Monday, December 08, 2025

Merci, Monsieur Marceau!

In autumn 1986 he gave me about an hour of his life. We talked about Auschwitz and love, about language and absolution, about Chaplin and apartheid, about poetry, Picasso and power, about resistance and reconciliation, about . . .

At one point he said: Shshsh, and now let's five minutes talk without words.

Magic?
Eyes talking.
No ears needed.
Silence.
Thoughts flowing, waving.
Question and answer dancing.
Dreams.
Understanding?
Yes.
It is possible.
Magic!

May the one and the other think I am (too) sentimental: Afterwards I felt these had been very special moments in my life. I had met a wonderful wise human being.

6 comments:

  1. Segurament una de les experiències més meravelloses de la teva vida. Com dius, un gran ser humà.
    El seu món és dels que aprecio més, en silenci i només amb els seus gestos, et poden portar a mons tan diferents i màgics alhora.
    Una aferrada, Sean.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Later I conducted hundreds of exclusive interviews with scientists, politicians, artists, and clergy. But you're right. This one is special.
      Aferradetes, Paula.

      Delete
  2. Les persones excepcionals saben crear moments excepcionals.
    I tu vas saber aprofitar-lo i treure’n una riquesa interior que t’ha acompanyat per sempre.

    Moltes gràcies per compartir-la amb nosaltres. M'agrada molt.

    Abraçades, Sean.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Perhaps not immediately. But this encounter had a lasting effect. Definitely one of my favourite interviews.
      Abraçades, Carme.

      Delete
  3. A very special person indeed. Glad you had a chance to meet him.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was definately one of my most fascinating back stage interviews.

      Delete