So, after 16 years of living here in Ashland, I finally hit up a real Shakespeare play -- "Twelfth Night" last night.What was keeping me away? you might ask.
I mean, I've seen almost all the other OSF plays, and nearly everything Off-Bardway (isn't that the funniest word? it means all the other theaters in the area.)
Anyway, it was the language.
I just never felt driven to sit for three hours and decipher mid-sixteenth century English.
But I don't know what I'd been worrying about.
The language was so not a problem!
I want to go again! I want to see everything -- the dramas, the comedies.
And the setting -- the open, outdoor theater, with bugs and bats and the teeniest breeze!
And the costumes -- the lace and brocade and rhinestones!
Oh, and the actors! They were charming, funny, incredibly pro! Veteran Michael Hume is always a treat to see. And "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" director (and my new friend) Chris Moore made the perfect Malvolio.
Okay, I was home late (11) looking up words like "pestilence" and "accost" and "usurp." And I still can't figure out why the whole thing was titled as such.
But now I know where this comes from: "If music be the food of love, then play on!"
Oh, and this little gem I tucked under my shiny belt: "Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them."
9 comments:
I can't believe you've been in Ashland for 16 years and just now went to a Shakespeare play! Oh, girl. LOL.
I've missed you too, bff! :-)
It's terrible, Shannon. No excuse! All that avoiding and whining! To think of what I've missed these last 16 years!
We loved Hamlet - especially Chad. What's not to like about a beat-boxing crew of gangsta rappers?
Love that quote, and it's bizarre that I usually don't like old movies, etc, but I love Shakespeare.
One of my dream vacays has always been to head off to Stratford, Ontario with tickets in hand and a saucy grin and a jaunt to my step... because, yes, I'm a little odd. Charmingly odd, of course.
You're so lucky to live where there is a full-blown Shakespeare festival... and after a quick look online it turns out Ashland is way closer to my neck of the woods than is Stratford. Hm... something to keep in mind! ;)
I'm sure there will be more Shakespeare in your future. :) I'm glad you had such a wonderful time....
Debbie, Ashland awaits! The arts are amazing -- but the food! -- and the folks -- are even better!
And Sharon, I think you're absolutely right!
I loved this post! Makes me want to go see a real Shakespeare play now. I too have never had the desire... thinking I would have to think too much to figure out what is going on. Maybe the key is just to sit back and take it all in and think not.
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