James Beard Award-winning chef
and language. Glenstone, set on Wisconsin Ave. NW. Call 202-885- Vikram Sunderams newest din-
200 acres of rolling pasture and 2587 or visit american.edu/cas/ ing concept reflecting the mod-
woodland in Montgomery County, museum. ern-day cuisine of his native India
Md., also offers hourly guided out- makes for a similarly satisfying and
door sculpture tours of works by WONDER WOMEN! noteworthy experience. A degree
Andy Goldsworthy, Felix Gonzalez- From the Guerrilla Girls righting the above fast-casual, Bindaas focus-
Torres, Ellsworth Kelly, Jeff Koons, wrongs of the art world, to paint- es on the kind of food one might
Charles Ray, Julian Schnabel and er Edna Reindels tough WWII find on the streets and in the food
Richard Serra. Through Jan. 28, riveters, to vintage feminist comic markets of Mumbai, yet offered in
2018. Glenstone Museum, 12002 books, this exhibition at the National a more relaxed and refined envi-
Glen Road, Potomac, Md. Call 301- Museum of Women in the Arts fea- ronment. With this just-opened
983-5001 or visit glenstone.org. tures images of the powerful woman, second outpost, the intimate, not-
real and fictional. The wide-ranging quite-secret Cleveland Park gem
WILLIAM WOODWARD: THE selection, including artist correspon- becomes a much bigger and more
SEVEN DEADLY SINS dence, sketches, ephemera, photo- noticeable jewel in a younger, hip-
In his two-decades-long series graphs, posters, rare books, museum per, and more diverse part of town.
of drawings and narrative paint- archival material and artists books, Impressive dishes from the opening
ings focused on the concept of sin, draws from the special collections menu include Roadside Sandwich
this Washington native has tried and artists archives of the muse- burgers made from either chicken
or seasonal vegetables and served

NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY 15

 on a pao bun with chutney, a
Butternut Squash lentil/rice pan-
cake with green curry sauce, and a
delicious and filling Chicken Curry
with tomatoes, garam masala and
saffron rice. Bindaas also features a
full bar with wine, beer and creative
cocktails made with spirits from
local distilleries, including Green
Hat Gin and Cotton & Reed Rum.
Dont even think of going without
trying the Tamarind soda, house-
made with honey, ginger, clove, nut-
meg and sumac. 2000 Pennsylvania
Ave. NW. Call 202-516-4326 or visit
bindaasdc.com.

ABOVE & BEYOND

STRATHMORES MUSEUM SHOP
HOLIDAY MARKET
Yes, its already almost that time
of year, and Strathmores annual
Museum Shop Around is one of the
best and most convenient places
in town for finding unique, artsy
holiday gift ideas. This weekend, 18
ANGELISA GILLYARD

museums and art organizations will

be represented at the event sell-
ing memorabilia and merchandise,
including the Audobon Naturalist
Society, the Jewish Museum of
Maryland, Montgomery County
Historical Society, the National

CELEBRATING BREL
Geographic Museum, the National
Museum of Women in the Arts,
the Kennedy Center, the Phillips
Collection, and the Supreme Court
Historical Society. Each museum
Byron Jones helped develop a new InSeries cabaret that unearths is given its own space, often its
own room, in Strathmores historic
some of Jacques Brels most interesting gems Mansion. Thats enough for most
shops to display as much as 40

I
percent of their normal inventory.
D HEARD OF PIAF BEFORE, AND I THINK ID HEARD OF BREL, BUT I DIDNT The Mansion also offers a caf with
know what it was, Byron Jones says. The North Carolina native had lived and stud- food and drink available through-
ied in France and earned degrees in both French and vocal music, but it wasnt until out the event, including hot apple
cider. Runs through Sunday, Nov.
he discovered the InSeries, through a listing in the Washington Post, that Jones got an 12, starting at 10 a.m. each day.
education in French music. It came from the 1997 cabaret To Paris with Love, beginning The Mansion at Strathmore, 5301
a 20-year love affair with the songs of Brel. Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda.
Free, but suggested donation is $10.
Many people might know the name from Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Call 301-581-5100 or visit strath-
Paris, a 1968 Off-Broadway hit locally produced five years ago by MetroStage. As good as it more.org.
is, though, Jones finds the English-language revue of the Belgian chanson master wanting.
So he helped develop and star in a new revue helmed by director Steven Scott Mazzola. THE PANCAKES
AND BOOZE ART SHOW
Some of Brels most iconic songs were actually not included in that show, says An import from Los Angeles, this
Jones. So weve taken the most beautiful, the deepest, the most profound of his songs unusual underground art show
and assembled them in one. The result is Jacques Brel: Songs from His World. Jones calls features the work of over 100
emerging artists plus live body
the new cabaret, which features four singers accompanied by musicians, a more distilled painting, live music, and a free
collection of songs, and one that is performed in Brels language, with projected English pancake bar. Pancakes and Booze
translations. is a traveling, Andy Warhol-styled
Except for one: La Chanson Des Vieux Amants. Says Jones, It will begin in French, event that former Hollywood cam-
eraman Tom Kirlin started in 2009
but then youll hear almost a counter-melody in English, which is the translation of whats and has since brought to over 20
just been sung in French. Its a really cool construct for a song...kind of making it a duet cities, including D.C. twice a year.
between the languages. When I was in college, the only
place that was open after a night of
Why Brel and why now? Though he was a child of World War II, his take on life and drinking was IHOP, Kirlin says. I
relationships and the realities and the idiocy of war, it seems so current, Jones says. I always had this silly idea to make
think thats why his songs resonate with us, because theyre about the human condition, a pancake restaurant with a full
and about human relationships, and about struggling with self, and trying to escape from bar. So with the art show, I just
merged the two ideas together.
the situation youre in. Doug Rule Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 7 p.m.
to 2 a.m. Penn Social, 801 E St. NW.
Jacques Brel: Songs from His World runs weekends to Nov. 19 at Source, 1835 14th St. Cover is $15. Call 202-697-4900 or
visit pancakesandbooze.com. l
NW. Tickets are $20 to $43. Call 202-204-7760 or visit inseries.org.

