Class today was bitter-sweet. I am ready to continue to home, but I also wish I could see more plays. Everyone seemed to find something about Doctor Faustus to dislike. Dr. Black says that it is not the company’s fault, but the fault of Marlowe’s writing. Whatever the reason, I was glad I am not the only one who found it lacking.
I leave Ashland today with new knowledge, new friends, 6 wonderful plays and one not so wonderful. I think I made out well. I look forward to laying my head down in my own bed and the comfort of my family.
"So sweetly she bade me adieu,
I thought that she bade me return."
~William Shenstone
Sunday, August 7, 2005
Saturday, August 6, 2005
"He does it with a better grace, but I do it more natural."
I had a wonderful day today. I am so glad that I got to see Belle’s Stratagem. It is very witty and humorous. I found all of the costumes wonderful. The masque in Act Two combined imagination with historical costumes of the time.
Nicole and I finally made it for a walk in the park after the show. It was still too hot to walk a great distance, but we stopped for a subway sandwich and ate our lunch by one of the pounds. There we met two very friendly ducks. I named them Berowne and Dumaine. Nicole and I started feeding them, which was probably the wrong thing to do because then they wouldn’t leave us alone.
Speaking of Dumaine! Christopher DuVal came to class this morning. He plays Dumaine in OSF’s Love’s Labour’s Lost as well as Leo David in Room Service and Sir Andrew Aguecheek in Twelfth Night. Nicole and I were just discussing him last night and concluded that he was our favorite actor of the week. It was a pleasure to have him in class. I am very fond of him and glad to have personally met him – which seemed to only add to my enthusiasm for him.
In the evening we saw The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe. Based on the Faust legend, a man seels his soul to the devil in exchange for power and knowledge. The script focuses on the decay of spiritual beliefs over material gain, and the concept of Fate. Two versions of the play are known to exist. One written in 1604, is possibly an abbreviated version performed during Marlowe's lifetime. The second appeared in 1616 and is one third longer. It is speculated to be either an adaptation, or the full length origional.
I have to say it disappointed me, as well as Nicole. While there were certain moments that captured my imagination - "Why this is hell, nor am I out of it," Mephistophilis says of Earth. - I found the characters poorly written. The production value of the production is exceptional, but there was still something missing. I did not connect to the characters the way I felt I should have. It was all about spectacle, rather than humanity and religion. Perhaps in class tomorrow, others will explain its “greatness” to me.
Speaking of Dumaine! Christopher DuVal came to class this morning. He plays Dumaine in OSF’s Love’s Labour’s Lost as well as Leo David in Room Service and Sir Andrew Aguecheek in Twelfth Night. Nicole and I were just discussing him last night and concluded that he was our favorite actor of the week. It was a pleasure to have him in class. I am very fond of him and glad to have personally met him – which seemed to only add to my enthusiasm for him.
In the evening we saw The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe. Based on the Faust legend, a man seels his soul to the devil in exchange for power and knowledge. The script focuses on the decay of spiritual beliefs over material gain, and the concept of Fate. Two versions of the play are known to exist. One written in 1604, is possibly an abbreviated version performed during Marlowe's lifetime. The second appeared in 1616 and is one third longer. It is speculated to be either an adaptation, or the full length origional.
I have to say it disappointed me, as well as Nicole. While there were certain moments that captured my imagination - "Why this is hell, nor am I out of it," Mephistophilis says of Earth. - I found the characters poorly written. The production value of the production is exceptional, but there was still something missing. I did not connect to the characters the way I felt I should have. It was all about spectacle, rather than humanity and religion. Perhaps in class tomorrow, others will explain its “greatness” to me.
Friday, August 5, 2005
"Now is the woodcock near the gin."
Suzanne Irving, who plays Queen Elizabeth in Richard III and Maria in Twelfth Night this season, came to our class today. I enjoyed her company very much. She spoke a great deal about the collaborative process she experienced with the directors of OSF. I hope that one day I will be esteemed enough to be invited into such a collaborative company.
At noon, I attended a lecture regarding The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus with David Riggs from Stanford University. I do not believe that I will understand all of what he spoke of until I see the play on Saturday. I think that this main point was the stress that the audience must buy into the idea of fate in the same way audiences of the time would have. His principle idea regarding Fautus is that he is damned from the beginning and has no way of attaining salvation. I wish that I had written more notes, but I stopped regarding Riggs as a scholar when he said that Marlowe was a better playwright than Shakespeare. I will believe that when I see it! I heard quite a bit of murmuring during this topic of choice.
