Entertainment for us comes in all forms
~ a walk in the park on a gentle evening
to flickering characters on a screen,
time travel between the covers of a book
the slap and cheer of hockey or soccer
fingers caressing the octaves of a piano,
or the swirl and twirl of a waltz……
Each of them directing us
out of the dailiness of life
and into joy, release and fun.
“Once a person has all the things they need to live,
everything else is entertainment.”
~ Neal Stephenson, author
The audience was filled with children of all ages - toddlers to those of us white hair, all of us clapping and singing along with the songs. Local musicians provided the live music that carried the story of Shrek, the big, green, ugly, scary ogre that had been challenged to find the Princess Fiona for Lord Farquaad. If Shrek wanted every single fairy tale character removed from his swamp, that was the job. Dragon fighting was part of the challenge if he was to save Fiona.
The set was back dropped by changing scenery from Shrek’s swamp to Lord Farquaad’s castle and a field of sunflowers in between. Two structures, with a balcony atop, set the stage for castle, dungeon or a bridge depending on the scene.
Were there flaws in this production? I certainly have a bad habit of watching for what could or should have been different, but that was the premise of this play, that differences are always with us. I just know I had fun - not only the play but loved the 7 year old beside me who clapped and danced for the 2.5 hours of this production. There was a 15 minute break and popcorn to ease the length demanded. I’m afraid the toddler did not manage, and fell asleep in her grandma’s arms.
“After a while you learn to ignore the names
people call you and just trust who you are.”
~ Shrek
Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire
Music by Jeanine Tesori
Based on: the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture
and the book by William Steig
All authorized performance materials are also supplied y MTI. www.mtishows.com
Conexus arts centre: conexusartscentre.ca
**haze, loud noises and flashing lights may be part of this experience
Furies of wind tossed
winter debris hither and yon
threatened to make kites
of dust covers
in yards and balconies
danced with branches
freed into airborne rain
new leaves opened
into the wet wildness
squirrels, cats and birds
abandoned sidewalks and trees
electric technologies snatched
into silent darkness
neighbours together-ed
for reassurance and laughter.
“Wind tries to show Tree how to run wild.
Tree: “I cannot leave this place.”
Wind: “Then let’s dance.”
~ Terri Guillemets, writer
Rhythm
tap tapping of toes
swaying
embodying the music
feeling the gentle dance
envisioning the ride
down a sun-drenched lane
hearing the clip clop of
a sleek brown horse
stopping beneath a willow
graceful fronds caressing a lake.
“People do dismiss ambient music, don’t they? They call it
‘easy listening,’ as if to suggest that it should be hard to listen to.”
~ Brian Eno, musician
Author’s note:
inspired by an Easy Listening piece,
head back, eyes closed to the outside world.
Rhythmic flow ~
a sway and swing from the centre of our being before
we know the dance that
tells us that we are alive
our soul hears our rhythm
before music heals our hearts,
before despair touches shore ~
listen and feel the rhythm.
“The rhythm of life is intricate but orderly, tenacious but fragile.
To keep that in mind is to build the key to survival.
~ Shirley Hufstedler, Judge
(1925~2016)
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| August 2024 |
Over a year ago, I began
a sourdough starter ~
bubbly and full of life.
Flattened and lazy,
On the watch for
mould or a flat taste.
no mould appeared
taste is sharp and sour!
What was I doing wrong?
Too long in the cold
fed once a week!
No reason to bubble.
~~~~~~~
So it is with spirit
Excitement in life
shrinks in the cold
flattens without life
stirred and kept warm,
danced and out of breath
What excites me?
ideas that beg for the written word
story that stirs my soul to laughter or tears
music to tap my toes and sway my hips
What excites your heart and mind?
“For here I hope begins our lasting joy.”
~ William Shakepeare
(Re: Sourdough restoration: I’m keeping it on the cupboard and feeding it once a day for a while until it’s back to it’s bubbly self. Maybe a week? In this cold weather, I’m not going far from home.A metaphor for life - it I keep my life in the cold)
 |
| Screen shot |
Mary Poppins: as I was scrolling through my TV choices, that charming film showed that it would be playing in a few minutes. I had other writing projects to work on, but, after a moments hesitation, pushed them aside. I have seen this movies three and now four times. Although it is dated 1964, it never is old for me. Magic (although Mary Poppins would not agree), singing, dancing, playing on roof tops with chimney sweeps, two children (Jane and Michael) are charmed and entertained by this quirky nanny who came to them from the sky. She carried an umbrella and a carpet bag. The head of the umbrella was a talking parrot. The carpet bag held a floor lamp, a great broad leafed plant, her clothes, a measuring tape and whatever else she needed. The measuring tape showed character not inches. Michael: ‘stubborn and suspicious’; his sister Jane: ‘rather inclined to giggle and doesn’t put things away’ and when the children asked about Mary Poppins: ‘Practically Perfect in Every Way’
I was charmed again, laughed out loud and certainly will watch this film again. Both Julie Andrews and Dick van Dyke are white headed now but still living life and working in film.
“First of all, I would like to make one thing clear: I never explain anything.”
~ Mary Poppins
Directed by: Robert Stevenson
Based on: The “Mary Poppins” books
Screen play by : Bill Walsh and Don Da Gradi
Abbreviated Cast:
Julie Andrews: Mary Poppins
Dick Van Dyke: Bert/Mr. Dawes Senior
Karen Dotrice: Jane Banks
Matthew Garber: Michael Banks:
Glynis Johns: Mrs Banks:
David Tomlinson: Mr. Banks
Hermione Baddeley: Ellen - maid
Reta Shaw: Mrs. Brill - Cook
Elsa Lancaster: Katie Nanna
Arthur Treacher: The Constable
Reginald Owen: Admiral Boom
Ed Wynn: Uncle Albert
Jane Darwell: The Bird Woman
Arthur Malet: Mr. Dawes, Junior
its sheeted arms and ghoulish face to find a treat
~ or maybe a trick!
