- a small, insignificant town in the middle of France Profonde.
For some strange reason the Grand Kyiv Ballet chose us on their European tour. A town that could do no more than offer them the "salle des fêtes" with its too small, noisy stage without scenery, a ropey sound system (no orchestra) and an audience on hard stacking chairs.
They danced Sleeping Beauty - the choreography and the costumes so musty and classical that it felt like we were seeing the first performance.
The girls were taller than the boys - and we think they were just boys (the male principals being otherwise occupied). Young boys, not yet with the strength or experience to lift their partners effortlessly.
At the end, following a somewhat subdued curtain call (no curtains as such of course) the young prince ran off-stage and re-emerged waving the Ukrainian blue and gold flag and the audience rose to its feet and applauded and applauded.
I'm glad these young people are able to continue to perform their art far from danger.
ReplyDeleteSo am I. What they are doing is so powerful. The young male lead (I found in a newspaper article) said he'd hoped to fight. I think what he is doing instead is so important.
DeleteLet's hope some sense prevails and a peace can be brokered. Let those two regions have a vote under U.N. supervision to decide for themselves to which block they want to belong, or to be independent, and let this young man continue with his career rather than being maimed in fighting.
Deletesorry, the above anonymous is me,.pressed the wrong thing.
DeleteHello Fly, sorry, slow to respond - it's gardening weather! I agree with your sentiments. Here's hoping.
DeleteIt is so strange that these tours are made while back home their country is at War. We can but hope that a solution will be brokered soon.
ReplyDeleteThere has been a cartoon of The King receiving the Ukraine President at the Palace last week and offering him two helicoptor pilots - Andrew and Harry. Lesley
Hello Lesley - yes its is strange. And I think very tough for them. I'm sure they must have very mixed feelings about what they are doing. I'm glad though I had the chance to stand and applaud them until my palms were sore!
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