Dr. Joseph Healy my work colleague and friend is a man of many and varied talents. Joseph is an Irishman of a certain age deeply involved in LGBTQ politics as well as being a committed Socialist and devotee of the arts.
Last night I spent an hour or so watching and listening to a wonderful production at the Young Vic in which Joseph starred. ‘Carnation for a Song’ is a delightful production that distills the stories of 14 LGBTQ participants.
The set has the 14 players seated facing in various directions. Each holds a green carnation. The green carnation is significant as it is a plant that is not found naturally. The use of this flower in the LGBTG culture may go back to Oscar Wilde who remarked in an 1889 essay that green was “in individuals…always a sign of a subtle artistic temperament…”.
The stories were then told individually and collectively through song, poetry, dance, and readings. Each player gave the audience, through their chosen medium, their personal journey through life as a gay, lesbian or bisexual person.
A funny, sad, reflective, thought-provoking and highly entertaining evening. Thanks, Joseph and Company.
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