October | 2019 | The Hanslick Girls

October 28, 2019

The Coming Void: Infinite Fall’s “Night In The Woods”

Author’s Note: this review of Night In The Woods discusses allegations of assault made against one of its creators. These allegations broke after my first two playthroughs of the game were concluded, and the emotional impact of the game already established. I considered whether to cut the review entirely, not wanting to promote the work of this developer. After careful deliberation, and in light of the accused being immediately fired from Infinite Fall, I have decided to move forward in reviewing Night In The Woods, in support of the other team members of Infinite Fall, whose work on this excellent game should not be allowed to be brought down by another person’s actions.

Dania lay on the couch in her apartment.

I need to delete Twitter, she thought to herself. She knew she wouldn’t.

October 24, 2019

Burying The Lead: Underscore Theatre Company’s “Proxy”

The author wishes to disclose that they will be directing for Underscore’s upcoming Chicago Musical Theatre Festival. However, they have had no involvement in the production of Proxy.

“So it’s based on the Slenderman stabbing, right?”

Gwen gave a non-committal shrug. “They never outright say that. It could be any attack between two kids.”

“But they talk about the faceless man and everything,” Eleanor added. “The painting Ronnie shows off definitely looks just like him.”

“I was convinced he was going to show up outside the door at some point,” said Dania. “Like, if you keep setting up that the door can open magically, you throw that haze in the second time it happens…I mean, maybe it’s just me wanting spectacle…”

October 14, 2019

Ripped Headlines: Reem Bassous’ “Memory For Forgetfulness”

They had come on a quiet day in the middle of the week, which meant that the Honolulu Museum of Art was nearly empty. As they walked the labyrinthine villa that made up the museum’s sprawling campus, Dania and Eleanor walked close together, in an agoraphobic bond.

“I thought there would be more art by Hawaiian artists here,” Gwen muttered, passing another room of Japanese block prints.

“Why?” Eleanor asked. “It’s not like the Art Institute has a section dedicated to Chicago artists.”

October 7, 2019

Bitter Roots: Waikīkī International Market Place’s “O Nā Lani Sunset Stories”

“Let the torches be lit!”

The voice boomed through the International Market Place. Eleanor and Gwen instinctively looked up from their dinner.

“We welcome you to join us now at the Queen’s Court, as we present O Nā Lani –– the Sunset Stories. Welcome, and Aloha!”

An incantation was heard, and Gwen noticed tourists seeping out of the stores, and gathering around the grassy courtyard where they sat, eating.

Month / October 2019