Fillmmaker Elizabeth Theis (all photos by Peter Dressel)

Monsters, both in the figurative and literal sense, have been utilized worldwide in cultures for millenniums. Boredom, however, is relatively new to humanity, created by industrialization and fueled into overdrive by digital technology. These two motifs, along with the concept of celebrity, are explored in the form of a sitcom, Killing Time with Lizzie Boredom, written, directed and starring video artist Elizabeth Theis, which screened recently at the Bushwick Film Festival. Killing Time is a story about an agoraphobic hypochondriac who believes she is destined to be the next big thing. In her work, Theis often uses themes involving our relationship with media, narcissism, boredom and mortality.

Killing Time with Lizzie Boredom Trailer from Lizzie Boredom on Vimeo.

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(All photos by Katarina Hybenova)

On a largely industrial strip of Melrose Street (save the apartments closer to Irving Avenue) a brightly painted rolling door covers a former auto repair shop. Last Saturday afternoon, under a dark cloud cover, groups of people continually walked into the fenced-off yard next door as noisy psychedelica poured out. The scene from the outside-in couldn’t have been more suitable. After all, this was Secret Project Robot’s One Year Anniversary in their Bushwick location.

Different than any other gallery in the neighborhood, Secret Project Robot hosted their anniversary in the afternoon. “We wanted it to be for kids and open to everyone,” said Rachel Nelson (no relation). That became evident during the opening set of psych-prog band Oneida, when one of the member’s toddler sons joined his dad and the rest of the band onstage. The crowd cheered him when he left.  (more…)