Re: RSC

From: Jim Rovira <jrovira@drew.edu>
Date: Wed Oct 23 2002 - 09:26:51 EDT

We saw The Tempest. My wife has a background in theater and was very
impressed. I was too -- but felt that the set almost overwhelmed the
language.

The set was completely bare except for a large, low, round platform on
hydraulics that pitched and rolled for the boat scene, moved back and tilted
up for the island scenes, and lit up to set mood or flashed for lightning
during other parts of the production. Four narrow chrome rope-like ladders
descended from the ceiling in the opening storm segment, with sailors on
them. The actors and actresses had to have been given some acrobatic
training because their movements on the ladders (and later ropes) to
simulate falling, a storm, etc. were very well staged.

During other parts of the performance large colored ropes descended from the
ceiling, and the spirits under Prospero's command would slowly roll down the
ropes with arms and legs extended.

It was visually stunning for what was essentially a completely bare set --
everything visually was accomplished through lighting, that round platform,
and the ropes/ladders.

The performance was acted very well -- some of the performers were acting
professionally for the first time. I felt that some of the monster's lines
at the very end didn't quite have the impact they should have, and that
Prospero's change of heart was a bit rushed -- I wasn't sure if this was the
acting, though, or simply the fact that the audience just spent 2 hours
going Wow over the set :).

No regrets, though :). It was a Fabulous performance. I'd see it again.
My university is doing the Tempest now and I'm totally tempted to see it
just to compare the two :).

Jim

Matt Kozusko wrote:

> Which RSC production did you see, Jim? I saw their Jacobean season at
> the Swan, and it was fantastic. The Shakespeare at the RST left much to
> be desired, as usual.
> --
> Il n'y a pas de hors texte,
>
> Matt
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Received on Wed Oct 23 09:26:54 2002

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