About… Ashes

I used Pinter’s 1996 piece, Ashes to Ashes, as the third discussion material in my drama class. I couldn’t hide my excitement to my students, of how close this play is to my heart. It’s my darling, my precious baby: it’s the experience of revelation that I got from reading and directing it. Also, it’s the longing of a lover wanting to swim into immensity, at whatever cost. I know this could scare my students away (Especially after I bombarded them with The Zoo Story and The Bald Soprano! Don’t I love trouble?) Anyways, if anything, I don’t want to be remembered as a good teacher. 😉

I’ve got nothing to lose for being passionate about my likings. This is my last semester in the department I love so much. I have experienced leaving, and being left by, things I loved. Besides, I don’t see it as anything shameful or lamentable. Being an academician is not worth more than being, say, a clerk who can still spare time to read and write for pleasure, and go to beauty salon once a month. Maybe I have lost faith in certain big things, but I’m a believer in miniscule miracles.

“Why do you like Ashes to Ashes?” someone asked. I guess it’s the essence of pure desperation, being down to point zero, which leads to forgiveness and comprehension (I suddenly remembered Breaking and Entering. I’m sad that Minghella’s gone.)

[Pics by Ivan Pisarev]