Le Alternatif Nativity de Carnivale’: SEASON ONE - EPISODE SEVEN
About this ebook
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The scene has a most unusual depiction of the nativity. The scene may be observed as being, irreverent or silly amongst other things. The baby in the manger has been re-named ‘Regis’ the son of the Holy Regina. This is part of the artistic style of the novella. It seeks to blur and suspend normal reality, inviting the reader to look at the well-recognised nativity scene in a different light. We are being baited of course—to ask what kind of society would twist gospel and liturgy into this strange presentation to charity-ball guests?<br>
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Karmalade is experimenting with the artistic idea that the nativity is capable of being morphed. From something that is a cross between a piece of medieval theatre to something which some of the audience in the scene, might believe to be true, because reality has been temporarily suspended by the ‘theatre’ being presented.<br>
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As artist, the writer is toying with the power of suggestion. Any rational person would know how ridiculous it is to have O’Malley play the ‘Regis’ figure. Our humour is also being challenged, as the artist-writer becomes a ‘jester’ here to test our reactions. <br>
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Karmalade uses the audience watching the play, to develop the reader’s knowledge about the guests at the ball. Lamb’s flamboyance is on display. One feels there is something not quite right about the whole social scene that participates in these ‘charitable’ festivities. <br>
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Like Fitzgerald in The Great Gatsby (1924-25), Karmalade is entreating us to reflect on the rash forms of behaviour that pass for entertainment. There is a duality here. On one hand the professional construction of a modern fund-raising event. And on the other—a fakery that is palpable, if we explore just below the surface: the games, the costumes; those who pocket the charitable funds are complicit in abusing the charity itself. The entertainment is a form of tainted collective gratification that occurs in an intoxicating atmosphere. Karmalade paints a vulgarity that is very directly inspired by Brugal (b1525-1569) and Bosch (1450-1505), except it is penned into 2025 instead.<br>
About the author
This is Kevin Karmalade's debut novella series. The 'Hail Regina' series will consist of 6 novella's (with 6-8 episodes per season). Karmalade sees Hail Regina as predominantly a vintage-style, theatrical satire. The work does not set out to mirror societal dysfunction or hypocrisy in the strong way - as some of the classic dystopian novels did in the past. Rather, Hail Regina should be understood primarily as a modern entertainment fiction set within the genre. It is written to entertain above all else.<br>
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Karmalade may be regarded as a mischievous, playful storyteller. A ‘jester’ of sorts, who reels us in with a simple story - then sometimes holds a mirror to our face. The writer is aware that on some level, the work naturally touches upon the obvious flaws of humanity. The theme of human liberation and freedom in literature is familiar to most. This serialized tale then, does not try to break new thematic ground. It does however present readers of all ages (from 14+) this classic theme, in an opaque, but contemporary and engaging way.<br>
