MAID for a MUSKET ~ Importance of Performing Arts in our Society Today

www.stlawrenceshakespeare.ca

Ian Farthing, Artistic Director, St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival

Lucia Frangione, International Award Winning Playwright

As part of the War of 1812 Celebrations, Ontario Visited is excited to share some “SCOOP” about their upcoming performance “MAID for a MUSKET”, a brand new comedy by Lucia Frangione, Original music by Melissa Morris. Ian Farthing, Artistic Director of the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival has kindly introduced us to Ms. Lucia Frangione, internationally produced award winning playwright and actor. Together with Ian’s input, we continue …

IMPORTANCE OF PERFORMING ARTS in our SOCIETY TODAY! …

This might be one of my favorite questions to ask. Ontario Visited often finds out by asking, “What is the importance of living history”, “What is the importance of Volunteers”, “What is the importance of festivals and event” and; what social and economical impact occurs as a result in our society today! Today I asked Lucia Frangione, what she felt was the importance of the performing arts in our society today. This might be my favorite reply … She shares …

“All of us live and breathe art every single hour of every single day. We just don’t think about it as art necessarily. The colour on our walls. The print on our dress. The CD in our car. The episode on TV. The Christmas pageant our kids are in. When we need a little pick up to our day, we turn on the radio and search out a good song. When we want a little mental break from work, we pick out a good book. When we can’t understand some aspect of our own behavior or the confusing maddening behavior of our lover, our child, our neighbor, our neighboring country…we seek out some kind of story to help understand them better: a film, a novel, a play, an essay, an article, a photograph. Like hospitals, schools, political and spiritual constructs, urban infrastructure, social programs for the disadvantaged…a civilized society has always contributed financially through taxes or tries to keep these charitable organizations available to all people, not just for the rich and powerful. Can you imagine how crappy our art would be if we only created it for those who could pay for it?

Some worry about the future of theatre, that it is outmoded by film and tv. That’s as ridiculous as saying itunes will replace all live concerts or photography will replace sculpture.

There is something about being “live”, tangible, first person, that simply can’t be replaced. Live is harder. It’s immediate; you have to be spot on. There’s no retake. But that’s where the excitement is. That woman is actually singing that beautifully right in front of you. That man is actually dripping beads of sweat in this sword fight, that’s his technique, his footwork, his skill, his athleticism: it’s not animated. Those aren’t manufactured emotions. That’s real pain the actors find and reveal for the sake of bringing a character alive for your entertainment but also for a kind of connection with you.
Sure, I like an imported kiwi once in a while, but I think there is greater value in live, fresh, local art, just as there is more nutrient value in live, fresh local produce.

Stay tuned for more exciting “SCOOP” from Lucia Frangione and Ian Farthing, St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival! Check out their website for the details (www.stlawrenceshakespeare.ca), plan on a fun, and great, memorable time!