Finally a weekend! Went to see The Tempest, directed by Sam Mendes (eek!) on Saturday.
Life changing. Really.
A lot of the company didn’t like it, as we talked it over at the bar under the Old Vic. Here was what I loved about it:
· Prospero is not a wicked sorcerer and was not portrayed as one. He was, in this production, a weary old man who had everything stripped from him (his studies, then his dukedom, banished to a god-forsaken island) and is desperately trying to control what he can. Unfortunately, that includes his daughter Miranda and a fairy-like creature he freed, Ariel. He realizes this knee-jerk reaction when his daughter falls in love with the prince, shipwrecked from the storm Prospero created (by accident or not). Such a humbling portrayal of a character who epitomizes forgiveness by showing it, and by allowing Miranda and Ariel to spread their wings. The last line of the play, to Ariel, “Then to the elements be free—fare thou well! Please thou draw near.” I cried it was so beautiful. It’s not even a request of “please draw near,” but “if it pleases you, draw near before you go.” Oh goodness.
· Ariel: a fantastic portrayal of an androgynous character. When he was man-like, he was incredibly feminine; when woman-like, very masculine. There was even a time he came out in a beautiful, slinky aquamarine evening gown, and never for one minute did I think it could have been done otherwise. A haunting voice, and fantastic execution of the music in the play—always fit, always mesmerizing, appropriately. Also, loved the moment when Prospero asks if he forgot his horrible place before he was rescued. Ariel actually forgot—it was such a moment of pure embarrassment of this ethereal creature, very humbling. Being locked up in a tree isn’t something Ariel kept in his mind. This was a great father-like moment for Prospero too—annoyed, but still tender.
· Miranda, played by Juliet Rylance (Mark’s daughter), seemed a little old for Miranda, and had a voice that we all agreed was a little husky for the role, but her innocence and purity was spot on. There was a great discussion at the bar about her inherent passion. Is it inherent, or was it too “knowing” for a young uncivilized thing like Miranda? I say it was a beautiful moment of instinctual passion. There was no holding back. Just as it should be.
· Caliban: Prospero’s slave is often played as such—a slave. Lest we not forget in his first lines he admits to almost raping Miranda. Arguably to him, it would not have been rape, but this is a bigger discussion that, if you like, we can discuss over a very long coffee date. Before this, he was allowed into Prospero’s home; now, he’s confined to his cell in the ground. On the stage was a circle filled with sand. There was a small trap door down-stage-center underneath this, sand being held on, I’m guessing, some blankets folded creatively. Caliban ENTERED FROM THE SAND. I also loved that Caliban was actually human. I hate it when the lines about smelling fishy are actually costumed as fish. So stupid. It’s not a comedy, don’t do something that will get ridiculous laughter. This is a very complicated character. There are no answers, and this actor didn’t try to answer them. I liked this.
· Staging of the storm: simple as possible. Prospero’s staff became a mast, a banister, et. al., and was held by Ariel, who orchestrated the whole thing. Absolutely fantastic minimalism.
· There was a great mix of American, Irish, and British actors in this cast. Stephano and King Alonso were definitely American. Trinculo was Irish (and a fantastic actor), and I couldn’t identify any other non-Brits. Part of Mendes’ Bridge Project repertory tour is a mix of all these countries, which I really appreciate. It didn’t play up the dialects, it didn’t ignore them. Very well done.
And Edward Bennett (played Ferdinand) better not be married, or unavailable. Or gay. Because I call dibs.
What a beautifully honest performance. There’s nothing better than an experience, be it a play or otherwise, that makes you want to hug your father, be a better person, and fall in love all in less than three hours. I dream I can be a part of such an innovative company that can bring this gift to people. Because that’s precisely what acting is: giving.
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