A spring evening, 1913 — Inside a dazzlingly new Parisian theater, high society traditionalists jeered and mocked the ballet performance onstage. They also traded-insults and argued across rows with the performance’s defenders. It escalated into an uproar that drowned out the orchestra and forced the choreographer to guide dancers from off stage.
In the ballet composer’s own words, he stood up and shouted over the din, “Go to hell!” before storming out of the theater.
That composer was Russian-born Igor Stravinsky. The ballet was the debut of Le Sacre du Printemps, or The Rite of Spring. …
It troubles you and weighs on your conscience — the police killing of George Floyd and ensuing eruption of outrage gathered in the streets across the world. Also, perhaps there is some commingled discomfort. In the remote work of the Covid-19 era, you realize how easy it was to forget how few were the Black faces in the office.
You want to issue an affirming statement showing your solidarity for racial equity and support against police brutality. Maybe, too, mention plans to improve diversity within your organization. …
April Garrido Wright
Change Amplifier | Just & Climate-Resilient Futures | Marzipan Enthusiast | www.aprilgarridowright.com
