The Promise
Content Warning: Romantic Themes
There is a knock at my window. Soft, yet still echoes through my chamber. I pull myself from the bed with haste, striding towards the window. The floorboards creaking beneath my bare feet. I open the window, unlatching the cold metal lock that kept it closed.
Alis perched below the windowsill. Having used the overgrown vines to scale the palace wall. Moonlight illuminating his golden hair and his ocean blue eyes were deepest in the dark of night. A playful grin painted on his face.
"Princess," he sang.
"What are you doing here?" I plea.
"I had to see you before the joust tomorrow." He leans into the open window. "Are you not happy to see me?"
"Of course I am, but come inside before anyone sees you, Alis." I beg.
Moving backwards into the room. Beckoning him to follow, I knew we were vulnerable at the window. Anyone could see him hanging on to the vines that trail up to my window. It would be dangerous for someone, anyone, to find out about us.
With one swift push, Alis springs through the window, landing with a quit landing. striding over to me, grabbing my hands and giving them a reassuring squeeze. His warmth is a welcome sensation against my skin.
"You should be more careful," I tell him, looking into his eyes. "Someone could see you climbing those vines."
Alis grins. "I've done this before. No one has ever seen a thing." He leans in closer, his warm breath tickling my ear. "Besides, I had to see you."
I take in the dim, candlelit room. The four-poster bed is imposing and grand with rich, red velvet curtains. A wooden dresser stands against one wall, adorned with carvings of lions and roses. A small writing desk sits beside a window, with an inkwell and quill set atop a lace cloth.
I lead Alis over to my bed, summoning him to sit next to me. His presence fills the room, making it feel both intimate and alive. I can feel the energy between us, palpable and almost tangible. I must be mad at risking my father's wrath.
"I wish we could run away together." I utter, my voice a whisper.
Alis turns his head to face me, a small smile playing on his lips. "I have a plan, my love." His hand finds its way to my cheek, tracing the line of my jaw. I close my eyes, reveling in the feel of his touch.
"What is it?" I breathe, my heart racing.
"I'm going to win the joust," Alis whispers, his eyes searching mine for any sign of doubt. "I will do anything and everything to make myself a desirable match in the eyes of your father."
My heart swells. "I believe in you, Alis. I know you can do it." I reach up, interlacing my fingers through his hair, pulling him down to me for a gentle kiss. His lips are soft against mine, and I can feel the heat of his breath on my skin. It's intoxicating, addicting.
The feel of his strong arms around me makes me forget about the danger we're in, the consequences of our actions. I want to be with him, no matter the cost. I press my body against his, savoring the warmth and the strength that emanates from him.
I hear footsteps outside my chamber. The sound of voices echoes through the hallway. My heart pounds in my chest. Must we part ways? Alis pulls away from me, his eyes never leaving mine.
"I will see you tomorrow, my love," he whispers, his voice barely audible over the commotion outside. "I will win this joust." His fingers graze my cheek one last time before he stands, turning to leave.
"Be safe Alis!" I beseech him.
He turns back to me with a reassuring smile, "I will, my love." His voice is strong and confident, but I can see the worry in his eyes. He leans in once more, brushing his lips against mine in a chaste kiss before disappearing out the window.
I run to the window and watch as he climbs down the vines, his movements sure and steady. He disappears from view, and the room feels empty. I close my eyes, trying to will him back to me. My heart is a frantic mess, racing with fear and anticipation.
As I sit on the edge of the bed, lost in thought, I hear the door to my chamber open. It's my lady's maid, Lina, her hands full of folded clothes. She glances around the room, her expression disapproving. "My lady, you should be in bed. You will need to be up early for the joust."
I force a weary smile. "I know, Lina. I couldn't sleep." I pull back the covers and hop into bed.
"Well, if you need anything, my lady, call for me." Lina bows before exiting the room, closing the door behind her.
I roll over onto my back, staring at the canopy above my bed. The room is cool and quiet, save for the gentle creak of the wooden floorboards as someone passes by in the hallway. I try to calm my racing thoughts, telling myself that everything will be alright. Alis will win the joust, and we'll be together. We have to be.
