I RECENTLY attended the live screening in High Definition at DCA in Dundee, of the Metropolitan Opera's production of Gounod's Faust.
I wonder how many other viewers recognised the starring role of the Singer treadle sewing machine, which was centre stage left, then right, smoothly operated by Maria Poplavskaya, the Russian who was singing the part of Marguerite?
The machine was obviously in perfect working order.
With the benefit of the camera close-ups, I could identify that the singer was using the treadle, stitching a shawl, and cutting off the thread with the cutter immediately behind the needle.
Painted a subtle grey to fit with the minimalist stage set, the machine looked stunning.
I wondered how many other starring roles have been taken over the years by this iconic piece of sophisticated engineering produced in the west of Scotland.
Alice Simpson,
8 The Steadings,
Collessie,
Cupar.
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