Invalid & August take the cake

A few words regarding The Imaginary Invalid…


Oded Gross and Tracy Young have adapted and re-imagined Molière's 17th century comedy "The Imaginary Invalid" as a musical with mixed results. Picking up a French Restoration satire and placing it in the 1960s is not an easy task.

David Kelly (last year’s Fallstaff and a brilliant comedic actor) plays the wealthy Argan, a hypochondriac and father of two mod daughters Angelique (Kimbre Lancaster) and Louison (Nell Geisslinger). The play is generally classified as a comedy of manners, as it deals with tactless characters and romance among other various subject manners.

The production seems to highlight the efforts of a remarkable maid, Toinette, as she tries to keep the rumpus household in check and at peace. K.T. Vogt's smirking servant shines in every way as she manipulates the household for the betterment of the family.

The main action involves Angelique's suitor Cleante (Christopher Livingston) as he attempts to disrupt Argan's plan to have his daughter marry medical student, Thomas Diafoirus (the comically skilled Daisuke Tsuji), so there will always be a doctor in the house. At the same time, Argan's life-loving brother Beralde (Jeffrey King) wants to dispose of all the medicine in Argan's life, while maintaining a secretive love-affair with the household servant Toinette.

Large musical numbers, gross and physical comedy bring two hours of entertainment to the stage. A visual pleasure!

Some thoughts about August: Osage County…

August: Osage County, is a Pulizer Prize winning show that I have previously mentioned in my blog. It centers around the dysfunctional dynamics of a family coping with a father's suicide, a mother's addiction to pills, divorces, scandals and incest against the backdrop of Oklahoma.

OSF’s production certainly invokes the atmosphere of a midwestern setting: presenting the audience with an almost full scale house on the Angus Bowmer stage. It is clear from the talented ensemble cast of actors, the OSF has tremendous acting company.

Caesar & Henry meet at last

I arrived in Ashland, Oregon, for the Shakespeare Festival late last night. On a Monday evening there is little to do in Ashland. The theatre is dark and most of the businesses are closed. However after a light meal in Medford I nourished my body and looked forward to nourishing my mind with the next day’s activities.

The first event of the day was the official Backstage Tour. However, this turned out to be less of a “tour” and more of a history lesson regarding the origins of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. The only backstage area really visited was backstage on the Elizabethan Stage and the underground common Green Room. I would have liked to have seen the facilities in the Angus Bowmer as well, but alas! Onward to Julius Caesar!

A few words about Julius Caesar…

Oregon Shakespeare Festival's Julius Caesar is stripped down to the raw element. It is a new revisioning, spare, and fast-paced production. The director, Amanda Dehnert, took great care to create a show which involved the audience as part of the action (the citizens of Rome) and highlights the humanity of the play. Through political manipulation a would-be tyrant is toppled only to be replaced by civil war and the rise of yet another sole power.

Is Caesar, the conquering hero, propelling Rome from a republic into a monarchy? That is what Cassius claims. Brutus, close friend of Caesar, is not quite sure. He is disturbed by how Caesar has filled the power vacuum and he's wary of Caesar's popularity. But Brutus is reluctant to cast Caesar as a tyrant.

Most interesting is the choice to cast a woman, Vilma Silva, in the role of Julius Caesar. What does this say about the play? How does this redistribute our vision of power? Does this create a platform for which Caesar is more of a victim? All valid questions as the play unfolds before its audience.

Gregory Linington's Cassius perfectly embodies a man with a "lean and hungry look," the type of man that Caesar explains "thinks too much." It is difficult to tell at time whether Cassius is driven by visions of a new democracy, or his own ambition. In contrast, Jonathan Haugen's Brutus is tortured by his thinking. He is a sophisticated thinkers, but not impenetrable to the plots of Cassius. Danforth Comins as Mark Antony plays are much larger role in the play then typically presented, as he recants the dialog of Calpurnia, who has been removed from the play. In a scene normally between husband and wife, Caesar and Antony council each other friend-to-friend moments before Caesar is assassinated.

