Rebecca Fraimow

I’m going to be on a couple panels at Arisia this weekend — my first time speaking or moderating at an sff con (I’ve presented a bunch at archives conferences for my day job, but that doesn’t feel like quite the same thing!)

Friday

5:30 PM: Acting and Performing in Other Worlds

Can you put on a play for beings who can see the future? How well does a comedy routine translate for beings who don’t share the comedian’s body plan? What about performance art that culminates with the performers getting sacrificed (or eaten) by the audience? Consider how novels and short stories address the problems of performing music, dance, or drama in distant worlds.

7:00 PM: Friday Evening Readings

I will probably be publicly reading something from Lady Eve’s Last Con for the first time here!

Saturday

11:30 AM: Sing-Along Yiddish Songs (moderator)

There is a rich tradition of song from Jewish communities in Russia and Eastern Europe. Come sing along with some of these. Songs of work and play will be featured; no liturgical songs will be included. Leaders may play accompaniment to support the singing. (participatory sing-along with words provided, via either projection or paper handout)

Sunday

5:30 PM: Not Quite Utopia

Dystopian fiction is seemingly everywhere. Utopian fiction– real, false, or even just approaching the ideals of a near perfect world — is much harder to find. Panelists will explore why Utopian fiction is less prevalent, from publisher and reader interest to challenges with writing works that occur in a perfect society.

8:30 PM: Preserving Media in the Age of Streaming (moderator)

The cult classics of the 80s and 90s survive on VHS and DVD, but how do we ensure that today’s stealth favorites stick around long enough to acquire their audience? We’ll have a frank discussion around physical media, digital media, the current issues with streaming, and recommendations for preserving content.

Monday

11:30 AM: A Rose By Any Other Name

Romance is a very common development in fiction. How can writers sustain interest in a relationship that is romantic in nature? The panelists will also discuss how to create deep and intense relationships between characters that don’t revolve around romantic interest.

I am really excited about all these events & conversations, but, given that last night I had an exam-style stress dream about oversleeping and missing all my panels, I must deduce that I am also quite nervous! But Arisia is a very friendly local con and I think it will probably be fine. Anywhere, if you’re going to be there, do come and say hi!