Read the “Program Notes” posted under Readings. Then return here and write down one piece of information or one concept from the reading that will help you better understand the opera. No repeats. If someone in the class has written what you were going to write, you need to go back and find another idea.
Due: November 28th so we can go over them on Tuesday, Nov. 29th.
The text of the music is in Sanskrit in reference to Bhagavad Gita.
“Gandhi initiated the first collective action among South Africa’s Indian residents.”
– The setting will take place in South Africa. Gandhi is seen as a pioneer to the Indians in fighting for peace.
“Indian army, stage right, is is wearing whites and light grays. European army, stage left, is wearing blacks, trays, beiges, off-whites.”
This quote helps me to illustrate the tensions between the Indians and British especially during the British occupation of India. The presence of the British army tells me about the time period and the rise of Gandhi as a pacifist leader which all reminds me off the of the Indian independence movement that I learned least year. I expect to witness an opera that is centred around independence and the theme of East versus West.
“Now they would be required to carry resident permits at all times, police could enter homes to inspect for certificates, and offenses were punishable by fines”
I believe this is the defining moment of British oppression in India and an infringement on the rights. It helps me understand that an epic battle or conflict will ensue in Scene 3 and and the rest of the Acts.
Tim Migliore wrote this
“The decision to refuse all advertisement freed the publication of any outside influence… In policy, Indian Opinion openly diagnosed movement weaknesses as a means for eradicating them.”
I find it interesting that outside of the rosy-coloring most historical accounts give of Gandhi’s efforts, his particular event holds so much practicality. It speaks of Gandhi outside of the usual context of a dreamer, and instead as an understanding and capable leader.
I really liked what Gandhi said in Act I, Scene 2.
“When the motives and the fruits of man’s actions are freed from desire his works are burned clean by wisdom’s fire, the white fire of truth. I gave me an insight into how Gandhi thought even when he first began his nonviolent protests.
“The British Government was proposing an amendment to institute an entire re-registration and fingerprinting of all Indians, men,women and children. Now they would be required to carry resident permits at all times, police could enter homes to inspect for certificates, and offenses were punishable by fines, jail, or deportation.”
“European men gathering together as Gandhi appears upstage on the road. While Gandhi makes his way down the road, the crowd becomes excited and begins to molest him- throwing rocks, pushing, etc. Mrs Alexander appears, carrying her umbrella, under which she takes Gandhi protecting him from the crowd and leading him on the road offstage.”
I thought this quote way very descriptive of how Europeans treated Gandhi during this time period even though he was such a peaceful man.
“On the day of the ultimatum’s expiration, the Government’s refusal was sent to the site where Gandhi conducted a prayer meeting before the burning of the registration cards. These were all thrown in the cauldron, set ablaze, and the assembly rose to its feet making the whole place resound with their cheers- even greater than the commencement of the movement, Satyagraha now had it’s baptism of fire.”
I can only imagine how inspiring and wonderful this moment must have been; it’s a defining moment to the people, very much like the King Henry V speech before the Battle of Agincourt. I can’t wait to see it performed live.
Act II scene 3 is brilliant. The political response from one group to the other – Satyagraha versus the Government (notice how they are both capitalized throughout the program). The scene that Stephanie chose, Act I Scene 2, describes how Satyagraha ideal plays out on a daily basis. The description fits anarchy. Throughout the program Satyagraha and Government are capitalized symbolizing the main forces of the movement. The scene above from Act II represents a major turn of events and breaking point in the story. “Satyagraha now had had its baptism of fire.”
It becomes clear from “the outcome of the struggle” that this opera will focus largely on Ghandi’s time in South Africa (if not entirely)
and the start of his conflict with the British government… though I’m not sure if it will explore why he is doing this or what caused him to start it (him getting thrown off a train).
“A great battle is impending between two royal families…in the enterprise of war,” (Synopsis, Act 1).
“If arrested at this registration check, the army of 5000, would flood the jails, incurring heavy expenses and difficulties for the Government,” (Synopsis, Act 3).
The two quotes highlight how the play’s director’s have decided to frame the conflict almost as a war between two armies: the Satyagraha and the Government. The Satyagrapha, because of their lack of resources, are waging an unconventional war hurting the British government economically so that the Government would recognize their rights. Moreover, an allusion to the ancient war between Pandavas and Kauravas is raised also highlighting the inequality of the Satyagraha movement in comparison to the British army, which is similar to the reduced troops of Pandavas in comparison to Kauravas. The allusion also suggests a victory to the Satyagraha movement just like Pandavas beat the Kauravas.
In the section titled, “The Outcome of the Struggle,” a key point is stressed; that Gandhi desired Indian communities to utilize self-sustaining cotton industries in order to promote economic autonomy. This was the key to separating British rule from India. The self-sustaining crop would also provide a sense of self –determination, which was essential to his philosophy. Generally, I came under the impression that the opera derived its critical messages from Gandhi’s teachings of non-violence and self-determination.
“The armies are backlit, appearing in silhouette, and as the scene progresses, lights come up on the armies to reveal them as Indians and Europeans respectively, also revealing their weapons as everyday objects.”
By making it so the armies’ weapons were everyday objects, it seems as though either the war was getting desperate or the war became a part of their everyday lives, just like their weapons of choice. It’s easier now to envision the opera since there are two distinct sides of the battle.
“Thus the army was instructed to stand any test without opposition, and their movements were openly announced to their adversaries- ‘as an effective protest against the Minister’s breach of pledge and as a pure demonstration of our distress at the loss of self-respect.’”
I think this part shows an important massage of this story.
“The devilish folk, in them there is no purity, no morality, no truth. So they say the world has not a law, nor order, nor a lord”
Although this line presents the negativity of man, the line also flows with a beautiful rhythm emphasizing its point.
“Thousands of Europeans had read of his speeches and meetings in somewhat exaggerated news accounts… Europeans were further inflamed by Ghandi’s intention to bring back hundreds of Indian immigrants. If the government would not prevent them from landing, then they would take the law into their own hands.”
I think that this quote shows how the Europeans treated Ghandi, like Taylor’s selection also does, but it also shows how the media was capable of stirring so many of the europeans’ anger towards Ghandi. The description of the news as “exaggerated” shows how many people might have been culturally pressured into opposing Ghandi.
“Such a one is honorable who gives his mortal powers to worthy work not seeking gain.”
I think this quote sums up Ghandi and shows what this play is portraying about him and his work.
“On the date of the ultimatums expiration, the Governments refusal was sent to the site where Gandhi conducted a prayer meeting before the burning of the registration cards. These were all thrown into the cauldron, set ablaze, and the assembly rose to its feet making the whole place resound with their cheers-even grater than the commencement of the movement, Satyagraha now had its baptism of fire.”
Gandhi is a badass. I am extremely excited for this particular scene.
“Here all families would live in one place, becoming members of a cooperative commonwealth, where residents would be trained to live a new, simple life with each other.”
I love this quote because it shows unity and a desire for peace, and justice which is just inspiring.