Sunday 29 March 2009

Old love (and cervical cancer)

Today was the day! I went to meet my old love - Les Bonnes by the Roman Viktyuk Theatre. I’ve seen this play some 15 years ago in Kiev. Tickets were sold out almost instantly, so I came in with a false ticket. I was not the only one. The theatre was packed full. There were extra chairs from the theatre cafe, people were sitting in-between the rows on the floor and some, like me, were sitting on the stage.

The experience was overwhelming! I was swept along in this tragic story, blinded by the moves of the actors, confused by the novelty of the happening. My hands were hurting from the half-an-hour standing ovation. The actors had to perform their final dance three times. I heard one of them say to Roman Viktyuk: “I cannot do it anymore!” and then they danced once more. Back then it took me several days to “recover”.


And today the Roman Viktyuk Theatre was playing Les Bonnes in Schiedam - the only time in the Netherlands. I saw the announcement and it took me about a week to decide whether I did or did not want to go. Finally, I convinced Jeroen to join me and booked the tickets. I desperately wanted to experience all those feelings again!

So there I sat. The story (by Jean Genet) is still as brilliant as it was 15 years ago. The actors give 200% quality play, there is music, dance, costumes and beautiful bodies. There was everything a good, a very good theatre play needs. I understood that. But I did not feel it. I was just sitting there, waiting for the feelings from 15 years ago fill my heart, and while waiting I missed everything… I am sure I would have had an unforgettable experience if I only went there with an open mind and heart, without any expectations. Don’t try to re-experience old love? You might lose it forever…


Dalida - Je suis malade

I have received a letter from the screening programme for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer occurs most frequently in women aged between 30 and 60 years old. Every 5 years women of these ages in the Netherlands are sent an invitation to be screened. It’s a good thing because it helps to discover cancer in an early stage when it’s still treatable. But for me it’s a reminder of my age…

Trivia: I took acting courses for two years.

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