Saturday, November 26, 2011
How 'The Sound of Music' Became One of Salzburg's Favorite Things
NYTimes.com: More than a half-century after “The Sound of Music” immortalized the von Trapp family’s flight from Austria on stage and screen, the first-ever Salzburg production of that Rodgers and Hammerstein musical has made audiences (if not the hills themselves) come alive with approval, The Associated Press reported.
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6 comments:
Reading about the reactions to the musical in Salzburg really makes you think about the impact of an American musical largely considered cheesy on a people who lived through the events displayed and have very visceral reactions from their own childhoods under Nazi rule. I'm intrigued by the director's choice to push the Nazi angle so strongly - suddenly filling the theatre with storm troopers guarding the exits and Nazis in the boxes may cue back terrible memories for some patrons, so I'd understand why they'd need to step out, but for those who stayed, I'm sure it was a powerful moment of reflection on Salzburg's darker past.
This shows that theatre is not only a form of entertainment, but a method to get theatre-goers to begin thinking on subjects many may have placed in the back of their minds. In a production like this, I think it is great that the directors and producers choose not to shy away from elements that might cause controversy, but embrace them instead. They felt the people were ready to face their past. What a wonderful way to do so.
Different reactions based on locations and how a certain group of people feel toward their history and past is one of the most interesting factors of social science. However, it is also one that is often overlooked. The fact that many modern cultures tend to be ethnocentric proves it difficult for people to walk a mile in one another's shoes. That is precisely why this article is poignant. It serves as a reminder that theatre, even shows that are at times considered overdone or cliche, has a varied impact across nations. Those who live where the musical is set are right to have a stronger reaction to the piece - as it was their own ancestors who performed the acts that most would view as a shameful time in history. However, it is good that many seem more ready than before to accept this dark time as a piece of just that, history, so that new generations may learn about it and move past it so similar situations may be prevented in the future.
I was in Salzburg in 2004. The people of the city are very proud of this musical. There were several mentions at local pubs; museums had whole sections dedicated to it. I felt that Salzburg was a proud city, but it was true that they were uncomfortable confronting their recent history. I have friends from all of Austria who would agree. The subject of World War II is hardly broached and only quickly and in hushed voices. It is great to hear that Salzburg is facing the history. It is impossible to know how to improve and avoid past mistakes if you don't analyze the past. I love that theatre has played a hand in this.
As a child with the sound of music on VHS the movie did not fit on one so there were two on the first on the first was the part where everything was going well and the second was where the Nazis came. As a child 9 times out of 10 I would only watch the first one because I thought the second one was scary. It is hard to imagine how the people who lived through that time would feel especially if it happened in your own town. I think that it is a bold choice for the director to push the Nazi angle. I would like to know more about the audiences feelings after seeing the production.
so i think that my favorite part of this article is freddie’s comment from nyc on times websight. honestly i think i have to agree with him too. i don't think that there city would have nearly as much commerce if the sound of music wasn't filmed there. i can understand that tourists can be an annoyance but they also bring in a lot of revenue. between that and the Salzburg Festival i have a feeling that they do a fair bit of business catered towards tourists anyway.
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