In this new, cut, and remolded edition of Shakespeare’s play there is much to debate. Julius Caesar proves a truly thought-provoking afternoon at the theatre.

A few reflections of Henry IV part 2...

I had the pleasure of seeing the last “preview” performance of Henry IV, Part Two, directed by Lisa Peterson. Part Two is the middle play between Part One and Henry V, a lesser known play and certainly less popular. However it is much needed and as Peterson calls it "the meat of the sandwich”. This is the play where Prince Hal makes his final transformations into King Henry V and Fallstaff falls out of favor.

Many of the actors from last year's Part One have returned, with John Tufts as Prince Hal, Richard Howard as King Henry IV, Christine Albright as Lady Percy, Howie Seago as Poins and Brent Hinkley as Bardolph. However, we are given a new Fallstaff, Michael Winters, and a new Mistress Quickly, Kimberly Scott. Both attack their roles, but were not as vibrant to me as last year’s players.

A combination of modern and period dress presented itself on the stage, making it difficult to dercern time and place. Yet, in comes Rumor to set us straight…. Or not. After all, rumors cannot be trusted, as is suggested many times throughout the play.

Hamlet and the Ghost Speak ASL

The main event today was seeing Dan Donohue in the role of Hamlet. Upon entering the theatre I was struck by the action already taking place on stage. Hamlet sat along amongst rows and rows of chairs before a casket as if lingering after his father’s funeral. As the audience entered the space everything was slowly cleared around him, until finally he stood up and left the space. Thus the play began.

Stone walls moved in and out of the A-symmetrical space, in the modern world created for this timeless play.

The ghosts appeared, played by the deaf actor Howie Seago, who used ASL to sign his lines to his distressed son. Hamlet repeated many of the lines back to him, althoughthe meaning was clear even to those who are unfamilar with ASL.

Armed with a pair of scissors, which cut at his clothing and ultimately brought and end to Polonius, Hamlet feigned madness to plot the revenge murder of his Uncle.

This production is littered with wonderful tid-bits and is an absolute must see.

OSF Belongs To Its Audience

Today class was filled with discussion, most of which was long-winded, tedious and not worth recounting. It saddens me that I have not felt a deeper connection with the group.

At 12 Noon we were fortunate enough to attend a lecture by artistic director Bill Rauch. He spoke with vigor about how he played a role in choosing the current season of plays and gave us insight into the creation of cast, crew and overall production choices for the season. I can hardly believe the amount of time and the heart that is put into this company. I was most impressed when he quoted the founder by saying that OSF “belongs to its audience.”

I had the immense pleasure of seeing Pride and Prejudice. Kate Hurster stole my heart as Elizabeth Bennet, and Elijah Alexander came in as a dark knight as Mr. Darcy. I was immediately transported to a romantic world filled with wit and eloquence. The costumes were picturesque. This is the only adaptation I have seen on the stage, but it is the standard to which I will compare all other productions.

We ended the afternoon by visiting the first folio at the New Theatre, Mom was a bit bored with this final event, not understanding that she stood over one of the most pristine surviving copies of the folio but I was pleased to see it for the second time.

Now we are taking the time to visit Aunt Marsha and Uncle Brian before we return to the theatre tomorrow for Hamlet.

Fun at Maraczek's Parfumerie!

This morning Anthony Heald graced us with his presence, starting our class activities off right.

His performance as Shylock last night made many of us question the anti-Semitism and prejudice in society. His most interesting comment came when he was asked about his chilling final scene in which Shylock loses the trial and is forced to become a Christian. The diversity of reactions in the audience, ranging from gasps to sighs to giggles showed what a truly relevant issue this still is in today’s society, just as it was in Shakespeare’s. Heald said that he felt Antonio was trying to do the right thing and save Shylock’s soul, not “punish” him.

At 1:30 PM we attended She Loves Me, a musical comedy which inspired the film You’ve Got Mail. I find myself still thinking of the great humor and adorable melodies. The spectacle of the set, costumes, music and physical comedy all made me take a deep sigh of relief after spending the beginning of the week in the realm of drama and tragedy.



