Songs for an Impossible Musical #12
Finale
Every curtain has to tumble. Could our theatres also crumble? Do I hear a grumbling rumble Deep in the foundations? Theatre audiences dwindle. Which new plays today will kindle Fear or pity? "It's a swindle," Say the TV generations.
Trained to trust no gesture bigger Than a shrug, they have to snigger When some robed exotic figure Does actorly orations.
Everyone knows, everything passes, Including stage doors and opera glasses; And if theatre gives youth restless arses What price recriminations?
If audience skills are now verging On extinct, don't think that preachy urging Helps at all. Just hope something's emerging Maybe, in luckier nations.
Something beyond our understanding, Something without the classic standing That has so helped our theatre's blanding. But a human, meeting congregations...
George Simmers
If you've any reflections, criticisms or comments, George Simmers would be pleased to hear from you.