Talking into the mike, I would say that I like those writings that offer a fresh lens to look at historical events. I rather suspect that I am going to like the Queen's Musician for this reason. I read a couple of pieces in the journal, The American Scholar, this morning that are examples of what I mean. The first was a consideration of the actual number of deaths attributed to the Civil War, and how what we have been taught is likely pretty far off, because of the difficulties in recording the numbers in the mid 1860s as well as the lesser attention paid to the loss of enslaved people across this time. The second article was by a Flannery O'Connor scholar whose recent investigations have identified a Black woman, Emma Jackson, who worked as a maid and nanny for the O'Connors in Flannery's earliest years in Savannah. The author contends that what she is learning about the relationship of Flannery to this woman may contribute to deeper understandings of Flannery's fluctuating views on segregation and integration.
There's also a fine movie version of "Good Night..." starring Clooney and David Strathairn as Murrow. Both the film and the play were co-written by Clooney.
I read that Clooney put some of his own money into the film, in addition to being the co-writer. Kudos to him for making sure this story gets told. It seems like such an important message for our time.
Glad you saw the stage version of Good Night and Good Luck. I didn’t have time during my whirlwind 6 shows in 4 days last month. I do highly recommend as you already know John Proctor is the Villain the interesting take on Miller and the MeToo movement.
I have a real fondness for the Henry VI plays. I am lucky to have seen them performed at the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton Virginia on the only recreation of the Blackfriars Playhouse. Henry VI 3 is my favorite Shakespeare play. It contains the most heartbreaking anti war scene Shakespeare wrote and sets up Richard III in the final 2 acts. The problem is that rarely do theaters perform the 3 plays separately and you lose a lot of what Shakespeare intended when you do that
I've only seen The Hollow Crown productions of the Henry VI plays, and that was a while ago. years ago--I just checked the cast online. Your comment is making me think i might want to take another look. BTW, did you see A Streetcar Named Desire when you were in NYC. Love to know your thoughts.
I'm envious you saw a performance of George Clooney's new production. It is the one moment in history I've long considered foundational to the way I understood the world. Attending high school in Joseph McCarthy's hometown of Appleton, I found this turning point in his career a triumph for democracy in which Ed Murrow and his team had the chutzpah to challenge the demagogue. Clooney certainly recognized the need for this history not to be forgotten, especially now.
Clooney's involvement has lured so many people into the theater to see it. The play is a call for courage, and I agree, that's needed now more than ever.
Great post. I have been thinking along these lines lately. My novel takes place during a power struggle between 2 kings (England and France) and the Pope. I look at the wreckage caused, and think about how history repeats itself...
Terri, I'm having the same reaction. My novel takes place nearly 500 years ago, but I see so many parallels--the lies, the bullying, and the twisting of justice. It does seem like history is circling round again.
Talking into the mike, I would say that I like those writings that offer a fresh lens to look at historical events. I rather suspect that I am going to like the Queen's Musician for this reason. I read a couple of pieces in the journal, The American Scholar, this morning that are examples of what I mean. The first was a consideration of the actual number of deaths attributed to the Civil War, and how what we have been taught is likely pretty far off, because of the difficulties in recording the numbers in the mid 1860s as well as the lesser attention paid to the loss of enslaved people across this time. The second article was by a Flannery O'Connor scholar whose recent investigations have identified a Black woman, Emma Jackson, who worked as a maid and nanny for the O'Connors in Flannery's earliest years in Savannah. The author contends that what she is learning about the relationship of Flannery to this woman may contribute to deeper understandings of Flannery's fluctuating views on segregation and integration.
Both of those pieces sound fascinating.
There's also a fine movie version of "Good Night..." starring Clooney and David Strathairn as Murrow. Both the film and the play were co-written by Clooney.
Another fascinating post Ms. Johnson
I read that Clooney put some of his own money into the film, in addition to being the co-writer. Kudos to him for making sure this story gets told. It seems like such an important message for our time.
Glad you saw the stage version of Good Night and Good Luck. I didn’t have time during my whirlwind 6 shows in 4 days last month. I do highly recommend as you already know John Proctor is the Villain the interesting take on Miller and the MeToo movement.
I have a real fondness for the Henry VI plays. I am lucky to have seen them performed at the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton Virginia on the only recreation of the Blackfriars Playhouse. Henry VI 3 is my favorite Shakespeare play. It contains the most heartbreaking anti war scene Shakespeare wrote and sets up Richard III in the final 2 acts. The problem is that rarely do theaters perform the 3 plays separately and you lose a lot of what Shakespeare intended when you do that
I didn’t see Streetcar as I didn’t have time to go out to Brooklyn
It never quite clicked for me, but I always love hearing what theater people think. Hope to see you on another of Claire's zooms.
I've only seen The Hollow Crown productions of the Henry VI plays, and that was a while ago. years ago--I just checked the cast online. Your comment is making me think i might want to take another look. BTW, did you see A Streetcar Named Desire when you were in NYC. Love to know your thoughts.
I'm envious you saw a performance of George Clooney's new production. It is the one moment in history I've long considered foundational to the way I understood the world. Attending high school in Joseph McCarthy's hometown of Appleton, I found this turning point in his career a triumph for democracy in which Ed Murrow and his team had the chutzpah to challenge the demagogue. Clooney certainly recognized the need for this history not to be forgotten, especially now.
Clooney's involvement has lured so many people into the theater to see it. The play is a call for courage, and I agree, that's needed now more than ever.
Great post. I have been thinking along these lines lately. My novel takes place during a power struggle between 2 kings (England and France) and the Pope. I look at the wreckage caused, and think about how history repeats itself...
Terri, I'm having the same reaction. My novel takes place nearly 500 years ago, but I see so many parallels--the lies, the bullying, and the twisting of justice. It does seem like history is circling round again.