“First night is three weeks away which suggests the theatre is ready. It isn’t. But it is no less ready than it ever is; I just don’t ever stop being anxious about it. Carpets are down (yes, carpets) and a biblical scale clean is about to ensue. These are the things that occupy me. Toilets, too. Toilets occupy me a great deal because, well, this is England after all and they matter.” [Opera diaries]
Loo! Here the Gentle Lark
“Toilets occupy me a great deal because, well, this is England after all and they matter.”
By La Cieca La Cieca
James Jorden (who wrote under the names "La Cieca" and "Our Own JJ") was the founder and editor of parterre box. During his 20 year career as an opera critic he wrote for the New York Times, Opera, Gay City News, Opera Now, Musical America and the New York Post. He also raised his voice in punditry on National Public Radio. From time to time he directed opera, including three unsuccessful productions of Don Giovanni. He also contributed a regular column on opera for the New York Observer. James died in October 2023.
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Parterre Box concludes the thrilling first year of Talk of the Town by inviting your lightning rod opinions on several more categories of operatic argumentation.