Excitement is building with everyone in class, Theater and German people alike, as we approach the opening of ULARs production of Caucasian Chalk Circle by Bertolt Brecht.
I now remember having heard Memory Apata the ‘Singer’ sing before. She sang Papagena in UALRs regie production of ‘The Magic Flute.’ In fact, if I remember correctly, she had the best voice on the stage. She had a lesser roll even though she had far more talent and ability than the lead singers. At the time I wondered why less talented singers were given the leading rolls when there were clearly more talented singers on stage. I thought at the time that it must just be another case of politics. Someone’s Daddy had made a big donation to the Alumni Fund or was friends with the director or some such thing.
Now I am of a different mind. It seems that the star-rolls go to the graduating student by default, as their Capstone Performance – similar to a senior research project. This way, the graduate has had the opportunity to be the star at least once in their life. It is part of the UALR Experience.
After graduation there will be time enough to prove themselves in open auditions. Then they will meet success or failure based on the merit of their own talent. I wonder if UALR has really prepared them for the failures that lie ahead in their careers as performers.
However, I am really looking forward to hearing Ms. Apata sing this weekend.
