The Duchess At The Wanamaker

[poliphilo]

I was watching a recording of The Duchess of Malfi from the Globe's new indoor theatre last night. I only got to just over the half way mark because the computer kept stopping and starting (blame the internet connection) and then it was bedtime, but I saw enough to be able to imagine the rest. Candlelight is the loveliest of artificial lights.  How Shakespeare must have loved it- towards the end of his career- when he got to work in a theatre with a roof- and things became possible that had never been possible before.  Webster has a scene where the lights go down completely and something horrific happens in the dark. That must have been electrifying first time round.

I was taught The Duchess at 6th form level by an English teacher who loved it- and passed his love on.  When we read it in class I played Ferdinand to his Bosola.  Webster is our greatest dramatic poet after Shakespeare and there are scenes in the Duchess where he's operating at the older man's level.

Strangling is a very quiet death.

Comments

[nineweaving.livejournal.com]

It broke my heart I couldn't see this in the theatre. I am very glad it was filmed.

Nine

[lblanchard.livejournal.com]

The post title stopped me for a moment, since the legendary Wanamaker's department store is such an icon here in Philadelphia. I suppose they could play The Duchess of Malfi in the Grand Court, if so inclined.

Filming of live theater is pretty wonderful. We saw Richard II, starring David Tennant, in a cinema; it took our breath away.

[porsupah.livejournal.com]

I do hope this trend of broadcasting and/or recording theatrical performances continues. Often, it can simply be impractical for people to make it along to a venue, especially internationally - or, a show can be sold out rapidly. There's nothing quite like being right there, of course, but it's almost as good to simply be able to revel in masterful performances.

I hadn't been aware they were reconstructing an indoor theatre there! Most cool. (Reminds me, I ought to try getting along to one of the Open Air Theatre shows this year)