Admittedly, I'm far behind the curve when it comes to discussing "Rent," the rock musical written by Jonathan Larson.
As a youth growing up in rural Appalachia, I didn't have much exposure to musicals. Today I'm developing a stronger interest in the musical as a high-level art form, combining storytelling, songwriting-music, dance-choreography, theatre, etc.
Yesterday, I finally saw the 2005 film version of "Rent" (Sony Pictures, DVD). I highly recommend this film (and the stage version as well, if you ever have an opportunity to see it performed live) to anyone who hasn't yet seen it.
"Rent" is among the best works of art I've ever seen. Listening to Jonathan Larson's songs is like diving in a submarine to the deepest part of the ocean, then seeing light in the murky darkness.
Consider the following excerpt of lyrics about opening one's heart from Jonathan Larson's song "Another Day":
As a youth growing up in rural Appalachia, I didn't have much exposure to musicals. Today I'm developing a stronger interest in the musical as a high-level art form, combining storytelling, songwriting-music, dance-choreography, theatre, etc.
Yesterday, I finally saw the 2005 film version of "Rent" (Sony Pictures, DVD). I highly recommend this film (and the stage version as well, if you ever have an opportunity to see it performed live) to anyone who hasn't yet seen it.
"Rent" is among the best works of art I've ever seen. Listening to Jonathan Larson's songs is like diving in a submarine to the deepest part of the ocean, then seeing light in the murky darkness.
Consider the following excerpt of lyrics about opening one's heart from Jonathan Larson's song "Another Day":
There's only now, there's only here
Give in to love or live in fear
No other path, No other way
No day but today
"Rent" impressed me in a deep, profound way. It expressed the main idea of love I've felt for a long time, the feeling I do my best to express in my own writings (for example, "The STARLING Connection.")
The story of love in the face of tough social and economic problems expressed by "Rent" moved me to tears several times. (Tears being the throat-tightening, choking up, gut-punching watery eyes you can't stop.) I could personally relate to numerous elements of the story: the pursuit of an artistic vision (ultimately a vision of our humanity) in the face of overwhelming odds and difficulties, relying on your friends and the family you make...
The philosophical questions surrounding "renting" are worthy of everyone's thought, in particular: How do you measure a life? Do you measure your life through money and possessions? Or through the meaning of our humanity? Through love?
The story of love in the face of tough social and economic problems expressed by "Rent" moved me to tears several times. (Tears being the throat-tightening, choking up, gut-punching watery eyes you can't stop.) I could personally relate to numerous elements of the story: the pursuit of an artistic vision (ultimately a vision of our humanity) in the face of overwhelming odds and difficulties, relying on your friends and the family you make...
The philosophical questions surrounding "renting" are worthy of everyone's thought, in particular: How do you measure a life? Do you measure your life through money and possessions? Or through the meaning of our humanity? Through love?
Read 1st Chapt. FREE! Click pic. THEODORE WEBB, a co-founder of Morgantown Poets, actively supports authors of all genres, songwriters, artists and all human beings, in sharing their voices. A poet, short story writer, and aspiring playwright, Webb is the author of the Dystopian fiction short novels, "Lifeline,” “Crucible,” “Colossus” and “Inferno,” which represents “The STARLING Series," available for ALL DEVICES VIA the FREE Kindle Reading APP: smartphone, PC, MAC, via Amazon.com. All 4 books are also available as 1 volume, "The STARLING Connection." Webb's short stories are online, including "Desperate Engine" (Amazon) & "Family Hour" (Smashwords).
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