What kind of a person are you at home? Are you Oscar or Felix from the “Odd Couple”? Tidy or messy? Who do you think lives a more free or meaningful life? Think about it in advance as your chance to align with the victor (or root for the underdog) is coming up soon. The DAC will open the classic stage comedy, “The Odd Couple,” with a gender-bending twist on Sept. 15.
This battle of personalities and wills inspires a deep dive into the philosophy behind leading an orderly life. Recently, the Queen of Clean, Marie Kondo, famous for helping millions of helpless hoarders around the globe declutter, has changed her tune after becoming a mom. Now she says that being tidy isn’t the most important thing. Admittedly, I was smug upon hearing this report, as it felt like a tiny victory. I’ve tried to embrace the signature KonMari method. Cleaning my closet, I whispered Marie’s mantra as I carefully folded each thing I planned to donate. “Thank you for the purpose you served and I hope you bring someone else joy.” My closet is still a mess.
On the flip side, we have the Primordial Deity, Chaos. The ancient Greek translation of this name means “Abyss,” referring to the emptiness of the universe before things came into being, and refers to the original disordered and formless mass from which the maker of the Cosmos produced the ordered universe. Wow. Chaos is a fancy word for a really huge mess.
As an artist, life centers around messes. I fondly refer to this state as controlled chaos. Sometimes, creativity and destruction are only separated by a thin veil, and in these moments where paint/fabric/glue/glitter are flying in the air and the room is being destroyed, the most beautiful objects emerge.
It’s notable that kids don’t mind chaos at all. Presented by a young artist grinning through gaps where adult teeth have yet to grow, arms outstretched in a resounding “ta-da,” the work speaks for itself. Joy has entered the room in the bright beam of inspiring light and the mess falls into the shadows.
Apparently Kondo now knows that “sparking joy and leading a joyful life” comes in many forms. Artists knew that already. But nobody wants to watch the sausage get made. Like a TV cooking show, you see the steps and the outcome but are rarely invited into the process and you sure don’t ever see a messy countertop.
Why must we disguise chaos to present beautiful work? My guess is that it has to do with the Muses enjoying a clear path on the floor on which to set their sandaled feet. They gift us with inspiration but won’t make it inside if they can’t find the door.
Maybe there is no right or wrong way to live, but there is an unwritten law of the universe – no two people who cohabitate can agree on which is better. Which do you resonate with? Oscar or Felix, order or chaos?
- “Bye Bye Birdie,” 7:30 p.m. Sept. 1 and 2; 2 p.m. Sept. 3. Tickets $25/$15.
- “Rocky Horror Show” auditions, 2 and 4 p.m. Sept. Come with 1 minute of song to sing. Must be able to commit to rehearsal and performance schedule. Details online.
- A Night of Improv with Cindy, Mary & Friends, 7 p.m. Sept. 8.
- “The Odd Couple,” the female version: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15-16, 22-23 and 29-30; 2 p.m. Sept. 17, 24 and Oct. 1. Tickets $20/$10.
- Adult Improv Showcase Class: Four weekly sessions begin 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 27, show date Oct. 20. $100/$60 for student, teacher and service discount.
- Pots & Pints, 4:30 Sept. 22. Mad Hatter teacups. $35.
- “That’s So Durango!” art exhibit. Open until Sept. 19.
- Call to Artists for submissions: The Night Gallery, A Terrifyingly Creative Community Exhibit, see website to submit work.
- Artisan’s Market, noon-6 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday.
- Adult and youth art and theater classes, online registrations now open.
- 29th Annual Durango Autumn Arts Festival, Sep. 16 and 17, along East Second Ave.
- Slump Glass Bottle Cheese Trays, 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. Sept. 19.
- Basic Jewelry Making Techniques, 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. Sept. 20.
- Intro to Adobe Lightroom, 10:30 a.m. Sept. 21.
- Intro to Wildlife Photography, 10:30 a.m. Sept. 23.
- Figure Drawing of Dynamic Dogs, 1 and 3 p.m. Sept. 23.
Email info@durangoarts.org Buy tickets, donate, become a member, register for classes, and keep in touch at DurangoArts.org.
Brenda Macon has been executive director of Durango Arts Center since 2018.
