There is anecdotal evidence supporting that microdosing psychedelics can increase creativity and problem-solving abilities, as well as promote cognitive flexibility and positively affect empathy and reduce levels of mind-wandering.

Only some of that was the case for me, judging by the incomprehensible and scattered notes I took during my viewing of Dos Mujeres at the San Francisco Ballet.  ‘Mind-wandering’ significantly increased for me, along with ‘cognitive flexibility’.  And I’m pretty sure my ‘problem-solving abilities’ went completely on vacation.  But I’ll let you judge for yourself.

San Francisco Ballet in Lopez Ochoa’s Broken Wings // © Reneff-Olson Productions

One of the two performances was billed to be about Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, so I thought it would be a good time to try “microdosing at the ballet” for the first time.  Here’s what happened.

microdosing mushrooms at the San Francisco Ballet

On a rainy Thursday night in San Francisco, I slapped on a sportscoat, drank 2 pints of Maui Waui IPA, and swallowed 1 g of dried, psychedelic mushrooms.  My date to the ballet had canceled on me due to illness, so instead of going to dinner and drinks before the show I sat alone in my apartment, eating leftovers and reviewing the show’s press release while the 1985 film Road House starring Patrick Swayze played quietly in the background.

Then I grabbed my umbrella and headed for the door.

Inside the War Memorial Opera House, Latin-themed flowers, colors, and feminine pageantry hung from the ceilings and balconies.  There was a tingle of excitement in the air, and a vibrant, international crowd of ballet enthusiasts, Latin grandmothers, and one frumpy journalist mildly tripping balls.

Just on my way from the bar to my seat I heard 3 different languages being spoken, saw a woman in her 80s doing the salsa down in the aisle, and when I sat down I listened to two French women seated behind me, admiring the large, stunning, painting by Maria Guzmán Capron draped down the stage.

Drop by Maria Guzmán Capron for the Dos Mujeres program // © San Francisco Ballet, photo by Alexander Irwin

I don’t know if it was the soaring score, the dimming of the lights, or the psilocybin coursing through me but the mushrooms really seemed to kick in when the curtain raised.  For some reason (possibly PTSD from my prior film screening) I repeatedly saw Carmen through the lens of the movie Road House starring Patrick Swayze.  A movie that has aged so poorly it has become a cult classic ‘bad movie’, and a satirical warning for us not to repeat the idiocy and testosterone-laden America of the Reagan years.

Here are my notes for the first act of Dos Mujeres, Carmen at the San Francisco Ballet.

San Francisco Ballet in Smith’s Carmen // © Reneff-Olson Productions

Notes: Act I Carmen

1 Carmen played by Sasha De Sola
2 b0dy high is real, things slightly vibrating
3  set design appears to be a recreation of the 1980s movie ‘Roadhouse’ but in Cuba
4  music is Cuban (1940s?)
5  The Patrick Swayze character just threatened Carmen with a knife, but they liked it, I think they hired her to protect the bar.
6 Carmen dances so gracefully she makes everyone else look like they are standing still
7  Carmen made out with a brute in black tights
8. Patrick Swayze’s character is played by Jennifer Stahl, she’s kind of a badass.
9 Carmen just made out with Patrick Swayze
10 My fingers won’t stop tingling
11 All hell breaks loose, Carmen just beat up former lover, possibly over love triangle.
12. Jennifer Stahl leaves anyway, she’s too badass to be held down.

Sasha De Sola and Joseph Walsh in Smith’s Carmen // © Reneff-Olson Productions

Act II Broken Wings

Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Broken Wings, focuses on the story of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.  The scenic and costume design by Dieuweke van Reij were stunning, vibrant, and haunting.  And I don’t know if it was the psychedelics but the musical score that was simultaneously classical, modern, and Mexican, seemed to be coming from both the orchestra pit and the balcony speakers at times, in any case, it was wonderful.

There were woodland creatures in immaculate, dreamy dresses, dia de los muertos figures haunting Frida’s steps, and moving scenes displaying nature, industry, art, trauma, and love.

San Francisco Ballet in Lopez Ochoa’s Broken Wings // © Reneff-Olson Productions

The star of the night was Isabella Devivo, who played Frida.  I didn’t realize it was possible for ballerinas to emote so much emotion outside of the choreography. But Devivo can display anxiety with a quiver of her calf, exaltation with a flare of her fingers, and grief with the shrinking of her shoulders.

Her dancing was powerful, purposeful, and displayed the kaleidoscopic expression of fine art.  I think Frida would be proud.

San Francisco Ballet in Lopez Ochoa’s Broken Wings // © Reneff-Olson Productions

Dos Mujeres plays through APRIL 14th, tickets start at just $29.  If you love art, there is no good reason for you to miss it.

DOS MUJERES

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