Saw the incredible film, DAS LEBEN DER ANDEREN last night with Kersti and Jeremy. Not only were parts of it shot in Kreuzberg, I think, on streets I recognize – not only did a prominent director kill himself early on in the film for not being able to do his work any more, blacklisted by the Stasi – not only did it make me, again, love German arts and artists –

it left all three of us feeling shallow and hopeless for the meaninglessness of our own American artmaking. I almost resolved to abandon my own writing projects.

Actor: I put on costumes and say lines all day…

In the morning, I am less compelled to abandon the projects, but more to learn their political meaning – and to write with the urgency and passion of one who could be killed for doing it, and the gratitude of one who doesn’t have to fear art.