Live Theatre It's sad to think of all the closed theatres in the country. In May, I read that our own Alley Theatre in Houston, laid off about 100 staff members and cut its budget by 7 million. It's mid July and things have only gotten worse. Hamilton Back in April, I figured Broadway and other regional theaters would open again by summer. Seems like everyone (but me) had tickets to see the touring production of Hamilton. Those shows have obviously been cancelled, but something nice happened. Recently, it became possible to watch Hamilton from our very own couch. Ordinarily, that would sound like a lousy way to experience the award-winning musical. But, right along with about a zillion people, Don and I signed up for "Disney Plus", so we could stream the recorded play (with original cast!) at home. Comic Relief We turned off all the lights and turned the sound way up. It actually felt like we were looking up at a real stage... except that I was wearing pajama pants. Although, thinking back to watching plays as a kid... I was pretty good at sitting still. I learned very young how to be reserved in my theatre seat. No foot tapping. Not whispering. It actually felt really nice to watch this production and squirm and sway and tap and laugh. And man, it felt so good to howl with laughter, at King George lll ! What comic relief! Mix of Joy and Grief This production was filmed about 4 years ago. No one knew then, how many people would experience Hamilton for the first time, on their TVs, during a pandemic. Feeling all the emotions of the play, was just what the doctor ordered. For most of us, these past months have been filled with big ups and downs. It was such an escape to watch the uplifting choreography and to hear the talented voices. But it also felt good to absorb the grief and despair, in some of the wrenching scenes. We need to just feel, sometimes! Catharsis I learned about catharsis, when studying Greek plays in high school. I understand a lot more about the power of catharsis today. Our mother was a queen and she killed herself. Our father (Oedipus) was so upset that he just stabbed out his eyes in grief. I don't think I ever asked why our father (Oedipus) had black skin and my sister and I didn't. Funny, because that was probably a really big deal in 1964.
So I've rambled on this blog post long enough. I'll just say, I enjoyed the catharsis of Hamilton. I enjoyed the fun of being reminded of my childhood theatre memories. Strange that I will always associate Hamilton, with this pandemic period.
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Not-So-Happy List
Cancer - Covid I started this complaining list/blog, in May 2016. I posted 200 gripes about my breast cancer and then I was done. On March 17, 2020, I started venting all over again, when another disease (starting with a C) interfered with my life. Only this time, it was affecting more than me. Coronavirus and Cancer! Both are evil, but neither can totally get me down... if I vent! I hope with Covid, I run out of complaints before 200! Archives
January 2021
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