Angels in America, London
Remembering that in 1993, I saw Lucius Malfoy and James Bond cuddling!
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80 years ago today
BABI YAR By Yevgeni Yevtushenko Translated by Benjamin Okopnik, 10/96 No monument stands over Babi Yar. A steep cliff only, like the rudest headstone. I am afraid. Today, I am as old As the entire Jewish race itself. I see myself an ancient Israelite. I wander o’er the roads of ancient Egypt And here, upon the cross, I perish, tortured And even now, I bear the marks of nails. It seems to me that Dreyfus is myself. *1* The Philistines betrayed me – and now judge. I’m in a cage. Surrounded and trapped, I’m persecuted, spat on, slandered, and The dainty dollies in their Brussels frills Squeal, as they stab umbrellas at my face. I see myself a boy in Belostok *2* Blood spills, and runs upon the floors, The chiefs of bar and pub rage unimpeded And reek of vodka and of onion, half and half. I’m thrown back by a boot, I have no strength left, In vain I beg the rabble of pogrom, To jeers of “Kill the Jews, and save our Russia!” My mother’s being beaten by a clerk. O, Russia o...
"She doth teach the torches to burn bright!"
The Leslie Howard/Norma Shearer Romeo & Juliet is on! Yikes!
World Trade Center
Many architects did not like the towers when they went up in 1973. One said "Welcome to New York, home to two of the world's most beautiful buildings, the Empire State and the Chrysler Building, and the boxes they came in.
Bobby Fischer and Broadway
Famously, in 1972, Bobby Fischer was to fly to Reykjavik to face Boris Spassky in the World Chess Championship. Fischer balked en route and stayed in a friend's Long Island home until he was persuaded (by more money and calls from people like Henry Kissinger) to carry on and fly to Iceland. Not only did the incident provide some inspiration for the eventual musical Chess, but the home he stayed in was that of his friend Anthony Saidy's family. Saidy's father Fred co-wrote the libretto for the musical Finian's Rainbow.
Bogart
“ I was born when she kissed me. I died when she left me. I lived a few weeks while she loved me.” Bogart, In a Lonely Place
