On this last day of 2017; I would like to share an idea which popped into my head after we saw the movie “The Greatest Showman” last night. The musical story is about P.T.Barnum of circus fame and how it all began. Hugh Jackman was outstanding as Barnum. And it was great to see Zac Efron return to his musical roots. His role as Barnum’s partner was his best in a very long time. Zendeya showed her talent superbly as did Michelle Williams. But what caught my attention besides the fantastic musical production numbers , was a statement made by the newspaper reporter character. In a moving scene when Barnum seemed to have lost everything he said that the circus shows were a “celebration of humanity.” And indeed that’s what this movie is all about. Barnum in the mid-1800’s brought to the stage people of different colors, forms, sizes, disabilities and talents. He gave the voiceless a voice at a time in history when such people had none. Today we have many who until the 2016 election had no voice. Now whatever your politicsl preferences the reality is that those without a voice like those serving in the military, working in agricultural jobs or mining jobs, living in destitute rural areas, struggling to be recognized for their abilities despite their Backgrounds and Christian religious beliefs now have a voice along with those, who in this film, have gained strongly in recent history. In 2018 May all voices be heard without prejudice and disparity, no matter if you’re a boy wanting to be a boy or a girl desiring to be all she can be or a person of faith no matter what that faith may be or a family trying to pass on traditions and opportunities to their children or a person of color or lack of color, or one who looks different, loves differently seeks to come out or conceal emotions, and certainly those who seek to be patriots. If this extravaganza of musical delight can teach us anything it’s that we must conquer hate and spread love and tolerance. And to be honest, perhaps I feel close to this film because the characters of P.T. Barnum and Jenny Lind appear in my Doonagore Theft Trilogy which is a tale of acceptance and love.
Happy New Year; All the best in 2018.
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