This takes me right back to my London theater-going days and also just made me laugh at loud several times. But it's also truly thought-provoking and has inspired me to read The Years. Thank you for the great essay.
When I went book shopping last I had The Years in my hand for the longest time, but ended up trading it in for another book. I will have to read it now!
Such a clever, brilliant production making use of minimal stage props to amazing effect. The play had to restart twice the night I went. Couldn’t see who the fainters were because our seats were in the circle. Ridiculous behaviour. It’s certainly hard hitting but symbolically done. Very tough on the performers but they handled it magnificently. Romola Garai was superb (they all were) and the mostly over-60s (70s actually) audience showed their full appreciation with standing ovations and cheering. I’m no spring chicken, but I was surprised initially at the audience demographic, then on the way out overhearing their comments I realised the very obvious thing, these people are Erneaux’s generation. They lived through these events. Anyway glad you enjoyed it and now you have to read the book! It’s the best thing I’ve read for ages.
This is so brilliant to read, thanks for sharing, Margaret. I'm sorry to hear your production had to be stopped twice. Like you said, it's hard for the actresses to maintain the level of concentration when that happens. And agree with you on the way the abortion scene is done. I was surprise about how effective it was with so little. And you're right: the reason the play may have been such a resounding success with a certain age group is because they're Ernaux generation and have a shared lived experience and historical context. I kept thinking about that as we're not living more fragmented realities within our own generations after the arrival of the internet. I wonder if a few decades from now we'll see a new Ernaux emerge and capture so accurately what growing up in the era of digital transformation and the cult of individuality meant collectively. Looking forward to reliving this wonderful experience through the book :)
If it’s half as good as the play, we’re in for a treat
This takes me right back to my London theater-going days and also just made me laugh at loud several times. But it's also truly thought-provoking and has inspired me to read The Years. Thank you for the great essay.
I’m glad to hear that. It was a very clever production and wish I could see it again.
When I went book shopping last I had The Years in my hand for the longest time, but ended up trading it in for another book. I will have to read it now!
Such a clever, brilliant production making use of minimal stage props to amazing effect. The play had to restart twice the night I went. Couldn’t see who the fainters were because our seats were in the circle. Ridiculous behaviour. It’s certainly hard hitting but symbolically done. Very tough on the performers but they handled it magnificently. Romola Garai was superb (they all were) and the mostly over-60s (70s actually) audience showed their full appreciation with standing ovations and cheering. I’m no spring chicken, but I was surprised initially at the audience demographic, then on the way out overhearing their comments I realised the very obvious thing, these people are Erneaux’s generation. They lived through these events. Anyway glad you enjoyed it and now you have to read the book! It’s the best thing I’ve read for ages.
This is so brilliant to read, thanks for sharing, Margaret. I'm sorry to hear your production had to be stopped twice. Like you said, it's hard for the actresses to maintain the level of concentration when that happens. And agree with you on the way the abortion scene is done. I was surprise about how effective it was with so little. And you're right: the reason the play may have been such a resounding success with a certain age group is because they're Ernaux generation and have a shared lived experience and historical context. I kept thinking about that as we're not living more fragmented realities within our own generations after the arrival of the internet. I wonder if a few decades from now we'll see a new Ernaux emerge and capture so accurately what growing up in the era of digital transformation and the cult of individuality meant collectively. Looking forward to reliving this wonderful experience through the book :)
Wonderful amalgamation of humor and critique - not only of cine & literature but of life and society! Well done!
Oh Deborah, thanks so much! Coming from you it means the world.
Made me laugh out loud!
Maybe I should share it with the man who fainted. Or maybe no, he may never recover.