The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com Arts Friday, December 8, 2017 — 5 NETFLIX ‘Easy’ is isn’t alway easy Even as it enters its second season, “Easy” remains one of the year’s most underrated and overlooked TV displays amidst the flood of fresh Netflix originals. The anthology — with each episode presenting different, individualistic characters and storylines — continues on to explore more diverse Chicagoans and their experimentation in the realms of business, romance and culture. Whether it be trying out an open marriage, broadening entrepreneurial endeavours or raising an angsty teen, the experiences within the show are extremely approachable. After a binge-watch of season two, it is evident that much of the allure of the series is due to writer and director, Joe Swanberg (“Drinking Buddies”), who fuses his indie, improvisational and highly unconventional structure with captivating and introspective character development. I have to admit that at first glance, “Easy” had me feeling the opposite of what the title implies. I was confused and somewhat uncomfortable, not quite sure how to approach the mumblecore vibes, ever-changing plot and overall unpredictability of the show. The characters talk over one another, the tone is almost too relaxed and conversational, and the situations that the various personalities are dealing with come off as somehow intensely serious and humorous at the same time. But after a few more vignette- style episodes, I came to accept that my very uneasiness is an integral element of the show’s intent. The spontaneity and tackling of ultra-contemporary issues like sexuality, status and race are what give “Easy” its honesty. The way that I became invested in new characters who then disappeared after a mere 30-minutes left me hoping for the expansion and elaboration of certain stories into stand-alone pieces. It must be said, however, that not all of the episodes and stories had as equal an impact and intrigue to them. The significance of each episode was entirely dependant on how devoted I was to the featured personas and scenarios. While some of the stories picked up as a continuation of season one, most were unfamiliar and innovative, allowing similar opportunities for a sparked interest. The most entertaining and compelling episodes of “Easy” were the ones that highlighted experiences that I could envision myself encountering in real life, which prompted the self-investigation of, “How would I handle this?” Hands down the funniest episode of the season is the first, where a group of dynamic and hyperbolized suburban couples form a neighborhood watch to catch a package thief. Though simple in plot, the focus on mob mentality, or how one’s perspective can sway the group’s, and Aubrey Plaza’s (“Parks and Recreation”) subsequent unconvinced and unimpressed facial expressions are enough comedic payoff in themselves. In fact, the genuine and palpable acting within “Easy” is one of its greatest successes, as this season spotlights some Hollywood geniuses like Joe Lo Truglio (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), Judy Greer (“Arrested Development”), Zazie Beetz (“Atlanta”) and stand-up comedian Kate Berlant among others. These actors take on roles of various races, ethnicities, sexualities, ages and professions, and they lend a real authenticity and normalcy to diversity and difference. In a time when diversity in media is so often included to “check boxes” of character variety, the character portrayals in “Easy” never appear forced or unnatural, remaining legitimate and relatable throughout countless storylines. It becomes evident that the premise of “Easy” is not to feel content after each episode wraps up (even though each story does culminate with some sort of conclusion), but to continue wondering about the trials and tribulations of others, and maybe even look at your own life with a different lens. The show teaches compassion and consideration for those around you, especially those who may look or seem different, and to acknowledges that not all of life’s situations have an immediate happy ending. This underlying message is not only comforting and surprisingly uplifting, but is extremely relevant and necessary in today’s often idealized society. Season two of “Easy” reveals that aside from what it seems, life is not, in fact, always easy. The series represents a mishmash of varying personas and perspectives and consequently leaves viewers with a mishmash of feelings and emotions, which interact in an uninterrupted and natural way. “Easy” breaks down the reserved sheltered way that traditional comedy- dramas portray sex, romance and money-making, and is a hit with millennials because of that candor. With seemingly endless scenarios that future storylines could follow, I’m hopeful that the series will return with a season three and continuing inquiring upon the often untold truths of our types of diverse and dynamic people. “Easy” Season Premiere Netflix EXHIBIT REVIEW NO FILTER YALE INSTITUE OF SACRED MUSIC Bach Collegium Japan bring Christmas to Hill The classical sounds of Christmas will be coming to Ann Arbor tonight. The Bach Collegium Japan is an ensemble that was started in 1990 by Masaaki Suzuki, founder and musical director of the group. They will perform J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, which is split up in parts that celebrate the major feasts of Christmas time. Bach Collegium Japan will perform parts, one, two, three and six. “I think people will enjoy the variety of expression of the music, as well as experience the story of Christmas time,” said Suzuki in an interview with The Daily. “I’m hoping to show a connection between Christmas and the passion chorale.” The passion chorale appears at the beginning and ending of the Christmas Oratorio, and Suzuki finds it to be one of the most interesting aspects of Bach’s piece. Bach has always played a huge influence on Suzuki’s music work. The Bach Collegium Japan started as a small choir, which later expanded and gave him the chance to perform