In the evening we saw Twelfth Night. Christopher Liam Moore, a Southern Californian actor I have seen at the Pasadena Playhouse in As You Like It delivered a fantastic performance full of pomp. His fall was long and hard. After being confined in a giant birdcage as Malvolio, he returned beaten physically and mentally damaged. Michael Elich as Feste reminded me very much of Ben Kingsley in the film adaptation.

I was also please to see the sadness and tragic romance Brooke Parks brought to the role of Viola. In contrast I found Miriam Laube’s Olivia too silly for my taste.

All in all, a perfectly charming day at the theatre filled with laughter and smiles.

"In sooth, I know not why I am so sad"

Today in class the discussions were heated. There seemed to be mixed reviews over the direction the actor playing Falstaff took in Henry IV, Part One and the use of projections in Throne of Blood. All of which were over-wrought personal opinions.

I am quite annoyed with the group today who are acting like spoiled children, but perhaps that is my illness talking. I am almost certain that I have food poisoning and am constantly nauseated – which is not the best thing to be in a crowded room. I can only hope that a visit to the local drug store will set me right.

Later in the morning Kevin Kenerly (the title character in Throne of Blood and Percy in Henry IV, Part One) joined the class for some valuable insights into his processes. I found it intriguing that he is from a humble Detroit background and has worked with the Hilberry Repertory Theatre!

At noon we attended a lecture by David Riggs from Stanford University, than enjoyed the rest of the afternoon in the park.

We attended the Green Show where I was pleased to see Alta California! They are a really fun group of musicians and singers.

Tonight’s performance of The Merchant of Venice brought a sense of humanity to the state that I find rare in productions of this play. The costumes, a mix of modern and Elizabethan dress, seemed to visually reflect how prejudice in today’s society really hasn’t changed much.

Beyond the greatness of Anthony Heald playing Shylock, there was a beautiful moment at the end that still haunts me. This production chose Antonio to show remorse for his actions, as he parted ways with Bassanio into the darkness of the final blackout. I am very interested to hear from Anthony Heald and my classmates how this choice affected the meaning of the play.

2010 Oregon Shakespeare Festival - So It Begins!

First Day of class at the 2010 Oregon Shakespeare Festival – I find myself in Ashland for the first time with my two favorite people, my parents. My first year at OSF, I took my best girlfriend Nicole. My second year, I took my father. And now here I am with my father and my mother. I am optimistic that they will enjoy this experience as much as I will.

We arrived early last night and checked in to our hotel. We decided to stay at the Holiday Inn again this year. It is about 3 miles from the festival, but we like the familiarity of it.

We drove into Medford for dinner. We ate that the Black Bear Diner and returned early to our hotel so we would be well-rested for today’s activities.

At 9 AM we met New Place for our first Wake Up with Shakespeare discussion class and were greeted by our instructor, Alan Armstrong. He is a pleasant gentleman and very intelligent, but a little disorganized.

The class is much larger this year than I have seen in previous years. And for the first time I am not the youngest audience member in my class. As it turns out I have graduated into the middle age group of Shakespeare – I am not sure how I feel about this yet, but at least I will not be picked on for my youth.

In the afternoon we attended Throne of Blood in the Angus Bowmer. Based on Akira Kurosawa’s film of the same title, this play astounded me with its visual and cultural connections to Noh Theatre, while keeping true to the base story-line of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Directed and adapted by Ping Chong, this play is truly a spectacle to behold.

Lady Asaji Washizu (Lady Macbeth) is haunting with her white face paint and synchronized Noh movements. Played by the Japanese actress, Ako, Lady Asaji appeared doll-like and nightmarish. Unlike Kevin Kenerly’s portrayal of Taketoki Washizu (Macbeth) which emphasized the humanity of his character.

