The Year of Magical Thinking
Last night we headed to the Gaiety with some mates to catch what has been described by the Observer
“Vanessa Redgrave is the reason The Year of Magical Thinking is not only the hottest ticket in town, but also the theatrical event of the season… that the audience is rapt is an understatement.”
I had read the book a few months ago after a mate recommended it. She’s not the type to wax lyrical about books so I made a point of buying it. I got through it in 2 days. Powerful, amazing stuff. I’ve never read a book that so adequtely describes the feeling of loss, of a loved one not being around anymore. I was a bit cautious about the play initially, even though Vanessa Redgrave was playing the part. I guess the idea of sharing something so raw, so naked as the emotions that she would exhibit in front of so many people. I wasn’t sure also if I was comfortable and would be able to switch off enough to absorb the play. Thankfully, through wonderful direction and an outstanding performence by Vanessa, I completly forgot everyone and everything and was transported into the book and Joan Didion’s life. There were many sniffles at various stages, understandably. There were also not one , but two interruptions by mobile phones. The first time it rang for ages, the second time, it was the same phone. Both times it happened at an incrediably inappropriate moment. Not that there is ever an appropriate moment for a phone ring tone but it was just ridiculous. Speaking to a mate after the show she said a few years ago there was mention of a signal blocker being employed by a city center cinema and when the service providers got wind of this it was stopped. In case of emergency etc. Anyhew, last night was not about the phone, however frustrating it was.
As Mammy2 put it, we can’t say we enjoyed it. It was incredibly moving. And also hard to put into words. Reading the book is a very private thing as you go through the emotions with Joan
whereas seeing Vanessa shout and cry is a different expierence altogether. If you haven’t read the book, do so. If you get the chance, go see the play.
As a result of going to see that yesterday I got outta here at 5. The first time in ages. I won’t mention work, I try to avoid it where possible but at the moment its playing such a big part
in my life its hard to see what else there is to talk about! Things are calming down as we went live today thank god. The majority of the site is there and looks good, yet you will always
have people who panic and overuse the word critical. I was so annoyed by its overuse I went and double checked its meaning at www.m-w.com. Here’s what I got
1 a: of, relating to, or being a turning point or specially important juncture <a critical phase>: as (1): relating to or being the stage of a disease at which an abrupt change for better or worse may be expected ; also : being or relating to an illness or condition involving danger of death <critical care> <a patient listed in critical condition> (2): relating to or being a state in which or a measurement or point at which some quality, property, or phenomenon suffers a definite change
Now in any reading of the word, do you see broken link? Do you see text not underlined? Because I can’t. I shall stop before I go on a right rant. So this evening should be training and I also have to fix the sister-in-law’s laptop. Tis very infected after the mad yoke went onto those ringrone websites. I mean, I used to see all the ads for them and go “Who in their right mind would log onto them” I guess I have my answer. Because she has Vista, its making things extremely difficult to get in at the machine. I think I shall train to get rid of the stress. Forget that idea, bubbly arrived 
