Sunday 11 May 2008

The Jet Set

Helena brought a DVD with her this weekend. It was of a school assembly, and she wanted me to watch it.

I'm not a very involved parent when it comes to school things. I suppose I'm the same as my parents who went along to parents' evenings reluctantly. I let Helena's mum do that - she's no more enthusiastic, though.

Anyway, watching a video of a bunch of nine year olds singing out of tune or, worse, playing recorders out of tune, isn't my idea of a good fun, whether Helena is involved or not. But this DVD is different.

Firstly, there is no recorder music. Secondly, it's a recording so you can always turn down the volume. Thirdly, for once I was watching it as a proud parent.

In between some inspirational song and dance routines, they were performing a play. The play was about an evil man and his gang terrorising a village. Of course, the villagers have the courage to stand up to him and good triumphs.

The play was written and directed not by William Shakespeare, or Alan Ayckbourn, but by Helena. She had had the idea, and had spent part of an evening here writing it, and printing off copies. As she watched the video she pointed out some of the cast's mistakes, and explained some of the changes that her teacher had made.

So of course, like all parents, I started to have visions of the future. Helena the great writer director, dividing her time between Broadway and Hollywood. Wouldn't it be great? Living the jet-set life - parties with all the top people, everyone rushing around to do your bidding, money no object. Yes, life as the father of a famous director would be fantastic.

Helena's trophy cabinet in the future? [Source]

I know what you're thinking, I shouldn't get too excited. It would be a mistake to assume that her artistic triumph is necessarily going to lead to such a career. After all, she might be the next James Galway (I'm sure he had problems with his top C sharps too, when he started learning the flute), or the next Picasso (he couldn't even draw faces properly).

She's good with word processors, so she'll probably end up in an office staring at a computer screen all day. Won't that be nice? Following in her father's footsteps... As long as she's happy, I don't really care.

But the jet set life might be fun. Excuse me while I tell her to stop playing that computer game and get on with writing that film script...

16 comments:

Tracy Rambles On And On said...

First!!!!

Tracy Rambles On And On said...

First on Mother's Day. It's a Mothers Day Miracle!

I think it's amazing that she wrote her own play at this age. I think you may have something there.
Emma is quite the actress so maybe we could get the two of them together so that we can both be jet setting? Please?

Brian o vretanos said...

Tracy:

Congratulations!

Yes, that would be great - Emma and Helena, like De Niro and Scorcese ;-)

Bee said...

How awesome! That was quite an honor and must of been very good if they performed it in front of people!

I hope thay gave her a standing ovation!

CONGRATS HELENA!

Brian o vretanos said...

Bee:

Apparently when she'd told the class about her idea they all voted to do it. Except Helena ;-)

Jean Knee said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Brian o vretanos said...

Jean Knee:

I suppose I should make more effort to find out what's actually going on... I'll do that.

Jean Knee said...

sorry I got all righteous on you

Brian o vretanos said...

Jean Knee:

You're allowed, and it's a fair point...

With two working parents, Helena is used to minimal participation, but although we do discuss her week at school, I've never thought to ask her about anything that she might want me to participate in, so I shall.

Bee said...

Did I miss something while I was cleaning my house???????

I really need to know cuz I'm nosey like that!

Bee said...

ELEVENTH!!!!

Jean Knee said...

I was being a jack ass but now my sweet cupcake self is back

Brian o vretanos said...

Jean Knee:

As usual you're being too hard on yourself.

Bee:

Welcome back! I've been cleaning my shower curtain. It's amazing how much dirt it can get on it, and how ineffective household cleaning products are...

Dan said...

Has Heelna said anything about wanting to do more plays?
Can I have her autograph?

Brian o vretanos said...

Dan:

No, she hasn't yet said whether she'll write more - obviously we're still hoping to negotiate 7-figure sums for the film and TV rights ;-)

Bee's Dark Side said...

I too was cleaning. I had to wash my tub in my crippled state for fear of the scary organism that might grow if they are not bleached on a regular bases.