Beth Kaplan's Blog, page 231
October 31, 2014
Happy Hallowe'en!
from my favourite witch and her big pussycat.
October 30, 2014
October 29, 2014
NTL's Frankenstein
I just heard a CBC "As It Happens" interview with a woman who dated Jian briefly. When they were first alone, she says, he pulled her hair back roughly. But when on a later occasion she came back to his place, she says without warning he began to hit her on the head until she cried, in shock and pain, and got out. Tomorrow morning, apparently, there will be another interview, same story.
We in Canada are reeling - not because it's a salacious sex story, so unusual in this country, but because it's incomprehensible. We all knew the public face of this personable, clever, successful, multi-talented man. And now we discover he has another side, vicious, violent - Jekyl and Hyde. I just heard Jamie Lee Curtis in a video about bullying say, "Hurt people hurt people." But everything we know about Jian's childhood is comfort and happiness - loving middle-class parents, stable, warm - yes, an outsider, a Persian princeling in whitebread Thornhill, as he has so often joked. But what would produce a man so full of anger that he would assault a young woman he hardly knew, risking his entire career? It happened ten years ago, she said. It has taken that long for the stories to come out. If this were happening forty years ago, these stories might never have come to light. My British friend Annie just told me about growing up adoring the comedian Jimmy Savile - her horror and revulsion when it was revealed after his death that he had been abusing children - HUNDREDS of children - for SIX decades. Worse, much much worse than what happened here. Savile was a monster.
I think back on Jian's book, 1982, which is a light-hearted take on an 80's adolescence, but has a dark undercurrent about his obsession with a girl who in the end rejected him. Did rage at his outsider status somehow twist his soul? I used to wonder why such an attractive man in his late forties - though looking many years younger - had never had a longterm relationship.
What will happen to him now?
Well, on a happier note, my head is once again swimming in theatrical bliss - I did go to the National Theatre Live again, to see an adaptation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, with Benedict Cumberbatch as Frankenstein and Jonny Miller as the Monster. There is another version with the roles reversed, and I'm considering going again. Once more, a stunning, powerful piece of theatre, as good as it gets. Once more, $22 for a front row seat. Once more, I left knowing that the British are so far ahead of the rest of us in their writers, actors, directors, producers for the theatre. Yes, we in other countries produce a great show every once in a while, but their theatre is consistently, by far, the best in the world. Brilliant in every way. If you possibly can, go.
PS And now the Star has produced more women ready to talk about Jian, more horrible allegations, punching, choking, beating, tales of verbal and physical abuse going back to 2002. How many people knew about this? How is it possible that such vile behaviour could go on for so long?
From Twitter:
Stephen Marche @StephenMarche 35m35 minutes agoI have never seen or heard, anywhere, of a journey from beloved icon to repulsive outcast so swift or so severe.
We in Canada are reeling - not because it's a salacious sex story, so unusual in this country, but because it's incomprehensible. We all knew the public face of this personable, clever, successful, multi-talented man. And now we discover he has another side, vicious, violent - Jekyl and Hyde. I just heard Jamie Lee Curtis in a video about bullying say, "Hurt people hurt people." But everything we know about Jian's childhood is comfort and happiness - loving middle-class parents, stable, warm - yes, an outsider, a Persian princeling in whitebread Thornhill, as he has so often joked. But what would produce a man so full of anger that he would assault a young woman he hardly knew, risking his entire career? It happened ten years ago, she said. It has taken that long for the stories to come out. If this were happening forty years ago, these stories might never have come to light. My British friend Annie just told me about growing up adoring the comedian Jimmy Savile - her horror and revulsion when it was revealed after his death that he had been abusing children - HUNDREDS of children - for SIX decades. Worse, much much worse than what happened here. Savile was a monster.
I think back on Jian's book, 1982, which is a light-hearted take on an 80's adolescence, but has a dark undercurrent about his obsession with a girl who in the end rejected him. Did rage at his outsider status somehow twist his soul? I used to wonder why such an attractive man in his late forties - though looking many years younger - had never had a longterm relationship.
