What is in Kelvin's Head?

  • Tales of the City – February 2020

    On the way home from the opera I step into a shop to get out of the rain, and buy something to eat against the cold – a late-night post-operatic chittery-bite.

    In front of me are two young men dressed in much less than I am. They are the worse for wear and arguing.

    Drunk Young Man #1: Well we’ll ask someone else then.

    Drunk Young Man #2:     Yes! Someone neutral.

    They turn to me.

    DYM#1: Here man. Settle an arugment for us will you. Is coronavirus real or is it propoganda

    Self: I think it is real.

    DYM#2: Aye man. Told you. It *is* real. He said so. Here, I bet you do a very responsible job

    DYM#1:     Aye very responsible. What are you man?

    I hesitate a moment and consider how to answer.

    DYM#2: I bet he’s a Supply Chain Manager. Are you a Supply Chain Manager, man?

    I smile a smile that I hope will look like the smile of a cold wet Supply Chain Manager.

    DYM#2: I knew it.

    DYM#1: Hey, do you have a lighter?

    I shake my head.

    We are all forlorn that I do not have a lighter.

One response to “Review: Orfeo ed Euridice, Scottish Opera”

  1. Alison Clark Avatar
    Alison Clark

    I agree about the orchestra – competent enough but too large I thought. But I loved Caitlin Hulcup’s Orfeo. I saw the production at the Sunday matinee and passion there was a-plenty. ‘Che faro’ delivered from lying to kneeling to standing was just wonderful. So much so that I struggled with the swift transition from tragedy to happy ending, made more acute by Amor – if Grace Kelly, then a rather louche version!
    I did enjoy it but your review made me realise what was unsatisfying for me. The ‘Mad Men’ 50s theme (seems to be a current choice for designers) was at odds with what is quite a profound myth. It was fun but that’s not what I go to Orfeo for. Maybe i need to lighten up!
    As to the ‘steampunk party’, it was the underworld surely – but if Hades is that camp, then it might be quite fun. Loved your description of the lime green nuns!

    Reply

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