Lovely Shakespeare Night!

[plumtreeblossom]

Thank you to all the wonderful people who showed up for the Shakespeare On The Common outing last night -- too many of you to even list. There were Firsties, friends, and new folks to meet from tremontshul. We had a perfect night for visiting pre-show and watching Taming Of The Shrew, all snuggled up on the giant blanket(s). It was cool and humidity-free, and the sky was even so clear that there were a few visible stars over Boston Common.

I really loved their production of this particular play.


Always skeptical of non-traditional treatments of Elizabethan plays, the 1950s Italian-American motif really worked for me. They were 100% shameless in their milking of every double entendre and charged word, especially author-unintended ones born of changes in English language idioms ("Give him head!" actually meant "let him be in charge," but that didn't stop the giggles.) The actor playing Hortensio, a talented ART character actor usually wasted on servant and simpleton roles, was brilliant in how he turned a music lesson into a smarm-fest of dirty old man ickiness. The actress playing Kate was supurb, and even the final Kate speech, arguably one of the most sexist monologues ever written, was delivered in such a vampy, tongue-in-cheek tone that Kate retained lots of power, having traded the power of rage for sexual power.


The show runs through Sunday. I highly recommend it for those so inclined. It beats the pants off ART's stilted art-fart production, and is wonderfully human and clowningly charming. Thanks to all who came out!

Comments

[gilana]

Thank you for organizing, grabbing us such a primo spot, and being the only person anyone could find!

I second the above review, it was one of the most enjoyable Shakespeare productions I've ever seen. Definitely worth seeing.

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Thank you for bringing all the Shul people over! It was nice having such a big group, and a mix of old and new faces.

[lifecollage.livejournal.com]

I third the review, and the interpretation of Kate. Any play that has me discussing the actor/director's interpretation of a character and lines for the 45 minutes of getting home has got to be a good one.

And thank you also for allowing us to enjoy it in such splendid company. Truly a lovely evening.

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

So glad the both of you came out! I should check and see what's playing at The Publick Theatre (also outdoors, but with real seating). Last night's show was so good, though I'll never again be able to hear the word "fingering" without squicking!

Someday I'd love to see mangosteen do Shakespeare.

[ayelle.livejournal.com]

It's The Beard of Avon! I'm going on August 20th, you should totally com.

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

I will if I can afford it. I love the Publick!

[beowabbit]

Thank you so much for organizing the gathering! I wanted to remember to do this every summer after seeing Hamlet last year, but I definitely would have forgotten on my own. And thanks for your delightful company!

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

*snuggles*

Organizing these has been a tradition for me from the start. In fact I was on the wardrobe crew for their very 1st production (Midsummer Night's Dream). But I like being in the audience much better. :-)

[minkrose]

see, I never found Kate's speech to be sexist. I was usually ALONE in my shakespeare classes on this point but I really do feel that you have to see it with some context for the times! Also, a BDSM perspective shift helps.

The way it always felt to me, the way that makes sense, is that Kate's kinda like myself. Definitely dominant in her daily life, feels a need to be in control. But, more comfortable being submissive when it comes to sexual matters. Even so, subs can rule from below - such as, "you're going to take me home, tie me up and fuck me - cuz I'm TELLING you to." I've always felt that that was Kate's approach to the situation and that Pettrucio not only gets that, but encourages it. I think they both enjoy the power-play and that's what makes them work together.

Still, it's definitely a play that has to feel right to a person. I can completely understand coming from a place where that monologue is never going to feel comfortable and watching their interactions mirrors some bad experience too closely to be enjoyed. I've always loved the shrew - even before I was sub.
I am sad I didn't make it.

[minkrose]

gah; for some reason, my keyboard COMPLETELY stopped working in Firefox & I had to close and reopen it. Hence my unfinished comment.

I'm definitely going to try to see the show before it closes. I just couldn't stay in the city last night - I had to be home for some family stuff. I'm sure the weekends are more crowded but I'll figure something out.

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Also, a BDSM perspective shift helps.

I totally thought about that as I was watching the monologue, and Kate after it. That dynamic was there on a certain below-the-surface level that you could sort of smell but not quite see outright.

Do make a point to see this. I think you'll love it.