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Award-winning actress Sarah Paulson isn't afraid to speak her mind, and a recent anecdote on the "Smartless" podcast proves just that. Paulson recounted a bizarre encounter with a fellow actress who, after watching her performance in a play, sent her a whopping six pages of unsolicited notes. Let's delve deeper into this unconventional post-show interaction and explore the etiquette of offering feedback in the theatrical world. Sarah Paulson Recalls Paulson Details the "Outrageous" Experience On the "Smartless" podcast hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, the conversation turned to the topic of backstage interactions after theater performances. When asked if she would accept feedback from celebrities who came to greet the cast, Paulson launched into a story that left the hosts and listeners in disbelief. Paulson, known for her captivating performances in "American Horror Story" and numerous other films and TV shows, revealed the incident occurred during her time in the off-Broadway revival of "Talley's Folly." She identified the actress who sent the unsolicited notes as Trish Hawkins, the original star of the play. A Backstage Blunder: From "Dress Color" Critique to Six Pages of Notes Paulson's initial encounter with Hawkins wasn't exactly a warm welcome. According to her account, Hawkins, introduced by Paulson's mother (who knew Hawkins from a writing group), arrived backstage and bluntly critiqued Paulson's costume choice. The comment, centered on the color of the dress, left Paulson bewildered. However, the real shocker came two days later. Paulson received a lengthy email from Hawkins containing a staggering six pages of notes on her performance. These notes detailed Hawkins' own experience playing the character and offered suggestions for Paulson's portrayal. The sheer volume and unsolicited nature of the feedback left Paulson feeling disrespected and downright "outraged." Unpacking the Etiquette Breach: When is Feedback Welcome? Paulson's experience raises a crucial question: when is it appropriate to offer feedback on a theatrical performance, especially to a fellow actor? Here are some key points to consider: The Relationship Matters: Unsolicited advice is generally unwelcome, particularly from someone with whom you have no professional working relationship. In this case, Paulson had never collaborated with Hawkins and likely didn't solicit her opinion. Delivery is Key: Even if a close friend or colleague offers feedback, constructive criticism is most effective when delivered tactfully and privately. Sending a six-page email dissecting someone's performance is not only excessive but lacks sensitivity. Respect the Artist's Interpretation: Every actor brings a unique perspective to a role. Hawkins' interpretation of the character in "Talley's Folly" may have differed from Paulson's, but that doesn't make either one wrong. The Art of Constructive Criticism: When Done Right While Paulson's experience highlights the pitfalls of unsolicited feedback, constructive criticism can be valuable if offered in the right context. Here are some scenarios where feedback might be appropriate: A Director's Guidance: Directors are responsible for guiding the overall performance and often provide actors with feedback throughout the rehearsal process. This feedback is crucial for ensuring the actors deliver a cohesive and impactful performance. Workshops and Training Programs: Acting workshops and training programs often involve peer feedback as a learning tool. In these settings, actors are prepared to receive constructive criticism and use it to improve their craft. A Collaborative Spirit: Actors sometimes seek feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors. However, this exchange should be a collaborative one, with clear communication and respect for the actor's choices. The Fallout: A Lesson Learned (the Hard Way) Paulson's story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of respecting boundaries, especially in the world of theater. While Hawkins' intentions might not have been malicious, her approach backfired spectacularly. Paulson found the experience disrespectful and intrusive, and her feelings were entirely justified. The Power of "No" Actors may not always feel comfortable shutting down unsolicited feedback, particularly from established figures in the industry. However, Paulson's experience emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries. It's perfectly acceptable to politely decline unwanted advice, especially when it comes in the form of a six-page email!
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“Drama Denied: The Battle Over Governorum Thoppiyum”
The #right to #constructivelycriticize and be critical is #fundamental to the nature of the #systems and which is #inherent, but #subjectto #reasonablerestrictions. #Creativediscretion and #liberties will have to be #judged from the #angle of #impact; it may have on #generalpublic #perceptions.
Natak v. The State of Kerala & 3 others
WP No. 6343/2024
Before the High Court of Kerala
#Heard by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Devan Ramachandran
#Order: The Single Judge closed the Writ as it was related to the #CochinCarnival held in December 2023 and thus has become #infructuous. time.
#Petitioner an #organization of #artists, #writers, and #activists, working in areas associated with #theatre wanted to host a #drama in December 2023 by the name “#Governorum #Thoppiyum”, as part of the “Cochin Carnival”, but this was #prohibited by the respondent- #SubDivisionalMagistrate, #FortKochi and who also happens to be the Chairperson of the Carnival Committee. The SDM asked the Association to #change the #Title of the play #else the petitioner would be #responsible for any law-and-order situation on its performance.
Counsel for the Petitioner submitted that the Sub Divisional Magistrate #misunderstood the #caption as a reference to the Governor of Kerala. The Drama was an adaption of the work of #FriedrichSchiller captioned as ‘#WilliamTell’. and if one sees the performance, it becomes evident that there is no reference to the Governor of Kerala.
The Submission of the #Counsel of the #State was the present writ that has lost its relevance as the Writ relates to the time when Cochin Carnival was hosted.
It was also submitted by the Government Pleader that the #script of Governorum Thoppiyum was #objectionable by the Carnival Committee having references to #constitutionalfunctionaries, which would have created #unrestduring the #Carnival, and therefore, that it was decided that the petitioner be directed to change the title, to avoid any such eventuality.
It was also submitted by the Counsel for the State that the #direction for the change of Title was #onlymeant for #CochinCarnival and is not a general injunction against the petitioner. The order for the change of title of the play was given only to #ensure that no #lawandorder #issues arise, on account of the #impact that the #Drama may have on #multifarioussections of people.
Seema Bhatnagar
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