16 NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY


POLITICAL EARTHQUAKE
Danica Roem makes history as first trans legislator amid a Democratic wave
that could flip Virginias House of Delegates. By John Riley
D
EMOCRATS SWEPT TO LARGER-THAN-EXPECT-
ed victories in Virginia, winning all three statewide
offices on the ballot and picking up at least 14 state
House seats. Chief among those wins was Danica Roem,
who became the first transgender lawmaker elected to office
in Virginia and will become the nations first transgender
person to serve in a state legislature when she takes the oath
of office in January.
Roem defeated 13-term Republican incumbent Bob
Marshall, a co-author of Virginias now defunct constitu-
tional amendment banning same-sex mar-
riage and the sponsor of bills to ban LGBTQ
people from serving in the national guard,
and prohibit transgender people from using
public restrooms that match their gender
identity.
Despite personal attacks from Marshall
and the GOP that targeted her over her
transgender identity, Roem stayed on
message, focusing on issues such as trans-
portation, education, and job growth.
In this race, [our campaign] never went
personal, she said by phone from her vic-
JULIAN VANKIM
tory celebration in Lake Ridge, Va. We hit
on public policy, and we stuck to the issues
of this race. I said, after the June primary,
that this race was a referendum on fixing
Route 28. If anybody thought I was going
to have something else as my lead priority, they were sorely
mistaken.
Roem also acknowledged that her election to the nations
oldest legislative body is historic, and can send a positive
message, particularly to transgender youth who may feel
they are limited in what they can achieve.
This is a win for inclusion, for equality, for equity, and
for every trans kid who was ever too scared to ever speak
their truth, and anyone who was worried about whether
they could succeed by being themselves, Roem said. We
just showed that no matter what you look like, where you
come from, how you worship, who you love, how you iden-
tify, or how you rock, if you have good ideas, and if youre
qualified, then bring them to the table because you can
serve, too.
In another race in the Richmond area, nurse practitioner
Dawn Marie Adams was leading Republican incumbent
Manoli Loupassi by more than 300 votes, with provisional
ballots still to be counted. That race may go to an automat-
ic recount, due to the margin of victory, but Loupassi has
already conceded, making Adams, presumptively, the first
out lesbian elected to the General Assembly.
At least four other House races may also head to recounts.
If Adams and Donte Tanner, who appears to have unseated
theFeed
Republican Caucus Chairman Tim Hugo of Centreville,
remain on top, Democrats and Republicans will each hold
50 seats, forcing both caucuses to negotiate a power-shar-
ing agreement similar to the one that existed in the House
of Delegates from 1999 to 2001. If Democrats pick up one
additional seat in the remaining recounts, they would win
outright control of the lower chamber.
In either case, the makeup of the House changes the fate
of progressive legislation, and particularly pro-LGBTQ bills,
which have overwhelmingly passed in the Virginia Senate,
only to be killed in secret, unrecorded votes
in House subcommittees.
A lot of the members of our caucus have
complained about that, Democratic Caucus
Chair Charniele Herring said of those sub-
committee votes. We want more light on
our government, because people have a right
to know how their representatives are vot-
ing.
For LGBTQ residents, shared control
could result in votes that put anti-equal-
ity legislators under scrutiny when they
attempt to defeat bills that would protect
LGBTQ people from being discriminated
against in employment or housing. And with
Democrat Ralph Northam ensconced in the
governors mansion, any pro-LGBTQ bill
Roem that passes the House would almost certain-
ly be signed into law.
Democratic and LGBTQ victories were not limited to the
commonwealth last night. At least 61 LGBTQ candidates
were seeking elective office in a series of local or special elec-
tions from coast to coast, with at least 35 declaring victory.
In Seattle, voters elected Democrat Jenny Durkan to
be their next mayor, doubling the number of out lesbians
serving as mayors of major U.S. cities. In Atlanta, Alex
Wan advanced to a Dec. 5 runoff election for City Council
President. In Pennsylvania, Tyler Titus was elected to the
Erie School Board, making him the Keystone States first
elected transgender official.
In Minneapolis, Democrat Andrea Jenkins became the
first transgender woman elected to the city council of a
major U.S. city, winning a four-way race for the District 8
seat with 73 percent of the vote.
In the race for the Councils District 4 seat, transgender
man Phillipe Cunningham was running second, with 41 per-
cent of the vote in a four-way race. Because Minneapolis has
instant runoff voting, where voters rank their preferences in
order, it will take a few days to determine a winner, as votes
are allocated from the third- and fourth-place challeng-
ers to Cunningham and incumbent Council Member Barb
Johnsons totals. l
NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY 17
 theFeed
POLITICAL PROTEST
Gays Against Guns protesters stage die-in inside Hart Senate Building. By John Riley
E
ight Gays Against Guns members were arrested at
the Hart Senate Building on Monday after staging
a die-in to protest the recent church shooting in
Sutherland Springs, Texas.
The massacre, which occurred at the First Baptist
Church in Sutherland Springs, killed 26 people, including an
18-month-old toddler, after 26-year-old Devin Patrick Kelley
opened fire inside the church. The protesters demanded
Congress approve gun control measures, such as Sen. Chris
Murphys (D-Conn.) Background Check Expansion law and
Sen. Dianne Feinsteins (D-Calif.) Assault Weapons Ban.
Gays Against Guns has also asked Congress to reinstate
funding to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
so the organization can research firearm injuries and deaths
something that it has been prevented from doing since
1996 due to the threat by a Republican-controlled Congress
to defund the agency if it dared to study gun violence as a
public health crisis.
Since its founding following the Pulse nightclub massa-
cre last year, Gays Against Guns has fought against accusa-
tions from the political Right that talking about gun reform
in the wake of shooting tragedies is politicizing the loss of
life. But they argue that it is never too soon to talk about
gun reform. They also maintain that opponents of gun
restrictions are trying to silence dissenters or those who
point out the financial support that many politicians, partic-
FACEBOOK
HORRIFYING HATE
Nevada man allegedly kills teen son because he was gay. By Rhuaridh Marr
A
NEVADA MAN HAS ALLEGEDLY KILLED HIS
14-year-old son because the youth was gay. Police
in Henderson, NV, report that Giovanni Melton was
shot dead by his father, 53-year-old Wendell Melton, on
November 2 in an apartment where the teen reportedly lived
alone. Giovannis former foster mother, Sonja Jones, said
that the argument that ended in him being shot was over his
sexuality, KSNV reports.
[Wendell Melton] hated the fact that his son was gay, Jones
said. Im sure that inside of his mind, he would rather have
a dead son than a gay son. She added: Giovanni was abused
18 NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY
ularly within the Republican Party, receive from the NRA.
Borrowing tactics from the AIDS advocacy group ACT
UP, Gays Against Guns has held other die-ins protest-
ers wearing white T-shirts fall to the ground and remain
motionless to represent those killed by mass shootings.
The groups D.C. chapter posted several videos of the die-in
and the resulting arrests by Capitol Police on its Facebook
page. The post was tagged: Thoughts and prayers are fine,
but they wont stop gun violence. The time has come to
[act].
Other LGBTQ organizations similarly called for gun
reform in the wake of the First Baptist Church shooting,
with the Pride Fund to End Gun Violence condemning
Republican politicians inaction. Jason Lindsay, the Pride
Funds executive director, said the massacre was another
reminder that no one is safe when access to guns is so easy.
Republicans are bought and paid for by the gun lobby,
and, despite over 90% of Americans supporting gun reform,
legislation wont pass due to the Republicans, Lindsay said
in a statement, adding: There are two solutions to this
problem. First, get loud. Every American who is ready for
change has to get loud and demand action right now from
our elected officials. Dont let Republicans get away with
inaction and obstructing progress any longer. Second, we
have to defeat every Republican who stands in the way of
progress at the ballot box. l
physically and mentally and spiritually for many, many years.
Las Vegas Now reports that Giovanni Melton and his
sibling were abandoned by their mother and subject to an
ongoing custody battle. Court records show that Wendell
Melton had a history of illegally owning firearms and using
them to threaten his family.
Jones alleged that Wendell Melton had previously drawn
a gun on his son, after catching Giovanni with his boyfriend.
I hope they throw the book at him. I hope he never sees
the light of day, Jones said. I hope every day when he looks
in the mirror, he sees his sons face. l
 Forum
GLOBAL CRISIS
Americas top leaders have remained shamefully and deafeningly silent
on matters of state-sponsored LGBTQ persecution. By Ty Cobb

T
HE WORLD IS WITNESSING A FRIGHTENING and Egypt. In Bangladesh, authorities arrested 28 men at
wave of anti-LGBTQ persecution. Since April, and a private social gathering in May and publicly outed them.
accelerating through last week, there have been In Indonesia that same month, police arrested 141 alleged-
attacks and state-sponsored persecution of LGBTQ people ly gay men and, in a separate incident, two men accused
in Chechnya, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Georgia, Tanzania, of a same-sex relationship were publicly caned. Other
Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and Egypt. human rights abuses have occurred
For the past several years, the across the caucasus region from
United States and its leadership mob attacks on gay men in Georgia
would stand strong against such to mass arrests of those accused of
persecution, but Donald Trump, The outbreak being LGBTQ in Azerbaijan. And
Mike Pence, and Rex Tillerson in September, twenty people were
have failed to address these horrific of LGBTQ arrested at an education program on
abuses. With each passing day they HIV/AIDS in Tanzania.
remain silent, the United States is persecution This outbreak of persecution
failing in its leadership responsibil- across the globe endangering lives
ity to defend human rights around
the globe. Now more than ever, we
across the globe and freedom of LGBTQ people and
allies every day is taking place
desperately need that leadership.
In September, authorities in
is taking place at exactly the same moment that
U.S. leadership on human rights has
Cairo arrested seven people who
had been photographed at a con-
at the same time hit rock bottom. President Trump,
Vice President Pence, and Secretary

U.S.
cert raising a rainbow flag. A wide- Tillerson have failed to make a sin-
spread crackdown on LGBTQ gle statement condemning these
Egyptians followed. Within a week, attacks, despite our repeated

leadership
the Egyptian government banned requests and pleas. Just last week,
the state-run media from showing HRC President Chad Griffin wrote
any kind of support for the LGBTQ to Secretary Tillerson, urging him

on human
community. Subsequently, the once again to raise his voice.
Egyptian media have published arti- Americas top leaders have
cles encouraging hate speech and remained shamefully and deafen-

rights has
hate crimes targeting LGBTQ peo- ingly silent. This must end. They
ple. Now Egyptian lawmakers have must forcefully and unequivocally
put forward a legislative propos- condemn these atrocities and take

hit rock
al that would not only criminalize action to stop them. They must
same-sex activities, but would also make it clear to other leaders that
throw community members and human rights violations are unac-

bottom.
allies into jail just for speaking out
in support of LGBTQ lives.
Egypt is just the most recent
case. For nearly eight months, our
community has been demanding
action from officials across the globe
to address terrifying reports out of Chechnya of state-spon-
sored arrests, detainment in secret prisons, and torture of
as many as 200 LGBTQ people. Up to 20 LGBTQ Chechens
have been killed and Chechen leaders have actively encour-
aged citizens to torture and kill family members who might
be LGBTQ. Dozens were forced to flee and leave behind
their family, their jobs and their lives, lest they be killed by
their own relatives.
Unfortunately, the crisis is not limited to Chechnya
ceptable, and that the U.S. will not
turn a blind eye.
They must show leadership,
now. Lives are at stake. l
Ty Cobb is the Director of HRC
Global. He leads a team of experts who run groundbreak-
ing programs and campaigns that advance and protect the
human right of LGBTQ people around the world, including
those who are immigrants and refugees. Reach him on
Twitter at @tywesleycobb.
The opinions expressed in Forum do not necessarily reflect
those of Metro Weekly or its employees. Add your voice to
Forum. Discover how at metroweekly.com/forum.

NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY 19

 Community
come. 7-9 p.m. 11810 Sunrise
Valley Drive, second-floor bar.
For more information, visit
dullestriangles.com.

HIV TESTING at Whitman-

Walker Health. 9 a.m.-12:30
p.m. and from 2-5 p.m. at 1525
14th St. NW, and 9 a.m-12
p.m. and 2-5 p.m. at the Max
Robinson Center, 2301 MLK Jr.
Ave. SE. For an appointment
call 202-745-7000 or visit whit-
man-walker.org.

IDENTITY offers free and

confidential HIV testing at
ARTSTYLE STUDIO

two separate locations. Walk-

ins accepted from 2-6 p.m.,
by appointment for all other
hours. 414 East Diamond Ave.,
Gaithersburg, Md. or 7676
New Hampshire Ave., Suite

THE BOYS OF BRIDGE

411, Takoma Park, Md. To set
up an appointment or for more
information, call Gaithersburg,
301-300-9978, or Takoma Park,
301-422-2398.
Local clubs offer Social and Duplicate Bridge games on alternating weeks

B
METROHEALTH CENTER
ACK IN JUNIOR COLLEGE, I USED TO PLAY DOUBLE-DECK PINOCHLE AND offers free, rapid HIV testing.
Appointment needed. 1012 14th
some people I knew played bridge, but I never got a chance to, because there never St. NW, Suite 700. To arrange
seemed to be enough people to get a game going, says Tim Holtz. I couldnt play, an appointment, call 202-638-
but I wanted to for quite a while. Then, as an adult, I got a computer game that taught 0750.
me how to play. I eventually found the Tom Davoren and Lambda Bridge clubs through a
SMYAL offers free HIV Testing,
social network about 23 years ago. 3-5 p.m., by appointment and
The Tom Davoren Social Club, which plays social bridge, and the Lambda Bridge Club, walk-in, for youth 21 and
which plays duplicate bridge, meet on alternating Wednesdays at the Dignity Center, younger. Youth Center, 410 7th
St. SE. 202-567-3155 or test-
across from the Marine Barracks in Southeast D.C. While open to everyone, both clubs ing@smyal.org.
have a majority gay male membership.
The clubs are not the best place for beginners, however. Holtz, who runs the clubs, rec- STI TESTING at Whitman-
ommends that newcomers attend an event just to watch until they get the gist of the game. Walker Health. 10 a.m.-12:30
p.m. and 2-3 p.m. at both 1525
He also suggests looking at online resources, including those made available through the 14th St. NW and the Max
American Contract Bridge Leagues website. Robinson Center, 2301 Martin
We dont really give people training. But if someones learning how to play, theyre Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE.
Testing is intended for those
welcome to come and watch us. Then, once theyre ready, they can join in. John Riley without symptoms. For an
appointment call 202-745-7000
The Tom Davoren Social Bridge Club meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each or visit whitman-walker.org.
month at the Dignity Center, 721 8th St. SE. The Lambda Bridge Club meets for Duplicate
US HELPING US hosts a
Bridge on the second and fourth Wednesdays, also at the Dignity Center. Narcotics Anonymous Meeting.
For more information, call Tim Holtz at 301-345-1571. The group is independent of
UHU. 6:30-7:30 p.m., 3636
Georgia Ave. NW. For more
information, call 202-446-1100.
THURSDAY, Nov. 9 mation, visit swimdcac.org. Christian Church, 5 Thomas
Circle NW, 7-9:30 p.m. Casual WOMENS LEADERSHIP
Weekly Events DC FRONT RUNNERS run- dress. 301-257-0517, dclamb- INSTITUTE for young LBTQ
ning/walking/social club dasquares.org. women, 13-21, interested in
ANDROMEDA welcomes runners of all ability leadership development. 5-6:30
TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH levels for exercise in a fun and DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds p.m. SMYAL Youth Center, 410
offers free HIV testing and HIV supportive environment, with practice. The team is always 7th St. SE. For more informa-
services (by appointment). 9 socializing afterward. Route looking for new members. All tion, call 202-567-3163, or email
a.m.-5 p.m. Decatur Center, distance is 3-6 miles. Meet at welcome. 7:30-9:30 p.m. King catherine.chu@smyal.org.
1400 Decatur St. NW. To 7 p.m. at 23rd & P Streets NW. Greenleaf Recreation Center,
For more information, visit 201 N St. SW. For more infor-
arrange an appointment, call FRIDAY, Nov. 10
202-291-4707, or visit androm- dcfrontrunners.org. mation, visit scandalsrfc.org or
dcscandals@gmail.com.
edatransculturalhealth.org. GAMMA is a confidential,
DC LAMBDA SQUARES gay voluntary peer-support group
DC AQUATICS CLUB practice and lesbian square-dancing THE DULLES TRIANGLES for men who are gay, bisexual,
session at Takoma Aquatic group features mainstream Northern Virginia social
questioning and who are now
Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 300 Van through advanced square group meets for happy hour at
or who have been in a rela-
Buren St. NW. For more infor- dancing at the National City Sheraton in Reston. All wel-
tionship with a woman. 7:30-

NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY 21

 9:30 p.m. Luther Place Memorial
Church, 1226 Vermont Ave NW.
GAMMA meetings are also held in
Vienna, Va., and in Frederick, Md.
For more information, visit gam-
maindc.org.
The DC Center holds a meeting
of its DC LGBTQIA DISABILITY
GROUP to support, educate and
empower people with disabilities.
8-9 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite
105. For more information, contact
Andy Arias, andyarias09@gmail.
com.
WOMEN IN THEIR TWENTIES
(AND THIRTIES), a social discus-
sion and activity group for queer
women, meets at The DC Center
on the second and fourth Fridays of
each month. Group social activity
to follow the meeting. 8-9:30 p.m.
2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For
more information, visit thedccen-
ter.org.
SATURDAY, Nov. 11
ADVENTURING outdoors group
hikes 6 miles along the C&O Canal
in far western Maryland near
Cumberland. Bring beverages,
lunch, about $20 for fees, and
money for dinner on the way home.
Probable return to D.C. area after
9 p.m. Call Craig, 202-462-0535 or
visit adventuring.org.
22 NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY
The DC Center invites the larger
community to celebrate Veterans
Day and commemorate the
sacrifices of our troops with a
WREATH LAYING CEREMONY
AND MEMORIAL SERVICE at the
grave of Technical Sgt. Leonard
Matlovich, in the LGBT section of
Congressional Cemetery. 12-2 p.m.
1801 E St. SE. For more informa-
tion, call The DC Center at 202-
682-2245.
Weekly Events
DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a prac-
tice session at Montgomery College
Aquatics Club. 8:30-10 a.m. 7600
Takoma Ave., Takoma, Md. For
more information, visit swimdcac.
org.
DC FRONT RUNNERS running/
walking/social club welcomes run-
ners of all ability levels for exercise
in a fun and supportive environ-
ment, with socializing afterward.
Route distance will be 3-6 miles.
Walker meet at 9:30 a.m. and run-
ners at 10 a.m. at 23rd & P Streets
NW. For more information, visit
dcfrontrunners.org.
DIGNITYUSA sponsors Mass for
LGBT community, family and
friends. 6:30 p.m., Immanuel
Church-on-the-Hill, 3606 Seminary
Road, Alexandria. All welcome. For
more info, visit dignitynova.org.
SUNDAY, Nov. 12
CHRYSALIS arts & culture group
visits Smithsonian Museum of
Natural History to see new exhi-
bitions. Free admission. Lunch
follows. Meet at 11:30 a.m. past
security inside the 10th Street and
Constitution Avenue NW entrance,
near Federal Triangle Metro
Station. Contact Craig, 202-462-
0535 or craighowell1@verizon.net.
Weekly Events
LGBT-inclusive ALL SOULS
MEMORIAL EPISCOPAL CHURCH
celebrates Low Mass at 8:30
a.m., High Mass at 11 a.m. 2300
Cathedral Ave. NW. 202-232-4244,
allsoulsdc.org.
DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a
practice session at Wilson Aquatic
Center. 9:30-11 a.m. 4551 Fort Dr.
NW. For more information, visit
swimdcac.org.
DC FRONT RUNNERS running/
walking/social club welcomes run-
ners of all ability levels for exercise
in a fun and supportive environ-
ment, with socializing afterward.
Route will be a distance run of 8, 10
or 12 miles. Meet at 9 a.m. at 23rd
& P Streets NW. For more informa-
tion, visit dcfrontrunners.org.
DIGNITYUSA offers Roman
Catholic Mass for the LGBT
community. All welcome. Sign
interpreted. 6 p.m. St. Margarets
Church, 1820 Connecticut Ave.
NW. For more info, visit dignity-
washington.org.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
welcomes all to 10:30 a.m. service,
945 G St. NW. firstuccdc.org or
202-628-4317.
HOPE UNITED CHURCH OF
CHRIST welcomes GLBT commu-
nity for worship. 10:30 a.m., 6130
Old Telegraph Road, Alexandria.
hopeucc.org.
Join LINCOLN
CONGREGATIONAL TEMPLE
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST for
an inclusive, loving and progressive
faith community every Sunday. 11
a.m. 1701 11th Street NW, near R in
Shaw/Logan neighborhood. lincol-
ntemple.org.
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY
CHURCH OF WASHINGTON, D.C.
services at 9 a.m. (ASL interpret-
ed) and 11 a.m. Childrens Sunday
School at 11 a.m. 474 Ridge St. NW.
202-638-7373, mccdc.com.
RIVERSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH,
a Christ-centered, interracial,
welcoming-and-affirming church,
offers service at 10 a.m. 680 I St.
SW. 202-554-4330, riversidedc.org.
UNITARIAN CHURCH OF
ARLINGTON, an LGBTQ welcom-
ing-and-affirming congregation,
offers services at 10 a.m. Virginia
Rainbow UU Ministry. 4444
Arlington Blvd. uucava.org.
UNIVERSALIST NATIONAL
MEMORIAL CHURCH, a welcom-
ing and inclusive church. GLBT
Interweave social/service group
meets monthly. Services at 11 a.m.,
Romanesque sanctuary. 1810 16th St.
NW. 202-387-3411, universalist.org.
MONDAY, Nov. 13
Weekly Events
DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a
practice session at Dunbar Aquatic
Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 101 N St. NW.
For more information, visit swim-
dcac.org.
GETEQUAL meets 6:30-8 p.m. at
Quaker House, 2111 Florida Ave.
NW. For more information, email
getequal.wdc@gmail.com.
NOVASALUD offers free HIV test-
ing. 5-7 p.m. 2049 N. 15th St., Suite
200, Arlington. Appointments: 703-
789-4467.
STI TESTING at Whitman-Walker
Health. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at both 1525
14th St. NW and the Max Robinson
Center, 2301 Martin Luther King,
Jr. Ave. SE. Testing is intended for
those without symptoms. For an
appointment call 202-745-7000 or
visit whitman-walker.org.
The DC Center hosts COFFEE
DROP-IN FOR THE SENIOR LGBT
COMMUNITY. 10 a.m.-noon. 2000
14th St. NW. For more information,
call 202-682-2245 or visit thedc-
center.org.
US HELPING US hosts a black gay
mens evening affinity group for
GBT black men. Light refreshments
provided. 7-9 p.m. 3636 Georgia
Ave. NW. 202-446-1100.
WASHINGTON WETSKINS
WATER POLO TEAM practices 7-9
p.m. Newcomers with at least basic
swimming ability always welcome.
Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van
Buren St. NW. For more informa-
tion, contact Tom, 703-299-0504
or secretary@wetskins.org, or visit
wetskins.org.
WHITMAN-WALKER HEALTH
HIV/AIDS SUPPORT GROUP
for newly diagnosed individuals,
meets 7 p.m. Registration required.
202-939-7671, hivsupport@whit-
man-walker.org.
TUESDAY, Nov. 14
Queer-identifying women who
have survived violent or traumatic
experiences and are looking for
support are invited to take part
in a bi-weekly QUEER WOMEN
WORKING THROUGH TRAUMA
GROUP at The DC Center.
Participants are encouraged to
do an intake assessment with
moderator and social worker Sam
Goodwin. 6-7 p.m. 2000 14th St.
NW, Suite 105. For more infor-
mation, email Sam at samantha@
thedccenter.org.
The DC Center holds a meeting of
its COMING OUT DISCUSSION
GROUP for those navigating issues
associated with coming out and
personal identity. 7-8:30 p.m. 2000
14th St. NW, Suite 105. For more
information, visit thedccenter.org.
The DC Centers TRANS
SUPPORT GROUP provides a
space to talk for transgender people
and those who identify outside of
the gender binary. 7-8:30 p.m. 2000
14th St. NW, Suite 105. For more
information, visit thedccenter.org.
Weekly Events
DC AQUATICS CLUB practice
session at Takoma Aquatic Center.
7:30-9 p.m. 300 Van Buren St. NW.
For more information, visit swim-
dcac.org.
DC FRONT RUNNERS running/
walking/social club welcomes run-
ners of all ability levels for exercise
in a fun and supportive environment,
with socializing afterward. Route
distance is 3-6 miles. Meet at 7 p.m.
at Union Station. For more informa-
tion, visit dcfrontrunners.org.
DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds prac-
tice. The team is always looking
for new members. All welcome.
7:30-9:30 p.m. King Greenleaf
Recreation Center, 201 N St. SW.
For more information, visit scan-
dalsrfc.org or dcscandals@gmail.
com.
THE GAY MENS HEALTH
COLLABORATIVE offers free
HIV testing and STI screening
and treatment every Tuesday.
5-6:30 p.m. Rainbow Tuesday
LGBT Clinic, Alexandria Health
Department, 4480 King St. 703-
746-4986 or text 571-214-9617.
james.leslie@inova.org.
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS
LGBT focused meeting every
Tuesday, 7 p.m. St. Georges
Episcopal Church, 915 Oakland
Ave., Arlington, just steps from
Virginia Square Metro. For
more info. call Dick, 703-521-
1999. Handicapped accessible.
Newcomers welcome. liveandletli-
veoa@gmail.com.
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 15
BOOKMEN DC, an informal mens
gay literature group discusses A
History of Gay Male Literature, by
Gregory Woods at The DC Center.
All welcome. 7:30 p.m. 2000 14th
St. NW, Suite 105. Visit book-
mendc.blogspot.com.
The TOM DAVOREN SOCIAL
BRIDGE CLUB meets for Social
Bridge at the Dignity Center, across
from the Marine Barracks. No
partner needed. 7:30 p.m. 721 8th
St. SE. Call 301-345-1571 for more
information.
Weekly Events
AD LIB, a group for freestyle con-
versation, meets about 6-6:30 p.m.,
Steam, 17th and R NW. All wel-
come. For more information, call
Fausto Fernandez, 703-732-5174.
FREEDOM FROM SMOKING, a
group for LGBT people looking
to quit cigarettes and tobacco use,
holds a weekly support meeting at
The DC Center. 7-8 p.m. 2000 14th
St. NW, Suite 105. For more infor-
mation, visit thedccenter.org. l
Submit your community event for
consideration at least 10 days prior
to the Thursday publication in which
you would like it to appear. Email to
calendar@metroweekly.com.
NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY 23
 Scene
SMYALs Annual Fall Brunch at The Marriott Marquis
Sunday, Nov. 5 Photography by Ward Morrison
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

24 NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY

NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY 25
 Love Story
Francis Carson Lee had some personal issues to work out. So he
made a movie called Gods Own Country and, in the process,
brought gay romance to a whole new level.

Exclusive Interview by Randy Shulman

F
RANCIS CARSON LEE LIVES IN A HOUSE
without internet. I mean, theres a tiny little bit,
but its very slow, says the director of Gods Own
Country. It kind of depends on the time of day.
If its late at night, I can send emails, but beyond
that, its useless. I live a very isolated life. So
what does he do in his spare time? I think about making films.
Good thing, too, because Lees first film is a knockout. Gods
Own Country has been hailed by critics as the Yorkshire equiv-
alent to Brokeback Mountain, and currently has a 99% approval
rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The praise is beyond deserved: The
movie is one of the most resoundingly powerful love stories to
hit screens in years, gay or straight. Honest, intense, authentic,
its the former actors (I was a bad actor I was very uncom-
fortable with it) inaugural plunge into writing and directing,
and the result makes you sit up and take notice of the sheer,
instinctive talent on display. Seasoned filmmakers have tried
(and failed) to produce even a tenth of the emotional power pro-
duced in all of Gods Own Countrys hour and forty five minutes.
Lee, it turns out, is extremely reserved and shy, sweetly so.
He prefers not to address details about his life Im not great
talking about personal stuff, he warns and his reticence to
answer is invariably offset by a charmingly polite, Im so sorry.
Yet if you push gently enough, you get a tiny bit of insight into
this gay rural England-born 48-year-old who decided to work
out his feelings by writing a romance between a slowly souring,
isolated young man toiling on his family farm, and the migrant
Romanian farmhand who opens his heart (see review, page xx).
Im no cinephile, says Lee, speaking from a hill near his
Yorkshire home because, in addition to poor internet, he gets
no cell reception, but my biggest influences on this film were

