Life - Blessings

Life - Blessings

So one extremely kind thing at Vancouver Opera. It's my first opera with them. Like many arts orgs, before opening night, we have an Indigenous blessing for all who wish to participate.

An elder speaks a few words, gives us a blessing for our performance and for our creative work. Blesses the building, the land we stand on, the air we breathe, the light we take in and all the things that bring us to that moment.

What I was not expecting, was for the company to have said a few words to the Elder to specifically call out and bless me, as the 'new member of the team' last night.

It was honestly really touching, and gratifying. I had the chance after to shake the Elder's hand and thank him.

In a role that is traditionally often overlooked, dismissed or set to the side as a lesser contributor to the arts in contrast to more 'creatives', acknowledgement and community are foundational to acceptance.

Thank you, Vancouver Opera for seeing me. 

Writing - Opera Jumps

Writing - Opera Jumps

Could she hear it?  Outside the buzz, the crowd, the sounds and the feeling.  It permeated the senses, overrode the stone and concrete around them.  Somewhere far away, she knew that the orchestra was warming up, they would tune and re-tune.  Somewhere else a singer was warming up her vocals, others were moving around, checking paperwork, lights came on and disappeared, sounds erupted out of speakers.

She jumped.  Hopping anxiously from one foot to another, then springing with both feet planted as high as possible.  Everyone had a role to play, everyone in a moment to do a something that fit all the facets.  They played, blew, sang.  She moved.  So different, so alike.

Not alone though, never alone.



That was a piece of 2 minute writing I did tonight at the prompting of http://www.twitter.com/ainsleyhillyard Her prompt: Opera jumps.