#26
Posted: 12/2/06 at 6:59pm
Thats what I used to believe, roquat, but the power of the '94 revival really brought home how Billy can't express himself without aggression until he meets Julie. She, by the force of her own feeling for him, is able to reach him at a level no other human could. Her love is that powerful.
Billy however remain emotionally immature but clearly has a conscience. Julie is the only person who can accept him and not judge him. The tragedy is that it takes his own death for him to realize how much he really loved her and how true, powerful and ever lasting that love is.
The "world beyond" aspect of CAROUSEL makes us see a bigger picture. Its not about justifying domestic violence, but seeing that - at least in the world of the show - love and hope have redemptive powers.
It is a delicate balance between the ugliness of the real world and the need and call for unconditional love that makes CAROUSEL brilliant and important.
I think that is a lesson we can still learn.
Do I have a fear that it will spawn and justify domestic violence? No.
Do I think that there is a danger that someone might stay in an abusive relationship because they saw CAROUSEL. Possibly. But that is a danger in all art.
I'm still waiting for that woman to use CHICAGO as a defense for killing her cheating lover.
Forgive my rambling...
Billy however remain emotionally immature but clearly has a conscience. Julie is the only person who can accept him and not judge him. The tragedy is that it takes his own death for him to realize how much he really loved her and how true, powerful and ever lasting that love is.
The "world beyond" aspect of CAROUSEL makes us see a bigger picture. Its not about justifying domestic violence, but seeing that - at least in the world of the show - love and hope have redemptive powers.
It is a delicate balance between the ugliness of the real world and the need and call for unconditional love that makes CAROUSEL brilliant and important.
I think that is a lesson we can still learn.
Do I have a fear that it will spawn and justify domestic violence? No.
Do I think that there is a danger that someone might stay in an abusive relationship because they saw CAROUSEL. Possibly. But that is a danger in all art.
I'm still waiting for that woman to use CHICAGO as a defense for killing her cheating lover.
Forgive my rambling...
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart; and you'll never walk alone.
