The week running up to the holiday was very industrious. I had work dates scheduled every day with friends. Work dates with others are fantastic because working together we can keep each other on task whereas, alone we can be prone to distractions on YouTube and Facebook. Meeting up creates a schedule specifically for work.
I did manage to get to the theatre this week. On Friday, I was able to finally see a show in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse at Shakespeare's Globe. The SWP is a Jacobean style playhouse recreated as close to the original style of the time as possible. Jacobean is the time period in England between 1603 and 1625 that refers to the reign of King James I, Queen Elizabeath's successor. Theatre continued to maintain a strong foothold in the culture of the period but a new fashion in performace spaces moved many plays out of the open air Globe Theatre into a more intimate, indoor option. As with Shakespeare's Globe's main space, they wanted to make the Jacobean space feel authentic. The space is absolutly breathtaking with the elaborately painted ceiling, guilded walls and oh yes, the candle light. That's right, the space is lit entirely by candles. No light board operator needed in this theatre. Don't worry, I'm sure many safety measures are in place to guard against fires.
When I was in residence at the Globe in 2009 on my previous Masters course, the Sam Wanamaker was still in the planning stages and the space still raw and undeveloped. Indeed, we used it as rehearsal and classroom space. This was my first opportunity to see the final product and I was dazzled. I have included photos below from the Globe's website but if you ever get the chance, you must see it in person. Nothing compares to experiencing it in the flesh.
The show I saw was perfect for the space. It was called All the Angels by Nick Drake and chronicled composer George Frederich Handel's journey as he composed his most famous oratorio, Messiah, which is the greater work that contains the ever popular "Hallelujah Chorus". The play is not considered a musical in the Broadway/West End sense of the word, but, naturally, it contained Handel's music, delivered by a chamber orchestra and chamber choir. The choir was brilliantly woven into the scenes and action of the play; as much an acting ensemble as a singing ensemble. The rest of the cast was made up of three actors; one to play Handel, one to play his tormented mezzo-soprano soloist, and one who took on an assortment of roles. The performances were wonderful, the design of the show smart and efficient, and the directing spot on. The musical direction and movement choreography also deserve accolades. All and all, a fabulous night at the theatre.
This coming week involves more reading and writing but, I do hope to escape to another show. I'll keep you posted.
Enjoy the season!
Kelly Price as Susannah Cibber in All the Angels. Photo Credit: Marc Brenner.
A view of the house from the gallery on the stage of the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.
Photo from Shakespeare's Globe's website http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/theatre/whats-on/sam-wanamaker-playhouse
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