A Bouyant Little Prince

[mrdreamjeans]

Last evening thespian15 and I rendezvoused at The Guthrie Theatre to see the French fairy tale, “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, lovingly and brilliantly presented by a team of artists at the top of their game. This sweet play challenges one to emotionally and intellectually bridge the gaps between imagination and reality, to think with the heart, to feel intensely. To best explain the world in which audience members were encouraged to participate, here are a few of “The Little Prince’s" wisdoms:

• “The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.”


• “What matters most are the simple pleasures so abundant that we can all enjoy them...Happiness doesn’t lie in the objects we gather around us. To find it, all we need to do is open our eyes.” 


• “Men have no more time to understand anything. They buy ready-made things in the shops. But since there are no shops where you can buy friends, men no longer have any friends.”


• “All grown-ups were once children... but only few of them remember it.”


• “Of course I love you. It is my fault that you have not known it all the while.”

This bouyant production relies on its audience to embrace its unique magic, to relenquish the cynicism the world forces on us; to be swept up in its whimsical, sweet/sad, pure flights of fantasy. I’ve rarely seen a play where collaboration between designers, director and actors was so seamlessly successful. Its world is a delicate one requiring a light touch and sure hand. One false step by anyone involved and the fairy tale would have collapsed like a failed soufflé, flat, devoid of charm. Fortunately, The Guthrie's production was in confident hands and the airy concoction was superb! Kudos to everyone involved!

 

On a personal note, I really bought into the show’s message, let go of the stress of a  really rotten week and came away with a heart that was filled with love for “The Little Prince”. Thanks, Jon!

Comments

[kaishin108]

That sounds like a wonderful time :)

[mrdreamjeans]

It really was the most magical of make-believe.

[mellowtigger]

Some 30 years ago or so, I started reading a bunch of "children's books". I figured that people speak more plainly to children, so it might help me understand humanity. This was one of the books I found. It's a great story.

[mrdreamjeans]

I believe the author would agree with you!

[susandennis]

great theater evening but on a personal note 1. so glad to see an entry from you again and 2. however you created this entry is wonderful. your previous ones ended up here in dreamwidth in a font so tiny i had to copy and paste into a document to read them! This time the size is perfect. Now... more entries, please. Thank you

[mrdreamjeans]

Thanks, Susan!