After the show I felt suddenly ill, so we returned to the car after Throne of Blood to nap. I felt a little sick to my stomach and a headache pressed against the back of my eyes. Perhaps this was a side effect of the dreaded Scottish Play, or a result of yesterday’s dinner at the Black Bear Diner. Luckily the weather was nice enough to nap in the car with the windows down. Later we woke to walk the tiny community of Ashland and eat at the Greenleaf Café.

We then returned to the Elizabethan stage in the evening to watch Henry IV, Part One. I instantly fell in love with this history play. My dear Richard Howard (Cyrano from 2006) played King Henry. I love the silent agony that appears in the sparkle of his eye.

David Kelly stole the show as Sir John Falstaff. Dressed in a fat suit, this remarkable actor delivered the crude character burping and farting his way into our hearts like Don Quixote.

Rounding out the masterful performances of the night John Tufts caught my eye and ear every time he entered the stage as Prince Hal. I assume that they are setting him up to play Hal next year in Henry IV, Part Two. His character arc from a young drunkard to a honorable prince made his dismissal of Falstaf all the more tragic.

We could not have started out theatre experiences here in Ashland on a better note.

All that is left for me to do is take my NyQuil and try to get my body back on track for further adventures.

Penache!

A couple of days ago I stumbled across a second-hand copy of Cyrano de Bergerac, from the Broadway production with Kevin Kline and Jennifer Garner. I immediately bought it. I watched it last night and found myself deeply touched by their performances and the characters. I thought about a production I had seen at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. I remember sitting with my father in their outdoor Elizabethan theatre and forgetting myself in the play. It just so happened that the Cyrano that night was an understudy, who had learned the lines in 24 hours, studied the blocking by watching a taped rehearsal and had only one performance the previous night under his belt. A prompter sat in the front row, but forgetting their presence I was jolted back into reality when he called for a line in the third scene. After that he was picture perfect. I cried for 20 minutes after the show, thinking about the beauty of Cyrano under the guise of a circumstantially large nose, and the tragedy of unspoken love. I never thought I would feel that conneciton again, but Kevin Kline brought that back to me last night. I cried as he recited his love letter to Roxanne in the last scene, stained with his blood and tears, and I continued to cry as I removed the disk from the DVD player. I think Cyrano de Bergerac is one of those plays that iwll always touch me. Moments like these remind me of the magic theatre brings to its audiences.

"I think the moon is a world like this one, and the Earth is its moon."

'Tis a rock! A peak! A cape! – A cape? Forsooth! 'Tis a peninsula!

Robynn Rodriguez (Constance, Bellerose) came to our class today. She was very fun to talk with. She has time touring with other theatre companies and seems to keep her options more open then some of the other actors. She is well favored here in Ashland and has always been invited back, even on some of her year-long touring absences. I admire her for passion to explore theatre in a variety of environments and push herself beyond a need for safety and security.

After class Dad and I went back to our hotel room and took a much needed 3 hour nap. It felt good to have the afternoon off, especially with the excitement of Cyrano de Bergerac brewing in the air!

Cyrano de Bergerac is set in Paris France, 1640. Parisian theatre was very popular; they loved realism, spectacle, horse shows and melodramas.

The first production of Cyrano de Bergerac opened Dec. 28th 1897, with a cast of 70 to 80 actors. Playwright Edmond Rostand was just 29 years old. Men in France lived by a code established by their birth order: the 1st son inherited everything, the 2nd son went into the church, and the youngest sons went into the army. Their family would typically buy their promotions.

At the time there was a “code of duello.” Men wear weapons at all times and all men were trained in weaponry. They fought duels for almost any occasion: insults to family, clothing, politics, intelligence, etc. All duels were fought to the death.

Women sought the “Précieuse” (the precious ones) – a movement of women that demanded men with wit, intelligence, good manners, a talent in the arts and cleverness with language. In contrast, “Gascons” were men of empty boasting. They have pride, a gift for exaggeration, courage, grandeur of spirit and a love of the grand gesture.

