distressing news

[Evelina Mendelevich]

We seem to forget that Bulgakov used familiar myths/legends/texts-and
modified them-to suit his purposes in his artistic endeavors. I am sure that
not all Christians are comfortable with the character of Jesus portrayed by
Bulgakov. I don't see why Webber can't use the novel to his purposes, just
as Bulgakov used several texts to his. Perhaps Webber is about to do
something quite different with M&M, perhaps many critics are not going to be
comfortable with his "popular" vision addressing the "philistine" audience.
But if it is this particular audience he is addressing, let us leave it to
this audience to judge his work. If people will enjoy it, if they will be
inspired by it in one way or another-where is harm? If the prospect of
seeing this show is so distressing-why go see it? Why even think about it? 

There are many themes to be explored in the novel-major and minor-why not
choose the one that appeals to many? Will it ruin Bulgakov's work? I don't
see how. Will it introduce it to some? I see that as a realistic
possibility. Critics seem to forget that the works they judge are not their
property, and, in fact, in their judgments, they are not much different from
people like Webber-that is, they explore what in their opinion is important
and valuable. But, in fact, as some have pointed out already, far more
people might benefit from seeing Webber's production than from reading
sophisticated and often esoteric academic works on the subject. In any case,
censorship-and such harsh judgments almost amount to that-is definitely not
something Bulgakov would have appreciated.

-----Original Message-----
From: Slavic & East European Languages and Literature list
[mailto:SEELANGS at LISTSERV.CUNY.EDU] On Behalf Of Boris Dagaev
Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2006 1:02 AM
To: SEELANGS at LISTSERV.CUNY.EDU
Subject: Re: [SEELANGS] distressing news

<"making value judgments on what constitutes good vs bad in art" is,
in fact, the only thing a literary critic _could_ do>

_that_ would be truly distressing news! if it were true :-)

On 8/31/06, Genevra Gerhart <ggerhart at comcast.net> wrote:
> Jessica wrote:
>
> But then I have something of an aversion to passing value judgements
> > on culture, it seems a little snobbish to think that we (academics)
> > can judge what constitutes good vs bad in art.  It feels limiting and
> > restrictive, just my opinion.....
>
> I have always thought that "making value judgments on what constitutes
good
> vs bad in art" is, in fact, the only thing a literary  critic _could_ do.
> What the h. else were they put on earth to do?
>
> Genevra Gerhart
>
> ggerhart at comcast.net
>
> www.genevragerhart.com
> www.russiancommonknowledge.com
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Slavic & East European Languages and Literature list
> [mailto:SEELANGS at LISTSERV.CUNY.EDU] On Behalf Of Christopher Lemelin
> Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 9:10 PM
> To: SEELANGS at LISTSERV.CUNY.EDU
> Subject: Re: [SEELANGS] distressing news
>
> A quick correction.  Les Miserables was originally written (in
> French) by composer Claude-Michel Schoenberg and librettist Alain
> Boubil.  The English version was produced by Cameron Mackintosh and
> the English lyrics were adapted by Herbert Kretzmer.
>
> In my humble opinion--and by the way, I agree with others that ALW's
> early musicals are far superior to his later ones--Les Mis is an
> incredible achievement, rivaling a great opera.
>
> CWL
>
> ========================
> Christopher W. Lemelin
> Assistant Professor of Russian
> Dickinson College
> lemelinc at dickinson.edu
>
> (On sabbatical 2006-2007)
>
>
>
>
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------
>  Use your web browser to search the archives, control your subscription
>   options, and more.  Visit and bookmark the SEELANGS Web Interface at:
>                     http://seelangs.home.comcast.net/
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------
>  Use your web browser to search the archives, control your subscription
>   options, and more.  Visit and bookmark the SEELANGS Web Interface at:
>                     http://seelangs.home.comcast.net/
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------
>

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Use your web browser to search the archives, control your subscription
  options, and more.  Visit and bookmark the SEELANGS Web Interface at:
                    http://seelangs.home.comcast.net/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Use your web browser to search the archives, control your subscription
  options, and more.  Visit and bookmark the SEELANGS Web Interface at:
                    http://seelangs.home.comcast.net/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------