Nicole and I then ventured into the park. However the heat was so extreme today that I thought I might pass out. We didn’t make it far before we turned back and decided to leave the excursion for another time.
We then decided to go to a movie (probably more for the air conditioning then the movie itself). We saw Mad Hot Ballroom. I had no idea what the movie was about when we entered the theatre. It turned out to the be a documentary about teaching public school children in the New York to dance. I appreciated the effort, but the film was not well put together.
Around 8:00 PM we made our way to the Elizabethan stage to see Twelfth Night. It was everything I thought it would be and absolutely wonderful. I enjoyed myself very much. I cannot believe how new the actors made the play for me. It was off the page and into my imagination in very little time. Up at the top of the set was a beautiful golden boat on a weather vane that changed direction with the passing of each scene. Sir Andrew Aguecheek was my favorite by far. He brought excitement to the stage infused with raw humor. Tomorrow is our last day in Ashland. I will miss it terribly.
At noon, I attended a lecture regarding The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus with David Riggs from Stanford University. I do not believe that I will understand all of what he spoke of until I see the play on Saturday. I think that this main point was the stress that the audience must buy into the idea of fate in the same way audiences of the time would have. His principle idea regarding Fautus is that he is damned from the beginning and has no way of attaining salvation. I wish that I had written more notes, but I stopped regarding Riggs as a scholar when he said that Marlowe was a better playwright than Shakespeare. I will believe that when I see it! I heard quite a bit of murmuring during this topic of choice.
Nicole and I then ventured into the park. However the heat was so extreme today that I thought I might pass out. We didn’t make it far before we turned back and decided to leave the excursion for another time.
We then decided to go to a movie (probably more for the air conditioning then the movie itself). We saw Mad Hot Ballroom. I had no idea what the movie was about when we entered the theatre. It turned out to the be a documentary about teaching public school children in the New York to dance. I appreciated the effort, but the film was not well put together.
Around 8:00 PM we made our way to the Elizabethan stage to see Twelfth Night. It was everything I thought it would be and absolutely wonderful. I enjoyed myself very much. I cannot believe how new the actors made the play for me. It was off the page and into my imagination in very little time. Up at the top of the set was a beautiful golden boat on a weather vane that changed direction with the passing of each scene. Sir Andrew Aguecheek was my favorite by far. He brought excitement to the stage infused with raw humor. Tomorrow is our last day in Ashland. I will miss it terribly.
Thursday, August 4, 2005
Braggart Don Armado
I was surprised in class today when some of the adults (I say this with a grain of salt) did not share my enthusiasm for Room Service. I thought it was very enjoyable after a long day at the theatre. But I suppose it may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
After class Nicole and I went to the Folio Viewing. The Folio I saw is one of the few privately owned Folios (I believe one of two), and is from the collection of Paul G. Allen. It was opened to Love’s Labour’s Lost, to a scene of Don Armado’s. His character’s name is abbreviated “Amor,” but later is abbreviated as “Brag”. Someone told me that the change is due to his braggart-ness. I starred at the Folio under the glass and longed to touch the pages. It is very lovely.
In the evening I saw my first production on Ashland’s Elizabethan Stage. Love’s Labour’s Lost was absolutely magnificent tonight. I can think of only one word to describe it: magical.
The costumes and words where so rich with color that they literally took my breath away. The actors are very skilled in making clear moments and delivering thick layered words with ease. It is amazing to me how such a complexity of words can frame the nature of love and still reach the common man. O timeless Shakespeare!
After class Nicole and I went to the Folio Viewing. The Folio I saw is one of the few privately owned Folios (I believe one of two), and is from the collection of Paul G. Allen. It was opened to Love’s Labour’s Lost, to a scene of Don Armado’s. His character’s name is abbreviated “Amor,” but later is abbreviated as “Brag”. Someone told me that the change is due to his braggart-ness. I starred at the Folio under the glass and longed to touch the pages. It is very lovely.
In the evening I saw my first production on Ashland’s Elizabethan Stage. Love’s Labour’s Lost was absolutely magnificent tonight. I can think of only one word to describe it: magical.
The costumes and words where so rich with color that they literally took my breath away. The actors are very skilled in making clear moments and delivering thick layered words with ease. It is amazing to me how such a complexity of words can frame the nature of love and still reach the common man. O timeless Shakespeare!
