Order from a Major Online Bookstore
Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine
Save Your Time And Money
| AnyBook4Less.com | Order from a Major Online Bookstore |
|
| Home | Store List | FAQ | Contact Us | | ||
| Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine Save Your Time And Money |
||
 |
Title: The Road to Mecca by Amy Irving, Athol Fugard, Julie Harris, Harris Yulin, L.A. Theatre Works, Steve Albrezzi ISBN: 1-58081-015-2 Publisher: L. A. Theatre Works Pub. Date: 10 October, 2001 Format: Audio Cassette Volumes: 2 List Price(USD): $22.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 5 (3 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Thought Provoking and Stunning
Comment: Home sweet home: a place of love, refuge, and memories. For Helen Martin's it was also her life, her work and her Mecca. In the play "The Road to Mecca" Athol Fugard explores the question: Should we leave our Mecca, our spiritual fountainhead, when we can no longer take care of ourselves? The conflict between the three strong willed characters Helen, Elsa and Pastor Marius explores the question in the light of different religions, cultures, genders, ages and environments. Fugard said the play was suggested by the life and work of Helen Martins of New Bathesda, South Africa. The real Helen from age 50 to 75 transformed her house into a personal universe that enters the realm of archetype, symbol and metaphor. The house, furniture, windows and walls became a kaleidoscope of colored glass. In her garden she constructed over 200 figures: owls, Biblical figures, Buddhas, and ancient gods and goddesses. One South African scholar described her work as one of the most stirring experiences of his life and another called her one of South Africa's artistic geniuses. Fugard in his play shows Helen's creations as a glorious, makeshift oasis of creativity and life force and Elsa, his character, sees Helen as an example of freedom and transcendence. One powerful scene is when Helen, seated in her Mecca with dozens of candles playing off glittered walls and mirrors, tells Pastor Marius "I can't reduce my world to a few ornaments in a small room in an old-age home." The effect is stunning. The play is thought provoking and gives few answers. Helen is alive when it ends. Sadly, in 1975, the real Helen committed suicide. She drank caustic soda and died after three days I solitary agony. Her will included complex instructions listing in detail the ritual disposal of each of her sculptures. But today her home, known as "The Owl House" has been proclaimed a national monument and is a mecca for artists and tourists.
Rating: 5
Summary: A Memorable Pleasure
Comment: A reclusive elderly widow (based on the late Helen Martins, whose South African home is now a museum) has created her own "Mecca" by decorating the inside of her home with candles and mirrors and by surrounding the house with an assortment of personally-sculpted mermaids, wisemen, peacocks and pyramids. Although her neighbors view Miss Helen as a crazy old woman, she has made friends with Elsa Barlow, a young teacher who has returned for a surprise visit. On that same day, clergyman Marius Byleveld has come to help Helen apply to a nursing home. Marius is fond of Helen and fears for her safety. Elsa is in opposition to a move as it would take Helen away from her art.
I was originally concerned that a drama focusing on an old woman's artwork would not translate well to a listening experience. How could I care as deeply about Miss Helen if I was not able to see the oddball sculptures she had created? Surely the vision of "a city of light and color more splendid than anything I had ever imagined" could not be adequately transmitted through the speakers of my tape player. I need not have worried. One of my favorite parts of the entirely wonderful listen remains the moment when Helen lights her room with candles -- music comes up and there is absolutely no problem seeing a room aglow in a growing light of imagination and art. Adding to the experience is a superb cast performing a well-written examination of what it means to be an artist, what it means to be older, and what it means to be shunned. Fabulous!
Rating: 5
Summary: Top notch performances in a great play.
Comment: Excellent recording quality, an interesting listen.
 |
Title: Macro Systems in the Social Environment by Dennis D. Long, Marla C. Holle ISBN: 0875814093 Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing Company Pub. Date: 01 January, 1997 List Price(USD): $35.95 |
 |
Title: Ego Psychology and Social Work Practice by Eda G. Goldstein ISBN: 0029121507 Publisher: Free Press Pub. Date: 01 April, 1995 List Price(USD): $29.95 |
 |
Title: Master Harold...and the Boys by Athol Fugard ISBN: 0140481877 Publisher: Penguin Books Pub. Date: 01 November, 1984 List Price(USD): $10.00 |
 |
Title: Reaching Across Boundaries of Culture and Class: Widening the Scope of Psychotherapy by Rosemarie Perez Foster, Michael Moskowitz, Rafael Art Javier ISBN: 1568214871 Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Pub. Date: 01 May, 1996 List Price(USD): $50.00 |
 |
Title: Applied Social Research: A Tool for the Human Services by Duane R. Monette ISBN: 0155058231 Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing Pub. Date: 15 June, 2001 List Price(USD): $88.95 |
Thank you for visiting www.AnyBook4Less.com and enjoy your savings!
Copyright� 2001-2021 Send your comments