What will happen to him now?
Well, on a happier note, my head is once again swimming in theatrical bliss - I did go to the National Theatre Live again, to see an adaptation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, with Benedict Cumberbatch as Frankenstein and Jonny Miller as the Monster. There is another version with the roles reversed, and I'm considering going again. Once more, a stunning, powerful piece of theatre, as good as it gets. Once more, $22 for a front row seat. Once more, I left knowing that the British are so far ahead of the rest of us in their writers, actors, directors, producers for the theatre. Yes, we in other countries produce a great show every once in a while, but their theatre is consistently, by far, the best in the world. Brilliant in every way. If you possibly can, go.
PS And now the Star has produced more women ready to talk about Jian, more horrible allegations, punching, choking, beating, tales of verbal and physical abuse going back to 2002. How many people knew about this? How is it possible that such vile behaviour could go on for so long?
From Twitter:
Stephen Marche @StephenMarche 35m35 minutes agoI have never seen or heard, anywhere, of a journey from beloved icon to repulsive outcast so swift or so severe.
National Theatre Live: Skylight
Yesterday I walked into my U of T class and told them this was probably the best day of their lives. "Did you notice as you came here, how beautiful it is? The colours of the trees, the sun - and we're all alive and breathing with a brain. Does it get better than this?"
They laughed. Sometimes maybe my Pollyanna cheer is a little much. But I've decided I never want to be anywhere but Canada in October - it is so gorgeous out there. After class, I went on to an event which I am writing urgently to tell you about, any of you in Toronto, because it's on again tomorrow - a National Theatre Live presentation of a moving, timely David Hare play, "Skylight." I hadn't heard of the play but saw it was going to be shown at the Yonge-Dundas cinemas, Googled it, and couldn't wait to get there.
Just one of the best productions ever - a superb play brilliantly acted by Bill Nighy, Carey Mulligan - both of them, fantastic, and what a team - and Matthew Beard, a young actor I don't know. A torrent of clever, heartfelt words, words, full of passion, pain and truth - afterwards I sighed with pleasure, feeling full to the brim with great art. How fantastic is this new innovation, theatre and opera at the movies, accessible to all. Instead of a flight to London and a theatre ticket, I paid $22 for a great seat which included an interview with David Hare at intermission. Can't beat that.
It's on again tomorrow at 1.10. Don't miss it if you can possibly get there. Today there's another National Theatre Live show - an adaptation of "Frankenstein" starring the heavenly Benedict Cumberpatch as either the doctor or the monster - the casts alternate. I may go. Or maybe it would just be too much great theatre all at once. I might pass out.
One more word re Jian: my friend Margaret was kind enough to write, "Just wanted to say that your blog post about Jian was the first intelligent piece I’ve read on the subject. And exceptionally well-written. I wonder and worry about what long-term impact this all may have on the CBC."
I do too. Right now, I am thinking about his mother. A few weeks ago she lost her husband, and now her revered son is disgraced, and in such a disturbing and public way. Must be devastating.
They laughed. Sometimes maybe my Pollyanna cheer is a little much. But I've decided I never want to be anywhere but Canada in October - it is so gorgeous out there. After class, I went on to an event which I am writing urgently to tell you about, any of you in Toronto, because it's on again tomorrow - a National Theatre Live presentation of a moving, timely David Hare play, "Skylight." I hadn't heard of the play but saw it was going to be shown at the Yonge-Dundas cinemas, Googled it, and couldn't wait to get there.
Just one of the best productions ever - a superb play brilliantly acted by Bill Nighy, Carey Mulligan - both of them, fantastic, and what a team - and Matthew Beard, a young actor I don't know. A torrent of clever, heartfelt words, words, full of passion, pain and truth - afterwards I sighed with pleasure, feeling full to the brim with great art. How fantastic is this new innovation, theatre and opera at the movies, accessible to all. Instead of a flight to London and a theatre ticket, I paid $22 for a great seat which included an interview with David Hare at intermission. Can't beat that.
