A new theater group in Ferney-Voltaire called The Hoops of Iron Players are producing an outdoor show this week. We caught up with Sofie Qwarnstrom to tell us about The Crucible by Arthur Miller.
Why did you start? What has been the inspiration?
Three reasons why The Crucible spoke to me: Firstly, I have made mistakes in my life that caused me to heavily identify with the way that Proctor’s sense of guilt causes him to project his own self condemnation onto his loved ones, and seeing the world around him as punitive because he is punitive towards himself. This creates a wall of distrust between himself and the others and leaves him totally isolated. The way that he gradually learns to act with integrity gives him the confidence to stand straight again and to be the person he wishes he was. The sins of his past served the essential role in shaping who he is then able to become by humiliating him and thereby giving him the necessary humility to take himself apart and to put himself together again.
Secondly, I am worried about the spreading political polarisation in our society and thought it timely to stage a reminder of how easily a community can begin to turn in on itself when all sides of an ideological argument are not respected and given the benefit of the doubt. This applies to the left as well as to the right.
And Last, I also liked the idea of doing an aesthetically minimalist play where all that is needed is a couple of old tables and chairs and a rustic setting. I am blessed to have access to an old, open barn, parts of which date from the time of Voltaire. The history seeped into the walls gives a certain patina of the past to our production.
Have you been working on this idea forever, or was it something that came to you recently?
This idea came to me in May, when I was isolated at home, going through a difficult breakup and needing an escape from non-stop online reading and writing for my thesis on psychoanalytical psychology and Shakespeare. The choice of the Crucible was providential: It is the favourite play of one of the actresses, who chased down all the actors she knew to get them to act in this play. This was extremely helpful. Another point on which the stars aligned is that in France, The Crucible happens to be a set text for high school students this year.
I would like to add that the amount of brilliantly talented people who have offered to help set up this play for free (the actors, the help with organisation, the costumes, the live music, the set-building, the lights, the makeup) has melted my heart and I will forever be grateful.
How exciting that the theaters and social events are back... albeit with Covid-19 restrictions. GAOS, Geneva Amateur Operatic Society's chairman, Edward Brown, explains more about their upcoming show, Little Shop of Horrors. Read on to find out how to enter our competition or reserve your tickets before they are sold out.
Overview
Nerdy florist Seymour encounters a strange and interesting plant, which brings him fame, fortune and romance. However, it’s not long before the R&B singing plant unveils its insatiable thirst for blood! Can he beat the odds, rescue the love of his life and save the world? Find out in this 1960s Motown and doo-wop inspired comedy musical.
What is the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome to get the show on the road?
It is hard to believe that it has been nearly two years since auditions were held and rehearsals got underway.
The uncertainties of the pandemic – which still linger to this day – forced us to postpone the show on three occasions.
The resilience of the entire production team - more than 40 people - cannot be understated. Their motivation, flexibility and willingness to keep going despite the various twists and turns is to be commended.
I’m sure the show will run shivers up your spine not solely because of the superb set design, the sound and lighting, underpinned by the doo-wop music – but by reflecting on the theme – an unknown organism that takes over the world with deadly repercussions. The plant, built by our own people, with its dancing tentacles is an achievement of artistic and engineering skills that few societies such as ours can match.
When lockdown repeated itself last year, one local entrepreneur decided to make it work for her. Why not propose to small groups of locals themed walking tours around the area? Debra Kinson started All Around Geneva - Creative Guided Tours and has recently launched her website www.allaroundgeneva.com.
The website describes Debra's tour themes from Discover the Secrets of Geneva to Punctuality! 500 years of intricacy and craftsmanship - luxury watchmaking in Geneva. Among the 11 themes currently on offer, many more are in the works so you will always find one to suit your needs. You may sign up for All Around Geneva's newsletter through the website so you will be the first to know when something special is going on.
All Around Geneva also offers tailor-made tours for groups that are the subject of your choice or for a particular museum or château in the area. We caught up with Debra so our readers could get to know her a bit better before booking a tour... and she is offering a pair of tickets for an upcoming tour, read below.
Why did you start?
I started this adventure in 1982 as a novice tour guide in Spain, meeting and greeting and being the general point of contact for my clients abroad. Life is a mystery and in my case has led me full circle to reembrace a career that I began long ago, before marriage, children and moving to Switzerland in 1998. After various careers in my time in Switzerland I realised that my vocation lay in a past career and I just had to find a way of legitimising it.
What has been the inspiration?
My wonderful daughter Victoria arranged a weekend in Rome, during which we booked a guided tour of the Vatican. With no religious connotation, I had a light bulb moment and decided this is what I wanted to return to do!
A series of short videos entitled: What is it? Wednesday, presents an unusual object and asks if you know the answer. Many people are stumped. The answer is always explained at the end of the video. Do you know what these objects are or what they may have been used for?
Sit back and see if you know more than your friends and family. If you like puzzles or riddles, you will enjoy these Follow Lisa videos. Each short video treats a different object in Lisa's collection and may surprise you.
Watch the playlist at the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAdA31shl1Lqwoa1urPBc_-sRFSWoz6I_
How many can you name? Did you know them already? Or did you learn something new?
If you love "junking", then contact Lisa at this link to go on a junking excursion and have an expert on hand to help haggle, bargain, and inform you of the right deals to be had. In addition, if you are looking for something in particular, Lisa can help you find the perfect treasure!
Press release June 2021
Geneva Airport's new public terrace is ready! As of Thursday, 24 June 2021, visitors are able to enjoy this space offering a bird's eye view of the tarmac, with the Jura mountain range in the background. Free of charge until the end of 2021, the "Terrasse Panorama" is accessible after passing a security check.
The "Terrasse Panorama" was originally intended to crown the celebrations of the centenary of Geneva Airport in September 2020. Unfortunately, sanitary restrictions linked to the Covid-19 epidemic have postponed its opening by almost a year. It is therefore with pride and relief that Geneva Airport opened its new terrace on Thursday, 24 June 2021.
Free of charge until the end of 2021 and open to the public, it offers an exceptional view of the tarmac six days a week during the high season, with the Jura mountain range in the background. Spotters will be able to observe the runway from end to end while its orientation will allow them to take beautiful pictures. This non-smoking area is located on the 4th floor of the main building and is accessible after passing a specific security check. A refreshment bar is available on site, offering snacks and refreshments. Visitors also have access to a projection room where films about Geneva Airport and its history are shown.
