CHRIS
I mentioned Luke Kelly earlier and I want to talk about him and other Irish artists. In the 1960's and 70's, there was something of a popular renaissance of Irish folk music, particularly in the United States. The song, "The Rocky Road to Dublin" was a standard. This is the version I'm more familiar with:
I mentioned Luke Kelly earlier and I want to talk about him and other Irish artists. In the 1960's and 70's, there was something of a popular renaissance of Irish folk music, particularly in the United States. The song, "The Rocky Road to Dublin" was a standard. This is the version I'm more familiar with:
CHRIS
Like so many of these traditional Irish songs, it's about a young person having to leave home to make some kind of living (usually a male) and finding, usually, trials and travails of varying intensity; up to and often including the last good-bye. Unlike Luke Kelly who sings so fast and broguey you almost can't understand him; Makem and Clancy are crystal clear. But here are the lyrics:
Like so many of these traditional Irish songs, it's about a young person having to leave home to make some kind of living (usually a male) and finding, usually, trials and travails of varying intensity; up to and often including the last good-bye. Unlike Luke Kelly who sings so fast and broguey you almost can't understand him; Makem and Clancy are crystal clear. But here are the lyrics:
LENA
Why is it so sad when it's sung with such joy?
EDITH
Lena, cherie...that is kind of my thing. I think it's the implied notion of salvation of some kind; no matter how bad it gets. Espoir. Hope.
CHRIS
It's interesting; a lot of these songs that I've heard a million times; I couldn't tell you the lyrics, other than the chorus. But that might just be me. I'm constantly stopping myself on a song from my youth and realizing I don't know the words and I'm like: "Oh! That's what they're saying!"
STANLEY
Everything old is new again.
CHRIS
You know, we must've had some of Luke Kelly and The Dubliners stuff. I was trying to think of the album covers; but all the Irish bands kind of struck the exact same pose. Right down to the sweaters!
Why is it so sad when it's sung with such joy?
EDITH
Lena, cherie...that is kind of my thing. I think it's the implied notion of salvation of some kind; no matter how bad it gets. Espoir. Hope.
CHRIS
It's interesting; a lot of these songs that I've heard a million times; I couldn't tell you the lyrics, other than the chorus. But that might just be me. I'm constantly stopping myself on a song from my youth and realizing I don't know the words and I'm like: "Oh! That's what they're saying!"
STANLEY
Everything old is new again.
CHRIS
You know, we must've had some of Luke Kelly and The Dubliners stuff. I was trying to think of the album covers; but all the Irish bands kind of struck the exact same pose. Right down to the sweaters!
ROBERT
I suppose you could pretty easily transpose the sentiments in "Rocky Road to Dublin" from that of the put-upon fellow seeking employment to that of the trials and travails of a vampire. It's probably a pretty hard row to hoe.
LENA
Hard? Bob honey, think about it. You've lost your soul. You've got nothing else to lose. You can sleep all day. Pick up a musical instrument. Sing and dance. And fly, apparently, according to this movie without having to turn into a bat. Oh, and you're immortal and you get to screw your meal six ways to Sunday. Doesn't sound all that hard to me...
ROBERT
I see your point. So Chris...why did you include Irish music in your story?
CHRIS
Well, when I was coming up with ideas for my version of the reboot of Road House; I had read that Conor McGregor was going to be one of the stars of it.
EDITH
Qui est Conor McGregor?
CHRIS
He's an Irishman. A professional fighter-slash-celebrity. He's know for his flamboyant style, over the top personality and penchant for picking fights and sexually assaulting women. He's trying to make the move to movies and he's also, I think, made noise about being the President of Ireland. He's pretty much a modern equivalent of Clashmore MIke.
LENA
Who is Clashmore Mike?
CHRIS
He's the mascot of Notre Dame's football team:
I suppose you could pretty easily transpose the sentiments in "Rocky Road to Dublin" from that of the put-upon fellow seeking employment to that of the trials and travails of a vampire. It's probably a pretty hard row to hoe.
