Ovid said, “Note too that a faithful study of the liberal arts humanizes character and permits it not to be cruel.” Hmmm. Liberal arts is a big category, but includes some of my favorites, theatre and writing. I know people, call them friends even, who think very differently about these things than me, and no, I’m not bringing politics into this.
In my opinion, and it is just opinion, not researched beyond my immediate family, those who are voracious readers were probably read to consistently as children. Those who enjoy theatre were probably exposed to it or some sort of rich imaginary play at an early age. Those who appreciate poetry..well, poets are an odd lot, but I’d venture to say they developed a love of imagery and language in their formative years.
The thing is, those who say,”We don’t do that,” “I’m not really into that,” “That’s not really my thing,” may not have actually tried it. And there is no time limit, no expiration date on appreciation of the arts.
I give a lot of books as gifts. A good independent bookstore is my favorite playground. Everyone has an interest and every interest has appeared in a book at some point. And I will do all I can to ensure small bookstores survive.
Small theaters struggle to get audiences. Do you know that many theaters look for shows with multiple children in the cast because they know those tickets will sell? Family and friends will line up to see little Susie on stage. And, even better, little Susie may grow up with a love of theatre. But some of the best productions struggle to get butts in the seats. God bless all my friends who have come to see me.
I am a regular attendee and participant at a poetry open mic each month. Even as a poet myself I can say that, more than just reading someone else’s poetry, hearing a poet read their own work is the best way to experience it. If you’re “not into” reading poetry (and you’ve actually tried) find a place to listen to it. You may not come away a convert but it will amaze you how accessible the poetry can be in the poet’s own voice.
Above all, support the arts, even if it doesn’t involve family or friends. In the words of Brendon Urie, “If you kill the arts, you kill love and you kill progress.” And goodness knows, we don’t need any more of that.