The Perfection of Mediocrity
A friend and I went to see a one man show. While the topic was intriguing the execution was mediocre at best. (Note to all: I am purposely not saying what the show was about to give you an idea of the feelings of dissatisfaction we had when the show ended. I’m trying to have you experience what I felt, without hopefully, making this reading mediocre!)
After the show, we started talking about where the show felt flat and what we might do differently.
It was a rather short one man show, which in this case was merciful. But since it was early we decided to go back to the theater to see if he was still there to see if he wanted to hear our ideas. Unfortunately he had already left.
We continued to talk about the show’s premise and the possible ways to have gone with the show.
After about 45 minutes I looked at my friend and said: Do you realize all we’ve talked about is this mediocre show. Would we have talked about it for so long if we had loved the show?
We both laughed but also acknowledged how the show being so-so was something we both needed this particular evening.
Having the show fall short gave us a chance to use our own creative process. It helped us appreciate the work it takes to make a show good. When something is excellent sometimes the process appears seamless.
When I can be challenged by something which falls short:
• I truly can shift perspective to something which motivates
• I have a chance of being nicer to myself when I fall short
• I understand a little bit more what we do matters
It was probably 10 years into her career when I saw the true genius of Meryl Streep. While I always thought she was a great actress, seeing The Bridges of Madison County catapulted her in my mind to the best. This is because I thought this movie was a monumental tower of boredom.
Yet she shined.
I thought if she could shine in such mediocrity what a treat to see her in quality work.
This recent one man show reminded me of this perfection of mediocrity.