Posts

Fairwell Emma Rice

Much in the papers, recently, about Emma Rice’s departure, from Shakespeare’s Globe. The comments have been unfair; with mention of reclaiming Shakespeare and restoring the theatre’s reputation. It is, I’m sorry to say, as though Miss Rice had infected British culture. But, as a groundling, of many years, I have greatly enjoyed her productions and so, judging by their reactions, have those around me. In fact, I have never, before, experienced, within that ‘wooden O’, enthusiasm like it. A renegade, perhaps, but she has, certainly, given us new takes, on Shakespeare. With her The Taming of the Shrew , she took an ostensibly unpleasant play and de-misogynised it; making the acquiescence of Kate something tragic. Purists may say that she’s undermined Shakespeare’s work, but why that presumption? We do not, after all, know, in detail, how the plays were presented, in his day; and clearly, there is ambiguity, in his words, so why not bring that to the fore? We should acknowledge, too, the
Post a Comment
Read more

Review - The Majority - Dorman Theatre ***

Image
photo by Ellie Kurttz -- Rob Drummond’s ‘The Majority’ requires audience-participation, but, lest readers might shrink, at the idea, it’s the mere pressing of buttons. The issue is democracy. Upon arrival, visitors are issued with a simple key-pad, for the selection of ‘yes’ and ‘no’ answers. Within the Dorfman Theatre, hangs a large lamp-shade-like installation, comprised of hexagons, which bear footage of worker- bees, in a hive. Their buzzing injects energy, particularly as, when the room darkens, they become louder and more frantic, evoking the wildest of drum-rolls. But Drummond’s arrival is anticlimactic. He wanders on, like a modern university-lecturer, to ask a succession of questions. How do we feel about democracy? Should voting be made compulsory. It’s a slow start, but he’s affable and engaging. There’s no need to feel short-changed. Fifteen minutes, or so, in, the story begins. Without giving too much away, Drummond had been apathetic, about the Scottish referendum and d
Post a Comment
Read more

Review-Evita-Phoenix Theatre ****

Having never, before, seen a staging, of Evita, I can only compare this Bill Kenwright production with the 1998 film and other shows. The story is a part of history: impoverished girl, from rural Argentina, gains minor success, as an actress; before bagging the soon-to-be president and eclipsing him, with her saintly presence; and all the while, revolutionary Che lurks, nearby; anxious we should get the preposterousness of it all. Played, in this version, by Gian Marco Schiaretti, he is young and beret-wearing; less world-weary than Antonia Banderas; mocking, yet not so obviously sarcastic. Vocally, he is impressive, if somewhat nasal and belts out the big notes, splendidly. But he’s by no means alone, in that respect; for Emma Hatton raises the proverbial rafters. Very different from Madonna’s rendition, her Eva is less demanding, of our sympathy. Instead, we see an unfazed young woman climb and ‘sleep’ her way to the top, with no compunction. It has as much to do with the production
Post a Comment
Read more