Finally cashing in on my Mothers Day presents a few weekends ago, Mr Surfer and I went to see a performance of the timeless “Les Misérables”.
Prior to the big epic Oscar winning movie version, I had very little clue to its plot, or shall I say, multi-layered themes. Yet, I do remember being blown away by the character Fantine.
It’s been argued whether Anne Hathaway’s gave full musical theatre justice when she sang, “I Dreamed A Dream”.
(To be honest, I had more issues with Russell Crowe’s performance…)
Just as she was winning the battle to stave off critics, Hathaway was literally caught with her pants down (or more accurately, off) during a red carpet commando wardrobe malfunction. Of course the photos went cray cray viral.
Matt Lauer – some douchebag American morning TV show host with similar bigoted arrogance to Sunrise’s Kochie – tried to get tongue in cheek about it.
“Anne, we’ve seen a lot of you recently…”
If there’s any performance that claims Anne Hathaway’s right to an Oscar, it was her response:
“…I’m sorry that we live in a culture that commodifies sexuality of unwilling participants, which brings us back to Les Mis because that’s what the character Fantine is. She is someone who is forced to sell sex to benefit her child because she has nothing and there’s no social safety net…”
Bam!
I was honoured and privileged to attend a special event at Government House this week.
Fitted For Work celebrated its 10th year anniversary.
I decided to become a volunteer because as far as I can see, even 200 years later, Fantine’s situation is still not uncommon.
Disadvantaged women with a story; be it of domestic violence, mental illness, financial difficulty or suffering from debilitating low self-esteem.
So many women have their dreams shattered. They’re hands are tied, their mouths shut tight and whether it’s professionally, personally or just by mere acquaintance, we most likely know them.
Since its inception, Fitted For Work has transformed the lives of more than 20,000 women.
People like Candice and Liz (“Hi girls!’) work tirelessly in the Parramatta office so that services like personal styling, mentoring, vocational and non-vocational training are available to help women become self-sufficient and confident again.
Within 3 months of receiving assistance, 50% of Fitted For Work clients find work. They find life.
Now that’s huge progress from the oppressive days of Les Misérables.
Fantine would be proud.
Are you a Les Mis fan? Have you seen it on stage? What did you think of Anne Hathaway’s performance in the movie version?
Side note: The Parramatta office is running *really* low on handbags for its personal styling services. If you’re a Sydneysider and have some that you no longer use that you can donate, let me know or feel free to contact the girls directly on 02 9635 9909 or sydney@fittedforwork.org.
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We have a similar service in NZ called Dress For Success, it is such a great scheme for women who just need that little bit of help to get to where they want to be and rebuild that confidence. I must confess I have never seen Les Miserables any which way and I only know the song ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ because of Susan Boyle … I think I’ll stop right there on that one before I embarrass myself further … Haha.
Haidee@Maybe Baby Brothers recently posted..10 Truths About Little Boys
Such a brilliant idea!!
Lydia C. Lee recently posted..First of the Month Fiction – July
And good for you for volunteering!! (I like the barricade guys!! I’ve very Danton….
Lydia C. Lee recently posted..First of the Month Fiction – July
Love this post and the work you are doing for Fitted for Work. I don’t have any handbags but I do have some beautiful suits that (not withstanding a miracle where I manage to drop 15kg by eating chocolate and laying on the couch) that I’m going to send their way. Your rock lady x
Aleney recently posted..Raffles chats with Radio 2UE’s Amanda Woods
I saw Les Mis in Sydney just before I flew to the U.S. and loved it!!!
Good on you for volunteering, it’s somewhat humbling to know you’re helping others!
Zita recently posted..Where to eat in New York City
I need to find something like this in Melbourne. I have so many suits I’ll never wear again.
I love Anne Hathaway. I did think some aspects of her Les Mis role were a little overdone, but that’s what you’ve got to do with Les Mis and Fantine: go hard or go home.
And it was very generous of you to call Russell Crowe’s part in that film a ‘performance’. It’s like he was so worried about the singing that he forgot to act, and therefore sucked at both. I blame the director for casting him.
I love this cause and I have handbags to donate. Can they accept them from Melbourne somehow? I have mever seen this musical and really want to. Still got to catch it on DVD. What a wonderful cause.
