The Big Five: who, what, where, when, why. I hope that I have by now covered the bases in writing about them – I think I have although I have used differing words in elucidating on this very subject. But just in case some pages stuck together, or in case you are reading from back to front, or you have skipped ahead, I will reiterate what I have said, and of course advance my ideas.

Today I went to a musical with my friend Lisa McKeen. It was the based upon Runyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, and took place in an old restored theatre. The performance took the form of a quasi-recital and was hosted by a local dance studio, one that teaches all forms of dance including ballet, tap, modern, jazz, and hip hop. Lisa asked me to come along and watch her grandchildren perform.

We shared a program. I have never before thought of a theatre performance program as a listing, but that’s what they are. Generally, they list performers, sponsors, and give specifics about the acts. Some have lists of donors and sponsors. They make for good reading, particularly if narrative information is included. And, of course, they are even more interesting if one has some connection to the performers.

This program was sparse. There was seemingly a cast of thousands, and so not all could be listed with accompanying biographical information. I would have in general liked more information, say, the who, what, when, where, and why as this relates to the performance. This would then give the document memorabilia status. The grandkids, they might, years down the road, like getting a hold of this historical information.

For me, this handout could serve as a memory jogger. In coming upon it again, it will bring to mind the backdrop, a single two-dimensional painted jungle scene, and as well the heavy red velvet curtains. And it would bring to mind the performers – the lions, monkeys, snakes and zebras, the latter in their black and white striped outfits, trotting along, perky, like the animals they were imitating.

The program would also bring to mind my interest in movement. This to me was a celebration of movement and what in this respect is possible. All the kids were attuned to their bodies. This allowed them to take great joy in what they were doing. It was an example of intrinsic motivation.

And too, there might be a related connection. Earlier in the day I went with Lisa to Kathy Lockerbie’s place and watched as a foal, just a few weeks old, raced at top speed next to her mother’s side. No one was making that horse comply or forcing it to move – it was moving in an autonomous fashion, freely, and of its own volition. Again, this was an example of intrinsic motivation.

Who, what, when, where, and why – of course I cannot say but only speculate as to what my long term memory will latter dredge up.

Next: 122. 5/2/18: The ABC’s of Listing: X Marks the Spot