The Children of Shir-Hashirim Montessori Pre-School Present...
I too was surprised to find that Charlotte's preschool, as her first-ever theatrical production, had chosen to stage a 5-and-under version of "Lord of the Flies". It seemed... unconventional.
However, I must admit, the tastefulness with which they portrayed the death of Piggy was quite impressive, even if harrowing. It brought a serene beauty to the theme of Darwinian survival.
...her intensity beguiling...
Then halfway through, Erin clarified for me that what we were watching was in fact "Peter and the Wolf," a much more civilized entertainment hinging on the relationship between human hunters in search of innocent victims of prey and the demonization of the Wild Kingdom (the Wolf does horrible things to one little boy playing a duck). But still, I was relieved.
Charlotte - as she told us - played the role of a bird with green wings, though the lack of green feathers and the general un-birdiness of the costume, led us to believe that these costumes had perhaps been used in other productions, as other things. They are a testament to the touchingly willing (or unknowing) suspension of disbelief of which 3 and 4 year old children are capable. To me, the doting parent, they are also testament to my suspicion that this preschool is perhaps a tad overpriced. But again, what do I know of birds and feathers? Why ruin the moment?
Here you shall see the big entrance of the birds, following fast upon the entrance of the forest. Look out for her - she's the third bird in and breezes by, even at one point - in an act that violates all avian protocol - passing the bird in front of her. I've often said to her: "It's a bird eat bird world out there. Dare to be great, Charlie."
and the first official entrance into the story, as the ducks loom behind...
the proverbial birds on a wire...
the vigorousness of her dancing is inimitable...
...her intensity beguiling...
...but causes what could be - with a less seasoned performer - a catastrophic mishap... the loss of the headpiece (which, beside the asymmetrical leggings, may be the least birdlike element of all, yet who am I to quibble?)...
wide shot
close-up
...but she handles it with grace and aplomb, seeing it as an opportunity to stand out even more from the group...
"...birds of a feather? ha! not so fast, tweetie..."
You've heard of "the eye of the tiger"? Here is "the eye of the green-winged bird sans headpiece". Meet her gaze if you dare.
the bird in flight...
before the event...
