A funny, absurd play that seems superficially silly, but actually pokes fun at a lot of conventinal behaviour and beliefs.
Tow jarring notes with regard to the language - the repition of the word "baby" which Mathew Edison was clearly uncomfrotable using, although his was a strong performance in all other respects. the second was the sudden interjection of "fucking" in a speech by the otherwise linguistically proper Truscott (Michael Hanrahan). It stuck and did not add anything.
Nicole Underhay gave her ususal excellent performance, as did Oliver Dennis.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Phedre
A new venture - the first live broadcast of a play form the National Theatre in London. The calling card was Helen Mirren in the title role, with Margaret Tyzack as Oenone.
The movie theatre venue was not a plus, but the experience was definitely worth repeating. It was a very strong production and one that we would have preferred to see live, but given that is not an option, this is a good alternative.
They used five cameras, so it was not totally static. I would like to see a version with one camera, showing the full f=rame of the set. We had seats in the third row, which was a problem since from some camera angles, people had very large bodies and small heads.
But the production was so strong, it was worth seeing.
It will be interesting to compare with the Stratford productoin in August. Both are using the Ted Hughes translation.
The movie theatre venue was not a plus, but the experience was definitely worth repeating. It was a very strong production and one that we would have preferred to see live, but given that is not an option, this is a good alternative.
They used five cameras, so it was not totally static. I would like to see a version with one camera, showing the full f=rame of the set. We had seats in the third row, which was a problem since from some camera angles, people had very large bodies and small heads.
But the production was so strong, it was worth seeing.
It will be interesting to compare with the Stratford productoin in August. Both are using the Ted Hughes translation.
Eternal Hydra
A long discussion of genius and fame. Who really wrote the mansucript? does it matter?
One of the group was definitely of the opinion that it did not and was very disappoointed to find the play was not over at the intermission. He stuck it ouot, but his instincts were good. the second act, while interesting in and of intself, did not link well with the first and a major rewrite is needed to make this play a unified whole.
This was produced as part of the Magnetic North Festival , which showcases Canadian plays.
Liisa Repo-martell and Karen Robinson were both familiar figures. David Ferry and Sam Malkin were not, but both were very good.
One of the group was definitely of the opinion that it did not and was very disappoointed to find the play was not over at the intermission. He stuck it ouot, but his instincts were good. the second act, while interesting in and of intself, did not link well with the first and a major rewrite is needed to make this play a unified whole.
This was produced as part of the Magnetic North Festival , which showcases Canadian plays.
Liisa Repo-martell and Karen Robinson were both familiar figures. David Ferry and Sam Malkin were not, but both were very good.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
A Beautiful View
Daniel McIvor is a good observer of relations between people and the miscommunication that happens when you make assumptions and don't ask questions.
Caroline Gillis and Tracy Wright were both believable in their respective roles - the kind of people you might actually know.
Caroline Gillis and Tracy Wright were both believable in their respective roles - the kind of people you might actually know.
House of Many Tongues
A fascinating and funny discussion of relationships, family, politics and life, where even the house has a voice.
Some members of the audience appeared unhappy by the discussion of cunnilingus, judging by the number of empty seats after the intermission. But it all came together in a most interesting conversation.
Great cast. I liked Raoul Bhaneja again but there were no weak spots.
Some members of the audience appeared unhappy by the discussion of cunnilingus, judging by the number of empty seats after the intermission. But it all came together in a most interesting conversation.
Great cast. I liked Raoul Bhaneja again but there were no weak spots.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Doubt
Fantastic cast , excellent production and in the end - no doubt!
Seana McKenna was as usual superb as Sister Aloysius. David Storch gave great sermons - almost enough to make you want to go to church. Daniela Vlaskalic and Raven Dauda are both worth watching for.
The audience was spell bound throughout - a major accomplishment on a Friday evening.
Seana McKenna was as usual superb as Sister Aloysius. David Storch gave great sermons - almost enough to make you want to go to church. Daniela Vlaskalic and Raven Dauda are both worth watching for.
The audience was spell bound throughout - a major accomplishment on a Friday evening.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)