It's about Cats

Helen Turner as Demeter.

Munk: hmm?

Dem: *gestures to Tugger* He’s been laying faced down on the floor for hours

Munk: oh don’t mind him, he’s just a bit overwhelmed

Dem: what happened?

Rum Tum Tugger: *being flirty and annoying* How do you not think I'm pretty? Everyone thinks I'm pretty.

Misto: I guess your mane looks nice. *leaves*

DANE YOU ARE SPOILING US

I don’t love Cats because I’m attracted to the cats themselves. To those who are, nothing but respect, it’s just not for me personally. I love certain cats because I can relate to them. I want to possess a certain quality they proudly display. They represent qualities I love.

In the case of Demeter, I relate to her. I was neglected and emotionally abused when I was younger. Five years ago, I finally escaped that life. Like Demeter, I carry lasting psychological scars. I know what it’s like to feel terrified that your abuser will take you back by force, to always be looking over your shoulder. I know how hard it is to trust others—to trust yourself—once you’ve been told you’re nothing. I know the anxiety you feel when the prospect of a new relationship arises. What if it happens again? Demeter gives me hope that there is a fulfilling life beyond the looming shadow of my father.

The Rum Tum Tugger represents the boldness, the courage, the unwavering confidence that I’m trying to emulate. He goes about his life without any concern about what others think. Sure, they call him a flirt, a bore, whatever. Does it ever phase him? Heck no. He’s just living his best life. He will do as he do and there’s no doing anything abow-wow-wow abow-wow-wow-wooow-wooooow about it.

My dear Munkstrap is the unconditional love I believe exists somewhere. He and Demeter are frankly couple goals. Munk protects her in a way that makes my heart melt. He showed her that love is possible after trauma. Their dynamic is lovely. But Munkustrap’s unconditional goes beyond his mate. It extends to the whole tribe. Do they annoy him sometimes? Yes. Does he probably wish he could rest for 10 minutes without Jerrie and Teazer committing arson or the kittens bouncing off the walls? Most definitely. But his love for the tribe is evident in every action. Watch him nuzzling Old Dooty Boy or singing with Tugger. Watch how patient he is with everyone (until the Awe-full Battle of the Pekes and the Pollicles). The tribe obviously feels that and respects him. They reciprocate what he so generously gives—love. His love controls every aspect of his life.

Cats character moodboard series

Munkustrap