Wow, how scary for the rest of us who aspire to give our all to our art and try something different to see what the powers that be have been laying on Sally, a true genius and visionary. Sally, do not for one nano second question what you have given to your audience and to us here in this blog/forum as well. I saw that low review which disrespected this blog and I wished I could personally explain to that person how much you have shared and given to my artistic journey thru it... but telling someone like that something positive would only fuel their strange anger and need to try and show their power by way of dismissing something beautiful and positive.
First off, let me say that while I have not been able to travel across the ocean to see your show, which I would do in a heartbeat, I have viewed the trailer and it is very clear from the trailer that this is a lovely, progressive, inventive, and elegant staging of what has unfortunately often become a fossil, atleast here in middle America. Around here there are no such things as new inventive stagings of operas and every word you said is true, and don't back off of it. In many regions opera has stagnated and become a "time capsule" which is great for museums but not for living breathing art. Now I am sure there are many opera directors in big cities with new visions but obviously there are also forces ready to clobber them.... interesting how these same forces are at play also in film... you know, the screenplay manuals that tell you to make sure to have a plot twist on page 15.
Things I loved from the trailer.... Carmen's red being the only red onstage, FABULOUS lighting design with green on the forground only, the glass walkway, so cool and urban and souless, contrasting the dance which is eclectic and passionate. And yet the traditional music interpretation as a counterpoint.
Anyway, I could go on. The way you have handled yourself throughout here, for me, has been a true example of a mature and accomplished artist. During the time period that you have been writing your blog, I have undergone some very tough moments with my film work, and I have turned to this blog and understood that even someone of your accomplishment was facing similar struggles. I can tell you "where have all the auteurs gone?". These dark forces have beat it out of them. I only hope to one day be counted as an auteur who has arrived and survived, and on those days when I have doubts I have turned to your words. Never ever for one second doubt your work, your talent, your impact or what you are contributing.... it is truly beyond the grasp of those who attack you, and is their loss.
You are an inspiration, and every day that you move forward against the tide, I suppose I can try and do the same. I only hope I can do it with a fraction of your grace.
Mary H
Wed, 10/10/2007 - 23:10 — haverfilms
