Truth, Sadness, and Joy in Theatre

When reflecting on Stratford's 2011 season, I remarked that it was odd that all the productions were so sad. It was only later that I realized Stratford's productions were not only sad, but rather truthful because they presented a realistic portrayal of life-which is filled with sadness but also joy. And I think that is what truly great pieces of theatre should do-present a realistic portrait of humanity showing both the light and the dark, the beautiful and the repulsive. Great theatre allows audience members to be transported into another world, and experience aspects of life that are completely foreign from their own, and experience the joys and pains of that life, from the relative safety of their seat. From the structurally insurmountable hardships the Joads encounter in The Grapes of Wrath, to the struggles of Judas who in the end pays the ultimate price for doing what thought was right, to the idealistic but impossible quest for a Utopian existence in the kingdom of Camelot- we as the audience are able to experience lives so different from our own, but connect with the truth presented in each performance and become more whole ourselves from witnessing it. That is why I love theatre. 

Michael Langham and Dramatic Criticism

This summer I had the pleasure of attending six productions performed at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival: The Grapes of Wrath, Richard III, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Jesus Christ Superstar, Camelot and Twelfth Night. I was also able to add to my collection of Stratford books, and am now the proud owner of a book of Tanya Moiseiwitsch designs as well as Stratford Papers on Shakespeare from 1961 and 1963. In each volume of Stratford Papers, Michael Langham (Stratford's artistic director from 1955-1967) contributes an article. In the volume from 1963 he writes on dramatic criticism stating: "Is it possible to arrive at a considered judgement on a production- that perhaps took six months to create- within the space of one or two hours? I do not believe it" (Langham, 1964: 32). Well I have certainly given myself time to reflect over the productions I attended (most of which were seen in early June). I cannot guarantee that this will result in a deeper understanding of what was viewed, nor will I actually critically review the productions I have seen (not really my thing). I will however, spend the next few weeks talking about the productions I saw, and what I learned from them.

Starting Blogging Again for the Fall

I will start blogging again for the school year, so stay tuned!