Day 5 -- 230 -- Live or Electronic?

After a day at home with housework, I went to a play at our local summer rep theatre. The play, titled Burnin' Love, dealt with end of life care and limbo. Based on the title, it should be no surprise that the music of Elvis Presley played a central role -- with the original Elvis guiding people through limbo and a live (for the most part) Elvis impersonator. A main character was a young woman in a coma and her mother who is struggling with the need to continue life support after a year. It was a comedy based in the negative aspects of life. The music was familiar and fun and the acting well done. It struck me as I waited for the play to begin, that Elvis died 41 years (plus 2 days) ago.

This summer I attended all four plays -- the first time in a long time. This highlight of the summer, plays a major role in this small town. We wondered as we glanced around at the audience -- most of a certain age -- if this meant live theatre would diminish as the streaming age group moves forward. Live theatre allows a group of people to become part of a more intimate production -- something that watching video alone at home does not provide. Social interactions have been changing as they become more digitized. This can be fantastic but it can also be isolating and reduce empathy. I have a set of online friends that have been in contact daily for over 20 years -- all on the various electronic platforms of the day. So -- I do understand the benefits of e-communications. I've also seen people texting when they are walking side by side or sitting at the same restaurant table. Technology can provide us with great tools for communication, knowledge acquisition and transfer, and entertainment, though I strongly hope that live conversations, gatherings and entertainment are not lost.

Lyrics that suit the pondering of the day focus on changes in society and technology as we age. The video brings a few smiles. Enjoy!

Last Time for Everything -- Brad Paisley