LENA
Hard? Bob honey, think about it. You've lost your soul. You've got nothing else to lose. You can sleep all day. Pick up a musical instrument. Sing and dance. And fly, apparently, according to this movie without having to turn into a bat. Oh, and you're immortal and you get to screw your meal six ways to Sunday. Doesn't sound all that hard to me...
ROBERT
I see your point. So Chris...why did you include Irish music in your story?
CHRIS
Well, when I was coming up with ideas for my version of the reboot of Road House; I had read that Conor McGregor was going to be one of the stars of it.
EDITH
Qui est Conor McGregor?
CHRIS
He's an Irishman. A professional fighter-slash-celebrity. He's know for his flamboyant style, over the top personality and penchant for picking fights and sexually assaulting women. He's trying to make the move to movies and he's also, I think, made noise about being the President of Ireland. He's pretty much a modern equivalent of Clashmore MIke.
LENA
Who is Clashmore Mike?
CHRIS
He's the mascot of Notre Dame's football team:
LUCKY
I know him. He's a punk.
CHRIS
He's based, too, on 19th Century anti-Irish propaganda:
I know him. He's a punk.
CHRIS
He's based, too, on 19th Century anti-Irish propaganda:
CHRIS
I'll get back to this in a bit. So, Conor McGregor brought the Irish element into the story for me; so I guess he was good for something. And then the other Irish elements started falling into place; as they might, since I'm 99.99% Irish.
STANLEY
What's the other .01 percent?
CHRIS
Jewish!
EDITH
Mazeltov!
CHRIS
Thanks Miss P. Also, at around this time, the movie The Banshees of Inishiren came out; 2022ish.
LUCKY
I know a banshee or two, too. Punks all! Except this one banshee lass name Mary; she's quite a gal!
CHRIS
That movie inexplicably tapped into some kind of zeitgeistian moment and became a hit and was nominated for every conceivable filmland award. And full disclosure: although I admired much of the craft of the movie; I had a real problem with it's plot and it's attitude towards it's characters. Particularly in regards to Irish music.
LENA
And what problem was that, sweetheart?
CHRIS
One of the main characters was a "fiddler" and he decides out of the blue one day to torture his innocent friend by cutting off his fingers if his friend talks to him.
LENA
Does he?
CHRIS
Yes. Several of them.
EDITH
Mon dieu!
CHRIS
I know. And the movie is billed as a comedy. I thought it took the sheer joy of Irish music and the people who make it and pretty much shat all over it. So, my reaction to that made me want to include Irish music in my story. Honestly, I'm not sure where it came from. It just did. I think I may have been being guided by a forefather. In particular, Sean O'Riada.
ROBERT
Who is that?
CHRIS
He's considered the Father of Irish Music as he was responsible for rekindling interest in traditional Irish folk music in the 1960's. O'Riada is the Irish form of my surname: Reidy.
I'll get back to this in a bit. So, Conor McGregor brought the Irish element into the story for me; so I guess he was good for something. And then the other Irish elements started falling into place; as they might, since I'm 99.99% Irish.
STANLEY
What's the other .01 percent?
CHRIS
Jewish!
EDITH
Mazeltov!
CHRIS
Thanks Miss P. Also, at around this time, the movie The Banshees of Inishiren came out; 2022ish.
LUCKY
I know a banshee or two, too. Punks all! Except this one banshee lass name Mary; she's quite a gal!
CHRIS
That movie inexplicably tapped into some kind of zeitgeistian moment and became a hit and was nominated for every conceivable filmland award. And full disclosure: although I admired much of the craft of the movie; I had a real problem with it's plot and it's attitude towards it's characters. Particularly in regards to Irish music.
LENA
And what problem was that, sweetheart?
CHRIS
One of the main characters was a "fiddler" and he decides out of the blue one day to torture his innocent friend by cutting off his fingers if his friend talks to him.
LENA
Does he?
CHRIS
Yes. Several of them.
EDITH
Mon dieu!
CHRIS
I know. And the movie is billed as a comedy. I thought it took the sheer joy of Irish music and the people who make it and pretty much shat all over it. So, my reaction to that made me want to include Irish music in my story. Honestly, I'm not sure where it came from. It just did. I think I may have been being guided by a forefather. In particular, Sean O'Riada.
