As the morning light seems to appear earlier and earlier each day, I am starting to think about summer and all of the things I love about summer evenings. There are a few things I would wish that everyone in the world would have the opportunity to experience. The first is that everyone should take a ride, at least once, in a convertible. I don't mean that one should race down the freeway and feel the wind in their hair. I am talking about a ride at about 30 mph at ten o'clock at night on a humid summer evening down Outer Drive in Dearborn. (Or some other similar place.) As one passes block after block of homes that have quieted down for the evening, the rise and fall of the various cricket colonies can be heard. I just love that humid, damp, cool breeze on the skin. The sound of quiet punctuated by the cricket's song rising and falling in wave after wave of sound is mesmerizing. The rustle of trees, the stars or the clouds or the moon, the smell of outdoor fireplaces...etc. are precious sensations.
To be sure, there are numerous such experiences that I could wish upon mankind besides the convertible one. One more treasure that comes to mind is, Shakespeare. I am not talking about theaters with fancy gilded ceilings, lots of marble steps, gowns, white gloves and all of that glitz and glam. (Although that is special enough.) I have the deepest appreciation for those that would bring art to the common man and perform Shakespeare in a small community park. Indeed, Shakespeare's plays were often performed in outdoor settings for everyday people. As much as I enjoy dressing up, valet parking and expensive seats, I find the outdoor setting uniquely exhilarating. Much like the evening drive in the convertible, this experience offers some memorable sensations. There's just something about rubbing down with mosquito repellent, tossing a blanket to the ground, and drinking wine from a plastic cup, that makes it far less intimidating a task to face Shakespeare. As the small crowd gathers to watch, it is as if they are all going on this delightful ride with you.
One year I took my young niece and nephew. My gifted nephew could "get" Shakespeare and all the subtle humor that came with it. My niece, however was a little less confident about her ability to understand the play that was about to start. She was sure it was going to be "over her head" and she was bound to be bored. But as the actors carried out each scene her confidence and excitement grew. She could get Shakespeare! It was simply an exciting evening for all of us. There's something about the experience that bridges all kinds of gaps we imagined between us and our fellow man. History becomes more relevant when you think about a similar crowd hundreds of years ago, sitting down to watch the very same play in a very similar setting.
My hope is that you will find a small local theatrical group, and attend one of their plays. Take on the old Bard! It would be an extra special treat if you could find one performed in a small outdoor venue. Bring bug repellent!