It's on again tomorrow at 1.10. Don't miss it if you can possibly get there. Today there's another National Theatre Live show - an adaptation of "Frankenstein" starring the heavenly Benedict Cumberpatch as either the doctor or the monster - the casts alternate. I may go. Or maybe it would just be too much great theatre all at once. I might pass out.
One more word re Jian: my friend Margaret was kind enough to write, "Just wanted to say that your blog post about Jian was the first intelligent piece I’ve read on the subject. And exceptionally well-written. I wonder and worry about what long-term impact this all may have on the CBC."
I do too. Right now, I am thinking about his mother. A few weeks ago she lost her husband, and now her revered son is disgraced, and in such a disturbing and public way. Must be devastating.
October 28, 2014
moving right along on all fronts
We awake to a new city. In the words of the inimitable Rosie DiManno, "Crazy Town has finally received its discharge papers."
Onward.
A writer called Steff, plain-spoken to the point of rudeness, has written a powerful piece that I think says just about all that needs to be said about the Jian Ghomeshi case.
http://cuntinglinguist.com/2014/10/jian-versus-the-cbc.html
Onward.
A writer called Steff, plain-spoken to the point of rudeness, has written a powerful piece that I think says just about all that needs to be said about the Jian Ghomeshi case.
http://cuntinglinguist.com/2014/10/jian-versus-the-cbc.html
October 27, 2014
Toronto has a new mayor. Praise be.
Only one thing to say: Yes. Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes.
In my class at Ryerson tonight, students checked on the election at the break - it was declared pretty quickly. Even so, there was a shocking moment just after the polls closed when it was close. Close! To try to figure out who those people are, voting for Doug Ford - well, it's hard. But then there we were in writing class, we should be able to imagine someone who wants a Ford to be mayor. But it was beyond all of us.
John Tory just made a good speech, touching all the bases, including predicting that Olivia Chow will continue to make a big contribution to this city. A lot of great people have been elected and re-elected. A fresh start for this wonderful city I love so very much.
As Tabatha Southey put it on Twitter:
Tabatha Southey @TabathaSouthey 2h
2 hours agoJohn Tory has won. A slight improvement for Toronto. The end of a golden age for humour columnists.0 replies84 retweets58 favorites Reply Retweet84 Favorite58
In my class at Ryerson tonight, students checked on the election at the break - it was declared pretty quickly. Even so, there was a shocking moment just after the polls closed when it was close. Close! To try to figure out who those people are, voting for Doug Ford - well, it's hard. But then there we were in writing class, we should be able to imagine someone who wants a Ford to be mayor. But it was beyond all of us.
John Tory just made a good speech, touching all the bases, including predicting that Olivia Chow will continue to make a big contribution to this city. A lot of great people have been elected and re-elected. A fresh start for this wonderful city I love so very much.
As Tabatha Southey put it on Twitter:
Tabatha Southey @TabathaSouthey 2h
2 hours agoJohn Tory has won. A slight improvement for Toronto. The end of a golden age for humour columnists.0 replies84 retweets58 favorites Reply Retweet84 Favorite58
today's laugh out loud
And they say young people can't spell.
And - the most cheerful thing I've read about the Jian debacle is: "At least Canada isn't boring any more!"
What worries me is that Harper will use this distraction, not to mention his demonization of mentally ill young men, to quickly pass draconian anti-human-rights legislation. Just watch.
And - the most cheerful thing I've read about the Jian debacle is: "At least Canada isn't boring any more!"What worries me is that Harper will use this distraction, not to mention his demonization of mentally ill young men, to quickly pass draconian anti-human-rights legislation. Just watch.
VOTE!!
And on another exciting front, I just voted. LET'S GET THE BASTARDS OUT! A friend I talked to last night - left-wing, gay, extremely social conscious - said he is very disappointed in Olivia, not just in her wishy-washy campaign but in her vicious attack ads. He was voting for Tory. I told him I was considering it but would find it hard to vote for someone with the name Tory.
"Get over it," he said.
