Gaybutton

I think the religious fanatics cause more harm and misery in this world than all other causes combined.

I didn't say anything is wrong with it. Don't misunderstand. I only meant that I think you are a very sympathetic person. It was meant as a compliment, not a put down. But I think you are wasting tears when it is for a phony baloney. Yes, I cry at movies too. My tears usually start to flow as soon as I see the ticket and popcorn prices . . .

I was fortunate enough to see it on Broadway with the original cast. It must be 20 years ago by now. It's a terrific show and well worth seeing.

I don't see it that way. I don't see anyone saying anything to indicate they would intentionally smoke where others would be subjected to it. The closest exception to that is Xian, who wants to at least be left alone about it in his own home and certainly does not appreciate someone grabbing the cigarette out of his mouth. It works both ways. Some say, "Why should I be subjected to the stale smoke odor of your clothes?" On the other hand, I could say to one of the complainers on this thread, "Why should I be subjected to the sight of you manhandling boys, in full view of everyone, in Jomtien Complex?" I have the option of looking elsewhere. He has the option of sitting elsewhere.

The following appears in THE NATION: _____ The Gay Story that's Real By Pawit Mahasarinand Special to The Nation February 5, 2010 'The 4 Sisters' begs to show the honest side of life on the other side In this prolific year of queer theatre, "Chan Phuchai Naya" ("I Am a (Wo)man"), Dr Seri Wongmontha's adaptation of Broadway hit "Boys in the Band", is currently running at Aksra Theatre. Later in the year, Scenario will stage the Thai translation of another Broadway classic, "La Cage Aux Folles", at Rachadalai Theatre. In between, a much smaller production, "The 4 Sisters" by Life Theatre, has no television stars in the cast, and is receiving less attention from the media. But it's worth our attention and attendance because it's the only one of the three that's entirely based on true stories of Thai gay people. "I have many gay friends and know that what we're watching on TV and in the movies are not the true representations of them," says director Bhanbhassa "Khru Ning" Dhubtien, who was last year acclaimed for her title role in "Nangfah Niranam" and her staging of compelling drama "Water Time". "Most frequently, they're comedians on screen, but I want the audience to have a chance to look at them as human beings. And so I asked Shogo [Tanikawa, Life Theatre's resident playwright] to write a play based on the true stories and experiences of three gay friends [who are also professional actors] - Apirak 'Yo' Chaipanha, Sun 'King' Tawanwongsri and Setthaphan 'Graph' Sernthaisong - whom I'd like to see share the same stage." The play is set in a cabaret bar, which is going out of business after 30 years. Khru Ning adds, "Although the play is generally classified as a comedy, has quite glossy PR photos, as well as some entertaining cabaret performance sequences, we also show some true problems these gay characters are facing. One of them is having trouble showing his true sexual identity in his office - he just can't step out of the closet. Another is getting older, sick, past his prime, and about to retire, without any family member to take care of him. And the last one is a wannabe who's trying his best to become a star of the show but after many attempts not succeeding yet. "The play started out as 'The 3 Sisters', but then Shogo suggested we should have a woman character so we added this character who's the daughter of the bar owner. It's to be performed by Heen [sasithorn Panichnok, a co-founder of Life Theatre whose performance in films 'Chandara' and 'Talumpuk' made her famous]. Another straight character is a Karen waiter, portrayed by Shogo [who's Japan-born and Thailand-bred]." On screen, some actors have delivered great performances of gay characters and are prone to winning major awards - Tom Hanks in "Philadelphia", for example. Kru Ning, who teaches acting and directing at Chulalongkorn University and is a permanent member of New York City's Actors' Studio, comments, "The audience may be more excited, perhaps, if we cast straight actors in gay roles, and it can be a selling point. I don't look at this issue in that perspective though. In this case, it's these three gay actors' own stories and I think it's fair to give them a chance to portray them as who they are, not as comedians." "The 4 Sisters" is already the third production from the 10-month-young group Life Theatre whose three core members are the playwright Shogo, the director Khru Ning, and the actress Heen. "I used to have this kind of small theatre troupe when I was working in New York. I think it's practical and fruitful and each and every one knows his role and work accordingly. Shogo and Heen worked together and I like their chemistry and the work that came out of it so three of us formed Life Theatre last year, and it's working smoothly." "The 4 Sisters" will be the first production at the new Blue Box Theatre, a studio space at M Theatre - a praiseworthy vision of Dreambox's artistic director Daraka Wongsiri. In fact, large and small performance spaces sharing the same roof is a standard practice in theatres and performing arts centres all over the world, yet not common enough here. "Daraka is very kind in renting this new space to us at a very reasonable price. It's also a little larger than the other two spaces our previous two productions were in [Crescent Moon Space and Makhampom Studio]. It seats about 70 people, so it's very intimate and fits the setting of the play. We'll get enough audiences to cover the cost, and don't have to perform as many shows as when we're in smaller spaces. Plus, audiences already know M Theatre, so it's convenient for them as well." Good news for our English- and Japanese-speaking readers, like in all plays by Life Theatre and productions by Shogo, "The 4 Sisters" will be performed with Japanese and English subtitles, making sure that language is not a barrier to enjoy contemporary Thai theatre. Details "The 4 Sisters" opens on February 19 and runs until February 19 and again from February 26 to 28, at 7.30pm, with additional 2pm matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. The venue is Blue Box Theatre, on the 2nd floor of M Theatre (New Petchaburi Road), with free parking at nearby Manoonphol Building. Tickets are Bt350 (Bt200 for students), bookable online at http://www.BananaBooking.com, and by calling (080) 2600 7716. Check out http://LifeTheatre.webs.com for more details.

