The story is about Mack the Knife, a hustler who marries Polly Peachum only after a five day courtship. Polly is the daughter of the master hustler who is displeased with his daughter’s decision. The father wants to have Mack the Knife hanged because of the interruption in his plans to create a better life for his daughter. The story is sprinkled with dicey characters and spicy dancing set in the seedy part of Victorian London.
When I visited with my daughter this past weekend she told me of the story and the song she sang in her audition. The discord on my face was enough for her to tell me that I should let mother to see the play and only upon her approval should I attend the second night. I guess mother is more of a conventional thinker than I am.
Being a conventional thinker from
my understanding, has a negative connotation. It means that you lack creativity
and cannot think beyond traditional ideas and usually conform to what already exists
instead of the potential for different. Simply said conventional thinkers don’t
like to upset the apple cart. But sometimes, especially at my age, being conventional
is not a bad thing.
After my research I felt, and
still do, that The Three Penny Opera
is too much for high school students no matter how progressive the thinking. I
do believe that it is a bit permissive and should only left to adults, those 18
and older. Having children in adult roles seems to be the new norm. Just look
at the reality shows and the way musicians dress. It is acceptable to continuously
challenge others. Interestingly I agree. Last year I sat through the school production of Goodnight Desdemona Good Morning Juliet. It was well acted and the stage scenery was exceptional, worthy of Broadway, or at least maybe off Broadway. The students performed their roles with conviction to the character they were responsible for portraying. It was obvious that they had worked hard and thoroughly enjoyed being on stage. The problem I had was the vulgarity they were asked to display. I know vulgarity is subjective especially when it comes to art. I know for sure I was not the only adult in the audience that felt a bit uncomfortable with the language and gestures “acted out” in the name of art. But really, did the part call for this type of acting? There are several ways to convey a message without the tasteless display of one self-groping publicly on stage. But I guess that is what the non-conventional thinker does, provoke emotion to express their point of view, to carry the message with full vigor so that you fully understand the sentiment without question.
Consequently, the problem befalls
upon the conventional thinker. Because of
course it is only the conventionalist who has the problem. I mean really
everyone else is laughing, why aren’t you?
There is a dichotomy of sorts brewing
in me.
On one side I believe that the
freedom of expression, the full expression of who you are sexually, spiritually
and artistically should be applauded and encouraged. To suppress ones ideas and
belief is a form of control and bondage. I believe that you are born into your sexuality
and as children you should express and develop into the person you are meant to
become. On the flip side, I do not believe that children should take on adult
roles for any situation. A parent should not leave children to raise themselves
or make grown up decisions. We are parents first, not friends. Nor
should parents live vicariously through the child. I want my daughter to be a non-conventional
thinker. I want her to feel comfortable in her body and her choices. More importantly,
I want her to express herself the way she wants, not the way she is told. That
includes school plays.
My point is, express yourself,
just do it with style and class. Be Audrey Hepburn!!
The play is scheduled for
December. I guess more to come.
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