Women of Will

TINA PACKER. TINA PACKER. TINA PACKER. I can’t stop talking about Tina Packer. What can I say about Tina Packer? Well, truly everything I can say will fall short of expressing the extraordinary woman, artist, scholar and teacher she proves to be. As the founder of Shakespeare & Company, a group that I hold in high esteem, Ms. Packer is an advocate for exposing the truth in Shakespeare’s language. She believes that the words tell the story, a concept that is often overlooked by contempory theatre artists interested in embodying a character.

Women of Will, directed by my favorite theatre artists, Eric Tucker, investigates Shakespeare’s text through the eyes of his female characters. At the Kirk Douglas last tonight, audiences only saw an overview of Ms. Packer’s 5 part series, but our short time together proved inspirational. With years of experience, Tina Packer is like a fine wine, she only gets better with age. Ms. Packer posses the ability to transform herself into any age, accurately depicting the love struck Juliet as easily as the words can be produced from her lips. Assisted by Nigel Gore, Ms. Packard explores such characters as Kate (Taming of the Shrew), Joan of Arc (Henry VI, part i), and Desdemona (Othello), among others.

Though Ms. Packer has been shaping and expanding Women of Will since the mid-1990s, it still feels like a work in progress. Watching the production unfold is somewhat like watching a workshop or rehearsal. However, watching Ms. Packer work is probably the most fantastic vision I have ever seen in my life. Directly addressing the audience in between segments, Ms. Packer gives audiences an insight into her very important approach to Shakespeare. Eric Tuckers direction creates imaginary space on a bare set and perfect transitions from one dialog to another.

I wish I could explain in words Ms. Packer’s use of breath, body and voice in a way that could accurately relate her visceral impact on my body when she performs. Her energy and voice are felt in my soul. Yet such a feeling can only be experienced in person. Therefore I urge you to look for Women of Will as it tours across the county. Chances are you will see Shakespeare like you have never seen or understood it before.

Women of Will will be performed Saturday March 5th at 8pm, and Sunday, March 6th at 7pm. The show runs 2.5 hrs including intermission. Tickets are $35 General Admission, $20 Students and Seniors. The Kirk Douglas Theater is located at 9820 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90232.