Flutterings

The subject line is spoken by Pericles in the Shakespeare play of the same name, upon hearing that his beloved father-in-law is dead.

Hearing it tonight, at the Nashville Shakespeare Festival, I immediately thought of David Bevington, my University of Chicago Shakespeare professor, who was for many years a familiar figure flying from his home on Blackstone to various classes, meals, and performances around campus. A renowned scholar, he was also a very gracious man who was unquestionably responsible for me getting offers from grad schools (several interviewers made a point of telling me his letter on my behalf was impressive -- this in spite of me not having earned a solid A in his courses) and also a dedicated violist.

Since hearing of his passing, I haven't been sad, exactly -- he was in his late 80s, and I had figured that I would be reading his obituary sooner than later, although he was also spry enough that I also wouldn't have been surprised if he had made it to 100. But the world does feel a distinct shade colder with him gone.

The performance of Pericles was by the apprentice company, and it was a mixed bag. Some of the singing was gorgeous, and much of it wasn't quite in tune. But I was entertained by other audience members' attempts to understand what the heck is going on in the play (it's such a mess -- I'm fond of it, but it is SUCH a mess), I finally got to try the vegan ice cream joint that's been getting rave reviews (Kokofetti and peach scoops, yo), and even though I know the play well, I nonetheless cried in reaction to a couple of peak moments. Nice to see graceful dancing by non-waifs, too. Oh, and as Shakespeare does, there was a standout moment that hadn't registered with me during previous performances/reads: this time it was the nurse telling Pericles to pull his damn self together because his kid needs him.