For our last class project, Wajma, Myriam, Jing and I decided to grab a camera, tripod, some lights, go to the Tisch drama floor, and see what happens. As we rode the elevator up and down (after a floor number mixup), we were spontaneously inspired to record the elevator experience.

Interactions between strangers in confined spaces are fascinating. What makes one elevator ride silent and awkward, while in another, a someone will make friendly chit-chat. Which conditions inspire sharing and storytelling and which inhibit it?

Here are a few of our observations:

• If a group of three or more people know each other, they are more likely to engage in a conversation, even with strangers.
• Two acquainted people will whisper quietly and avoid eye contact with others.
• An “embarrassing” or unusual situation, such as trying to get off on the wrong floor, missing your floor or encountering the same group of people within five minutes, opens people to begin chit-chat.
• People did not notice or become self-conscious of the microphone, even though it was big and obvious.

We divided the recorded material evenly among each other for review. My batch had very few conversations, but I managed to pull out the following clips:

Elevator Joyride 1

Elevator Joyride 2

Elevator Joyride 3

I have been fascinated with Missed Connections for many years. These were collected shortly after Hurricane Sandy.

we were busy running around – w4m – 50 (woodbury/syosset)

Date: 2012-10-31, 3:12PM EDT

getting ready for Sandy. Woodbury Village Starbuck’s, then Iavorone, our eyes met and we seemed to want to approach one another, but you know how these things go. Hope you are safe and warm and I am in your thoughts. I work in the area, you probably reside there, so here’s hoping we aren’t shy, should the stars align and we run into one another again.

QM24 bus to Manhattan – decided to walk into manhattan – w4m – 28 (ridgewood/bushwick)

Date: 2012-10-31, 3:09PM EDT

we rode the QM24 bus to Manhattan from Ridgewood… since there was too much traffic we decided to get off the bus and ‘walk’ into Manhattan from Greenpoint.

i wish we exchanged numbers.. if you are reading this please describe the image on the bottom of your longboard.

i wonder what happened to the secret mailbox – w4m (the sea)

Date: 2012-10-31, 9:11AM EDT

what happened to it? what did you do with my last letter? and the mint box?

i miss you sometimes.

i hope you are alright.

i loved you.

a

bus driver – m4m – 22 (Park Slope)

Date: 2012-10-31, 2:03AM EDT

you were the bus driver on the B41 heading towards Kings Plaza tonight around 10PM.
you were very cute and my friend and i both thought you were. your greeting was extremely charming.
we got on at the 6th Ave stop and got off around Church AVE.
i know this is a long shot but you were driving bus number 4613…

if you remember me respond!
let me know a description of who i was with!

Way Station, Prospect Heights BK: Post-sandy Tuesday night jam band. – w4m – 25 (The Way Station, Prospect Heights)

Date: 2012-10-30, 11:34PM EDT

Hi.
You darted out the door before I had enough liquid courage in me to come over and say hello.

I was at the Way Station in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn on Tuesday night with my Turkish roommate and her sister around 10PM. I had on a gray jacket with an orangish – brown circle scarf and orangish – brown hair.

When I arrived you were sitting at the bar alone, I ordered a vodka and soda water with lime right next to you, probably yelled in your ear while doing so. We made awkward eye contact while my roommate ordered, then my group and I went and sat in the booth right by the so-so band. I was facing the crowd and continued to stare from across the room like a total creep. I think you were looking back but it was hard for me to tell in the dark. You were roaming back and forth between the bar and the room with the band. You had on a button up shirt with some sort of stripes-meet-1990-pattern over a tshirt and I was diggin it. Along with chucks and some sort of jacket I couldn’t really see in the dark. I think you were there alone.

Anyway as I was just mustering up the liquid courage to say hello you disappeared.
Really hope you read & respond because I felt drawn to you and think we should hang out.

-J

I boarded an uptown M5 – m4m – 55 (Midtown)

Date: 2012-10-30, 10:59PM EDT

…at 34th Street earlier this evening (6:30?). Bus was jampacked. We were at the front. Don’t remember why but you told me your age – and I didn’t believe you. I got off (the bus, that is) before we had a chance to say much more. Hoping you’ll see this and give me another shot.

Locked eyes outside Central Park tonight – m4w – 27 (Midtown)

Date: 2012-10-30, 10:50PM EDT

My friends and I were on our bikes near the park around 6:15, and we stopped to see if the entrance was open. You walked back my direction but I didn’t know how to say hi…if our connection was mutual, let me know the approximate intersection….

Lovely lady at NY Beer Co on W44th that told me I “was fucked” – m4w (Hells Kitchen)

Date: 2012-10-30, 9:38PM EDT

You were right! Seems the show was cancelled and I left instead of staying the night. Good move! I dodged a bullet. I hope you made it through unscathed. Thanks for the vote of confidence… glad I made it off the Island before it was shut down.