Today I voted John Tory - proudly. Yes, he's a privileged white male who said ambitious women should learn to play golf and that there's no such thing as white privilege. A bit out of touch, a smoothie. But he's a centrist and a very experienced politician who'll be able to steer us with skill through the next while, this poor battered ship that is my city.
Please Lord, make that appalling family go away.
"Get over it," he said.
Today I voted John Tory - proudly. Yes, he's a privileged white male who said ambitious women should learn to play golf and that there's no such thing as white privilege. A bit out of touch, a smoothie. But he's a centrist and a very experienced politician who'll be able to steer us with skill through the next while, this poor battered ship that is my city.
Please Lord, make that appalling family go away.
the unicorn report
In other news ... if there is, on any Canadian's mind, any other news:
Friend Pam, whom I've never met but who's been a faithful blog reader for years, just wrote about my Zoomer experience, "Seeing the picture of you in your booth reminded me of a film review I once read, which described Tilda Swinton as 'a unicorn in a feedlot.'"
Now that's an image I can live with. Thanks, Pam. I'm surprised by how deeply the experience affected me. I really hated it.
I came home after the Zoomer Show to good news and bad news. At my door, as I unloaded all the stuff from the show - tables, chairs, all the boxes of books coming back - was a box from Amazon which got lost in the chaos. Later I opened it, to find the most stunning book, a gift from one of my oldest and dearest friends Patsy: "Letters of Note: Correspondence deserving of a wider audience", compiled by Shaun Usher, who has a website www.lettersofnote.com. It's a big book of letters, famous, fascinating, moving, some reprinted as they were written, some transcribed. Patsy and I have been writing each other long letters since we met in 1970. There could not be a more appropriate gift for me from her, not could it have come at a better time.
Then I got an email from the family that owns my beloved Paris flat, where I've stayed 4 or 5 times - so inexpensive that it made my trips possible, so wonderfully located, quiet, flooded with sunlight, just the right size for a unicorn from Toronto, there to write in peace and to eat in company. They are selling the place and will not be renting it next year.
It hurt. Later, I watched a wonderful documentary on the artist Manet, and at one point the host walked in the Jardin des Plantes near the flat, where last year I scattered the ashes of my father, where I hoped to return each year to visit him. And I wept. I know - there may actually be another flat or two in Paris. I just mourn this familiar one where I was so very happy every year, on each visit.
And then after the Manet documentary, BBC's "The Choir" came on with Gareth Malone, and I wept again, because my mother loved Gareth and used to call me during the show which we'd watch together. So it was an emotional evening, still sick, exhausted from the Zoomer Show, holding my delicious book from Patsy, missing my parents and Paris.
Yesterday was the third So True reading event, the topic "Working" - eight students reading beautiful pieces and then my 25 minute storytelling about life as an actress. I don't know about my contribution, but I know the others were spectacular. The room was full this time, a warm and appreciative crowd, huge applause for Jason as host and reader and for Ginette. Christopher, Sam, Valerie, Jennie, Maggie and Carol. Bravo to everyone; I am very proud of you, especially those taking your words public for the first time. The next event is Sunday March 1, the topic Epiphany. Writers, start your computers.
This frantic period is over: two books to get out, two book launches to organize with speeches, the day-long summer writing workshop, the trip to Halifax with speeches and another launch, my own forlorn attempts at publicity and then a publicist to find and hire, the @#$# Zoomer Show, three of the reading series events, launching the terms at both universities.
I know that in comparison with the amazing Carrie Snyder, my life is comatose - she the marathon runner, prize-winning best-selling author, mother of 4. But the past months have been a lot for this unicorn, and she's glad it's over. Now just teaching, living - and, soon, starting the next book.
And all I can say to that is: Woo hoo!
One more thing: "Murder comes to Pemberley" was on PBS last night. Mmmm, superb - not just imagining but seeing proud, dignified Mr. Darcy as husband and father. Too bad Colin Firth was not involved, but this guy will do. Loved it. Life is full of pleasure, like this splash of hot sun I'm sitting in right now, and the gardenia plant nearby, brought in from the deck, which has five sweet creamy flowers blooming right now. Thank you, gods.