ROBERT
Who is that?
CHRIS
He's considered the Father of Irish Music as he was responsible for rekindling interest in traditional Irish folk music in the 1960's. O'Riada is the Irish form of my surname: Reidy.
Robert writes: SEAN O'RIADA on the board.
CHRIS
Here's a bit of Mr. O'Riada's music:
CHRIS
Here's a bit of Mr. O'Riada's music:
CHRIS
While I was writing HEARTFIGHT in real time-time stamped time there were certain songs I wanted to include. I thought a good way to do that was to have an Irish music night in a London pub, where the main characters congregate. Now, as I've mentioned a lot of the Irish songs that are burned into my brain from babyhood I did not understand at the time. Sometimes from being confused by concepts, like in "The Orange and the Green"; but more often from not being able to make out what they were singing through the thick Irish brogues. But some of the songs I did understand and know the words to. "The Unicorn." "Danny Boy." "The Black Velvet Band." And in particular, "Goodbye Muirsheen Durkin." In several cases, I supplied videos of the songs, mostly the Dubliners versions. Here is the Irish Rovers version. They were perhaps the most popular and accessible of these groups; the most North Americanized:
While I was writing HEARTFIGHT in real time-time stamped time there were certain songs I wanted to include. I thought a good way to do that was to have an Irish music night in a London pub, where the main characters congregate. Now, as I've mentioned a lot of the Irish songs that are burned into my brain from babyhood I did not understand at the time. Sometimes from being confused by concepts, like in "The Orange and the Green"; but more often from not being able to make out what they were singing through the thick Irish brogues. But some of the songs I did understand and know the words to. "The Unicorn." "Danny Boy." "The Black Velvet Band." And in particular, "Goodbye Muirsheen Durkin." In several cases, I supplied videos of the songs, mostly the Dubliners versions. Here is the Irish Rovers version. They were perhaps the most popular and accessible of these groups; the most North Americanized:
STANLEY
So, you included these songs...
CHRIS
Yes. And scenes of people learning how to play the traditional Irish drum. And not learning how to play the uilleann pipes. I think this piece of music which I also included in the blogs kind of sums it all up. For the feeling I was wanting in the story and my gut response to this music. I used to play this track over in over back in the day. It gave me goosebumps. Still does:
So, you included these songs...
CHRIS
Yes. And scenes of people learning how to play the traditional Irish drum. And not learning how to play the uilleann pipes. I think this piece of music which I also included in the blogs kind of sums it all up. For the feeling I was wanting in the story and my gut response to this music. I used to play this track over in over back in the day. It gave me goosebumps. Still does:
LENA
This is all terrific and I'm learning a lot. But I don't see how it proves anything, vis-a-vis Mr. Coogler.
CHRIS
I said it was nebulous. But this, I think, brings us to "appropriation."
Robert writes APPROPRIATION on the board.
CHRIS
So, if not appropriation of material; how about "cultural appropriation" which Sinners pretty much brings up in the dialogue without using the actual term. The Irish vampire talks about "colonization"; and I'm paraphrasing here; but when he's trying to get into the juke-joint he's throwing around words like that in an attempt to align himself with the marginalized Black community (and I suppose Chinese); in essence, drawing parallels between the systemic racism imposed on both cultures. It was a little too "nail on the head" for my taste.
LUCKY
Dat fellah playin' the vampire was a hottie!
CHRIS
Sure. I thought he was great. I actually saw him in that Amy Winehouse movie that nobody saw. At the movies.
This is all terrific and I'm learning a lot. But I don't see how it proves anything, vis-a-vis Mr. Coogler.
CHRIS
I said it was nebulous. But this, I think, brings us to "appropriation."
Robert writes APPROPRIATION on the board.
CHRIS
So, if not appropriation of material; how about "cultural appropriation" which Sinners pretty much brings up in the dialogue without using the actual term. The Irish vampire talks about "colonization"; and I'm paraphrasing here; but when he's trying to get into the juke-joint he's throwing around words like that in an attempt to align himself with the marginalized Black community (and I suppose Chinese); in essence, drawing parallels between the systemic racism imposed on both cultures. It was a little too "nail on the head" for my taste.
