August 11, 2011

Act II of Vance last night. Better still. Pleased with everyone, especially the “minor” characters who have found humor where I may or may not have supplied it. In the theater more time is spent dealing with a hoop skirt than getting at the meaning of lines. I will not try to change this. It is beyond anyone’s power. Discussion of the word “nigger.” Of course one hates it, but what to put in its place when it’s dead certain the word which would have been used in that time and place? One is either honest and offensive or coy and offensive. The most surprising people come out in favor of coy. I say, “do what you please.”

Heroic weeding in the heat of the day. The north front garden is now back in reasonable shape. Had visitors at the studio, Amy and Amy. Had no idea whether they loved the work or couldn’t wait to get out onto the street to mock it.