Gilbert & Sullivan's The Mikado
Jun. 9th, 2004 05:20 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sureiSome people might think it's offensive to Japan, since it's really a very silly musical. At one point, I might have agreed. But now, watching it again, and realizing just how wrong they got it all...
It's hilarious. Extremely embarrassing at times, but really really funny. I'm glad I can still enjoy it, even if I'm occasionally distracted by all the stupid mistakes.
And for those of us inclined to anger: it's not about Japan. It's not even trying to make fun of Japan. It's making fun of Victorian views of Japan. If I should be getting angry over The Mikado, then I should also be getting angry over... say... The Pirates of Penzance. I've been to Penzance (it's on the south coast of Cornwall, and is where the telegraph cables linking the US to Europe came out of the ocean -- also one of the hideaways in WWII is nearby, and the Minack's* not to far away either). I'm a descendant of pirates. These days we call them Vikings, but they were pirates all the same. If I was going to take offense...
But no. I'd rather just laugh.
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* the Minack Theatre, in Cornwall, is a Greek-style theatre built into the cliff face, which gives it a spectacular view. It's often rainy, and oftener cold, but it's really worth it to go, if you're ever there. Just remember to bring cushions, warm gear, and some kind of rain protection. Kind of like for the Globe, actually.
Pictures courtesy of Paul's Minack Gallery.
+ Official Site
It's hilarious. Extremely embarrassing at times, but really really funny. I'm glad I can still enjoy it, even if I'm occasionally distracted by all the stupid mistakes.
And for those of us inclined to anger: it's not about Japan. It's not even trying to make fun of Japan. It's making fun of Victorian views of Japan. If I should be getting angry over The Mikado, then I should also be getting angry over... say... The Pirates of Penzance. I've been to Penzance (it's on the south coast of Cornwall, and is where the telegraph cables linking the US to Europe came out of the ocean -- also one of the hideaways in WWII is nearby, and the Minack's* not to far away either). I'm a descendant of pirates. These days we call them Vikings, but they were pirates all the same. If I was going to take offense...
But no. I'd rather just laugh.
----------------------------------------------------
* the Minack Theatre, in Cornwall, is a Greek-style theatre built into the cliff face, which gives it a spectacular view. It's often rainy, and oftener cold, but it's really worth it to go, if you're ever there. Just remember to bring cushions, warm gear, and some kind of rain protection. Kind of like for the Globe, actually.
Pictures courtesy of Paul's Minack Gallery.
+ Official Site