A few words on Mao's Last Dancer

I've been more productive than usual in the past week and have reached the halfway mark with my translation. I've been working incessantly, not because I'm a workaholic, but because this is one of the most enjoyable, absorbing and inspiring projects I've ever had.

Sure, it's not all roses and rainbows. It's always hanging over my head and it will, until it's published. I agonise over a sentence because it doesn't flow. I get stuck on one word and sometimes it take me days to come up with another that fits. Before it goes to print, I will need to edit the manuscript dozens of times, and REALLY concentrate each time. But those challenges are all part of the package. I'm grateful that I've been given this opportunity.

I've had requests that I write about meeting Li Cunxin, the author of Mao's Last Dancer. It’s a book about his truly extraordinary life. He survived intense poverty in China during Mao’s Cultural Revolution, was chosen out of millions of children to become a ballet dancer then endured the gruelling training and being away from his loving family at the age of 11. He fought his way out of the “deep dark well” he was in, and after getting the opportunity to go over to America, he finally won his freedom.

Meeting someone after reading his autobiography that details his life is tricky. I obviously had ideas about what kind of a person he might be after reading his book. I imagined that he’d be someone who is down to earth, friendly, personable and genuine.

Thankfully, I was right on the money, it was almost scary. He and I chatted about many things, such as ballet, his book, related projects, Eastern culture, trusting your intuition and knowing when something feels "right". He also elaborated on some of the experiences that he wrote about in his book, which gave me a better understanding. I enjoyed the conversation tremendously and my respect for him deepened.

His determination, courage and love for his family are remarkable. He tells his tale simply and honestly, straight from his heart. My challenge would be not to lose any of that in translation…both literally and figuratively.

Keep those good musicals coming

There is a list of good musicals that are currently playing or about to open in Australia. I am very pleased, particularly since I've read many times that it's getting harder to finance and stage those shows here. In Melbourne, Phantom of the Opera and Priscilla the Musical are currently on. In Sydney, Billy Elliot will open in November, Rent will open in Perth also in November and in Adelaide, Assassins and Miss Saigon will open in December. And let's not forget Wicked, which will finally open in Melbourne in July 08!

I know it is a sorry state compared to Broadway and West End, but we can't really compete, considering that the population of America is 300 million, and the UK 60.6 million. There are only 20 million of us here. I've learned to appreciate what we do have.

lt would be nice to see all the shows I've mentioned above, except maybe Rent. I would love to see the original production in Broadway and I've watched the DVD many times (which I hear is not as good as the stage production but at least it features six out of eight original main cast members). But this Perth production features Nikki Webster... Huh? I can't possibly imagine which main character would she play. And if she has the role of the sexy, sizzling minx Maureen or the streetwise exotic dancer Mimi, I think Jonathan Larson (the late creator) will resurrect himself in protest. I can't see her as Joanne the lesbian lawyer either. And Anthony Callea? I can't help but wonder what on earth was the casting director thinking.

I will definitely try and see Billy Elliot the Musical. I absolutely adore that movie and according to my very lucky friend who saw it in London, it is a phenomenally successful film to stage adaptation. She gave it 9 out of 10. The musical version opened in London in May 2005 and it's been hugely popular since, still playing to full houses more than two years later. It will open in Sydney from 13th of November at the Capitol Theatre (tickets are available from Ticketmaster). Not only is the story very powerful and inspiring, now that it's a musical, we'll get to see more dancing and singing as well. Four boys, who were chosen from over a thousand hopefuls, will alternately play the lead role of Billy.

I can hardly wait to experience the magic and I do hope that the Australian production will be just as entertaining and captivating.

My first post

So here it is, finally an upgrade from my (ir)regular group emails. I do intend to update this on a fairly frequent basis....!

Freelancing is a lot of fun. Being my own boss is great, but there's no denying that I could use more self-discipline. I am getting better, though. And it is bloody fantastic being able to work in pjs again.

I've finished nearly one third of the translation, and I really do love this job. Lengthy editing/proofreading process awaits once the translation itself is finished, and when I think about that, I clutch my face with two hands in sheer horror (just like "Scream" by Munk), thinking "What the hell have I done?". But I will cross the bridge when I come to it.

I have part time jobs to get me out of the house, otherwise I knew I'd turn into a hermit now that I have no sharemate to monitor and comment on my lack of social interactions. I'm a lot better these days, honest!

So many mundane things need to be done.... Choosing a new coffee table is one of them. I've been putting that off for about a year now and flipping through IKEA catalogue only made me wonder if those Swedish names mean anything. My baby sister is actually going to Sweden in 3 weeks, so there's a good chance that I will find out!!

Okay, that's enough procrastination for the night. Will post again soon :-)