What would the Phantom of the Opera have to say about a mechanics' strike at the Opera House? Last night (September 21st) was the first Gala event of the Fall 2011/12 season and a major Franco-American event. The ballet production Lifar Ratmansky will tour the US after Paris.
This is our second experience with a Garnier Opera House Gala tarnished by a strike.
Last spring's strike did not stop the entire show. This time the show did not go on.
Nevertheless patrons of the arts were invited to drink champagne, and enjoy the famed Garnier staircase. For the gala event, the staircase was enshrined with an array of white floral bouquets. And champagne flowed non-stop.
Wandering through the ornate halls in the evening felt somewhat eerie at times. I was eager to regain the remaining group of stalwart supporters resplendent in their sparkling gowns and tuxedos.
Perhaps, having viewed the film Melancholia the previous evening, tinged my perspective. I recalled the conversation between the two sisters. They are awaiting the collision of the two planets: Earth and Melancholia. One sister suggests going out on the terrace and toasting with a glass of wine - to which the other sister replies the thought of drinking a glass of wine on the terrace is revolting. Instead, she suggest to her nephew that he helps her create a magic tent where they will be safe.
Certainly, a canceled show at the Opera isn't the 'end of the world'.
But, it may well represent a world that has almost imperceptibly changed course.
Are we headed for a collision between those that love the arts and those determined to display their total control over all aspects of our lives? There are no magic tents and no safety nets. But better to build than destroy. In creation, we affirm our soul. Even if we create only to have all turn into dust.
To quote an acquaintance from Greece, "You cannot avoid politics. We eat, drink, and breathe politics every day of lives." Donc. Bonne sante.
