A Chance Encounter

     Daniel and I went to my Jane Austen Society of North America local chapter's Box Hill picnic. It was held at a member's house, and we arrived early to help set up. Her husband had already set everything up, and they had bent over backwards to make sure everything was perfect. Many came in period dress. We didn't, as we had to leave early for a play.

    They have a fairly large pond and we fed the fish: koi and catfish, as well as turtles. The catfish was like a vacuum cleaner the way it went after those food pellets!

I spied a cardinal!

    Our hostess had hinted at a reenactment that might occur. I thought she meant her husband, but she had her son come be "wet Darcy". He was hilarious and almost apologetic at showing up rather less than formally. 

    They tried to recreate the scene, but it was a shoddy attempt. I tried to feed them the lines, but it was hopeless. 

It was hilarious, though.

    We had to leave shortly after to make our showing of The Color Purple that the Rep was putting on. I had purchased tickets before the picnic was announced, but I was glad to be able to attend for a bit. 

Eli Sherlock did the set design, and it worked really well.

    Neither Daniel nor I had seen this musical before. I knew it was sad, but I was not prepared for the absolute heartbreak that awaited us. It was devastating and hopeful, but also I weep for all those who experience the horror that this world can dump on people. The cycle of abuses that scar and perpetuate is incredible to witness. 

    I asked Daniel how he liked the play on our drive home. He replied that it was well done and that he hates that it's a story that has to be told. Not because of it in itself, but that these things still happen and need to be said. That we live in such a world that people are taken advantage of and treated abominably. I agree. Every character in the play had suffered in some way, and they reacted differently to that suffering, but most did what the world expects. 

    Here is an interview with some of the cast. They focus on the love aspect, which it is about love, understanding what love is and what it can be, but to me, the resilience of the characters was the real takeaway.