I'd like to preface this article for October by stating that I don't think this is a good idea. My attention span is fairly short and I get easily distracted. So I apologize for what may eventually make your head spin here and now.
We still aren't quite sure what happened to our editors when they posted our assignments for October's SOUP issue. Some people got their usual assignment as well as an odd second one, while others got all switched around completely. I don't know how it is that they decided to ask me to interview our latest Heir of Slytherin, but here I am and there I was. Lol. Y'all should be immensely grateful that I was given a list of questions... even if I did forget that list at home when I went out to meet them at the Leaky, well... you'll see what I mean in a bit.
Good afternoon, Lyra! I'm so excited that you agreed to be interrogated. Wait, no. Interviewed. That's the one. Sorry, you can tell that I was never the Quidditch player who was talented enough to be interviewed by anyone. It's also kind of odd that I don't really read newspapers or watch the news, yet here I am writing for SOUP. Oh! Not about me, right.
Kalina: Have you ever been to the theatre in person? Was it a Muggle or a magical experience?
Lyra: I have been to the theatre, of course. Ever since I was very young I accompanied my mother to the Montmartre theatre. Do you know it? The best theatre in the magical district of Paris. Mother insisted we watch all the famous shows, she loves the theatre and said it's an activity that would make me cultured from a young age. I grew up watching all The Tales of Beedle the Bard shows and musicals.
When I grew up and could venture out into the Muggle world by myself, I went to the Muggle theaters as well. I did ask my mother to come with me but she didn't accept... she has the old mindset of prejudice against Muggles still. But I love the Muggle theatre as well!
Kalina: My grandparents are much the same, so I completely understand. It sounds like you've had plenty of theatre adventures though! Lucky you.
I can't recall if the theme for this issue is stage theatre and plays or if it was movies. I can't find my list of approved questions. Was it a stage show theatre or a Muggle movie theatre?
Lyra: I've been to both. When I was young I wasn't allowed to go to Muggle movie theatres but now I love to go. I go to the movies regularly but good stage shows that are worth my time are hard to find, unfortunately... but whenever I come across one, I get a ticket immediately.
Kalina: It sounds like you know exactly what it is that you like, not many people do.
What is your favorite show?
Lyra: Hmmm... it is very hard to choose just one. Amongst the magical shows, The Tale of the Three Brothers musical is definitely my favourite. I've gone to watch it so many times and it still gives me chills.
Amongst the Muggle ones, I like The Phantom of the Opera. But who doesn't?
A Muggle musical I watched recently was called Rent and it was really beautiful. A captivating story and the songs were unforgettable. I recommend that the readers who are of age go watch it.
Kalina: I'll note that down and look into it for sure! It's been a while since I've gotten to go out into the Muggle world.
Are there any shows you prefer not to see a second time?
Lyra: Disney live actions... don't get me started on those. Dear Merlin, the time I wasted on watching The Lion King live-action...
But generally, I don't rewatch shows unless they're my favourites. I've probably watched my favourite ones a hundred times but the others, I get bored rewatching.
Kalina: You sound so efficient and put-together. I'm so scattered, I'm jealous.
What are your favorite snacks to eat or drink at the theatre? I don't think the editors wanted me to ask about food, but I'm hungry so...
Lyra: I don't like eating in the theatre. It's a distraction to myself and most probably others as well. I'm there to watch a show after all, not to enjoy popcorn... but I do take a water bottle with me. It's important to stay hydrated.
Kalina: Well now I feel sheepish. Lol. Speaking of distractions, do you have any pet peeves surrounding the theatre experience?
Lyra: Talking people is of course, a pet peeve, but fortunately I haven't had to deal with that problem personally yet. The people are cultured enough not to talk or distract others.
Something I have had to deal with -and that is very annoying- are couples who use the theatre to... how to say this delicately... to be affectionate with each other. I mean, I know it's dark but we can all hear you! That's definitely a pet peeve, yes.
Kalina: Oh my! I can't even begin to imagine. That's just rude.
Let's change topics in the interest of remaining polite to our readers. Is there a particular genre you prefer when it comes to the stage or television/movie screen?
Lyra: My favourite genre is drama, and I watch romantic comedies when I'm down. They make me feel better. I'm not very picky when it comes to choosing what to watch but something I do stay away from is action movies. I don't like watching fights and car chases and things like that. I like watching the day-to-day lives of characters, realistic and simple.
Kalina: Well now that we have in common for sure. I cannot stand action movies either.
Oooh! I just remembered one of those 'approved' questions. Do you prefer to sit near the front or the back? The centre or one of the sides?
Lyra: If it's a stage show, near the front. If it's a movie theatre, not too close and not too far from the screen, and in the center.
Kalina: Sounds reasonable. When live and in-person it is absolutely more enjoyable when you can see it up close. How about this one - Who from the HP-verse would you most like to attend a theatre with?
Lyra: I think Luna Lovegood would have very interesting views on whatever show we watch... I'd love to hear what she has to say.
Kalina: Well now there's a thought. Luna would absolutely be an interesting friend to watch most anything with. She has some rather unique perspectives on life, let alone movies or plays.
On the opposite end of that spectrum, who would you rather avoid?
Lyra: Probably Ronald Weasley... I feel like he would keep eating and then complain that he's bored.
Kalina: I can see how you'd think that. From what we've born witness to that man certainly does like to eat, emphatically even.
I'd like to take this time to thank Lyra for her agreement to be interviewed for SOUP magazine. It was so lovely to learn more about our latest Heir of Slytherin while diving deeper into our theme of the theatre for October. Tune in next time for another installment of Legends Among Us.