JodY At Six Little Hearts recently posted..Storksak Elizabeth Review – Baby Bags of Distinction #SLHFeaturedThursdays
Anne Hathaway was spot on!
Fitted for work is awesome, I have donated to them before. Such a sensible, practical cause!
Amy @ handbagmafia recently posted..Self Esteem & The Average Teen
This is one show on my list but sadly I have not seen it. This time of the year causes like this are even more important… Good work Grace
natalie @ Our Parallel Connection recently posted..Where have my boobs gone?
Would you believe, i still haven’t seen Les Mis?!!
This is such a great way to boost women, good on you Grace x
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen recently posted..The Zen Files // Denyse from Denyse Whelan Blogs To Connect
I;ve heard a lot about similar organisations – they’re such a brilliant idea! I havent actually seen Les Mis! Maybe I’ll have to!! Have a fab weekend lovely xx
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile recently posted..Fabulous Foodie Fridays #57
I love Les Mis!
I’m actually going to an afternoon tea tomorrow where I’ll be taking a huge pile of work clothes to be donated to an organisation called Beryl which is a women’s shelter in Canberra. I can’t wait! It’s such a great cause and will help so many women to have the confidence to turn up to job interviews, looking their best.
Lauren @ The Thud recently posted..Worst nurse ever
What great results Fitted For Work achieves!
Ingrid @ fabulous and fun life recently posted..Marie Claire The Parcel – Winter Edit – Beauty Subscription Box Review
What an awesome cause and such a great idea. I am a total musical tragic and Les Mis is one of my all time faves. The last time I saw it was in London about 20 years ago but I loved the Sydney one just as much. Wasn’t it ace? Hope your weekend is ace, Grace! x
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid recently posted..She’s So Inspiring – Christina Butcher
I watched Les Mis on stage many years back with my parents and it has still left a strong impression on me. Watched the movie too but wasn’t as blown away. I guess no matter what show, the experience is still best when watched live on stage than on screen. For one, there’s no digital enhancing or any work done on the voices!
Ai Sakura recently posted..Fitness Diary :: Personal Training @ Genesis Gym, Singapore
I loved Anne Hathaway, both her performance in Les Mis and her sassy and smart responses to being interviewed and I loved Les Mis when I saw it on stage.. Fantine would be proud of you and the Fitted for Work people and everyone who works to help women to feel empowered.
Kathy – yinyangmother recently posted..Get a new perspective – fast!
I have heard of Fitted for Work what a great program and thank you for volunteering.
I have no idea about Les Miserables , and I should. I need a little culture.
Trish recently posted..Cancer that doesn’t go away.
I had never seen Les Mis in theatre either. I saw the movie and it compelled me to put it on the bucklet list to see one day. I look forward to being able to help in a volunteer or similar service to Dress for Success in Brisbane, once I’m not drowning in baby needs. x
Bec @ The Plumbette recently posted..A Night in the Life of a Blogger and Mother – Garnier Miracle Sleeping Cream Review
Les Mis is one of my favourite show. I’ve seen it three times, the first time for my 14th birthday, the last time was 19 years later, last weekend, for my 33rd birthday! Adore it! I think Anne Hathaway’s performance of I dreamed a Dream in the movie was fantastic! Movies and stage shows are two totally different beats, and I think Hathaway’s performance of it was the only way it could have been done in a movie. The latest production is just as good as the first two I saw, and you can guarantee that the next time it’s on stage in Sydney I will be there with bells on! And if I ever get to London I will be seeing it there too!
I must have a look and see if I have any handbags I can offer. I think I may have one that has never been taken out of the plastic but this will require cleaning my room to find it! I’ll let you know.
Kylie Purtell – A Study in Contradictions recently posted..One Perfect Moment {Jurassic Memories} | Life
Grace, I love that you’re volunteering your time when you’re already so busy. You’re such a good egg!
(Confession time: I’ve NEVER seen Les Mis. Not even the movie version. Don’t tell anyone I’m a heathen thought, deal?) 🙂
Amanda @ cooker and a looker recently posted..school mornings
Your secret is not safe with me 😉
That’s such a good cause – just getting the right gear for an interview (or job) is a huge stress for many women. I saw Les Mis in London when I lived there, and I’ve seen a few productions over the years from my old days as a music student. It is one of the musicals I don’t actually like much to be honest – I just find it so depressing.