Friend Pam, whom I've never met but who's been a faithful blog reader for years, just wrote about my Zoomer experience, "Seeing the picture of you in your booth reminded me of a film review I once read, which described Tilda Swinton as 'a unicorn in a feedlot.'"
Now that's an image I can live with. Thanks, Pam. I'm surprised by how deeply the experience affected me. I really hated it.
I came home after the Zoomer Show to good news and bad news. At my door, as I unloaded all the stuff from the show - tables, chairs, all the boxes of books coming back - was a box from Amazon which got lost in the chaos. Later I opened it, to find the most stunning book, a gift from one of my oldest and dearest friends Patsy: "Letters of Note: Correspondence deserving of a wider audience", compiled by Shaun Usher, who has a website www.lettersofnote.com. It's a big book of letters, famous, fascinating, moving, some reprinted as they were written, some transcribed. Patsy and I have been writing each other long letters since we met in 1970. There could not be a more appropriate gift for me from her, not could it have come at a better time.
Then I got an email from the family that owns my beloved Paris flat, where I've stayed 4 or 5 times - so inexpensive that it made my trips possible, so wonderfully located, quiet, flooded with sunlight, just the right size for a unicorn from Toronto, there to write in peace and to eat in company. They are selling the place and will not be renting it next year.
It hurt. Later, I watched a wonderful documentary on the artist Manet, and at one point the host walked in the Jardin des Plantes near the flat, where last year I scattered the ashes of my father, where I hoped to return each year to visit him. And I wept. I know - there may actually be another flat or two in Paris. I just mourn this familiar one where I was so very happy every year, on each visit.
And then after the Manet documentary, BBC's "The Choir" came on with Gareth Malone, and I wept again, because my mother loved Gareth and used to call me during the show which we'd watch together. So it was an emotional evening, still sick, exhausted from the Zoomer Show, holding my delicious book from Patsy, missing my parents and Paris.
Yesterday was the third So True reading event, the topic "Working" - eight students reading beautiful pieces and then my 25 minute storytelling about life as an actress. I don't know about my contribution, but I know the others were spectacular. The room was full this time, a warm and appreciative crowd, huge applause for Jason as host and reader and for Ginette. Christopher, Sam, Valerie, Jennie, Maggie and Carol. Bravo to everyone; I am very proud of you, especially those taking your words public for the first time. The next event is Sunday March 1, the topic Epiphany. Writers, start your computers.
This frantic period is over: two books to get out, two book launches to organize with speeches, the day-long summer writing workshop, the trip to Halifax with speeches and another launch, my own forlorn attempts at publicity and then a publicist to find and hire, the @#$# Zoomer Show, three of the reading series events, launching the terms at both universities.
I know that in comparison with the amazing Carrie Snyder, my life is comatose - she the marathon runner, prize-winning best-selling author, mother of 4. But the past months have been a lot for this unicorn, and she's glad it's over. Now just teaching, living - and, soon, starting the next book.
And all I can say to that is: Woo hoo!
One more thing: "Murder comes to Pemberley" was on PBS last night. Mmmm, superb - not just imagining but seeing proud, dignified Mr. Darcy as husband and father. Too bad Colin Firth was not involved, but this guy will do. Loved it. Life is full of pleasure, like this splash of hot sun I'm sitting in right now, and the gardenia plant nearby, brought in from the deck, which has five sweet creamy flowers blooming right now. Thank you, gods.
from Jian Ghomeshi's former neighbour
Lots to tell you, but first - people have been contacting me because they know Jian Ghomeshi lived next door for years, and I'd met him a bunch of times. And now - for those of you in Borneo, who might not know - he is suddenly fired from his job as co-creator and host and superlative radio interviewer of Q, the most popular CBC radio show ever - I have that statistic from him - for alleged sexual violence - non-consensual violent sex alleged by several different women, and workplace sexual harassment. All over Facebook yesterday and the front page of the Star today. The nation is abuzz, and several people have written to ask me, as his former neighbour, what I think about it. (Can you imagine if allegations of sexual impropriety had emerged about Peter Gzowski? Oh please, I don't even want to think about it.)
