69

[impure_tale]

My dear ones, I propose a break from all this talk of violence and regulation and riots. Surely discussion must go on, but I prefer to turn my attention toward more enriching exploits. In my spare time I have been reading a number of books in the library, some containing plays and others in the progression of dramatic technique since my passing. I am most intrigued and now have it in my head to put that stage in the dining hall to proper use -- with permission from the Wardens, of course.

I, of course, will direct, and look to my fair neighbors here to find a suitable cast and crew.

But what play to choose? Something with a little grit and guts, I think. Well-versed though I am in the older traditions, it is nice to see that theatre takes more chances in later times. It will be unusual to see a production that is not comprised of rhyming couplets.

Comments

[major-west.livejournal.com]

I see.

Good luck selecting a suitable play.

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

You have no suggestions, sparrow?

[major-west.livejournal.com]

...


The Importance of Being Earnest?

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

I shall give it a look. The author?

[major-west.livejournal.com]

Oscar Wilde, but... it's a comedy. If you're looking for something with more 'grit,' then you'd be better off with... ah... Salome?

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

Salome like the Biblical tale?

[major-west.livejournal.com]

Yes. It sparked a lot of controversy, when it was published, I believe.

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

I shall have to read it and see if it strikes my fancy.

After he's read the first play he suggested.

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

Sparrow, this is so insufferably English.

WELL NOW HE'S SAD

[major-west.livejournal.com]

There's nothing wrong with that! It happens to be hilarious.

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

In places, I did find it humorous. However, the ending came off as the garbage the Abbe would have forced from me in my final months. The men and women characters are all so sexless and pretentious. It's foppery at its worst.

[major-west.livejournal.com]

Oscar Wilde was mocking Victorian attitudes, you realise. I think, were he on this Barge, you two would have gotten on very well.

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

I can't enjoy it as a mockery, cherub; I knew people like this. To return home from war and be among "like" people again only to be surrounded by their constant fluttering and primping and talk of unimportant nonsense as though it were matters of state. It's mendacious and degrading and I've no stomach for it.

[major-west.livejournal.com]

Then pick something else.

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

Oh don't be like that. It's nothing against you -- it just made me remember some things I haven't wanted to think about for a long time.

[major-west.livejournal.com]

I'm not being like 'that.'

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

You are.

[major-west.livejournal.com]

You're exaggerating.

[impure-tale.livejournal.com]

Dearheart, if I were exaggerating I would have used much stronger words.

[major-west.livejournal.com]

Right.