Last night I had the privilege of attending the opening night of this play at the Seattle Repertory Theater and it was fabulous. I really want to recommend it to all my friends just for how much I enjoyed the set alone.
Miss Helen is a reclusive South African artist, living alone in the house she has transformed into a fantastical masterpiece. But when the elderly woman's ability to continue caring for herself is called into question, her two closest friends —a passionate young schoolteacher and the local preacher—battle to influence her uncertain future. Celebrated South African playwright Athol Fugard brings us this stunning emotional drama about the struggle for independence—at every stage of life.
This play came at an interesting time for myself and my two cousins who I saw it with. We are facing a similar struggle with our Grandmother who is determined to remain in her home despite the disrepair of the place falling in around her. Her family has done what they can through the years to see to her wishes and to look after her but it has all gotten particularly bad in the last year. We are all worried about her.
The play certainly opened up a musing conversation between us - a question of safety verses freedom. Our Grandmother is one of the more independent women I know. It is a hard position to be in to have to argue the side of removing some of that independence.
Because the play really struck home to me just how important it is to follow your muse, follow your bliss. To remain true to yourself and your independence is the only way to live fully without regret.
The sun rises, the sun sets and doubt will come and go - but always cherish the blessing of a cup of tea with a friend.
It is a lesson that is already known by my Grandmother, beyond a doubt.
It has been a busy and fulfilling week. Most of my energy was pulled up with preparations for the grand opening of a building through work. The party was held in the penthouse with this incredible view of the city. After two years Seattle still never ceases to amaze me - it is such a spectacular city with such a soft quality of light to it. And Seattle really put the shine on for the party yesterday afternoon. The whole place just glowed...
See what I mean by glow?
Aside from the party (which was a fabulous success!) my energy was also spent with three successful attempts at getting up early to meet Rosalie at the gym pre-work instead of post-work. Such endeavours are certainly aided by knowing there is a friend waiting. I doubt I would have made it at all without her. It was still super tough though - I'm SO not a morning person but I'm working on it... =)
And thirdly my most favoritest of energy powerbars - painting sweet sweet painting!