Walking through Fort Greene today – w4m – 30 (Fort Greene)

Date: 2012-10-30, 7:56PM EDT

We were walking in opposite directions near Walgreens today and you smiled at me. You: tall, black knit cap, chocolate-colored eyes. Me: wavy red hair, wearing a gray coat.

There was something really warm about your smile. Wanna grab a drink?

NYC TILL NOV. 2ND CAUSE OF SANDY / HANG-OUT – m4m – 38 (Midtown)

Date: 2012-10-30, 12:12PM EDT

Hey guys from NYC. I am stuck here because of Sandy until November 2nd and been here since last week of October 25th. Looking for someone the next few days just to hang-out, have coffee, chat and explore the city. I am not here to hook-up so sorry about that. Interested hang-out with guys who are educated, enjoy good world chat, cultural and like to explore and travel. If you are interested, feel free to reply and please have a pic as I have posted mine. Thanks.

Brunnette this morning/coffee shop – m4w – 31 (Upper East Side)

Date: 2012-10-30, 11:35AM EDT

Hi there

This morning around 8:15, at the new coffee shop in 70th street. You were in line for coffee with black long jacket & black ballerina . I was on the phone outside then stood in line . you were looking & staring. I was too ! I was with my hospital uniform. Scrubs & lab coat. If you are reading this, Please reply !

Good Taste in Beer – m4w – 45 (Whole Foods, Fairfield)

Date: 2012-10-30, 9:51AM EDT

This is a long shot. I was behind you in line at the check-out at Whole Foods in Fairfield around 2pm on Sunday 10-28-12, you had a mixed six pack of IPA’s. I complimented you on your taste in beer, and made a suggestion about trying a new beer.You replied that you would like to try my suggestion. Didn’t have the opportunity to ask you for your number. I thought you were stunning and perhaps you would like to try the new beer together. If this is you, tell me what you purchased other than the six pack.

hey – w4m – 29 (North and South Brooklyn)

Date: 2012-10-30, 9:21AM EDT

I was lying when I said I just wanted to make sure you were safe in this storm. It’s true, I wasn’t sure where you lived now, since it had been a while since we had last talked, and I wanted to make sure you weren’t in an evacuation zone and that you were safe wherever you were. But I also just missed you. I actually already wrote you one of these–of a very different tone–and didn’t post it–and realized I should just reach out to you. So, I know you’re alive and okay. I wish I were brave enough to find a way to cut through all our protective layers of indifference and tell you and ask you everything I’ve wanted to, but it was overwhelming enough talking to you yesterday that I know I can’t do it. I have always wanted to be the one to take care of you. I feel lesser about myself for that and I know you would too if you knew that about me, so, I’m sorry, but I always wished you would have let me bake you pies, and feed you. I don’t even know how to make a pie, but I would have figured it out for you.

Last time we were close, you told me it had all seemed so long ago (you and I). But then after I told you I had missed you, well. You had missed me too. I want to look past all of your and my façades, now and past, and it is god damn hard.

Please, please, please. You once said that to me in the dark. I’m telling you now, please, can you please tell me you’re sorry for just the one mistake? When I was asleep. I’ve been having a really hard time with it.

Hello there – w4m (Sandy )

Date: 2012-10-29, 11:49PM EDT

Cuddled up watching movies smokin herb
So content
Until
Damn
You
And then I feel something missing

Would love to be naked in bed rolling around with you like the winds
Wouldn’t care if the power went out
You provide pleanty of electricity

I want my lips on you
Right now

Want to tell me what you want ?

Will sleep tonight and revisit the dream I had last night
Of you busting through my door
Just in the nick of time
To save me

The storm isn’t nearly as strong as you are
Meaning
Strong enough
To know I’m just fantasizing
But
Vulnerable to know
I’m not spinning around like sandy
But rather my compelling desire to be near you isn’t an individual desire but rather we are driven toward each other
Desire
And a place to be yourself
Completely

MAMA BEAR??? – m4w – 65 (Far Rockaway)

Date: 2012-10-29, 11:37PM EDT

Where are you? No computer in hospital. Lost your address and email . I need you. How can I find you?

I hope ur safe – m4w

Date: 2012-10-29, 11:19PM EDT

paula, I hope u are safe during this hurricane. I will pray for u and ur family’s safety

The East River and the Hudson – w4m

Date: 2012-10-29, 11:15PM EDT

We used to talk a lot about the East River and the Hudson. Impossible not to think of the irony tonight as they swell and go insane and flood into the streets of Manhattan and the other boroughs. Seeing as it’s a natural disaster, you’re on my mind and in my heart. I want to hear from you.

missing my Hasidic man – w4m (Brooklyn)

Date: 2012-10-29, 11:08PM EDT

Did Sandy throw away your peyos and beard?
I am fishing them on Lee Avenue.
Jump in my boat to find the Messiah. . .

watching the storm – m4m – 29 (Murray Hill)

Date: 2012-10-29, 7:34PM EDT

I noticed you and your boyfriend both hot as hell to bad you have company at home would love to join you…for a beer….what was i wearing….

cabin fever – m4w – 28

Date: 2012-10-29, 6:31PM EDT

Super bored here, is anyone out there. I cant stay inside like this for another day, even if it is just to walk down the street and come back, I need some air. Maybe you can keep me inside.

