NYU’s Daily Student Newspaper
WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS Vol. 41, No. 48
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013
nyunews.com
Policy threatens park performers’ stage By VERONICA CARCHEDI
HANNAH COHEN/WSN
A new policy will limit the space in which Washington Square Park musicians can perform.
Difficult ‘Lux’ rewards patient viewers By JON MARCUS
Met with an unlikely combination of boos and a Best Director award at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival, Carlos Reygadas’ “Post Tenebras Lux” has much at stake in its theatrical New York release. “Post Tenebras Lux,” which is Latin for light after darkness, is a stark portrait of a Mexican family who moves from a wealthy urban environment to the rural countryside. They experience a rude awakening, finding themselves helpless against the whims of nature. The film is far from feel-good. Stepping into Reygadas’ brutally surrealist world, the audience witnesses a fatal beating of a dog at the hands of its owner, a particularly graphic scene in which the female lead is given as a ritual sex offering and self-decapitation.
That being said, the shock value of these depictions is somewhat counterbalanced by the innocence conveyed in much of the film’s stunning portraiture. The characterizations are on point, and Reygadas does a splendid job of captivating his audience with dialogue that feels incredibly organic despite the film’s borderline sensationalist tone. These characterizations are bolstered by performances from Nathalia Acevedo and Willebaldo Torres, who puts forth an admirable performance in his portrayal of El Siete. Where “Lux” shines most, however, is its powerful imagery, for which the viewer can thank cinematographer Alexis Zabé. In certain scenes, the film’s picturesque visuals are so engross-
LUX continued on PG. 5
The presence of street performers, one of the defining characteristics of Washington Square Park, may dwindle this spring due to a recent change in park policy. The expressive matter rule, originally adopted by the New York City Parks Department in June 2010, determines where and how artists can sell their art in public places. Current rules state that artists cannot sell within 50 feet of a monument or five feet from any bench or fence. The change in ruling will now explicitly include entertainment within these parameters and define park performers who accept donations as vendors. This change will take effect May 8 and could subject performers to court summons or tickets of up to $250 for the first offense and up to $1,000 for subsequent violations. Katie Kat — a master’s student in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human
Development for classical voice and a frequent performer in Washington Square Park — criticized the new ruling. “The restrictions being placed on street performers are an epidemic and damaging to the cultural health of New York City,” Kat said. “I am afraid for the future of a city known for the quality of its art.” But according to the Parks Department, this change is merely a clarification of the preexisting rule. “[The Parks Department] always intended that the [expressive matter] rules would apply to street performers, buskers and entertainers soliciting fees or donations,” spokesman Philip Abramson said. “Parks adopted the change to clarify this intent.” The Parks Department initially restricted both park performers and artists after the rule was put in place. But on Dec. 19, 2011, Community Board 2 held a public hearing packed with performers and parkgoers oppos-
PERFORMER continued on PG. 3
Tres Carnes fuses Tex-Mex favorites By DANA RESZUTEK
The Flatiron District’s newest fusion joint Tres Carnes, which means three meats in Spanish, offers Mexican cuisine with a smoky Texan twist. Since its opening on April 16, New Yorkers have already been drawn to this casual restaurant, with lines out the door during lunch hour. With large, open windows and colorful wall murals, Tres Carnes has a laidback atmosphere. The friendly service and music ranging from classic rock to the latest top 40 hits lend the restaurant a welcoming, neighborhood feel. Combined with fresh, flavorful meals, Tres Carnes seems to have all the qualities of a successful establishment. The namesake’s three meats are brisket, pork and chicken. All are prepared using classic Texan hardwood slow-smoking techniques, which bring out unique flavors of Texan-Mexican fusion.
CHUCK KUAN FOR WSN
Tres Carnes serves several types of Tex-Mex style soft-shell tacos. Owner Michael Rodriguez describes the food as, “Texas style meats, without the barbecue sauce, mixed with Mexican fare.” “If we had to highlight one of the meats, it would be the brisket,” Rodriguez said. “We smoke it for a very long time, 16 to 18 hours.” Menu items include burritos, soft-shell tacos and rice bowls ($8.04 to $8.73). Each comes with a choice of three meats or a vegetar-
ian option, rice, beans and four salsa options varying in spiciness. Steinhardt freshman Danielle Drumgoole was impressed with the variety of flavors in the food. “All that time cooking the meat for the dishes really pays off,” Drumgoole said. “The food is packed with flavor, and I’m definitely coming back to try more.”
CARNES continued on PG. 4