Le Théâtre de l'Absurde

I think that whenever possible, one should entitle moments from one's life with a French phrase. This is a relatively new revelation for me, but apt, I think. Also related to my thoughts about the French language, I believe that The Cat in the Hat (the character, not the book in its entirety)is clearly French and should be performed, when read aloud, with a thick French accent. The fish, of course, is British, and, Thing One and Thing Two are Swedish, rendering them "Ting Von and Ting Tvo" when properly pronounced.

Today we were playing at our local library, where they have a small puppet stage and puppets. I have tried many a time to engender an interest in puppetry in my children. Alas, thus far they have been more interested in strewing the puppets through out the library and climbing into the basket. Well, today, Greta and her two little friends decided to do a show, much to my delight. Greta had a jaguar, Ella had a giraffe, and Allison had a puppy. There they were behind the stage, poised to begin "the show."

Then, Greta announced, "Welcome to our puppet show." At this point, she must have encountered her first case of writer's block, thankfully not coupled with performance anxiety. When at a loss for words, what should one do? Turn to the audience, perhaps? I don't know, but it seems like it could be an improv rule.

She continued, "Guess what the name of our puppet show is?"

Me: I don't know. Is it Rumplestiltskin?

Greta: No. It's a fairy tale.

Me: Hmmm. (Considering, then deciding not to argue that point.) Cinderella?

Greta, the Director: No.

Me: Sleeping Beauty?

Greta: No.

Me: Beauty and the Beast?

Greta, clearly enjoying her game: No.

Me: I give up. What is it?

Greta, the torturess: You have to guess.

Me: Jack and the Beanstalk?

Greta: No.

At this point, even her cast was getting restless. They too wanted to know their script. The puppy and the giraffe were dangling on the arms, in danger of being tossed at Miss Director.

Me: I give up.

Greta, laughing a condescending little laugh: Oh, mom. If it's a play with a jaguar, giraffe and a puppy, of course it's called "The Jaguar, The Giraffe, and The Puppy."

Of course.

(And, alas, "The Jaguar, The Giraffe, and The Puppy," concluded.)