Much, much older. It is my theatre and concert purse . I bought it when I was about the same age my daughter is today. Hard to count all the concerts and theatres it has been to with me- hundreds probably. I used to go sometimes twice or three times a week to a theatre or concert - that was my youth....And there was a good reason for it - we went there for a breath of fresh air - we were so good in reading in between the lines - the actors knew that and so there were sometimes standing ovations despite the feared communist censorship - people looked each other in the eyes and understood....a breath of freedom...
I remember one evening - an old actor, who was on the list and did not get any big roles anymore appeared on stage - an old man...without a word, just standing there - alone - and suddently the audience started to applaud...quietly at first, but then more and more and in the end it was a standing ovation, people applauding and crying silent tears and yet shouting: bravo...for minutes and minutes...because we knew that this was his last theatre season and the commies will not allow him back on stage...we knew and he knew, too...But at this moment the commies were helpless and could not do a thing - it was long before the Velvet revolution and most people did not believe that we will ever live in democracy..that anything would change...and such small acts helped us survive, helped us to feel that there is some dignity in our lives.
So I never plan to get rid of my old theatre purse - it has been through so much with me:)

Keep that story alive, Marie. It must not be forgotten. I love that account. By the way, you have kept the purse in very god order. It is quite pretty. lookwhatisaw · 2012-05-22: 14:22

Beautiful Marie! I know a lot about communism from another side, and enjoy hearing about your experiences with it. CHOSSID · 2012-05-22: 14:25

Deeply touched by your words.. nynkeb · 2012-05-22: 14:27

Your memorie is so touching Marie. x Ryana · 2012-05-22: 14:42

Great story Marie. How was the concert? honzicek · 2012-05-22: 15:38

very cool SergioDC · 2012-05-22: 15:53

Wonderful story!! finbarr · 2012-05-22: 18:00

Bravo to you and the Czech Republic. I am honored to know someone who was part of such brave acts and shows of opposition to the Soviets. Bravo, bravo. To my faves. danrav · 2012-05-22: 18:51

Amazing! What an amazing story...thank you so much for sharing. Straight to my faves! mazpics · 2012-05-22: 19:29

Great shot.. mrmeliska · 2012-05-22: 20:55

Marie, It is so very important to tell these stories and keep the memories alive. "Those who do no remember the past are doomed to relive it." Durrant BeatleGreg · 2012-05-29: 16:26