Wednesday, August 3, 2005
A bottled spider
Today was very eventful and exhausting here in Ashland, Oregon. After attending “Waking Up with Shakespeare” from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, I went to a concert in Carpenter Hall. I tapped my feet on the linoleum floor and read along with the translation as the musicians sang and played Spanish songs from early Mexican American history. The concert was titled “Alta California!” and was a pleasant distraction to pass the afternoon.
At 2:00 PM I attended the matinee performance of Richard III. I am very impressed with the agility of the actor playing Richard III, James Newcomb. He moves around the stage on crutches, back hunched and legs carefully negotiating the space. I sat next to my instructor, who mouthed almost every line along with Newcomb.
Dr. Black told me at intermission that Richard III looked like a crab. I disagreed – to me he looked like a mechanical spider. He is even referred to as a “bottled spider”. Either way, the imagery was powerful.
I was a little put out that Margaret was given extra lines in this production, as well as extra appearances. Others in my group felt otherwise though, saying it was a nice touch. I just find it unnecessary.
The most memorable moment of the production is when Richard III is crowned king. He comes on stage with a long velvet red cape. It flows like a river of blood behind him as he comes down the progression of stairs up-center. I think I will forever compare this scene to every production of Richard III I see from this moment on. It is the most powerful ingle image I have experienced with Shakespeare thus far, in the visual imagery and spectacle of theatre.
At 6:05 PM Nicole and I went to see Must Love Dogs. It obviously doesn’t compare to the theatre, but I actually found it to be one of the best romantic comedies of the season.
At 8:00 PM we attended Room Service. I found the production very funny and almost laughed myself into tears several times throughout the evening. There is so much constant commotion that I almost want to see this production again, for fear I may have missed a few key elements. My stomach still hurts from laughing. A woman sitting behind me laughed so hard that after a while she could only snort! This made me laugh all the more! I am so happy that after the tragedy of Richard III, I could end my evening on a happy note.
At 2:00 PM I attended the matinee performance of Richard III. I am very impressed with the agility of the actor playing Richard III, James Newcomb. He moves around the stage on crutches, back hunched and legs carefully negotiating the space. I sat next to my instructor, who mouthed almost every line along with Newcomb.
Dr. Black told me at intermission that Richard III looked like a crab. I disagreed – to me he looked like a mechanical spider. He is even referred to as a “bottled spider”. Either way, the imagery was powerful.
I was a little put out that Margaret was given extra lines in this production, as well as extra appearances. Others in my group felt otherwise though, saying it was a nice touch. I just find it unnecessary.
The most memorable moment of the production is when Richard III is crowned king. He comes on stage with a long velvet red cape. It flows like a river of blood behind him as he comes down the progression of stairs up-center. I think I will forever compare this scene to every production of Richard III I see from this moment on. It is the most powerful ingle image I have experienced with Shakespeare thus far, in the visual imagery and spectacle of theatre.
At 6:05 PM Nicole and I went to see Must Love Dogs. It obviously doesn’t compare to the theatre, but I actually found it to be one of the best romantic comedies of the season.
At 8:00 PM we attended Room Service. I found the production very funny and almost laughed myself into tears several times throughout the evening. There is so much constant commotion that I almost want to see this production again, for fear I may have missed a few key elements. My stomach still hurts from laughing. A woman sitting behind me laughed so hard that after a while she could only snort! This made me laugh all the more! I am so happy that after the tragedy of Richard III, I could end my evening on a happy note.
Tuesday, August 2, 2005
Napoli Milionaria! Viva La Italia!
The first day of class was wonderful. Everyone seems intelligent and passionate about Shakespeare! I feel right at home. Dr. Jim Black of Calgary, Canada lectured on Richard III. It was very interesting how Henry VII (Richmond) demonized Richard III in the Tudor Histories.
The Facts: Born 1452. Richard III was born with a deformed shoulder, which is exaggerated in the Tudor Histories. He was crowned in 1583 and reigned for 2 years. Historically he was married to Ann for 14 years. They had a daughter who died of natural causes. Ann is said to have died of grief form the loss and of TB. He was the last king of the House of York and the last of the Plantagenet dynasty. His defeat at the Battle of Bosworth Field was the decisive battle of the Wars of the Roses and is sometimes regarded as the end of the Middle Ages in England.
