To Kill a Mockingbird

The deep south came to Oak Park, IL a couple of weeks ago with a production of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. Read and performed by thousands of students each year as a true American literary standard, a preview performance allowed John and me to see the play for free in the heart of the village. Most likely chosen as homage to Lee's sequel to her book, the play was very appropriate in regards to current events pertaining to the on-going destructive nature of American systemic racism and class division. Some specific commentary of the production noted the inclusion of harsh language, particularly the n-word, and also the use of realistic KKK costumes. The language and the costumes were shocking and disturbing, children were present, but in the understanding of recent unfortunate events, the country (including Oak Park) needs reminders like Mockingbird to encourage open discussions and thoughtful reflections. The play is a wonderful didactic expression of the perspectives of children and innocence in a world of violence, hate, and intolerance. Lee's literary contribution is forever empowered by the contemplation of human experiences unique and attuned to American history.

The Catacombs

Below the streets of Paris are the famous catacombs - a series of tunnels known for their winding and twisting passages, dark cervices, and millions of remains of human bones. Stories such as The Phantom of the Opera or Les Misérables come to mind when venturing below ground and encountering the dark side of Paris. The particular catacombs that John and I went to has been a Parisian attraction since the late 1800's. Since Paris is such an ancient city, naturally space to bury people became very limited over time and so a large mass removal and replacement of bones from various cemeteries happened around the end of the 18th century. Approximately six million human remains are contained within the catacombs, mostly stacked by bone type and even configured into shapes like hearts and crosses. What some people find grotesque others can find life assuring. To dust we come and to dust we go as they say. Regardless of one's feeling of death (and life), the catacombs is a very unique place to directly interact and contemplate Paris's past and present.