I had a crush on Jian. Handsome, extremely bright, curious, talented, those liquid eyes, that velvet voice - he was only ever charming and friendly during our encounters, though I was as fluttery as a schoolgirl. I knew the sound of his little red Mini, knew when he left every morning for the CBC, came back to change and set off again to his endlessly fascinating life, host of this event, seen at that party.
I'd heard years ago that he had weird sexual proclivities, that a woman who'd gone out with him had reported afterwards with disgust about what she was asked to do. That there was something unsavoury. So be it - that's his business.
But now it's everyone's business. His Facebook supporters are up in arms, quoting Trudeau - the nation has no rights in the bedrooms of the nation. And no question, some men have had their lives destroyed by vengeful ex-girlfriends - the bunny boilers, the "Gone Girls".
However, there's not one but several women here who've been interviewed at length, and another accusation of workplace harassment. The CBC must have known the shit storm (in the words of Mr. Lehey from Trailerpark Boys) that would arise from firing such a popular, central and highly visible figure. They must surely have an arsenal of solid facts. His $50 million dollar law suit against them otherwise would bankrupt them - or it's the desperate gesture of an Oscar Wilde, rushing to show his followers that the allegations are lies without thinking that through.
So as Jian's former neighbour, I have nothing but nice things to say about him. As a faithful listener of Q, likewise. As a citizen of this country, I can only assume that the CBC and the Star were very careful to be sure of their facts before acting. That the man's sex life, involving consensual or non-consensual violent acts with young women, finally became too much of a liability for him to continue in the public eye as a media superstar.
And finally, I can only say, as we've all said when these stories reach the press - Dominique Strauss Kahn or Anthony Weiner texting pictures of the bulge in his underpants come to mind - WHAT WAS HE THINKING? Even if the extreme violence alleged is not true, how could he not know, he of all people, the king of Twitter, that word of his kinky habits would leak out and damage, even destroy him?
I had a crush on Jian. Handsome, extremely bright, curious, talented, those liquid eyes, that velvet voice - he was only ever charming and friendly during our encounters, though I was as fluttery as a schoolgirl. I knew the sound of his little red Mini, knew when he left every morning for the CBC, came back to change and set off again to his endlessly fascinating life, host of this event, seen at that party.
I'd heard years ago that he had weird sexual proclivities, that a woman who'd gone out with him had reported afterwards with disgust about what she was asked to do. That there was something unsavoury. So be it - that's his business.
But now it's everyone's business. His Facebook supporters are up in arms, quoting Trudeau - the nation has no rights in the bedrooms of the nation. And no question, some men have had their lives destroyed by vengeful ex-girlfriends - the bunny boilers, the "Gone Girls".
However, there's not one but several women here who've been interviewed at length, and another accusation of workplace harassment. The CBC must have known the shit storm (in the words of Mr. Lehey from Trailerpark Boys) that would arise from firing such a popular, central and highly visible figure. They must surely have an arsenal of solid facts. His $50 million dollar law suit against them otherwise would bankrupt them - or it's the desperate gesture of an Oscar Wilde, rushing to show his followers that the allegations are lies without thinking that through.
So as Jian's former neighbour, I have nothing but nice things to say about him. As a faithful listener of Q, likewise. As a citizen of this country, I can only assume that the CBC and the Star were very careful to be sure of their facts before acting. That the man's sex life, involving consensual or non-consensual violent acts with young women, finally became too much of a liability for him to continue in the public eye as a media superstar.
And finally, I can only say, as we've all said when these stories reach the press - Dominique Strauss Kahn or Anthony Weiner texting pictures of the bulge in his underpants come to mind - WHAT WAS HE THINKING? Even if the extreme violence alleged is not true, how could he not know, he of all people, the king of Twitter, that word of his kinky habits would leak out and damage, even destroy him?
