Music in the United States is a complex code of secrets that tells a different story then the one found in history books or reported in the media of the time. Our time, the news media looks for the easiest way to excite and agitate people. Have them take sides, report and follow the protest of fringe groups with backward thinking ideas. Ignorance on display for what purpose I wonder.
You can get a better handle on the truth through the arts I believe. Music brings people together. Not just because we can all sing, dance have a good time etc. There is a message in music for us, it contains the best history lesson you can find.
Something to do if it has not been your thing to do, go to “Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival” Oct 1-3rd in San Francisco and learn more about this country.
This quote, attributed to Tennessee Williams is said differently in the 2008 film Transsiberian (“Kill off my demons and My angels might die too”) can be said about all of us. The heroine Jessie, played by Emily Mortimer who’s beauty is hidden by the innocent gangling lumber of her walk and a face that says there should be freckles here and a cow nearby. For all its plainess, the visuals are spectacular, there is a sense of nowhere and dread in this thriller. If you have ever traveled somewhere not knowing the customs or language you will revisit your fears of that time in watching this movies. Good fun.
Cate Blanchette in Streetcar Named Desire
Keeping in touch with Tennessee Williams and quoting him through Blanche DuBois “I don’t want realism. I want magic!” Yes, yes, magic. I try to give that to people. I do misrepresent things. I don’t tell truths. I tell what ought to be truth.” Magic is where the Poetry is. The truth is never as much fun. Cate Blanchett who is starring in Liv Ullmann‘s “Streetcar Named Desire” is a magical actor and perfect fit for what I hear is a transformational point of view for this Tennessee Williams play.
Eventually Cirque du Soleil will create a show about each of us, but until then it is Elvis that is up next. Starting next month in Vegas at the MGM Mirage’s City Center. The show is being directed by Vincent Paterson best known as a choreographer. It will most likely be as spectacular as the 100 Elvis sky divers, just not as dangerous to people on the ground 😎 .
Baghdad’s theater re-opens with a night time performance of “To enjoy the sweetness you must taste the bitterness” a play directed
Photo: AFP
and performed by Iraqis. The impact of war or any kind of violence is devastating to any community regardless of its size. What may go unnoticed amongst all the destruction is the difficulties in creating, sharing and viewing of art. Being unable to renew ourselves with what art brings to our “souls” and “culture” is a great loss, but some how people are able to overcome. The title of the play is ironic and true, but was it really necessary to have to swallow so much bitterness?
** Post header – Oil painting by Wasima Al-Agha **
“for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf” at SouthwestArtsCenter until August 9.
Long title for a great play – saw it on Broadway in the late 70’s and recently saw a 1982 televised version on DVD. Perhaps not as shocking or controversial as it was when first seen, the collection of Ntozake Shange’s poems woven into a statement on love and relationships is still powerful.
The current “For Colored Girls…” revival has been updated with new music and choreography and is directed by Jasmine Guy. (Remember “Whitley” from the TV show “A Different World”?). Robin Givens and Nicole Ari Parker are featured in the 9 women ensemble that brings the play to life.
