It's not a new year's resolution to the letter of the law but I have thought, and occasionally said out loud, that this year I would like to see more theatre.
It's not the only thing I've spoken about with regards to 2013, as I have been heard to 'chew over' that Alan and I are going to cook together this year. That would be proper cooking. Following a recipe. I wanted to say grown up cooking but I realise for my friends who are good cooks that actually grown up is just chucking things in. This intent has usually been uttered accompanied by a smirk on my face and Alan standing behind me shaking his head in a easily recognisable but silent 'no'. He thinks I don't see, but I know my man, and whilst nodding vociferously in front of me, the truth is to be found behind. Still, I can always hope. But, as for the theatre, now that I can do. And Metamorphosis, at the Lyric Hammersmith was my first 2013 theatre experience. http://www.lyric.co.uk/whats-on/production/metamorphosis/
Ooops I lie. Sorry. I did go and see Hannah in her pantomime at the beginning of the year. Somehow, even as memorable as it was with Kai and Alan brought up on stage to sing the one Proclaimer's song that everyone knows (including Kai) 'and I will walk 500 miles' in their best Scottish accents, with Kai doing a better job than his poppy, I had momentarily forgotten. Probably because it was the 2nd time of viewing.
So Metamorphosis was my second foray into the theatre world. And what a foray. It was spectacular. It had the emotional impact of invasive surgery to my very being, as it challenged my world and thoughts on how we treat unlovely people; whatever form unlovely takes for you, or perhaps it's more like lovely people who have become unlovely for what ever reason. This play was uncomfortable to watch on every level. From the very real issue as to whether the actors might fall to that awkward moment when you are witness to bad behaviour that exposes your own. You know when you're in a shop and a mother shouts at a child, too much. And you hate it but you know you've done it. Hmmm. I realise that everything was heightened by the fact that I saw this play during a week when my mummy and daddy were staying with me. The truth is that his Alzheimer's sometimes reveals itself as not so lovely. Ah. 'Not so lovely'. This is my daddy, so unlovely was always going to be too hard a word to use with regards to certain behaviour patterns, but you get my point, especially when I felt a release when they left to go home. Again release is a less distressing word than relief when we're talking about loved parents. I would hate you to judge me.........
So yes my selfishness was exposed. I was challenged. And I'm still processing all that God spoke to me and it's impact is even greater because he spoke to me through a piece of theatre more than through any sermon I have heard. I love that I heard him and as uncomfortable as it was I need to rise to the challenge.
2013, bring it on. Now excuse me while I go read some recipe books. ALAAAAAAN!