26 NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY

COURTESY OF SAMUEL GOLDWYN FILMS

NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY 27

An Officer and a Gentleman, Bridges of Madison County, and
Working Girl.
The movie has been open in the U.K. for several months and
has garnered a huge following and its not only gay men.
In the UK and the other places where its been released
Australia and New Zealand the audience has been predom-
inantly women, he says. Of all ages, of all persuasions. But
weve also had a lot of straight men, weve had obviously a lot of
gay men, a lot of queer women. I think what people respond to
is the love story.
More than two months into its UK release, the film is still
going strong. People are seeing it five, six, seven times, he mar-
vels. There are some die-hard fans who have been like 12 times.
Theres little social groups who have built up from people who
have met at the movie and they now have little nights out at the
movie. There are people whove bought jumpers very similar to
Gheorghe and they all meet up in Gheorghe jumpers. Im just
so thrilled that its had this personal connection to people.
And in the home town where I grew up, which is in
Yorkshire, called Halifax, its the biggest selling film that theyve
had ever. It even outsold Dunkirk.
METRO WEEKLY: How did you come up with the idea for Gods
Own Country?
FRANCIS LEE: It basically started with the landscape. I grew up
on the hills of Yorkshire, very similar to where the film is shot.
My dad is still a sheep farmer there, and I now live back up on
those hills. Growing up here, I always had this kind of notion
that the landscape was very important to me. It felt as if it
formed who I was, both physically and emotionally. But I always
had this odd feeling about it. On the one hand, it felt incredibly
freeing and open and wild and creative and expansive. But, on
the other hand, it felt kind of problematic and isolated and bru-
tal. So my starting point, when I started to think about doing a
film, was exploring this landscape that I felt to be totally part of
me. At the same time, I was working out that thing of falling in
love, and the idea of if youre going to fall in love, you have to
make yourself vulnerable and open enough to love and be loved.
So, those things collided.
I had seen the Yorkshire landscape represented on film many
times and had also seen farming represented on film many times
and same-sex relationships. But I had never seen it in a way in
which I saw it. I wanted to explore a very personal view not
biographical at all of how I saw all of those things.
MW: The farming angle of the movie is as vital to the narrative as
the love story. And its very authentic, particularly with regard to
the scenes with livestock.
LEE: I love truth and authenticity in storytelling. Whether that
is an emotion or a character or an action, or whether or not that
is the world in which the characters inhabit, to me it has to feel
as truthful and authentic as it possibly can. Obviously, growing
up in a similar situation and being around livestock, I was very
used to seeing that cycle of life and death. It felt very common
to me. And so, it was about representing that, again, as truthfully
as I could.
MW: I must say, I was not prepared for the scene where they skin
the dead baby lamb. It was alarming you did not cut away from
it, at all. At first I thought, Why are we watching this? Then, of
course, the meaning becomes clear. Its a stunning, yet beautifully
simple, moment of character revelation.
LEE: What I love about storytelling is seeing something that may
be uncomfortable to see, but is the truth of the situation. It may
28 NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY
be uncomfortable to sit through for whatever reason but what
comes out of it actually changes your mind about what youve
just seen, slightly. So, with the lamb skinning, I loved the idea
that the death became renewal and hope.
MW: Ive read that you had the actors do their own farm work.
Obviously, when Johnny is arm deep in a cow, thats not digital.
Did they do the skinning too, or was that a stand in?
LEE: Everything you see in the film, they do. It was really, really
important to me because I love immersive cinema, and I knew
that if I sat and watched this film, and we cut to a close-up of
a hand dealing with a lamb or a cow or whatever it was, and I
knew that it wasnt one of those actors hands, I would always be
pulled out of the film at that point. I didnt want that.
I also wanted the two boys to fully experience the physical
life within this landscape. In the same way in which I said to you
earlier, that landscape had physically formed me, I wanted it to
impact on them and their performances. So they both went off
for weeks and weeks before the shoot and worked on local farms
in Yorkshire. Josh OConnor, who plays Johnny, worked on the
farm where we shot the film, and Alec Secareanu, who plays
Gheorghe, worked on my dads farm. They did long shifts. They
would start at 6 a.m. and would go through until 6, 7 p.m. They
learned to do everything, so that all of that work became such
second nature to them sweeping manure, birthing lambs, all
of that stuff they became incredibly proficient at it. They were
able to translate that into the physicalities of their characters.
MW: Johnny and Gheorghes sexual relationship is both sudden and
powerful in the way it starts. Its not a soft or romantic build, but is
rather like two bulls going at one another, fighting for dominance.
Its actively aggressive. Yet it gradually becomes romantic and,
later, almost comfortable. The impact of the romance, however,
seems to be most felt on Johnny.
LEE: I have this character, Johnny, who isnt particularly artic-
ulate verbally or emotionally, and I really wanted see the spark
within him. A brilliant way to depict that was how he had sex.
The first time we see him having sex, its with the young auc-
tioneer in the back of a cattle trailer at the auction house, and
we instantly understand him from the way in which he has sex.
Hes not interested in intimacy, hes not interested a connection
hes interested in a physical act. Hes not interested in care or
communication or any of those things.
What I loved was then seeing, through the intimate scenes,
was how that begins to change through him knowing Gheorghe.
We see him start to accept intimacy and touch and pleasure and
make himself vulnerable. I love visual storytelling rather than
telling stories through dialogue and its important to show that
who this character was, and how he changed.
MW: Did you have any challenges directing the sex scenes. They feel
graphic at least for America.
LEE: When I first started to meet people for the characters, I was
very upfront from the get-go about why those scenes were there
and what they would be like. The script was very detailed in its
descriptions of those scenes, so everybody knew exactly what
they would be. I explained why they were there emotionally
for these characters. And then I also spoke about how my main
focus would always be those actors and I would protect them [on
set]. They would be respected, and they would be able to work in
a place with safety to deliver their very best.
MW: I need to bring up Ian Hart. He is probably one of the best
known people in your cast and yet I didnt realize it was him. Its a
magnificent performance.
LEE: I always been a huge admirer of his work and I thought that
actually what he could bring to it would be real depth. I sent him
the script, he read it, he loved it, we met and I talked about what film made me cry. And I dont cry at anything. So theres something
I would like to do, and he wholeheartedly accepted. innately powerful in this movie. It feels deeply personal, as though
Ian is a brilliant actor because he will go and do all the only a gay man could have made it.
research. He met with people who had had strokes. He went LEE: I can only tell stories that I have a personal connection to
and spoke with speech therapists about what happens to people, and that Im trying to work out something for myself. And that
once theyve had a stroke, with their language skills. When we can be about anything, you know? Whether that be about the
were shooting the film, in between takes, he would remain phys- landscape or about the love or the character or the relationships.
ically in that character. So he would still walk with his sticks and And so, yes, I put a lot of myself in it. For me, its always about
he would still speak in the way in which he did. the truth.
That characters hard because his personality has been Im the kind of writer and director who has to explore things
formed by being on that farm and having to do that work and that they have experienced, or that they are experiencing, or that
how that farm has basically broken him physically, and also by they have knowledge of, and I put myself in it. I made the film
the fact that his wife left him with a very small child years and the way in which I wanted to make it I didnt bow to people
years before and he was left to bring up this child. He
cares deeply for Johnny, his son, and loves him but, We instantly understand Johnny from the way in
obviously, this isnt a family that articulates. He wants which he has sex. Hes not interested in intimacy,
the best for Johnny but, unfortunately, Johnny is
reacting badly to the situation.
hes not interested a connection hes interested in
Ian wasnt afraid to shy away from Martin being a physical act. HES NOT INTERESTED IN CARE OR
unlikeable, which is a great thing. Some actors will COMMUNICATION OR ANY OF THOSE THINGS.
always try and find the likeability in their characters.
And also, the actress who played Deidre, Johnnys grandmother who asked me to make it a different way, I was steadfast in how
and Martins mother, shes called Gemma Jones and shes I wanted to make it because this is how I saw it. Which is a very
extraordinary. Shes very famous in the U.K. And again, she dangerous thing. If Id have done this and nobody would have
wasnt afraid to really tackle a character who, sometimes, could liked it, then first of all, I would have to take all the responsibility
be unlikeable. for that. And second of all, I probably would have taken it quite
MW: A lot of critics are comparing Gods Own Country to personally. Its about making, for me, anyway, work that means
Brokeback Mountain, calling it Yorkshire Brokeback. Do you get something to you. On many levels.
tired of hearing about Brokeback comparisons? Or was Brokeback MW: Did you find what you were looking for personally in creating
in your head when devising it? There are parallels. this art?
LEE: Ive only seen Brokeback once, when it first came out in the LEE: On many levels, yes.
cinema. And I was very moved by it I think its an incredible MW: And on some levels, no?
film, I think its beautiful. I think its two central performances LEE: Yeah. Ive not made a film before, so this is a very new expe-
are extraordinary. And I think that when you make work, every- rience. I didnt go to film school. I didnt go and do a directing
thing that youve seen in some way impacts on what you do. We course or a writing course. So this world is very new to me. If
all stand on the shoulders of what has come before. youre somebody who makes something and you go to yourself,
But I dont know if I was consciously channeling it in any Okay, thats perfect, I have explored everything I wanted to
way. Certainly not in the writing of it. Its a huge, flattering explore, it all works, it all is there, I feel satisfied, you wouldnt
comparison, really. I think Ang Lee is a master filmmaker, but make anything else. You would put a full stop after it.
I do think the films are very different. Brokeback is dealing with But of course thats not happened. Which propels me to make
a situation where two guys cant be together society is totally my next film, because I want to explore more human relation-
against them, so they live a lie and they marry women. Its a ships and conditions and situations. There are more things for
love that dare not speak its name. Whereas Gods Own Country me to work out, so its very satisfying on lots of levels but Im
is more centered around a boy who cant fall in love because of hoping there always will be levels that I want to explore.
himself, not because of his sexuality or because of society. MW: Whats the next film, can you say?
MW: Are you closer to Johnny or Gheorghe? LEE: Im not allowed to talk about it. But it is something that Im
LEE: [Laughs.] Im not sure if Im going to answer that, Im so writing, it is about relationships, its a period film. Its set quite a
sorry. long time ago, and it doesnt really feature any men.
MW: Why is that a hard question for you? MW: Thats quite the tease. Do you have a favorite film in terms of
LEE: Because its a very personal film. Its not autobiographical in gay cinema?
any way, really. The family in the film are certainly not my fam- LEE: Its always such a difficult question.
ily. My dad is a very emotionally resonant man who talks a lot MW: True. Theres a lot to choose from.
about how he feels, and about how he feels about other people. LEE: There are. I really love My Beautiful Laundrette. Thats one
Nobody asked me to write the film, it wasnt developed of my favorites. Its super close to the things that I really like.
because a producer came to me and went, Oh, I think youre For me, I dont think its necessarily about sexuality I think
really interesting, do you have any stories? I just wrote it. its about class and relationships. I like how difficult that central
Because I had a need to write it, to explore the themes within it, relationship is within it.
because I was exploring them for myself. MW: Now, Ill warn you this is another personal question, and I
MW: As I watched the film, I felt such a connection to the love story know you hate those, but I have to ask you about your beard. Its
presented. I was totally swept away by it. Their relationship is such amazing. Youve got to tell us how you maintain it.
natural blossom of romance that by the end and Im not going to LEE: [Laughs.] Weirdly, I grew this beard when I was writing
give it away my friend turned to me and said, Are you crying? Gods Own Country. I grew it because I was fed up of shaving.
And I went, No, Im not crying. But truth is, I was crying. Your This tells you how out of touch I am with the world. I was tired

NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY 29

of trying to conform to certain stereotypes about what I should
look like, so I thought, Oh, Im just going to be anti-fashion and
anti-everything and Im just gonna grow a massive beard. Not
long afterwards, I went and met a friend in East London, and
suddenly realized that everybody there had a massive beard. So
it was a big surprise to me that beards were, you know, popular.
How do I maintain it? I have one barber called Matthew who
I really trust, but I dont get to see him often because he works
in London. So every time I go to London, I go and see Matthew
and he makes it look nice. And then I make my own beard oil out
of almond oil and black pepper essence.
MW: I love that.
LEE: And I occasionally wash it.
MW: Okay, another personal question. Are you happy in your life
right now?
LEE: Yes.
MW: You paused. You had to think about that.
LEE: Because life is a big thing, isnt it? I mean, there are always
going to be things that make us unhappy or that we would like to
fix. But generally, personally, yeah.
MW: What makes you happiest?
LEE: My family and my friends. And being able to hike over the
Awakenings
The gay romantic powerhouse Gods Own Country is the movie Brokeback Mountain should have been.
W
HEN WE FIRST MEET JOHNNY SAXBY IN
Francis Lees breathtaking, emotionally redolent
Gods Own Country (HHHHH), hes violently retching
up his previous night at the local pub, a scene, we soon learn, is
all-too-familiar. Im not cleaning up your sick, barks his steel-
eyed grandmother, Diedre, as the glum 24-year-old starts his
day of work on the familys Yorkshire livestock farm. Its not a
glamorous life, and Johnny takes to his chores with a begrudging
sullenness, constantly berated by his father Martin, incapacitat-
ed a few years back by a stroke. Everything rests on Johnnys
shoulders, like it or not. And he doesnt like it.
Johnnys anger is fueled by loneliness and regret. From his
farms vast fields, he can see the lights of the town below. But
hes only part of it inasmuch as he can down a dozen or so pints.
His friends have all moved away, to better things, leaving him
trapped in a rural, mind-numbingly dull nightmare of sweeping
manure, mending fences, and birthing lambs and calves.
His sexual encounters are confined to quick, coarse, decid-
edly unsafe spit fucks with a young, local auctioneer. After one
such occasion, the boy asks if Johnny would like to get a beer
sometime, an attempt to humanize an otherwise unappealing,
feral sexual encounter, and Johnny merely scoffs. Johnny, of
course, is an animal instinctive, primal waiting to be domes-
ticated, waiting to be born.
The promise of rebirth arrives in the form of Gheorghe, a
migrant Romanian worker hired by Martin to help with lambing
season. Johnny is at first desultory to the swarthy young man,
calling him a gypsy, but the attraction is evident. After the pair
spend a few nights in a remote stone shelter, tending to the
newborn lambs, a transformation occurs. Their first encounter is
eruptive, messy, passionate, stark, but it soon gives way to some-
thing more, as Gheorghe literally teaches Johnny the meaning of
30 NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY
moors. Those kinds of things. Being outside, hiking. Im very
lucky, I live in a very beautiful, remote moorland, very close to
where the Bronte sisters lived and worked, so every day I get to
hike out over the moors.
MW: Have you or do you hope to ever find love like what youve
represented on screen?
LEE: I mean, I dont know if I will find what Ive represented on
screen, but I can very confidently tell you that Ive found a love
that is very meaningful to me.
MW: You are a hard nut to crack.
LEE: [Laughs.] Yeah.
MW: Can I at least ask if youre a romantic person?
LEE: I mean, I think Im a caring person, but romance means
different things to different people, right? I mean, I think the
most romantic thing in Gods Own Country is when Johnny and
Gheorghe call each other freak and faggot. To me, that is
pure romance. So maybe that tells you something about how
romantic I am. l
Gods Own Country opens Friday, Nov. 10, at Landmarks E Street
Cinema, 555 11th St. NW. Visit landmarktheatres.com or call the
theater directly at 202-783-9494.
tenderness, as well as the power of a first kiss.
The remainder of Lees movie follows very familiar tropes,
but it does so in such a natural, beguiling way, you barely notice.
Everything about Gods Own Country feels fresh, as if this were
the first gay romance ever made. If it doesnt put your heart in
your throat, youre likely dead.
Lee infuses his film with a grim and gritty authenticity.
Where an estimable movie like Brokeback Mountain, with which
Gods Own Country shares massively similar DNA, generated
its emotions through poise and polish, Lees film aims for the
jugular of true intimacy. It helps that there are no recognizable
stars apart from Ian Hart, magnificent as the stroke-addled
Martin. The movie is as much about the brutal, punishing, often
grisly life of farming as it is about two men finding romance. Its
about the realization that while we can be our own self-imposed
islands, surrounded by resentment and anger, things are so
much better when you have someone making you morning eggs
and fresh goats milk cheese.
As Johnny and Gheorghe, Josh OConnor and Alec Secareanu
are equally phenomenal, matching each other in both ferocity
and a familiar, playful casualness. OConnor is particularly good
in conveying Johnnys primordial nature, while Secareanu plays
Gheorghe with steady, serene, knowing calm and compassion.
The actors bring the authenticity of first love to the screen in a
way that is exceedingly rare for any movie, Hollywood or oth-
erwise.
Gods Own Country is the Beautiful Thing of today. Tender,
heartbreaking, emotionally shattering and satisfying, it is the
movie that (the admittedly great) Brokeback Mountain only
wishes it could have been. Randy Shulman
Reprinted from an earlier edition.
NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY 31
 Gallery
Child Play
An elegant new book reveals Paul Childs view of his life in France with his soon-to-be extremely famous wife
I
TS SUCH AN INTERESTING SHOT, SAYS ALEX
PrudHomme, referring to a photograph taken by his great
uncle, Paul Child, of wife Julia casually on the telephone.
All you see are her legs in casual splay. Paul saw photography
like hunting. He said you have to always be ready to pounce. He
took a snapshot like you or I might do, but it was a well-trained
snapshot. He brought a lot to each picture.
PrudHomme is the author, with Katie Pratt, of a collection of
Paul Childs photographs from 1948 to 1954, when he and Julia
lived in France. The assortment of more than 200 black and
white photographs, some deliberately composed, others captive-
ly candid, exemplify the exhale of a country that had recently
emerged from the second World War. You see everything from
sort of surrealistic experimentations to real street photogra-
phy to landscape and portraits, says PrudHomme. He really
worked at it.
The photographs also celebrate Julia Child in a way that is
delightfully ordinary.
He basically took pictures and wrote notes about their
lives every day, says PrudHomme, who in 2004 helped the
treasured, late chef pen a memoir entitled My Life in France.
Whats interesting about the pictures of Julia in this book is
NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY 33
that were seeing her when she was unknown to the world. She
was a diplomatic wife, toiling away in obscurity with her two
French friends, teaching cooking classes, working on the book
that would eventually be published in 1961 as Mastering the Art
of French Cooking. But at the moment these pictures are taken,
we are seeing Julia becoming Julia Child. Julia before her debut
on the national stage. From that perspective, its an interesting
documentation of her evolution.
For the first half of their marriage, Paul, who was 10 years
older than Julia, was the senior member, he continues. He
had the big job, and she was toiling away in the background
on cooking. They retired in 1961, and settled in Cambridge,
Massachusetts, and he very intentionally stepped back and
34 NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY
pushed her forward into the limelight just as her first cookbook
was being published. It was amazing how he did that. But it
didnt mean that he became subsidiary. He was very important.
She said, Without Paul, I would not
have had my career. And he always
said, Without Julia I would have been
a miserable misanthrope.
Randy Shulman
France is a Feast, $35, is published
by Thames & Hudson. Its available
both at local bookstores and online at
Amazon.com.
SCOTT SUCHMAN
Opera

lover Ruggiero, who has been bewitched

Strange Magic
into a wild infatuation with Alcina. If the
plot creates dramatic tension and allows
the lovers long, gorgeous agonies, it also
presents the problem of how to show or
Washington National Operas Alcina showcases baroque music suggest the action when so much of it is
with a contemporary soul. By Kate Wingfield suspended during a lengthy aria. Here,
there is a tendency to a bit too much