some of his works. Suzuki has established himself as an outstanding conductor, organist, harpsichordist and leading authority on Bach. Suzuki has guest conducted the New York Philharmonic, Boston Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony and more. He was awarded with the Leipzig Bach Medal in 2012, the Royal Academy of Music Bach Prize in 2013 and the Das Verdienstkreuz am Bande des Verdienstordens der Bundesrepublik from Germany in 2001. The Bach Collegium Japan has also won several awards, including the 45th Suntory Music Prize and the Echo Classical Music Prize in 2014. Understandably, Bach has played a major role in Suzuki’s musical career. Suzuki noted that Bach’s music has a universal appeal to it, as it has the ability for everyone to understand the emotions and moods it attempts to portray. “Music is very powerful and dense in its structure,” Suzuki said. “It speaks to me very strongly. The three dimensions built into Bach’s oratorio — the biblical text, chorale movements and congregational singing — will give the show a lot of variety and power.” The ensemble has also recorded Bach’s complete cantatas in chronological order, an enormous project that spanned from 1995 to 2013. Receiving high praise internationally, their work has not gone unnoticed. They have also recorded works by other classical composers, such as Beethoven’s ninth symphony and Mozart’s “Requiem.” The Bach Collegium Japan brings together musicians worldwide for its performances, coming from America, Europe and Japan. The ensemble performs all over the world and regularly in their home country’s cities of Tokyo, Kobe and Nagoya. “We work on a project basis, so every time we come back together it’s a reunion,” Suzuki said. “Especially with the spirit and theme of Christmas time, it’ll be a very happy atmosphere for us.” Suzuki is also a principal guest conductor of Yale Schola Cantorum and was on the choral conducting faculty at the Yale School of Music and Yale Institute of Sacred Music from 2009 to 2013. Suzuki and the rest of his ensemble keep Bach’s music and spirit alive through their dedication and hard work. NITYA GUPTA Daily Arts Writer TV REVIEW COMMUNITY CULTURE PREVIEW UMS presents “J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio” Hill Auditorium Friday, December 7th @ 8:00 p.m. Student $12 - $20 Adult $14 - $80 Russian Classical Ballet to perform ‘The Nutcracker’ Like it or hate it, the holiday season is undeniably upon us. A walk down Main Street offers proof of this: Bright lights wrap themselves gracefully around trees, Christmas carols ring from inviting Kerrytown shops and couples walk hand-in-hand with a seemingly newfound sense of happiness. If you’re like me and love the spontaneous comradery that springs up during this time of year, or just need a way to escape the mounting stress of finals, you’re in luck. The classic holiday special “The Nutcracker” will make a reappearance this Saturday at the Michigan Theater This performance of “The Nutcracker” is presented by the Academy of Russian Classical Ballet, based in Wixom, Michigan. The Academy is made up of talented ballet students from Michigan and Ohio who learn the traditional Vaganova (Russian) style of classical ballet. The Academy also holds a Professional Trainee Program for students intending to pursue ballet as a profession. This is the third time the Academy will perform “The Nutcracker” at Michigan Theater, and they intend to keep the performance as close to the Russian Bolshoi Ballet Company’s rendition as possible. As a way to follow the original ballet, this particular rendition doesn’t “have a specific wooden Nutcracker doll. We have a younger dancer who performs the role,” said co-director of the Academy Jessica Morschakov in an interview with the Daily. The dancers are excited that their version of “The Nutcracker” stands out from other modern interpretations. “For the Spanish (corps), it’s really interesting to do the original choreography rather than something newer,” said Nina Schotland, a dancer in the Spanish dance sequence. Schotland, an LSA freshman, performs in the Waltz of the Flowers and in the Spanish corps as a soloist, in addition to other roles. Professional ballet dancers from Moscow Ballet in Russia will join the cast of local ballet students on Saturday. “Our young Clara and young Nutcracker are Michigan students,” Morschakov said. After Clara, the main child protagonist of the play, enters her dreamland, the Nutcracker is transformed into a handsome prince. The Russian professionals will perform “the grown-up version of Clara and the Prince.” Tchaikovsky’s score for “The Nutcracker” is timeless, even for the dancers who’ve performed it many times before. “I listen to it a lot. I wake up to it,” said Luke Eller. Eller will play the role of the Fritz, Clara’s mean brother and the Nutcracker in the first act, among others. The Oakland Homeschool Academy of Russian Classical Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker” Michigan Theater Saturday, December 9th @ 6:30 p.m. $35 - $45 COMMUNITY CULTURE PREVIEW Choir, a local children’s choir that gives homeschooled children a chance to participate in musical education, will provide live music as per the original. “The music of Tchaikovsky ... was written with the Children’s Choir of St. Petersburg singing during the Snow scene,” Morschakov said. They aim to parallel this effect with the Oakland Homeschool Choir. “To let people enjoy the beauty and artistry of classical ballet is a really unique experience,” Schotland said. The performance boasts beautiful backdrops, intricate hand- sewn costumes and a mystical ambiance combined with that of the Michigan Theater. The passion of the Academy is sure to whisk the audience away to a wonderful winter dreamland. Saturday’s performance of “The Nutcracker” promises to add a magical touch to the holiday season. TRINA PAL Daily Arts Writer MORGAN RUBINO Daily Arts Writer DO YOU THINK PITCHFORK’S BEST ALBUM LIST SUCKS? SO DO WE. JOIN ARTS. E-mail arts@michigandaily.com for information on applying.