The Myth: Legend says Richard III's mother had a 16 to 18 month pregnancy and Richard III was born with teeth - "I came to bite the world."
The Play: Richard III was first played by Richard Burbage (Shakespeare’s leading and probably favorite actor). Women are pawns in historical drama. Richard' s relations with Ann can be described as "Meeting Cute" - a hate to love relationship. Elizabethan courtship consisted of the negotiate (between the parents), the ceremony (the wedding), and the consummation.
"It’s not enough to speak Richard III. You have to whistle it too.” – George Bernard Shaw.
Nicole and I walked around town some more and visited the local shops. In the Tudor Gift Shop I bought a pair of tragedy mask earrings and a sterling silver bracelet with a white stone in the center.
We watched a show on the lawn in front of the Elizabethan Stage. The show combined jazz music and dance. There were live singers, dancers and musicians.
At 8:30 PM we attended Napoli Milionaria! It is a dark comedy, by playwright Eduardo De Filippo. It is a study of a Naples family, struggling through World War II, seamlessly transitioning between comedy and tragedy. Some of the scenes seem very Vaudeville-like, but before I knew it I was back in the moment wondering whether I should be laughing or weeping.
The play revolves around American occupied Southern Italy. When the play begins we see that rebel Italians have retreated to northern Italy, with casualties on both sides. Napes suffered heavy bombing and we are left with the aftermath of war. Life is sustained by a black market where everything tangible becomes a commodity. Aristocrats are the dominant culture, while the people of Naples suffer.
I became very interesting in the father figure of the play. He seemed to preach about morality, yet there are times that, perhaps without thought, he takes from his children. He literally takes bread out of the hands of his child. I also wonder about his “reservations”. At one point he plays dead and the audience sees him return to life. As the family scrambles around town to find medicine for their sick child (whom the audience never sees), I quickly realized that the child wasn’t a child at all; The child is a metaphor for Italy. It seemed Italy was cured by American medicine- I wonder was this says about the point of view of the author.
The Facts: Born 1452. Richard III was born with a deformed shoulder, which is exaggerated in the Tudor Histories. He was crowned in 1583 and reigned for 2 years. Historically he was married to Ann for 14 years. They had a daughter who died of natural causes. Ann is said to have died of grief form the loss and of TB. He was the last king of the House of York and the last of the Plantagenet dynasty. His defeat at the Battle of Bosworth Field was the decisive battle of the Wars of the Roses and is sometimes regarded as the end of the Middle Ages in England.
The Myth: Legend says Richard III's mother had a 16 to 18 month pregnancy and Richard III was born with teeth - "I came to bite the world."
The Play: Richard III was first played by Richard Burbage (Shakespeare’s leading and probably favorite actor). Women are pawns in historical drama. Richard' s relations with Ann can be described as "Meeting Cute" - a hate to love relationship. Elizabethan courtship consisted of the negotiate (between the parents), the ceremony (the wedding), and the consummation.
"It’s not enough to speak Richard III. You have to whistle it too.” – George Bernard Shaw.
Nicole and I walked around town some more and visited the local shops. In the Tudor Gift Shop I bought a pair of tragedy mask earrings and a sterling silver bracelet with a white stone in the center.
We watched a show on the lawn in front of the Elizabethan Stage. The show combined jazz music and dance. There were live singers, dancers and musicians.
At 8:30 PM we attended Napoli Milionaria! It is a dark comedy, by playwright Eduardo De Filippo. It is a study of a Naples family, struggling through World War II, seamlessly transitioning between comedy and tragedy. Some of the scenes seem very Vaudeville-like, but before I knew it I was back in the moment wondering whether I should be laughing or weeping.
The play revolves around American occupied Southern Italy. When the play begins we see that rebel Italians have retreated to northern Italy, with casualties on both sides. Napes suffered heavy bombing and we are left with the aftermath of war. Life is sustained by a black market where everything tangible becomes a commodity. Aristocrats are the dominant culture, while the people of Naples suffer.
I became very interesting in the father figure of the play. He seemed to preach about morality, yet there are times that, perhaps without thought, he takes from his children. He literally takes bread out of the hands of his child. I also wonder about his “reservations”. At one point he plays dead and the audience sees him return to life. As the family scrambles around town to find medicine for their sick child (whom the audience never sees), I quickly realized that the child wasn’t a child at all; The child is a metaphor for Italy. It seemed Italy was cured by American medicine- I wonder was this says about the point of view of the author.
