J.L.N.
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'The Burkha King' - 2008/09/04 10:25
Hello there JK and fellow ‘Tipsheet’ users. My name is Jack Land – Noble and I am a mutli-award-winning nineteen year old actor, composer, director, writer and satirist from Yorkshire.
I cite my influences as Tom Lehrer, Randy Newman, Gilbert O’Sullivan and Jonathan King. You’re a primary inspiration upon my work as a writer and producer JK; many of your newer pieces are both adventurous and lyrically biting, in an age when music seems to be remarkably dull and lifeless. ‘Vile Pervert’ is a wonderful concept and would work marvellously in a theatrical environment, as I’m sure you’d agree.
However, the key reason for this post is to ask for a little feedback and constructive criticism upon one of my own compositions. As a writer, I have been blessed to have staged two multi-award-winning productions. One of which, ‘Escapades from Downing Street’, has been a huge success which is worthy of being shown to a wider audience. In a series of humorous sketches, accompanying songs and dramatic moments, linked together with an overall narrative structure, this satirical production chronicles the premiership of one Anthony Charles Lynton Blair, but from an alternative perspective. Here, the New Labour movement is not a parliamentary force, but a cult of individuals who extol their leader’s vision with loyal fervour. Blair is now ‘Flair’ and Downing Street, an unorthodox chapel; a house of lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, pride and immense sycophancy! It’s my homage to the bygone days of the theatrical Revue and the characters whom we meet throughout the course of the production are identifiable figures of the British political establishment; their strengths, weaknesses, pros and cons now distorted for ultimate comedic effect.
The ‘Burkha King’ is a rather dark piece of lyrical writing but, thanks to an upbeat tempo and flowing chord progression, it’s peppered with comedic colour. I thought it wise to express that the overall context, in relation to the character of Jock Stray, is by no means intended to ridicule the values of the Muslim culture. Rather, the aim of this piece is to illustrate how veiling is one symbol of an individual’s spirituality which should be respected, therefore removing the misconception that the veil represents Eastern patriarchy and an absence of female agency. If anyone should misinterpret the content of this ‘scene’, then they have failed to grasp the underlying satirical commentary. The ‘Burkha King’ introduces a psychoanalytical twist to Jack Straw’s lack of cultural sensitivity and his serious faux pas towards this complex tradition, whilst, at the same time, highlighting the acceptable Western religious practices of both veiling and the wearing of headdress. Ultimately, it was this binary opposition between the cultures of East and West which served as the primary inspiration behind this specific part of the production.
I have provided a link to a live performance of the song, taken from the production’s latest run. I sincerely hope this doesn’t seem intrusive upon your time, but I both admire and respect your work JK. Therefore, any comments from both yourself and ‘Tipsheet’ users would be greatly appreciated.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvBZSasRvw4
[b]Kind Regards - J.L.N.
P.s. Further tracks will appear on my Youtube channel over the coming days; so stay tuned!!!
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