Bless German classics, Deutsche Grammophon and Karl Böhm – I’d forgotten how much I adore Die Zauberflöte and why it is my favorite opera of all time. Along with its great overture and arias (listen to Der Hölle Rache Kocht In Meinem Herzen and report back on the goosebumps), this final large production of Mozart’s is a true soap-operatic allegory of politics, society and attendant treachery back in late 18th-century Europe. Wolfgang would have had a field day in modern-day New Orleans.
The liner notes on the beginning of Act Two:
The priests assemble to hear Sarastro give an explanation of his actions: the gods have ordained that Pamina and Tamino shall marry; their union will ensure that the theocratic realm of the Sun will resist the destructive chaos that threatens at the hands of the Queen of the Night. But before Tamino can be accepted in the circle of the illuminati and marry Pamina, he must undergo the difficult and progressively more dangerous rituals whereby the Order tests the worth of those who would join it. The priests, by no means certain of a successful outcome, pray to the gods to assist Tamino and Papageno (Aria and Chorus: “O Isis und Osiris”). In the temple precincts, Tamino and Papageno are prepared by priests for their trials (The magic flute and glockenspiel have already been taken from them). Tamino is ready to face every ordeal, even at the price of his life. Papageno, the “natural man”, who wants nothing more than a little wife, takes a very dim view of trials and privations. The first of the three trials is to preserve silence, whatever happens …
What the liner notes would read had Mozart written Die Leveesbröke:
The LRA/GNOF/CSO assemble to hear Nagin give an explanation of his actions: the feds have ordained that New Orleans shall receive rebuilding funds; this union will ensure that the money owed the city will resist the destructive chaos that threatens at the hands of the Unholy Triumvirate: the Army Corps of Engineers, the Levee Board and City Hall. But before New Orleans can be accepted in the circle of civilized cities and receive said funding, it must undergo the difficult and progressively more daunting rituals whereby the system tests the worth of those who would fight for their home. The LRA/GNOF/CSO, by no means certain of a successful outcome, have Nagin pray to the gods to assist New Orleans and its people (Aria and Chorus: “Please Pray That A Hurricane Doesn’t Hit Us In The Next Three Weeks And The Levees Hold”). In the City Hall precincts, New Orleans is prepared by the LRA/GNOF/CSO for its trials (The old plans and levee board oversight have already been taken from them). New Orleans is ready to face every ordeal, even at the price of its sanity. However, the city gangs, the “natural man”, who want nothing more than to sell some crack, take a very dim view of trials and privations and decide to shoot up some rivals in their old ‘hoods. The first of the three trials is to preserve silence at the Pavilion of Two Sisters in City Park, no matter that this is the start of a “democratic process” …
Starring Nmon Ford as Nagin, Montserrat Caballé as Kathleen Blanco, Wolfgang Windgassen as Stephen Bingler and New Orleans as its colorful self.
Adapted for the screen by Neal Stephenson.
I apologize for not finding your blog earlier. I would have wanted to communicate this with you sooner. I never intended to be portayed in support of or against the UNOP process. I was never put in a position nor did I ever come out with any public position in support of or against any particular planning process. I was asked by City Council only to speak to the Council and was not at all made aware in advance that the other speakers would be speaking on UNOP behalf.
That said, planning, communication, and community resilience in New Orleans, as you so clearly point out, are critical to effective city recovery. We are not recovered as much as we are told.
I wish I could have made clearer earlier that I do not take sides in planning processes. I have personally observed processes of varying quality since Katrina of varying capacity.
thanks for your blog!!
Nathan Shroyer
Here is a copy of an e mail
Tue Jul 25, 2006 2:43 pm (PST)
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCMENT
What: Special City Council Meeting about the Unified New Orleans Plan
When: Thursday, July 27th from 5pm-7pm
Where: City Hall
Speakers: Carey Shea, Wayne Lee, Nathan Shroyer, Steve Villavaso
Why: Find answers to any lingering questions about neighborhoods planning.
How come “we” knew and you did not.
This e mail clearly states, Unified New Orleans Plan … If you were there to speak as an individual
WHY?
Ja wohl!
When you write about opera, you can’t leave out the diva.
Rule #1 Of Being A Somewhat Public Figure: If you don’t want to call attention to yourself regarding something, don’t call attention to yourself.
This reminds of the epic diva battle from back in the 80s.
It’s not over until the fat lady sings.