Virag Dombay
Stories (30/0)
Thinking of my plans that CO-VID has cancelled, I feel a bad kind of butterflies.
Today (07/05/20) would have marked the opening show of a site-specific, audience interactive that two of my beautiful friends and I were in creative development for prior to CO-VID. Whilst I'm grateful that I'm performing in an independent theatre companies virtual cabaret show tomorrow night on Zoom, my heart still feels heavy in mourning the loss of another show.
By Virag Dombay4 years ago in Longevity
Things not to do when you're heartbroken
1. Don't read Normal People or watch it's tv adaptation that recently came out on Stan. I remember when I first read Normal People and fell in love with the awkward and what was written like it felt very real relationship between Marianne and Connell . It's such a humanising and frustrating novel, and I remember it leaving me emotionally tired and reflecting on how we as humans, have this tendency to inevitably self-sabotage the beautiful, lovely things and connections we have in life. After having recently binged the tv show (which is as perfect an adaption that one could make, has the most beautifully authentic intimacy scenes and the greatest cast), I felt the same emotions, if not more so, than I did when I read the book. Reliving these feelings and watching the ups and downs of the relationship between the two central characters, coupled with the grief and hurt that's still in my hurt, triggered lots of late-night emotional spirals. I do think the show is exquisite though, however, I'd recommend waiting a little bit post-break up or watching it with a friend, who you can lean on throughout the moments on the screen that make your heart feel heavy.
By Virag Dombay4 years ago in Humans
An Ode to Cheese and Crackers
Cheese and crackers are one of the best snacks ever invented by mankind. They're the perfect comfort food for whatever you're feeling, reminiscing about or thinking about. Cheese and crackers will always be there (unless you don't have any in the fridge) by your side to munch on through the good times and the bad times, and the in-between times. Heck, I'm even munching on some as I'm writing this article. They're such legends. So, without further ado, here is a list of all the times to eat cheese and crackers. Enjoy :)
By Virag Dombay4 years ago in Motivation
CO-VID 19: A Plague of Loneliness
The following is a stream of consciousness about loneliness during CO-VID 19: When I first sat down to write this article, my intention was to create a list of creative outlets which you can use when you're feeling lonely during your self-isolation. But the reality is, is that whilst we have access to these creative outlets, it doesn't stop us from feeling lonely. It might mask the feeling for a little bit, but that feeling is still there. I feel it. You feel it. We all feel it.
By Virag Dombay4 years ago in Motivation
CO-VID Creativity: My New YouTube Segment
If you've read any of my previous posts (or know me personally), then you know that I'm very a creative person who works in Brisbane's arts sector as a theatre-maker, director, playwright, actor, theatre critic and teaching artist. Unfortunately, due to self-isolating , I no longer have the luxury of organising a rehearsal or meeting up with friends in the flesh to create stories together, rehearse shows or, to put simply, just be creative.
By Virag Dombay4 years ago in Geeks
A f*&ked Easter
The following is my own non-edited, non-proof-read stream of consciousness about Easter... I carrot believe it’s Easter, just like my brain still carrot fathom that there is a currently a law saying that I (and the rest of my family) cannot drive over to my grandparents’ house in Bribie Island for our traditional European Easter Sunday lunch. I can’t help my grandparents to hide all of the Easter eggs in their backyard for my little brother to find and I can only seem my little brother through facetime. This time last year, my little brother, former partner and myself were climbing on a playground, seeing if we could all fit down the slide at once and taking a bunch of cheesy selfies with the messenger filters on my phone. Afterwards, my former boyfriend and I when to one of his friends’ parties, in which we wore identical bad Christmas shirts and posed for photos under a flower wreath. The last time I went to a party or a mass gathering was over two months ago.
By Virag Dombay4 years ago in Humans
Seven ways to support your local artists
As you're all no doubt aware, the coronavirus pandemic has had a far reaching socio-economic impact on our economy, no more so than our artists and entertainers. In these past two weeks, we've lost 150 million dollars. I'll give you a moment to take that in. As teaching artist and a sole trader myself, I myself have suffered a significant financial loss, but I still have my drama facilitator job with the education department to keep me afloat. However, a lot of artists, and most artists, aren't that fortunate. Consequently, I've created this article to raise awareness on how you, reading this, can help support us; your local artists. Most of these examples will be Australia/Brisbane based, as that's where I'm located, but I'm sure you can find examples from wherever you are in the world to go in its place.
By Virag Dombay4 years ago in Motivation
How to Stay Sane During the Corona Virus Pandemic
We all know what Coronavirus is and what it’s capable of. It’s all affected us in some way, shape or form. Maybe you’re like me and work in the Queensland arts sector and have had your upcoming productions and the classes you teach cancelled because of new government legislation. Maybe, like me, you’re worried about how you’re going to be able to pay rent in a fortnight. Maybe even the next month. Or maybe, like me, you’re just plain scared about the people closest to your heart, especially your grandparents, catching it. Maybe you’re worried about catching it yourself. Maybe you just want it to hurry up and leave. Maybe you’re angry, hurt, frustrated or anxious. You’re allowed to feel all of these things and more. If you weren’t feeling anything, then that might be a bit worrisome.
By Virag Dombay4 years ago in Longevity
Dear January/February Me
To my January/February self, It’s 1st of March. Seven weeks ago, you didn’t even think you could last another day because of the immense, overwhelming amount of pain that you were feeling. But, you did it. You made it to March. Isn’t that spectacular? Your strength and determination will surprise you, and continue to surprise you, throughout this journey of grieving. Things you never thought that you could get through, you’re getting through. In your head, you will be able to hear all of your friends and family saying, I told you so.
By Virag Dombay4 years ago in Humans
My Favourite Books of the decade (2010-2019)
Those that know me, know that I love to read. It’s one of my favourite hobbies and it’s what’s inspired my love of storytelling, journaling and creative writing. I have over 300 (maybe even more) in books in just my bedroom alone and I never appear to have enough. Although, one could argue that it’s never possible for one to have enough books. Without further ado, here is a list of books that have been published this past decade that have left a footprint on my heart or have challenged my way of thinking. Sometimes both .
By Virag Dombay4 years ago in Education
- Top Story - February 2020
A Bittersweet Breakup PlaylistTop Story - February 2020
Break-ups are awful. They’re full of immense pain and hurt for both parties involved. You might think it’s easier for one person, but it just looks like it because they’ve had more time to mentally and emotionally prepare for this moment. And it’s okay to not be okay, just like it’s okay for you ‘not being okay’ to be your new okay for a while. I’m told that it gets better, and whilst I’m still waiting for it to get better, I have my positive pants on that things will get better. But I’m also giving myself as much time as I need to heal. I’m not going to lie to you, I thought it would be quicker; but I’ve learnt over this past month that it’s a long and enduring process and I think I’ve finally embraced that. I don’t know if I’m allowed to plug my previous articles on here, but I wrote a very intimate blog post two weeks ago called ‘Grief’, if you would like to get more an insight into my thought processes and my experiences with grief .
By Virag Dombay4 years ago in Humans