Q
agitation on the central circle of stage,
UIETLY AFFECTING, THE WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERAS NEW and a few too many lugubrious entrances
production of Handels Alcina (HHHHH) is a gift to baroque lovers and any- and exits during which the cursed former
one who needs a bit more 18th century harpsichord in their life. With clean, lovers carry their cubist seating. Though
abstract sets and costumes echoing an early 20th century Europe, director Anne Bogart opera has moved away from the park and
makes the interesting choice to pull the story out of its historical trappings and give it bark model, the other extreme can be too
the slightly surreal feel of a modern Tempest. Thoughtfully evoked, Alcinas island is much distracting busywork and there is
suggested with set designer Neil Patels glistening floor and schematic circles one a whiff of it here.
raised center stage and the other a massive cut-out behind the action. Their emphasis Thankfully not overdoing it is Angela
and cosmic power come and go with Christopher Akerlinds subtle static projections Meade in the title role. A quiet yet com-
and deep glowing colors, the moods changing almost imperceptibly, and the effect manding presence, she convinces as the
works well in the Kennedy Centers smaller Eisenhower Theater. powerful sorceress, singing with a lus-
It is a pared-down vision, one that director Bogart offers as an invitation to hear the trous, rich soprano. If she doesnt bring
music in a new way. Handel may have composed in a time of powdered wigs and beauty every dexterity to the baroque runs, there
marks, but in Bogarts amorphous netherworld, the baroque voice, with its long vocal is something majestic in her almost lan-
runs and extended riffs on single-minded emotion, becomes ripe for a timeless kind guid approach. She sits in interesting
of contemplation. Who would have thought to use the human voice in such a strange, juxtaposition to Ying Fangs Morgana,
affected way? Why does it touch the soul? Alcinas younger sister, who falls madly in
If Bogart captures Handel in this lovely, serene space (and conductor Jane Glover love with the disguised Bradamante. Fang
brings an appealing effort from the WNO orchestra), there are some challenges. We has an unassailably true-toned, beautiful
join Alcina in her prime, a sorceress who flits from lover to lover, turning them into soprano and she is technically won-
stones and animals when she tires of them. Her kingdom of victims is forever disrupted derful but there is something almost
when Bradamante, a young woman disguised as a male soldier, arrives in search of her rebelliously compelling, and perhaps more

NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY 35


SCOTT SUCHMAN
expressive, in Meades less pristine approach.
As Bradamante, Daniela Mack is tasked with much of the
over-egged running around, as she fends off the ardent Morgana
and then realizes the fate of her lover. She sings with much
appealing expression, but it can feel slightly forced at times
and there is not quite enough savoring of Handels nuance.
Still, Mack delivers her character with convincing angst and
Alcina runs to November 19 in the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater. Tickats are $69 to $195.
Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.
36 NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY
her chemistry with her concerned col-
league Melisso, sung with pleasing gusto
by Michael Adams, is solid. Also effec-
tively sung is Rexford Tester as Oronte,
Morganas erstwhile boyfriend.
But along with Meade, the real stand-
out here is Elizabeth DeShong as Ruggiero,
traditionally sung as a trouser role. A
truly excitingly singer, DeShongs deeply
powerful mezzo soprano electrifies the
night. She is precise, utterly engaged and
she breathes compelling life and urgen-
cy into her Handel. If there is little to
no chemistry between her and Alcina,
it doesnt matter all that much this
Ruggiero is angry at himself, questioning
his personal integrity, asking himself how
he could have been so easily bewitched.
Between Ruggieros trouser role and
Bradamantes disguise as a man, there is an
interesting play on gender here. Director
Bogart continues the theme with another trouser role in Barney
OHanlons charmingly choreographed interludes of dance.
Together, these gentle acknowledgments of gender fluidity give
the piece a quiet contemporary resonance.
Thus, this thoughtful production sates the needs of the
baroque lover, but it will also fascinate anyone with a curious
mind and an open musical soul. l
NICOLA DOVE
Movies

brightest, particularly during an emotional

Bumpy Ride
late-stage scene as they work through
the mystery and intrigue in Christies tale.
None of these characters is who they first
seem, and when one is brutally mur-
Murder on the Orient Express is a fun, if flawed and unoriginal, dered after the Orient is derailed by an
adaptation of the Christie classic. By Rhuaridh Marr avalanche their true natures and selves
are slowly revealed.

I
Christies story remains devilishly good
T CAN BE DAUNTING TO ADAPT A CLASSIC NOVEL FOR MODERN AUDI- fun 80 years later, and screenwriter Green
ences. Even more so when the story in question is Agatha Christies 1934 Murder on has tried to modernize certain elements
the Orient Express. Already produced thrice before for screen an acclaimed 1974 including more diverse casting (and
film, a derided 2001 TV film, and a middling 2010 episode of Agatha Christies Poirot a couple of character changes) in Cruz,
trying to sell audiences on a whodunit that many have likely already encountered is Odom Jr. and Manuel Garcia-Rulfos roles.
no mean feat. Theres even references to Stalins ide-
Undeterred, Kenneth Branagh steps both in front of and behind the camera, as als, and discussions about the interracial
protagonist and brilliant detective Hercule Poirot and director of Murder on the Orient romance between the Doctor and Miss
Express ( ). Adapted by screenwriter Michael Green, Branagh promises Debenham. But theres only so much that
sumptuous filmmaking, a starry cast, and a quantifiable reason to spend money and 114 can be done to alter Christie often,
minutes reliving one of Poirots most famous cases. certain lines of dialogue land with a thud,
The setup is simple: Poirot, on a break from sleuthing, is asked to come to London regardless of the caliber of actor delivering
to investigate a case. To do so, he hitches a ride on the famed Orient Express, where them.
he meets an eclectic group of individuals who, at first glance, have nothing in common. And while Branagh seems to be having
If Murder truly delivers in one area, its in assembling an excellent cast. While its not a blast as Poirot, complete with a comi-
quite as name-heavy as Sidney Lumets 1974 classic, theres plenty to satiate, including cally oversized moustache and an abun-
Dame Judi Dench as Russian Princess Dragomiroff, Johnny Depp as sleazy business- dance of one-liners, every one of Poirots
man Edward Ratchett, Michelle Pfeiffer as divorcee Caroline Hubbard, Penlope idiosyncrasies has been greatly amplified
Cruz as the missionary Pilar Estravados, Star Wars Daisy Ridley as governess Mary to almost ludicrous effect. Thats not all
Debenham, Willem Dafoe as a racist Austrian professor, Josh Gad as Ratchetts associ- thats amiss: several unexplained logic
ate, Derek Jacobi as Ratchetts butler, and Leslie Odom Jr. as Dr. Arbuthnot. leaps jar against the moments when he
Each actor happily chews through the gorgeous scenery on offer Pfeiffer shines chooses to ponderously spell something

NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY 37


NICOLA DOVE
out for the audience, rather than trust them to keep up. Perhaps
he needs another film a sequel is heavily hinted at to bed
into the role, but Branaghs take on the Belgian detective could
stand to be edited and refined.
The same could be said for his direction. Branagh is no
stranger behind a camera, but he seems to be struggling with the
tight confines of the narrative both literally and figuratively.
Nowhere is that more evident than the films opening scenes,
which introduce us to Poirot as he solves a robbery in Jerusalem.
Murder on the Orient Express is rated PG-13 for violence and thematic elements, and opens in theaters everywhere on Friday,
November 10. Visit fandango.com.
38 NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY
Its needlessly long exposition, and it contrasts
against his masterful handling of the Istanbul train
station where the Orient departs from, as he focuses
in on the central characters amid the mayhem of a
bustling crowd. Its here that Branagh should have
opened, and where his skill can be fully appreciated.
Instead, in this two-hour film, its about 50 minutes
until theres an actual murder on the Orient Express.
Once on the train, the films set design and
costuming threatens to outshine Murders stars.
It is gorgeous to behold, nailing the 30s aesthetic,
the luxury, the decadence of those lucky few who
could enjoy the Orient. And when Branagh and
cinematographer Haris Zambarloukos work with
the confines of the carriages, there are some breath-
taking scenes, such as a tracking shot of Poirot as he
storms down the train to confront the 12 passengers
accused of murder. Other times, Branagh seems to
want to escape, his camera flying out and around
the train, or experiment, such as top-down shots and extreme
close-ups that, if youre too close to the screen, can make for
uncomfortable viewing.
Ultimately, if you know the whodunit and have seen the 74
original, theres little reason to rush out and see Branaghs adap-
tation. But for those unaware of Christies masterful conclusion,
the film does decent service to one of her greatest tales. And even
if you know where the Orient is ultimately going, its a pretty fun
ride nevertheless, flaws and all. l
NightLife Photography by
Ward Morrison

NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY 39

 Scene
Mr. Maryland Leather Victory Party at the Baltimore Eagle
Saturday, Nov. 4 Photography by Ward Morrison
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

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40 NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY

TOWN ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
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NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY 41

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Sunday, thebaltimoreeagle.com Absolut and $5 Bulleit
Bourbon, 9pm-close Pop BALTIMORE EAGLE
per glass Crazy Hour, TOWN November 12 COBALT/30 DEGREES Goes the World with Wes Happy Hour, 5-9pm, all
4-8pm Freddies Follies Upstairs: Music by DJ Happy Hour: $6 Top Shelf, Della Volla at 9:30pm liquors, beers and wines up
Drag Show, hosted by Miss Bret Law, 10pm-close 9 1/2 $3 Rail, $3 Bud Light, No Cover to 50% off Micro Brew
Destiny B. Childs, 8-10 pm Downstairs: Music and Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any 4-9pm Homowood Draft/Bottle Mondays
Karaoke, 10pm-close video by DJ Wess Drag drink, 2-9pm $5 Absolut Karaoke, hosted by Robert SHAWS TAVERN $4 all day SIN: Service
Show starts at 10:30pm and $5 Bulleit Bourbon, Bise, 10pm-close No Brunch with Bottomless Industry Night, 11pm-2am
GREEN LANTERN Hosted by Lena Lett and 9pm-close Multiple TVs Cover 21+ Mimosas, 10am-3pm First Well Drink or
Happy Hour, 4-9pm $5 featuring Tatianna, Shi- showing movies, shows, Stoli Sundays: $5 Stoli Domestic Beer Free 10%
Bacardi, all flavors, all Queeta-Lee, Riley Knoxx sports Expanded craft FREDDIES BEACH BAR Specials with DJ, 3:30pm off your Food Order all day
night long Saturday Star and BaNaka Doors open beer selection No Cover Champagne Brunch Buffet, Happy Hour, 5-7pm $3 thebaltimoreeagle.com
Search with Miss Kristina 10pm $15 Cover from 10am-3pm $24.99 with Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,

42 NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY

COBALT/30 DEGREES SHAWS TAVERN BALTIMORE EAGLE NUMBER NINE BALTIMORE EAGLE NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Happy Hour: $6 Top Shelf, Happy Hour, 4-7pm $3 Happy Hour, 5-9pm, all Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any Happy Hour, 5-9pm, all SmartAss Trivia Night, 8pm
$3 Rail, $3 Bud Light, Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, liquors, beers and wines up drink, 5-9pm No Cover liquors, beers and wines and 9pm Prizes include
4-9pm Monday Nights $5 Rails and House Wines to 50% off Well Bomb up to 50% off Domestic bar tabs and tickets to
A Drag, featuring Miss and Half-Priced Pizzas Shots $4 all Day Tavern SHAWS TAVERN Bottles are $3 all day shows at the 9:30 Club
Kristina Kelly Doors Shaw Nuff Trivia, with Tally presents Family Feud Half-Priced Burgers and Team Trivia, 8-10pm $15 Buckets of Beer for
open at 10pm Showtime Jeremy, 7:30pm Game Show Night, 8pm Pizzas, 5-10pm $5 House thebaltimoreeagle.com SmartAss Teams only
at 11:30pm No Cover thebaltimoreeagle.com Wines and $5 Sam Adams Bring a new team member
21+ TRADE COBALT/30 DEGREES and each get a free $10
Doors open 5pm Huge COBALT/30 DEGREES TRADE Happy Hour: $6 Top Shelf, Dinner
FREDDIES BEACH BAR Happy Hour: Any drink Happy Hour all night: $6 Doors open 5pm Huge $3 Rail, $3 Bud Light,
Crazy Hour, 4-8pm normally served in a cock- Top Shelf, $3 Rail, $3 Bud Happy Hour: Any drink 4-9pm $4 Stoli and Stoli NUMBER NINE
Singles Night Half-Priced tail glass served in a huge Light Gaymer Night, normally served in a cock- Flavors and Miller Lite all Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
Pasta Dishes Karaoke, glass for the same price, 7-10pm Multiplayer tail glass served in a huge night Wednesday Night drink, 5-9pm No Cover
9pm 5-10pm Patio open until Games on 7 TVs glass for the same price, Karaoke, hosted by India
11pm Beer and wine Tournaments on the 2nd 5-10pm Beer and wine Ferrah, 10pm-close No SHAWS TAVERN
GREEN LANTERN only $4 and 4th Tuesdays of each only $4 Cover 21+ Happy Hour, 4-7pm $3
Happy Hour all night month Dance Floor Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
long Singing with the opens 10pm Featuring FREDDIES BEACH BAR $5 Rails and House Wines
Sisters: Open Mic Karaoke DJ MadScience 21+ Crazy Hour, 4-8pm $6 and Half-Priced Pizzas
Night with the Sisters
of Perpetual Indulgence,
Tuesday, FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Wednesday, Burgers Drag Bingo
Night, hosted by Ms.
Piano Bar with Jill, 8pm

9:30pm-close November 14 Crazy Hour, 4-8pm Taco November 15 Regina Jozet Adams, 8pm TRADE
Tuesday Karaoke, 9pm Bingo prizes Karaoke, Doors open 5pm Huge
NELLIES SPORTS BAR 9 1/2 9 1/2 10pm-1am Happy Hour: Any drink
Beat the Clock Happy Hour Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any GREEN LANTERN Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any normally served in a cock-
$2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), drink, 5-9pm Multiple Happy Hour all night long, drink, 5-9pm Multiple GREEN LANTERN tail glass served in a huge
$4 (7-8pm) Buckets of TVs showing movies, 4pm-close TVs showing movies, Happy Hour all night glass for the same price,
Beer $15 Texas Holdem shows, sports Expanded shows, sports Expanded long, 4pm-close Bear 5-10pm Beer and wine
Poker, 8pm Dart Boards craft beer selection NELLIES SPORTS BAR craft beer selection Yoga with Greg Leo, 6:30- only $4 l
No Cover Beat the Clock Happy Hour No Cover 7:30pm $10 per class
NUMBER NINE $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm),
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any $4 (7-8pm) Buckets of
drink, 5-9pm No Cover Beer $15 Karaoke and
Drag Bingo

44 NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY

NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY 45
 LastWord.
People say the queerest things

I would like to ask [Kevin Spacey] how it feels to lose a lifetime of success and hard work all because of
10 minutes of indiscretion.
Author GAY TALESE, to Vanity Fair, on the allegations of sexual misconduct brought against actor Kevin Spacey. I hate that actor
that ruined this guys career, he continued, referring to Anthony Rapps allegation. So, O.K., it happened
[more than] 10 years ago... Jesus, suck it up once in a while!

We apologize for anyone

negatively impacted by this bug.
It is not consistent with our values as a company.

The TWITTER SUPPORT account, in a series of tweets apologizing for a technical glitch in which searches for hashtags
relating to sexuality, including #bisexual, #bisexuality, and the term transsexual, were blocked.
LGBTQ activists said the companys apology didnt go far enough.

I leave the game full of pride

of what I have accomplished as a person and a player.

LA Galaxys ROBBIE ROGERS, announcing his retirement from soccer in a statement released by the team.
Rogers thanked his coaches, his teammates, Galaxy staff and fans for their strong support and acceptance
of him after he came out as the first openly gay professional soccer player.

Within the lifetime of this parliament, this nations laws created suffering and perpetrated injustice.
The legislation we have published today
addresses this injustice.
Scotland First Minister NICOLA STURGEON, speaking to Scottish Parliament about a bill introduced to pardon gay and bisexual
men convicted under Scotlands laws banning consensual gay sex. The bill would also allow those men
who are still living to get the convictions removed from their records.

While Seattle voters chose Jenny because of her proven track record...it is also
an undeniably proud moment
for the LGBTQ community,
which continues to see this strong leader break down barriers.

AISHA MOODIE-MILLS, CEO and president of the Victory Fund, on out lesbian Jenny Durkans victory in the Seattle mayoral race.
Durkan will also be the second female mayor in the citys history, and the first woman elected citywide in nearly 92 years.

46 NOVEMBER 9, 2017 METROWEEKLY