Monsters, robots, rock operas, and spring salads. Go figure.
Last game you played? I’m nearly halfway through running a “limited series” Monster of the Week campaign that was the brainchild of a Leiden Ludic Collective oneshot from last year, and every time I play I’m reminded how much fun Powered by the Apocalypse games are. 2d6 mechanics, my beloved!
What activity that most others see as a task or chore, is something that you actually enjoy? Making a huge elaborate meal that requires a written-out checklist to keep track of all the components and a 2-day head start. Thanksgiving, Christmas, a random Sunday in May…anything can be an occasion meal if you’ve got a heavy-duty apron and a winning spirit.
Quote from a reading you’d recommend? “The culture of video games is heavily oriented to individual competition and extraterrestrial warfare. High-tech, gendered imaginations are produced here, imaginations that can contemplate destruction of the planet and a sci-fi escape from its consequences.” Donna Haraway, from the ever-relevant Cyborg Manifesto (p. 42-43).
What’s something you’ve done, written, or helped create that you’re proud of? I wrote the lyrics for London Fog, a single off the (very last) upcoming Abhi the Nomad album. My brother and I have been working together on music for as long as I can remember, but this is my first writing credit on one of his projects, and it means a lot that it’s on a song as meaningful as this. Helps that it’s a banger, too.
What’s one of your favorite albums? I will graciously sidestep the obvious answer and instead ask that we give the OBC recording of Hedwig and the Angry Inch its flowers. Also, Angus, we’re going to leave this question in here until you finally admit your ska habits on main.
What gadget would you like to try or already have and can recommend? I just ordered some carabiners, if that counts. l already wear one at work, but I’m thinking of shifting to a full-time keys-in-belt-loop kinda guy. As a glasses wearer, convenient + automatic accessory is my favorite “gadget” combo.
What is the best thing about spring? Can I be real? It’s salads. Specifically fennel salads. I have been dreaming up fennel salads for weeks on end, and as far as I can tell my subconscious isn’t trying to tell me anything beyond “please go make this”. Pictured is one with blood orange segments, arugula, burratine, and pine nuts.
What’s something you used to be good at but can’t do now? Sleep in, or go back to sleep once I’ve woken up. If I’m up, I’m up.
What question should be swapped out for another?
Let’s retire “What’s something you used to be good at but can’t do now?” and go with “What’s something new you’ve learned how to do recently?“
Keerthi Sridharan is a PhD candidate in the Playful Time Machines project. Their research is centered around games and play as spaces that facilitate and complicate processes of identification, identity construction, and relationality. Previous work has examined emotional play in TTRPGs, perspective in player-character interaction, and language as a playful resource in conversational interaction. They are a sociolinguist by trade, and a gamer by choice. Their spare time is spent stress-baking, making music, and drafting Twine games.