LUCKY
Dat fellah playin' the vampire was a hottie!
CHRIS
Sure. I thought he was great. I actually saw him in that Amy Winehouse movie that nobody saw. At the movies.
LUCKY
Oh, he's a cockney lad!
CHRIS
He'd be great for HEARTFIGHT too! Now here's what I see is the real problem in making this charcter Irish.
EDITH
Quest ce que c'est?
CHRIS
Well, for all his talk of mutual victimization; he's the one who wants to colonize the Black community; so he's villainous in this way as well. And the guy playing him is Irish; but sometimes I think the Irish are their own worst enemies when it comes to portraying our culture. We're too laissez-faire about it. For example, The Ancient Order of Hibernians thinks that the Clashmore Mike mascot of Notre Dame's is perfectly fine. That any kind of questioning of it is "woke" and that he's a leprechaun--
LUCKY
He's a punk! A hooligan!
Oh, he's a cockney lad!
CHRIS
He'd be great for HEARTFIGHT too! Now here's what I see is the real problem in making this charcter Irish.
EDITH
Quest ce que c'est?
CHRIS
Well, for all his talk of mutual victimization; he's the one who wants to colonize the Black community; so he's villainous in this way as well. And the guy playing him is Irish; but sometimes I think the Irish are their own worst enemies when it comes to portraying our culture. We're too laissez-faire about it. For example, The Ancient Order of Hibernians thinks that the Clashmore Mike mascot of Notre Dame's is perfectly fine. That any kind of questioning of it is "woke" and that he's a leprechaun--
LUCKY
He's a punk! A hooligan!
CHRIS
...and that he represents the "Spirit" of Ireland and our "scrappiness" and "pullin' up o' the bootstraps" mentality and blah, blah, blah. But remember, these are the men who banned gays from marching in the NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade. And they still have an attitude about it:
...and that he represents the "Spirit" of Ireland and our "scrappiness" and "pullin' up o' the bootstraps" mentality and blah, blah, blah. But remember, these are the men who banned gays from marching in the NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade. And they still have an attitude about it:
CHRIS
Here's a link to the whole article:
www.catholicleague.org/how-gays-crashed-the-st-patricks-day-parade/
Here's a link to the whole article:
www.catholicleague.org/how-gays-crashed-the-st-patricks-day-parade/
ROBERT
Well, this seems to be winding down. Any last thoughts?
He writes LAST THOUGHTS on the board.
CHRIS
Honestly, I think the Irish vampire, Remmick, boils down to the stereotype of the Irish hooligan. He shows up and wants to get his drink on at the party and if he can't he's gonna kick some shit, get literally blood thirsty and start a fight for fun, pretty much. And trash the place. Oh, what's that word everyone loves right now? Reductive. Yeah, it's that. He's an Irish thug without the bottle of whiskey in his hand and the shillelagh.
Well, this seems to be winding down. Any last thoughts?
He writes LAST THOUGHTS on the board.
CHRIS
Honestly, I think the Irish vampire, Remmick, boils down to the stereotype of the Irish hooligan. He shows up and wants to get his drink on at the party and if he can't he's gonna kick some shit, get literally blood thirsty and start a fight for fun, pretty much. And trash the place. Oh, what's that word everyone loves right now? Reductive. Yeah, it's that. He's an Irish thug without the bottle of whiskey in his hand and the shillelagh.
CHRIS
So, other than those wee problems...I really loved the movie.
LENA
Those were some interesting insights sugar; but I feel I just need to play devil's advocate here.
CHRIS
Fair enough.
LENA
So basically, you're pinning all of this on the color of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese?
CHRIS
Hmmmmmmmmmm...yeah...I guess I am.
So, other than those wee problems...I really loved the movie.
LENA
Those were some interesting insights sugar; but I feel I just need to play devil's advocate here.
CHRIS
Fair enough.
LENA
So basically, you're pinning all of this on the color of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese?
CHRIS
Hmmmmmmmmmm...yeah...I guess I am.
