Friday Night Theater
In light of Sarkozy's election win and a rejuvenation of hope for France's future and our relations to her, I almost posted this video. I mean....The View....Rosie...a musical with a theme of glorifying revolution, an insurrection...student uprising (often in accompaniment to marxist/socialist "idealism")...the French...how could anyone not want to tune in?
A lefty commenter once derided me for being a righty who lists Victor Hugo's classic Les Miserables as a favorite novel. He was offended. Apparently, in his estimation, I learned none of the liberal attitudes toward crime and punishment, poverty, the homeless, rich versus poor, and all those other issues liberals love to champion, yet don't understand how to solve. Supposedly, only liberals should be allowed to enjoy the liberal arts. Hey, I also love Bruce Springsteen's music. Liberals simply excel in music and art. Too bad they also think they are good at running government and dictating cultural values.
There's much to love about Les Miserables, both the book and the musical. I love the romantic idealism and the idea of forgiveness and redemption; of self-sacrifice and religious devotion. There's something to love about it, whether you are conservative or liberal.
I didn't find too many clips of this musical in French. And I did want to find a video of it in French. This clip is of just some random high school kid, I think.
Next to Camelot, this is by far and away my favorite musical. I wonder if those idealistic pro-democracy students in Iran have watched it or read the book?
Here's to Hope and to a better France! May Sarkozy's leadership herald a new way forward for his country. Viva la France!
A lefty commenter once derided me for being a righty who lists Victor Hugo's classic Les Miserables as a favorite novel. He was offended. Apparently, in his estimation, I learned none of the liberal attitudes toward crime and punishment, poverty, the homeless, rich versus poor, and all those other issues liberals love to champion, yet don't understand how to solve. Supposedly, only liberals should be allowed to enjoy the liberal arts. Hey, I also love Bruce Springsteen's music. Liberals simply excel in music and art. Too bad they also think they are good at running government and dictating cultural values.
There's much to love about Les Miserables, both the book and the musical. I love the romantic idealism and the idea of forgiveness and redemption; of self-sacrifice and religious devotion. There's something to love about it, whether you are conservative or liberal.
I didn't find too many clips of this musical in French. And I did want to find a video of it in French. This clip is of just some random high school kid, I think.
Next to Camelot, this is by far and away my favorite musical. I wonder if those idealistic pro-democracy students in Iran have watched it or read the book?
Here's to Hope and to a better France! May Sarkozy's leadership herald a new way forward for his country. Viva la France!
Labels: Entertainment, France, YouTube
posted by The WordSmith from Nantucket at 5/11/2007 08:31:00 PM
6 Comments:
This comment has been removed by the author.
Very charming indeed. French used to be the language of diplomacy and is still the language of love.
I sure hope this new president can bring some type of higher exchange between our peoples. I for one appreciate the refinement of many things in the French culture and I have never been afraid to stand up for those things even in the darkest of "Freedom fries days" and I'll admit I was one that protested and boycotted the French (except my perfumes oops). My all time favorite painter in Pierre-August Renior.
That "random high-school kid" sure does have a wonderful voice! I love listening to youngsters with that sort of talent even more than I do the professionals. Thanks for sharing that, Wordsmith.
Let us all pray that this will be a true turning around point for France and that Sarkozy will be able to initiate a huge difference.
The things that you love about Les Miserables sound like very conservative type values.
I saw Les Miserables in Philly many years ago - it sucked. I was terribly disappointed - must have been the performers. (I think it was at the Walnut Street Theatre)
Anyway - I'm very happy about Sarkozy. It has been interesting watching the politics in France these last few years.
Frankly, being a non-conservative, I've never developed the francophobe mindset. Les Miserables is among my favorites, so thanks for both vid-pastes, very enjoyable. Could be that in some cases, art transcends politics.
bb-idaho,
I've never really been anti-French. Any bashing was mostly good-natured ribbing amidst the harsh criticism. It's like being frustrated with someone you love who continues to disappoint.
monica,
I think it's ultimately a human drama, with universal, epic themes that anyone can appreciate.
gayle,
Glad you enjoyed the listen to.
j_g,
I love much about French culture, aside from its current woes and addiction to the welfare state. Hopefully, Sarkozy will turn things around for the better.
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