NYC_Hurricane – m4w – 29 (Online)

Date: 2012-10-29, 6:14PM EDT

This is probably pointless but:

I ran across your profile on a dating website. I had composed a well thought and thoroughly compelling response which would of course made you swoon, but by the time I hit send you had already deleted your account. Woe is me.

All kidding aside, I very interested in getting to know you…

If that was you – please respond with your pics that you had up so I know its you. Then I can actually give you that message I had written and then we can… well who knows that next part, one step at a time.

Gristedes glances – m4w (Upper West Side)

Date: 2012-10-29, 5:52PM EDT

You had a magnetic gaze in getting hurricane supplies in the Upper West Side basement store. I’m gray with envy. You can batten down my hatches any time…

Black Clay – m4w (Bushwick)

Date: 2012-10-29, 5:52PM EDT

Bushwick, that’s you.

I still have the black clay you gave me. Havent sculpted yet. Need inspiration.

I thought I’d see you but I havent. Come to meeting tomorrow, storm or not, canceled or not.

Morton

Sandy’s coming. Too late to post an ad!! – m4w – 29 (Financial District)

Date: 2012-10-29, 5:40PM EDT

Anyone interested in few drinks in my big apartment? I live in financial district in one of the high rise building. I am sure it is safe so I am sticking in here. no sluts or spams. Indian male here 29
email me and will take it from there m checking my emails continuously

passed you on the sidewalk – m4m – 33 (Greenwich Village)

Date: 2012-10-29, 5:33PM EDT

passed you on the sidewalk this afternoon. in your running shoes. smiled and we both turned around after you passed. seems somewhat inappropriate to be posting during a hurricane, but… if you see this let me know! should meet up post sandy.

good storm musique m4w – w4m – 24

Date: 2012-10-29, 5:12PM EDT

You cannot dream yourself to notice
To feel pain and swallow fear
But can you stay up for the weekend
Till next year

youtube.com/watch?v=HnBpUGmcsFo

youtube.com/watch?v=vk5kiS58j4w

youtube.com/watch?v=vB7nmTiIt38

youtube.com/watch?v=vyut3GyQtn0

youtube.com/watch?v=qrVNnvbcGEw

and my favorite ….. youtube.com/watch?v=aGIO-WvIwyA

Guy In Pathmark – m4m – 20 (Harlem / Morningside)

Date: 2012-10-29, 2:35PM EDT

Very good looking guy in Pathmark today
Wearing a red hoddie and leather jacket. We made eye contact as we were both leaving the store. I saw you walk up 145th street pass Edgecome. Would be nice to talk to you =D

Woke you up this morning – m4w – 30 (Stratford, ct)

Date: 2012-10-29, 2:34PM EDT

I woke you up this morning. You asked if I rung your bell? If you’re interested email me. I’ll be waiting.

The Wallpaper is an audio production of a written story posted earlier. I plan to create an animation for it.

I remember the wallpaper in my grandparents hallway. You walk in, and it hits you with orange and yellow. Like sunshine. It’s happy color. I don’t actually remember the patterns. Sometimes I see them as sunflowers. Sometimes firebirds.

There was an old, red phone at the end of the hallway. To use it, you’d sit in a chair and face a corner. Before long, you’d find yourself doodling on the wallpaper. Creatures and numbers and stick figures. I got yelled at for it, but I think my parents did it too.

When we left Russia, my grandparents stayed behind. Speaking with my grandma on the phone, I pictured her sitting in the corner, tracing the lines our fading ink with her fingertips.

Long after she died, I came back to find the apartment renovated. The hallway was covered with a gaudy burgundy. Like a funeral parlor.

Now my grandfather is gone too. Someone new will move in and re-paper the walls to their taste. The patterns will blossom with new, unfamiliar flowers.

In my mind, I tear at a corner where the phone used to be. The paper comes loose, with a whisper. I keep going, like an archeologist unearthing a lost city. Beneath the layers of glue, sunflowers and firebirds explode into yellow-orange life. And my grandparents welcome me home.

One Valentines day, Tom gave me a glass rabbit figurine with a heart clenched in its paws. I kept it on a bedroom shelf where it watched me sleep. One day the rabbit fell and its heart broke off. As it rolled into a corner, I finally felt at peace.

The Landing is a shared memory between my mom, my dad and I, about our first hours after we landed in America.