Monday, August 1, 2005
Car rides & King’s Corner
Today I arrived in Ashland, Oregon with my good friend Nicole. It was a long drive through Northern California, but well worth the hardship. I drove most of the way. Nicole is still a new driver behind the wheel and although she shared some of the burden I was content to drive the majority of the way.
We arrived at Southern Oregon University just a little past 3:00 PM. Our room in Cox Hall is small but seems pleasant. The beds are pushed up against the wall with a window between them. White sheets and a grey wool blanket look surprising lavish after our long journey.
As we batted at a fly that had made its way through the open window, many interesting people marched through the hall. We left our door open in hopes that a friendly passerby would find us interesting too. Most of the people who pass simply gap at our antics to shoo the fly out of the room, and continue down the hall without a word. We finally resorted to killing the fly, which was much more efficient.
I situated my things and suggested to Nicole that we might want to explore the town. She agreed and we left our room to find ourselves back in the car again! We made a few wrong turns but finally found the festival grounds. I awed at the Elizabethan Stage and observed the tall black windows of the Angus Bowmer Theatre. I found our classroom at New Place, between the Black Swan and the New Theatre. I pressed close up to the glass and shaded my eyes to look in the window of the Tutor Gift Show, wondering what treasures await me inside.
Most of the shops on Siskiyou Boulevard are closed for the night. Nicole picked a small sandwich shop called The Greenleaf to have dinner. We indulged ourselves in a sandwich and a cool drink. We have since returned to the dorm for the night.
A few games of King’s Corner quickly tired me. I am ready to melt into bed and dream of the adventures that await me tomorrow. I bought some postcards in town today, but have decided to save them a few days so that I may write to my loved ones of the plays I have seen and the people I have met. Thirty-two cents a stamp and thirty-five cents a postcard is a small price to pay to give a piece of my happiness to my friends and family. If only all joy could be so affordable.
I go to bed hoping that my class tomorrow, “Wake Up With Shakespeare” will be all that I think it will and more than I expect. Goodnight. Tomorrow I will be watching Napoli Milionaria at about this time and dreaming fresh dreams.
We arrived at Southern Oregon University just a little past 3:00 PM. Our room in Cox Hall is small but seems pleasant. The beds are pushed up against the wall with a window between them. White sheets and a grey wool blanket look surprising lavish after our long journey.
As we batted at a fly that had made its way through the open window, many interesting people marched through the hall. We left our door open in hopes that a friendly passerby would find us interesting too. Most of the people who pass simply gap at our antics to shoo the fly out of the room, and continue down the hall without a word. We finally resorted to killing the fly, which was much more efficient.
I situated my things and suggested to Nicole that we might want to explore the town. She agreed and we left our room to find ourselves back in the car again! We made a few wrong turns but finally found the festival grounds. I awed at the Elizabethan Stage and observed the tall black windows of the Angus Bowmer Theatre. I found our classroom at New Place, between the Black Swan and the New Theatre. I pressed close up to the glass and shaded my eyes to look in the window of the Tutor Gift Show, wondering what treasures await me inside.
Most of the shops on Siskiyou Boulevard are closed for the night. Nicole picked a small sandwich shop called The Greenleaf to have dinner. We indulged ourselves in a sandwich and a cool drink. We have since returned to the dorm for the night.
A few games of King’s Corner quickly tired me. I am ready to melt into bed and dream of the adventures that await me tomorrow. I bought some postcards in town today, but have decided to save them a few days so that I may write to my loved ones of the plays I have seen and the people I have met. Thirty-two cents a stamp and thirty-five cents a postcard is a small price to pay to give a piece of my happiness to my friends and family. If only all joy could be so affordable.
I go to bed hoping that my class tomorrow, “Wake Up With Shakespeare” will be all that I think it will and more than I expect. Goodnight. Tomorrow I will be watching Napoli Milionaria at about this time and dreaming fresh dreams.
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Wake Up with Shakespeare 2005
Hello World! Get ready! Tomorrow I leave for Ashland to attend the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. OSF is one of the oldest (founded in 1935), most esteemed non-profit theatres in the nation. I have enrolled in “Wake Up with Shakespeare,” a class devoted to the exploration of select plays in the 2005 season. Over the course of six days I will see seven plays. I have coerced my best friend, Nicole, to embark on this journey with me. Together we hope to be entertained and make new discoveries. Bring on the players!
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