Given the uptick in natural disasters, threats of dismantling the government, and the realities of getting older, there are plenty of things to be afraid of. It seems to turn out better in the long run to face fears, rather than cower in response, so that’s what I try to do. Every so often the opportunity to face a lifelong fear crosses my path. Depending on how the opportunity is framed, I may come to realize it wasn’t something to be afraid of after all.
Like some people being afraid of black cats?
That certainly fits in with fears that cross paths, 9. We would have been in big trouble if that was one of our fears. Talk about having to confront it!
This current opportunity for facing fears has to do with an upcoming performance.
I find it hard to believe we are afraid to perform!
It’s not that, Lily, it’s more to do with how I am cast. Next month, I will portray someone I’ve been afraid of all my life. Her traditional name is Carabosse.
That sounds more funny than scary, like a bossy piece of candy.
In your dreams! From an unattributed online source:
‘The character Carabosse. . .dates all the way back to Charles Perrault’s 1697 tale “The Sleeping Beauty in the Wood”.’
She’s in “Sleeping Beauty”?
That’s right.
Why have I never heard of her?
The name you know her by is the one Disney gave her. In their animated version of “Sleeping Beauty” she’s called Maleficent.
No!
No!
Yes! We are playing the evil fairy godmother. Our first rehearsal is Sunday.
But- –
But nothing! This is an opportunity: facing fear by learning what the person we are afraid of is like on the inside. It’s no different than what we’ve been doing these past couple of months, learning why people who have different values than ours think and feel the way they do. Besides, it’s a really cool part.
Is it a play?
No, it’s a ballet.
Now I’m really scared!
Not to worry, 9. It’s an acting part, more like pantomime than dancing. I’m honored Washington Ballet Academy chose me for their production, and I’m excited about working with them. The performance is February 15. Tickets are available here:
https://www.washingtonballetacademy.org/
Will we be wearing horns? That’s the part that really creeps me out.
I don’t know costume details yet but I agree that her horned headpiece in the Disney movie makes a creepy statement. Since we’re using the traditional French name for the character, maybe it will be something a bit more subtle? I’m not sure if wearing horns would have a detrimental effect on me now- –
You mean you don’t think you’ll feel visceral horror and fear when you look in the dressing room mirror?
And wake up in the middle of the night, thinking she’s sitting at the foot of the bed?
I thought about all of that today, the strong revulsion I felt for Maleficent. I think it had less to do with the horns than with the slow, calculated way she could move, like she was torturing us by making us wonder what she would do next.
And then, Boo!
Like a cat pouncing on a mouse.
Yes. And remember, we’re not afraid of cats, so- –
We don’t have to be afraid of What’s-Her-Name, either!
Facing fear. Could it possibly be We have Nothing to Fear but Ourselves?
Thrilling! Oh what a treat of otherworldly confidence, the supernatural breadth of her worldview and the narrow focus of her jealousy, vengeance, and frailty. If Carl Jung were to give you a gift, perhaps on a platter, to experience your shadow self, he could no better than to offer you this role, with each step, gesture, glance and gaze to go deeper into our own fearsome archetypes. Oh, what a show! What a personal journey!
I’ll admit I am looking forward to this, Tom!
What a delight! I will sadly be out of town and miss seeing you. I am excited for you though and hope that fear turns to joy soon.
Thank you, Karen! I am definitely looking forward to the experience.