When it comes down to it, its all about passion, isnt it? We recognize it when we are lucky enough to stumble upon it. That teacher who took a subject that had always seemed dull and set it on fire, turning dead history into fuel for your imagination. Or the carpenter you never met but whose work always calls your hand to touch its beautiful silky surface.
Thats what was in abundance on the stage March 16 at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. Remember Me, the collaboration by David Parsons Dance and the East Village Opera Company was visually stunning, at times magical and, thats right, really passionate. Those few of us in attendance were blessed to experience something of this quality in our tiny hamlet of Durango.
That leads me to one of the two reasons I am writing this and not simply relishing a fine performance. The place should have been packed. It was billed as modernized opera. Maybe thats what worried people away. That shouldnt have because it was very accessible. I might remind you that Tommy by the Who was also an opera.
Youll rarely find brilliance in safe places. Take some chances, Durango. Trust that the folks in charge up there are combing for quality and wouldnt bring it to their stage if they didnt think it was amazing.
And that brings me to reason No. 2. Id like to thank Charles Leslie for his daring and his passion for excellence. He is a blessing to this community, and I, for one, am grateful.
Nancy Stoffer, Durango