BOB URICH
Well, this concludes this meeting of The December 19th Tribunal. DISMISSED! (WHACKS his thigh with swagger stick, hard) Owww. Madame Piaf, would you like to make some closing comments?
EDITH
Thank you Bob. Well, we have heard some interesting theories here; but zay remain merely zat: theories. I will take a copy to the council and confer with Chairpersons Madame Beals, Msr.Reid and Msr. Lookinland.
CHRIS
Oh, you mean Flashdance's Jennifer Beals, Tim "Venus Flytrap" Reid and TV's "Bobby Brady," Mike Lookinland?
Well, this concludes this meeting of The December 19th Tribunal. DISMISSED! (WHACKS his thigh with swagger stick, hard) Owww. Madame Piaf, would you like to make some closing comments?
EDITH
Thank you Bob. Well, we have heard some interesting theories here; but zay remain merely zat: theories. I will take a copy to the council and confer with Chairpersons Madame Beals, Msr.Reid and Msr. Lookinland.
CHRIS
Oh, you mean Flashdance's Jennifer Beals, Tim "Venus Flytrap" Reid and TV's "Bobby Brady," Mike Lookinland?
EDITH
Oui. I will get back to you si et quand we find anything.
LUCKY
Oh, I have gifts for all the attendees. Now everybody hold out your hands and close your eyes...
MAGICAL MYSTICAL SPARKLE SFX
LUCKY
Now, as we were talkin' about scarves earlier; I found deez and I thought they were apropos. Der not Hermeez, but I tink they'll do...(He places scarves in everyone's hands) Now open your eyes!
Oui. I will get back to you si et quand we find anything.
LUCKY
Oh, I have gifts for all the attendees. Now everybody hold out your hands and close your eyes...
MAGICAL MYSTICAL SPARKLE SFX
LUCKY
Now, as we were talkin' about scarves earlier; I found deez and I thought they were apropos. Der not Hermeez, but I tink they'll do...(He places scarves in everyone's hands) Now open your eyes!
ALL
Thank you...I love it...so unusual...where did you find it...MWAH...etc. etc. et. al.
LUCKY
And dis one is just for you Mr. Chris!
Thank you...I love it...so unusual...where did you find it...MWAH...etc. etc. et. al.
LUCKY
And dis one is just for you Mr. Chris!
CHRIS
I love it! I think I'll go whip up a box now and eat the whole pot!
LENA
You know you love it! I can't stop with that stuff, once I get started!
CHRIS
I know! I slather it in grated cheese, black pepper and Tabasco!
STANLEY
Speaking of food; how did y'all like the lunch I prepared.
ALL
(Entooziastic head nods and) Mmmmm, so good...delish...fuckin' A...can I have the recipe...etc. etc. et. al.
CHRIS
Tooch, I think I speak for everyone when I say: You can stuff my meat roll any day of the week!
THEY ALL LAUGH
EDITH
On a serious note, Chris. My condolonces on your frere. Do you have another picture of him?
CHRIS
I'll find one and send it to you.
EDITH
Merci. And in his honor and to maybe make you smile with bonheur; I would like to sing again.
CHRIS
Merci.
APPLAUSE
I love it! I think I'll go whip up a box now and eat the whole pot!
LENA
You know you love it! I can't stop with that stuff, once I get started!
CHRIS
I know! I slather it in grated cheese, black pepper and Tabasco!
STANLEY
Speaking of food; how did y'all like the lunch I prepared.
ALL
(Entooziastic head nods and) Mmmmm, so good...delish...fuckin' A...can I have the recipe...etc. etc. et. al.
CHRIS
Tooch, I think I speak for everyone when I say: You can stuff my meat roll any day of the week!
THEY ALL LAUGH
EDITH
On a serious note, Chris. My condolonces on your frere. Do you have another picture of him?
CHRIS
I'll find one and send it to you.
EDITH
Merci. And in his honor and to maybe make you smile with bonheur; I would like to sing again.
CHRIS
Merci.
APPLAUSE
TIME/SPACE CONTINUUM WARP SFX
When the smoke clears, Chris is alone. He picks up his drink and toasts the air.
CFR 4/5/25
CFR 4/5/25