For my erstwhile commonplace book

Since I barely have the concentration to read lately, much of what I do read is fairly accessible — mysteries, bestselling fiction, middle-grade and YA, etc.

I'm not surprised to find the following passage in a middle-grade novel; just surprised by its acute relevance more than a decade after its original publication.

"They were afraid of the riots and the turmoil, the messiness of democracy. ... Democracy, my young friend, will always be at the mercy of those who say things run much easier and smoother without it! Just let us do our jobs, they say, without all this turmoil."

— Carol Matas, Behind Enemy Lines, page 67

 

A fine idea to remember in these increasingly authoritarian days.

Play, play, play

 G'day, and welcome to December! It's not exactly a brown month anymore, thanks to some snowfall last week, but we now inhabit a land of icy peril. Drive with care.

Last night, we went out, driving with care, of course, to a play. Last week we had seen MacEwan University's Legally Blonde: The Musical, which was frothy and fun. Yesterday we saw Indecent at Studio Theatre. Wow, what a play.

The set design was excellent. The acting was excellent, The script was excellent and powerful — moving, thought-provoking, timely (although the play is set in the early twentieth century). It was hands down the best play I've seen in years.

Last night was the closing night of its run, and if you missed it that's a shame. Bravo to Studio Theatre for this fine piece of work.