For this week, I am given the freedom to write about whatever I fancy.
*evil laugh*
So, to start us off, let's take a look at the definition of absurd. According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, absurd means ridiculously unreasonable or having no rational or orderly relationship to human life. Well, there are many things that would suit this definition. However, my current favorite would have to be in the form of a musical, Oedipus for Kids!
This offbeat fringe musical marries children's theatre with ancient Greek mythology. And, it goes horribly wrong.
The concept of the play is that the theatre troupe, The Fuzzy Ducks, are trying to make the classics kid friendly. They claim to have made great plays such as "Titus Adronicus Makes a Cake!" and "Uncle Tommy's Cabin". The three members have embarked on the great challenge of adapting Oedipus Rex. However, all is not well within this troupe. Two of the members are in a divorce, and the other one has questionable acting methods. As they try to make the play a success, devious plots are revealed. Their conflict spills onto the stage and ends with general chaos.
Please note: this play is not for children.
After having been involved in children's theatre for many years, I have found that it doesn't always make sense. Trying to make anything appropriate and "politically correct" is nearly impossible. Plot lines must be eliminated, musical numbers added, and character development is to be kept to a minimum. For proof of this, just look at the text of any fairytale as compared to its Disney counterpart. Oedipus for Kids! does a brilliant job of poking fun at the absurd parts of children's theatre. Sometimes there is just no way make a thing kid-friendly. Especially when the original myth involves eye gouging, manslaughter, and incest. Oh dear...
http://www.oedipusforkids.com/astory.shtml
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Memories
It's strange. One of the people I admire the most, I truly knew the least. All the memories I have of my Grandma Monk are faded, remote, and with a bittersweet taste. I never had the chance to get to know her, but I did get to know her love.
Grandma Monk was the queen of her rowdy, Sacramento neighborhood. She was officially the mother of nine kids, and unofficially the mother of everyone else. When my dad was growing up, he says that it was rare for there not to be a visitor eating dinner with "Mama Monk". She and her husband, Gordan, my Grandpa Monk, were passionate about caring for humanity. They wanted to help solve the world's problems, and were stubborn enough to do so. Trying to win an argument with one of them would be like trying to complete one of Hercule's labors blindfolded while wearing a straitjacket.
At 5'1" my grandma did not cut an impressive or intimidating figure. However, this was the woman who could drink an entire pot of coffee and fall right asleep with her curly mop of hair hiding her face. When I first met her, I called her Grammy Leprechaun in my head. Very Irish, very loud, and magical all at once, it seems that the name was a perfect match.
When one went to Grandma for help, she made sure you got it. Your problems could range from a scraped knee to boys. It didn't matter. In the end, she would fix them all with a prayer, kiss, hug, and a sweet drink. If she loved you, there was no one in the world who could hurt you. She would take on anything for you.
However, all good things must come to an end. But, I still remember her with the utmost admiration. She taught me more than most anyone else. Living in her example is the best I can do.
Grandma Monk was the queen of her rowdy, Sacramento neighborhood. She was officially the mother of nine kids, and unofficially the mother of everyone else. When my dad was growing up, he says that it was rare for there not to be a visitor eating dinner with "Mama Monk". She and her husband, Gordan, my Grandpa Monk, were passionate about caring for humanity. They wanted to help solve the world's problems, and were stubborn enough to do so. Trying to win an argument with one of them would be like trying to complete one of Hercule's labors blindfolded while wearing a straitjacket.
At 5'1" my grandma did not cut an impressive or intimidating figure. However, this was the woman who could drink an entire pot of coffee and fall right asleep with her curly mop of hair hiding her face. When I first met her, I called her Grammy Leprechaun in my head. Very Irish, very loud, and magical all at once, it seems that the name was a perfect match.
When one went to Grandma for help, she made sure you got it. Your problems could range from a scraped knee to boys. It didn't matter. In the end, she would fix them all with a prayer, kiss, hug, and a sweet drink. If she loved you, there was no one in the world who could hurt you. She would take on anything for you.
However, all good things must come to an end. But, I still remember her with the utmost admiration. She taught me more than most anyone else. Living in her example is the best I can do.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Inspiration Comes in Many Forms
Inspiration: the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions.
I'm thinking that the definitions might become a habit. We all have to be on the same train of thought to understand, so clarifying the main point early on would probably help with that. We'll see.....
So, inspiration is what causes us to think. Since that is the case, one of the most inspirational songs that I know is, "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)," by Alan Jackson. It's very simple, yet beautiful and thought provoking.
Now, many people dislike this song on principle. First of all, it's a country song. Secondly, it's about September 11. And thirdly, it talks about emotions that many of us would prefer to keep buried.
See, as a society, we don't talk about things that truly matter. We hold them back, put on a brave face, and say, "I'm fine." Because if we talked about them, we would have to acknowledge that they are real. And if they are real, they can hurt us. We don't want to be hurt. Ironically, we just end up hurting more because of our avoidance.
This is not a political song. It is not the angry rant of one man wanting to take on the world. This is a song about emotions. When confronted with a situation where reality is shattered and the world truly seems to stop turning, how do you react? This song asks that question. It does not offer commentary or judgement. It challenges you to admit what you think is important.
If inspiration is what causes you to think, then this song deserves the title of inspirational. The thoughts that you confront may not be ones to your liking, but they are still there. If you are thinking, then you are inspired.
Alan Jackson~ Where Were You
I'm thinking that the definitions might become a habit. We all have to be on the same train of thought to understand, so clarifying the main point early on would probably help with that. We'll see.....
So, inspiration is what causes us to think. Since that is the case, one of the most inspirational songs that I know is, "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)," by Alan Jackson. It's very simple, yet beautiful and thought provoking.
Now, many people dislike this song on principle. First of all, it's a country song. Secondly, it's about September 11. And thirdly, it talks about emotions that many of us would prefer to keep buried.
See, as a society, we don't talk about things that truly matter. We hold them back, put on a brave face, and say, "I'm fine." Because if we talked about them, we would have to acknowledge that they are real. And if they are real, they can hurt us. We don't want to be hurt. Ironically, we just end up hurting more because of our avoidance.
This is not a political song. It is not the angry rant of one man wanting to take on the world. This is a song about emotions. When confronted with a situation where reality is shattered and the world truly seems to stop turning, how do you react? This song asks that question. It does not offer commentary or judgement. It challenges you to admit what you think is important.
If inspiration is what causes you to think, then this song deserves the title of inspirational. The thoughts that you confront may not be ones to your liking, but they are still there. If you are thinking, then you are inspired.
Alan Jackson~ Where Were You
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