“In order for ‘Rome’ to come alive, Bella’s soul, as sensed by the audience, must be a dazzling kaleidoscope — a kaleidoscope reflected smokily in a mirror in Hell. If Bella leaves out one band of color in the full spectrum of what it means to be a destitute, rootless young woman in a country torn by war, then ‘Rome’ will fail.” I mentioned Ulm’s forward to Sally, asked her if Melody knew what a kaleidoscope was. “Yes,” said Sally. “She also knows what a spectrum is. What she doesn’t know is what a woman is.” “You mean what a woman sometimes has to be,” I said. “Suit yourself,” said Sally.
