Just wanted to make clear I was not being flippant about the Corona Virus and its effects in this site's last posting. But no subject should be taboo in satire and comedy. I reiterate my worry about the spread of panic, of ostracizing, of engendering the safe harboring of excuses to alienate other people.
I worry that hard working small businesses and arts organizations will receive no help from government for their lost revenues. If the American government could bail out the banks from trouble, then they should damn well bail out their ordinary citizens. The German federal government will use billions of Euros to protect workers and companies from the consequences of the corona virus. "With a gross value added of more than 100 billion euros, the cultural and creative industries are one of the largest economic sectors – ahead of the chemical industry, energy suppliers and financial service providers. This is why it is so important that the cultural, creative and media industries are given massive support through this aid package,” said Minister of Culture Monika Grütters.
We all breathe the same air whether it be the first class airline passenger, the Wall Street commuter or the homeless person asleep in the subway car.
Perhaps this health crisis allows for time to reflect on our daily lives rather than of panic. And though that doesn't ease anxiety of possible financial ruin for some, the chance is there for those who rarely if ever stop to think about whether they could change their lives. And others. Routines. Take the blinkers off, gallop in the grass of our minds and quietly graze.
For those classically minded, the Berlin Philharmonic offer their concerts online for free (no credit cards etc) until end-March. In fact, like me, you will probably want to pay the subscription such is the great deal it is. I caught the end of Sir Simon Rattle's concert (Bartók) yesterday streaming live (from an empty concert hall). What a treat. Try Berio's crazy, wonderful, 'out there' Sinfonia (originally commissioned in 1968 by the New York Philharmonic for its 125th anniversary).
If you don't like it Sinatra is only a click away on the internet.
I was absolutely right in my 'cough and you're a Communist' quip yesterday. Bitter comedy must always be based in reality. Wasn't there an Australian viral showing an argument between a man who coughed on a train and the person opposite? Walking back from grocery shopping this morning and a man walking his barking dog on the opposite side of an always deserted street chastised for not covering a cough. I very politely informed him and thanked him that that cough has been there for years when I don't have breakfast/eat.
Well, out came the American jingoism that benefits no one but those feathering a fascist nest. OK: some science for uneducated humans. If one covers a cough you are preventing less air and tiny molecules of one's 'water' projecting beyond the hand. Many people, of course, cough very unexpectedly for all sorts of reasons. Many with a closed mouth. As in my case. But once the hand is removed the molecules present are spread in that air anyway. The washing of hands in and out of public spaces and the home should be daily rituals for that very reason.
All the more reason for listening to your 'inner horse'. Or cow. Whatever 'power animal' works for you.
So 'cough up the money' President Trump to help American small businesses in this crisis. Helluva a lot of bureaucracy etc but then more job creation. And sort out the chaos at the airports while you are at it. Even more likely to catch something hanging around for 3hours! I mean, what did you think would happen? Really!
Shakespeare (All’s Well That Ends Well):
Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.
So while I'm on a roll: could this crisis allow folk the head space to think way ahead about new delivery models for opera/theater/dance/music? NOTHING can replace a live cultural experience. One thinks: what is the point of attending a massive venue for your favorite artist when you see almost nothing if it weren't for the projection screens? Everyone knows the answer to that: I WAS THERE!
Lucky are the ones who are close to the stage and weep at a Billie Eilish concert. Lucky was the go-girl who was plucked out of the front row, lifted on stage and kissed by Robbie Williams.
The Metropolitan Opera's General Manager Peter Gelb was much criticized several years ago (and still) for enthusiastically promoting the filming of The Met Opera’s productions. Methinks he has been somewhat vindicated if not applauded for that decision. There is a way to go with all this.
Would I pay, say $35 to see a live-stream of a Broadway show or the NY Philharmonic? YES! You can't even buy standing room for that if available and the lottery! Nowadays. Then there are all those unable to travel to that venue in that city. Cultural institutions are in the same boat as Hollywood studios. Europe has government cultural funding. America only private/corporate donors. Film studios now realize that the 'entertainment event' is by no means dead. The box office receipts speak for themselves.
Red Carpet is a premium movie site that offers 'this weekend' releases. Never tried it. If anyone knows 'the numbers' it is Hollywood. (I'm still not enamored of the creative accounting system for artists but that, inevitable, is slowing changing in artists’ favor.) Like 'rider' pay parity for woman. How in the hell could THAT have taken so long!
Would people pay a 'Red Carpet' premium to see the opening night of a theater show? I think YES! It will never be the same experience. But using more American logic not European: you will get what you pay for.
The European model sorta being: we can't make you like this (we may not like it either!), but we've subsidized this in the hope that at least it was made accessible to everyone. To make up their own minds. And my argument is a very strong case for shows/concerts etc that don't immediately meet with critical approval. The approval that once could close a show that week. The world internet community could weigh in on this. Loads of 'noise' I know. Not always informed, nor pleasant. But an audience out there that has not been reached yet. Is still in listening mode.
I should start dating someone from NASA- don’t worry about the out of tune piano and your very intuned voice. If we can get Parker to the sun…we can….:)
As a paean story to live theater, one of the perks working in a box office, when I was a 'kid', were West End tickets. And I think for 10 pounds I got to stand at the back of the mezzanine at the London Palladium to see Liza Minnelli. It didn't change my life it made my life worth living. Liza: now we are both adults:) how the hell did you sing those long phrases without seeming to breathe like an opera singer? Your waistline was nothing. Nothing seemed to move but that extraordinary voice!
It's good night from Andrew and Kitty. I played her some Bing Crosby so now she's goin' 'round singing':
In the moo, moo, moo of the evening
Tell 'em I'll be there
In the moo, moo, moo of the evening
Save your puppy a chair…
If there's room for one more
And you need me
Why sure
If you need a new face or a tenor or base
If I can climb out of bed and put a head on my head
Well you can tell 'em WE'LL BE THERE.
Meow!
