“Mem'ries light the corners of my mind Misty water-colored mem'ries of the way we were.” (Alan and Marilyn Bergman, Marvin Hamlisch, 1973).

As our sister site, meaningfulmemorymaker.com  prepares to launch new products surrounding living and lasting memories it seems appropriate as we open the guidebook to September, we find a family steeped in memories and tradition.

Welcome to the September 2018 Edition~ Fiddler on the Roof

From its opening scene (Tradition) to its closing scene (Anateveka) this film is filled with family memories  (for the characters and the audience) and fits well within our theme and thought-provoking question for this year “Why reminisce?”

Because reminiscence has the power to promote communication, engagement introspection, and inference in all ages and many different stages.

Reminiscence has no age or generation limitation.  It is through our life stories that the generations connect. Everyone has meaningful memories and stories to share.

Take the opportunity Tevye and his family give you to reminisce. Begin where the film begins with family traditions:

“Here in Anatevka, we have traditions for everything how to eat, how to sleep, even, how to wear clothes. For instance, we always keep our heads covered and always wear a little prayer shawl. Because of our traditions, everyone knows who he is and what God expects him to do.”

And family structure:  (“Who, day and night, must scramble for a living, feed a wife and children, say his daily prayers? And who has the right, as master of the house, to have the final word at home?”~ The Papa. Who must know the way to make a proper home, a quiet home, a kosher home? Who must raise the family and run the home, so Papa's free to read the holy books? The Mama. Who does Mama teach to mend and tend and fix, preparing me to marry whoever Papa picks? The daughters.”)

A discussion of tradition and family structure can lead you to topics that may include:

• What similarities/ differences do you see in the family traditions?

• Can traditions change as times change?

• What are your favorite traditions?

Have they changed with the passage of time?

Is it important to keep traditions?

• Why?

What place do daughters hold in Tevye’s family?

• Do they hold a similar place in your family?

As the story progresses, Tzietel the eldest daughter is of age to marry. The matchmaker brings exciting news. (“Lazar Wolfe has cast his eye on Tzietel”)

The excitement is lost on Tzietel who prefers Motel, the poor tailor to an arranged match.    As your discussions turn to arranged marriages, consider the advantages/ disadvantages of such a practice.  Are there recent examples in television and film of arranged marriages? (Sense and Sensibility, Downton Abbey, etc. ) In such examples,  what place do son’s hold in the family structure? What place do son’s hold in your family structure?

With Tzeitel’s decision to marry Motel, she has paved the way for great changes in her family. She has shown her sister’s change is possible, and women are stronger because of it. 

In your family who paved the way for you?  Who was the first to try something which made it easier for you to follow?

The daughters grow and change into empowered women who seek their paths, but what of Tevye and Golde?   When they examine their life of more than 20 years together what do they discover? (“Do You Love Me?")

Spend some time here with your older generation clientele discussing the empty nest.  How were the years, time and spaces filled after their children built their own lives? With travel?, A new home ( “a big tall house with rooms by the dozen?”) Some fascinating stories may emerge.

As families grow and change society plays its part in perpetuating those changes,  this film has given us some great topics on which to reflect and reminisce. However,  take equal time to reminisce with all your clients about what makes this a great family musical film from its unforgettable songs to its spectacular scenery, to memories of first times seeing it in a theatre or on stage. These memories are just as valuable and unique as any others and can keep the conversation going from "Sunrise to Sunset!”

References: Yauch, L (28 August 2017). Listen to Fiddler on The Roof{Blog Post}. Retrieved from www.moviesandmusic.biz

Yauch, L (1 September 2014). Invitation to Tradition{Blog Post}. Retrieved from www.moviesandmusic.biz

To Our Friends and Fans attending  the MassCap Convention September 27 & 28, 2018 at the Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis:

 
Although other commitments keep us away from a booth in the exhibit hall this year, look for our promotional materials throughout the exhibit hall all weekend!  Then Grab Your Guide at www.moviesandmusic.biz

Have a Great Gathering!

~~Lori