It's on my little list...

Before I begin my little preamble about the Mikado, I'd first like to give a shout out to Fairuz, or who I should soon be calling Dr. Cousin. Remember to enjoy your course and to never lose sight of you - who you are and what shoes you wear. Keep it real, I know you will. :)

And now back to the Mikado. It's one of those things that's constantly on my mind - background music, if you will. It really is a masterpiece, in terms of music, lyrics and all the rest of it. It tells the story of Nanki-Poo, a wand'ring minstrel who plays in the Titipu town band. He's in love with Yum-Yum who's the ward and fiancee of the Lord High Executioner, Ko-Ko (who quite luckily rose to such a rank after being reprieved from his own death sentence). Yum-Yum, bless her, is in love with Nanki-Poo too. Here they are doing things they would never do...

Keeping in mind that this is feudal Japan, the Mikado has decreed that all those who flirted leer'd or winked, unless connubially linked, should forthwith be beheaded. Now, not a welcoming prospect for the young lovers! We soon find out Nanki-Poo's little secret - he is actually the son of the Mikado! He assumed the disguise of a minstrel when his engagement to Katisha (who has a caricature of face!) was forced upon him. Now how shall we get out of this dilemma? Ta-da! The Mikado issues a decree to Ko-Ko instructing him to execute somebody if not the town of Titipu will be reduced to a village... Seeing that he's already been condemned to death before, he becomes the first choice of the town officials (Poo-Bah is after all the Lord High Chancellor, Master of the Rolls, Chancellor of the Exchequer... you get the picture). Here they are, accompanied by Pish-Tush (Poo-Bah's the overbearing one while Ko-Ko's the one in the middle, in case you were wondering!):

He finds a willing substitute in Nanki-Poo who agrees to be the victim if he can marry Yum-Yum for a month. But all hell breaks lose when Katisha comes to Titipu in search of Nanki-Poo! She threatens to reveal his true identity, but with some help from Yum-Yum, she fails... but threatens to return with the Mikado! Ooo I don't think Kat's very happy about all this:

In the second act, Yum-Yum and Nanki-Poo prepare to marry...when Ko-Ko enters with some law - once a husband is beheaded, his wife is burried alive! It really dampens the mood, as you can imagine, and here's Nanki-Poo, Yum-Yum and Ko-Ko contemplating the delicateness of their situation.

And with the Mikado on his way, Ko-Ko assumes that he may want to see that an execution had taken place. While everyone's scratching their heads (or rather wigs...), they come up with an idea. Bing! Poo-Bah will declare that Nanki-Poo has already been beheaded when in actuality, he'll marry Yum-Yum and disappear! Oh bother Yum-Yum! Nanki-Poo and Ko-Ko come to an arrangement...

Marvelous...except that the Mikado is looking for his son and not to check if someone had been executed. And you can of course imagine the madness that ensues when Ko-Ko presents the document saying that Nanki-Poo had been beheaded. The Mikado takes the news somewhat calmly but declares that the punishment for killing the heir apparent has boiling oil in it... Hmmm. Here's the Mikado gleefully talking about boiling oil, to Ko-Ko, Poo-Bah and Pitti-Sing (Yum-Yum's sister, one of the three little maids from school!), and you can see Katisha sternly looking on.

How to resurrect Nanki-Poo without Katisha's claims on him? Ko-Ko goes to him and relates the trouble. Bing! Another idea! Ko-Ko must woo Katisha so that she'd marry Ko-Ko instead. With his best suit and maybe even some flowers, he chances upon her (and her wrath) and woos her with all his charm. He surprisingly succeeds and he is married to her. They present themselves to the Mikado, who had gone to eat before the impending execution of Ko-Ko. Katisha pleads for his life before the Mikado. Her case is helped when Nanki-Poo appears together with Yum-Yum. The Mikado is pleased to see his son again and general rejoicement ensues! Katisha's a little pissed at Ko-Ko but after some elbow-kissing, all ends well.

Just a note! All the pictures where the players are in traditional Japanese costume are from the D'oyly Carte Company production of the Mikado. I actually grew up with this and it retains a special place in my heart. The pictures that have the players in 20s costume are taken from Jonathan Miller's production. I was very fortunate to catch this earlier this year and I consider it an absolute masterpiece.

And my little review can be viewed here!
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/stage/opera/article3308130.ece

Things We Learn

I had the recent good opportunity to visit a children's home in Cheras. You may have passed it once or twice, or even every time you go home or go to work. I know I have. But this time, I paid the place a visit. It's simplyamazing that there is a place for these abandoned, orphaned children (some babies). These are children that were unwanted at birth but have been rescued from their dire circumstances and are now loved, by the dedicated staff that man the place (though most are women!). We are not aware of the good these people do, and the home they provide to those who are not as fortunate as us who do have homes.

Humanity still exists then, despite all.

On a lighter note, I've become quite a fan of Sandi Toksvig. If you get the chance, check her out or listen to her show on BBC Radio 4. Here she is, folks!



Ah isn't she lovely!