I'm with Xian on this one, although I don't think I would have tossed a cup of coffee into the person's face. Why waste a good cup of coffee? But if someone had done that to me anywhere he would have quickly realized he just made a big faux pas. If it occurred in my own home I would keep my coffee, but I would also immediately show him where the door is and make sure he uses it.

Well, you seem to be the only one who did. GT, I'm surprised you still have difficulty spotting a troll. You usually sympathize with guys like this, which is commendable, but at least save your sympathy for someone genuine, not an obvious phony. He hasn't violated any posting rules though, so until he does he still gets to post. I have a feeling you cry at movies. Go to see "Taking Chance." At least you'll cry over a true story.

He could also ask for more . . . a lot more, more than one would be willing to pay. You wouldn't be having that discussion with your second or third choice. If it backfires, that's the end of your first choice. Also, it has been my experience that the money boys couldn't care less about the luxury hotels, expensive meals, travel costs, etc. As far as I can tell they have only one concern . . . how much money they'll make. In my opinion, I think someone prepared to make this kind of offer already knows how much he is willing to give the boy. Obviously he knows he will be spending a lot of money on the entire experience and the money for the boy is a part of that expense. I think it would be a mistake to start negotiating with the boy over how much he'll get. I think it is best to simply explain what you want, what you expect from the boy, what your offer is, and let him take it or leave it. Believe me, he'll take it.

By the way, normally I would never allow personal attacks, but I don't consider "troll removal" to be personal attacks.

No posts indicate that anyone is angry . . . just amused that you actually expect people to swallow this nonsense. If you no longer wish to post on this board, that's your decision. Now run along, have a good cry, and we'll see you around. In fact maybe we'll stare . . .

I don't know why I am even posting on a thread about social skills when it is obvious that I have none . . .

That's quite reasonable. 1000 baht per day will likely be acceptable for a long-time stay such as you propose. I would say 1500 baht per day is certainly more than enough. Also, make sure he has pocket money each day so he doesn't have to come to you for every little thing. I think you are already know that in addition to what you're going to tip him, you are responsible for all his normal expenses while he is with you. I always advise giving him the tip at the end of your stay, when it is time to say goodbye.

I agree. You have no reason, at least no reason that makes much sense. If you have psychological problems, and whether your posts are true or not it's obvious that either way you do, then the next logical step - go to a psychologist. In case you hadn't noticed, I'm not the only one around here who thinks you're full of baloney. Also, I'm not going to delete your posts. What did you expect when you wrote them? For someone who can't handle being looked at, you sure seem to enjoy calling attention to yourself. If GT wants to delete your posts, that's up to him. "The bigger the lie, the more people will believe it." - Josef Goebbels

"It's not that I'm so smart. It's just that I stay with problems longer." - Albert Einstein

Thank you, Smiles, although it's a shame that sometimes it becomes necessary to point out the absolutely obvious when the incredibly obvious should do.

What makes you think I don't already know? You need to change the nature of your quest so that you concentrate on getting me to care. Wouldn't that depend on what kind of coffee it is? I would hate it if it was espresso. On the other hand, if it was a very good latte . . .

Perhaps you see it as indefensible. I don't see it as an issue that needs defending. The fact that you've decided it is indefensible doesn't make it indefensible. I'll say it for a third time. I'm not about to let people like you make a second class citizen out of me. If I am not subjecting you to my smoke, then I have nothing that requires a defense. I'll go where I please and I'll wear what I please. What part of that needs defending? What part of that is twisted logic? Here's some more twisted logic for you. I have a perfect right to be anywhere I want to be whether you like the way I smell or not. You have a perfect right to leave if you dislike it. What you do not have is any right whatsoever to tell me to leave because you don't like the way I smell, don't like my face, don't like the way I comb my hair, don't like my political opinions, or don't like anything else about me. Is that twisted enough for you? If anyone's position is indefensible, it's your own, unless of course you can tell me what gives you the right to tell me I'm the one who can't be somewhere because you don't like it. "Mr. GB, you are under arrest." "I am? On what charge?" "Soi10Tom informed you that he finds your odor offensive and he ordered you to leave. But you refused to comply. That's going to cost you 5 years, a heavy fine, and probation upon release. You will be confined at The Home for Those with Severe Odor an Appearance Deficits. Remember, your odor is already unacceptable. Any further odor violations can add years to your sentence, so whatever you do, don't fart"

Do you feel a tugging sensation at your leg? Someone is pulling it.

I demand the right to reek. Now you've got me thinking. Are you thinking what I'm thinking? I'm thinking of stinking. You might try spraying me with the new cologne . . . Stench Quench. I understand its odor is reminiscent of that feminine hygiene spray . . . Sprunt.

You don't? Would you like 3 guesses?

You're right. I'm going to take you to task. Now I have to stay home and can't go to a restaurant, a bar, or any other public place because somebody might not like the way my clothes smell? I am perfectly willing to try to see that my smoke doesn't bother anyone. That's my problem. But if it comes down to you taking offense to the way my clothes smell, my friend, that's your problem. Like I said, I, for one, won't stand for being relegated to second class citizenship. If you don't like the way my clothes smell, then when I show up you can leave. Of course, I can come with no clothes at all, but talk about offensive!!!

I think we just discovered your 15th peeve . . .

It's a shame that the bar owner didn't tell the guy that he needs to control himself or needs to leave.

As an aside, "The Dark Side" would also be an excellent area for a good supermarket. That controversial Lotus that opened out here does a thriving business, but so many people are moving into this area that a much better supermarket would do quite well.

Strange. He told me I would be second to last . . .