Bronnie – Maid In Australia recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: The cat, dog and mouse game
Anne Hathaway is a brilliant actress and I felt she portrayed her role well in Les Mis. I haven’t heard of the Fitted For Work Program before… what a wonderful venture… and you volunteering also, kudos to you, you’re a shining light of inspiration♥
Leanda Michelle recently posted..Discover Your Potential
Gosh I haven’t watched a version of this for more than 20 years – but isn’t there one with Hugh Jackman, I MUST get in to that. I love your charity, so very worthwhile. xx
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me recently posted..On being the subject of many an eye roll + Giveaway!
I’ve never seen Les Mis, (although I know I’d just love it), well done on volunteering to such a great cause, it’s such a rewarding thing to do. I love it when the arts get people inspired to do more. xx
sarah@tomfo recently posted..How to make an Espresso Martini
That is such an awesome iniative, Grace. Well done you for being a part of it. Government house looks just amazing.
Dani @ sand has no home recently posted..Little Boy Lost
I’ve seen Les Mis four times. The first time was in New York on Broadway in 1988. I love it. I’ve watched the movie three times too 🙂
Pinky Poinker recently posted..Would you like your son dating an older woman?
I have never seen les mis! After all the bad reviews I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. Meanwhile you are doing such a great job with this cause.
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages recently posted..Thai Chicken Balls
Wow. Great post Grace (loved how you tied that all in).
I was very supportive of Canberra’s Working Wonders here in the ACT (similar type of organisation) donating shoes, handbags and business clothes. Unfortunately I heard it shut down 🙁 I really must check into that and see if anything replaced it.
L
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit recently posted..Day 2088 – Walking in the dark
I’m kind of ashamed to say I haven’t even seen Les Mis at all 🙁
I’ll get around to watching it one day when I have some spare time. Its on the must watch list.
I wish I was in Sydney because I have a few old bags I could’ve donated.
Toni @ Finding Myself Young recently posted..52 WEEKS OF MEMORIES | 25 – FAMILY
What a fabulous charity, I’ve never heard of them before. Good on you for volunteering. As for Les Mis, I STILL haven’t seen it!! x
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I have only seen the movie version of Les Mis but would love to see it at the theatre one day.
I think the work you are doing with Fitted for Work is so great, and wow, what great results they have! I must look into a similar program in Melbourne as I’m sure to have plenty of work clothes I can donate now that I’m no longer working full time.
Erika @ ever-changIng life of a mum recently posted..One year ago…
I’ve always wanted to see Les Mis live (in fact I’ll take any excuse to get to the theatre!). I’m such a fan of Anne Hathaway – now there’s a good role model for girls! Fitted for Work sounds like a wonderful organisation – so lovely of you to give back and volunteer Grace x
Such a great charity – the best kind that empowers and enables people to change their situation.
I LOVE Les Mis. Yes, I thought Anne Hath was brilliant in the movie. But when I saw the show recently in Sydney I thought the actress who played Fantine kicked arse in a mega way when it came to singing. I think I actually felt myself lean back in my seat with the force power of her voice. Sigh. I miss Les Mis. Is it still showing?
I LOVE Les Mis. Yes, I thought Anne Hath was brilliant in the movie. But when I saw the show recently in Sydney I thought the actress who played Fantine kicked arse in a mega way when it came to singing. I think I actually felt myself pushed back in my seat with the force power of her voice. Sigh. I miss Les Mis. Is it still showing?
Sorry Grace about duplicate comment! Well, not quite duplicate, I changed one word while I was waiting for it to go through, wondering if I would get it in in time! I didn’t! Sorry x
You’re doing such great work, Grace. Self-esteem and restoring lives is so important. PS I haven’t seen the movie Les Mis… mainly because I’m not a Rusty fan. On the other hand I love Anne Hathaway. Might have to give it a go because I loved the stage production. x
No I still haven’t seen Les Mis on DVD, but one day would love to see the stage production.
What a great charity, good on you for volunteering Grace x