Micro dramas

 

I just found out that micro dramas are the fad now in China. These are super short videos lasting about one to two minutes per episode. They are suitable for viewing while waiting for say the elevator, the train or standing in supermarket queue etc. The whole drama ranges from 20 episodes to 100 episodes.

"Top key features include very rapid plot twists, intense emotional conflicts and minimal character development"- CNA

I am just thinking if this catches on with the rest of the world how will it affect the way I deliver my story telling in the library. I mean if our children become hooked onto this mode of entertainment will they find it extremely boring to sit down for half an hour listening to someone trying to enact scenes page by page of a story book. For most junior children books the plot develops slowly before hitting a climax as opposed to rapid plot development. 

It is true that the oral tradition of story telling needs to evolve with new technologies. This is why our new Punggol library has a fully equipped story telling room for the story teller to project moving images and text together with light and sound effects to make it an ' immersive and interactive experience '. 

It is another thing if the audience expects swift moving plot. I think children love to listen to stories because it is magical; they can find themselves in different worlds sharing the emotions of the characters sharing their struggle and victories, their pain and joy. 

I certainly hope our children of the future will not be deprived of this beautiful magical experience.

Memorable Travel Experience

 

I read my last blog about my pre-travel anxieties. Well, I am back with wonderful memories of Spain. Of deep impression is the Alhambra in Granada (the most beautiful and exquisite palace I have seen), the Mesquita in Cordoba (where a cathedral was built inside a mosque) and of course the quaint architecture of Gaudi in Barcelona (who did not think out of the box, he threw away the box).

Prior to visiting Spain I watched the Spanish show Cathedral of the Sea on Netflix to get some flavour of Barcelona. It added rich flavour to the guided city walk around Barcelona. The show had described the plight of the Jews around 14th century where the story took place. It came alive when the tour guide showed us the Jewish quarters. On our own we located the Cathedral Santa Maria del Mar (depicted in the show as the Cathedral built by the people, stone for stone carried from the sea). We were thrilled to find on the walls of the church carvings of man carrying huge stones on their back.

During my long train ride in Spain I also listened to podcast about Gaudi and how his style is driven by his love for architecture, nature and religion. His exploration into arches came from observing hanging cables. These knowledge helped me to truly appreciate the interior of the famous Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

As we were traveling close to Good Friday we were fortunate enough to watch rehearsal parades in 2 towns. That was really a bonus. Another supplementary prize was to be inconvenienced by a farmers' protest against agricultural imports in the form of long rows of tractors trudging the streets of Cordoba such that we have to walk to the train station dragging our luggage along instead of cabbing.

My travel in Spain was truly fascinating reinforced by a very knowledgeable local guide in Barcelona who gave so much depth into its history. It was only from the visit and pre research that I learnt that Spain was under Muslim rule for over 4 centuries which explains the presence of cross culture everywhere. 

Yes I did have some discomfort from long flights and anxieties about pickpockets etc. However this last trip will spur me on to travel to learn more about the history and culture of the travel destinations.

Gaudi- There are no straight lines or sharp corners in nature. Therefore, buildings must have no straight lines or sharp corners. The straight lines belong to men the curve one to God.