The play has been translated and performed many times, and is responsible for introducing the word "panache" into the English language - which not only refers to Cyrano's white plume, but also to his flamboyant spirit.

Tonight we saw the understudy for Cyrano, but I could not imagine the role being played by anyone better. He stepped into a role bigger then Hamlet without a script and never broke character. He only faulted once, but he called for a line so seamlessly that I hardly noticed. Richard Howard is fabulous! In the last scene where Cyrano prepares himself for his death and recites the letter he wrote to Roxanne, I found myself in tears. I collected myself only for the curtain call, for which the entire audience rose to their feet. Richard Howard delivered the language so beautifully that I felt the emotional life of his character completely. I can only dream that someday someone will love me as much as Cyrano loved Roxanne.

This play was a perfect ending to my theatre experience this year in Ashland. Here’s to many more!

OSF bring King John into WWI

Today Miriam Laube came to talk with our class, “Wake Up with Shakespeare”. She plays Hermione in The Winter’s Tale, and Julia in The Two Gentlemen of Verona. She is a very beautiful woman who seems to take her craft very seriously. She is a very intellectual actor. I found her very agreeable, and while we talked very little about her own process, I can tell that she thinks deeply about her roles and seems to be intently focused on movement. She worked with a movement coach to develop how the pregnant Hermione would carry her body. I think her performance last night in The Winter’s Tale was real and truthful.

At 2:00 PM we went to the OSF performance of King John. It was my first time in the New Theatre and I found it a sterile, but intimate space. The production was set in World War I, and while the sets are very simple, they are also very powerful. Everything is painted grey to resemble stone. Photographs and enhanced images of WWI are projected on the floor and walls to create scenery and dreamlike sequences. King John has a bald head, which physically heightens his weakness of power. I find the politics of this play extremely interesting and I wonder why so many companies shy away from producing King John – probably just another financial dispute over ticket sales.

We went to the green show at 7:15 PM, which is always enjoyable. Although the musicians cancelled this evening, so the music was a recording.

At 8:30 PM we saw The Merry Wives of Windsor. After the lecture we went to at 12:00 PM, I was very excited to see this production.

Merry Wives is a special type of language play, because it best reflects the use of vernacular contemporary to Shakespeare. In it we hear phrases like “set quick I’ the earth” (to be buried alive) and words like “fardels” (a burden that you carry). We also see linguistic extremes (school master vs. foul language) and rude word usage. A prostitute is referred to as a “laced mutton,” and oaths are thrown about like “big gar” (often mistaken for “By God”) which is similar to “Oh, Buggar!” But the language is a little dense for modern audiences, as we see when Mistress Quickly takes the boy for a Latin Lesson. Scholars consider it the “pivot of the play” but it is often cut because modern audiences don’t understand it.

Merry Wives is a Citizen Comedy – a satire of common characters, laborers, tradesmen and merchants in an urban setting about money and sex. It examines class vs. social order, fear of foreigners, and the cohesion of communities against outsiders.

There are strong myths associated with this play – some of which are supported in history/documented and some unfounded. It is often thought Merry Wives was written to bring back Falstaff, supposedly Queen Elizabeth’s favorite character, who death is mentioned in Henry V. Inept historians often link a version of the play to a celebration performed for St. George’s day, April 23rd 1597 – but this is false because it would have revived a character that was still in the works and was not dead yet. Although this play is of interest on a number of levels, it is a commoners comedy, and devoid of the typical substance seen in most of Shakespeare’s works.

I am somewhat disappointed in the artistic choices the OSF made in this production. The costumes are over-the-top and cartoon-like, distracting from much of the play’s content (what little content there is). I everything silly (not in a good way) and I do not believe the humiliation of Falstaff was presented to its full potential. Overall I was not satisfied with the dramatic visual presentation or the artistic view of the production as a whole.

"She loved me well deliver'd it to me." - Alas!

In class today we did not spend very much time with The Importance of Being Earnest. We did, however, sum the performance into one word. My word is “physicality.” I thought the actors do a tremendous job of making the words of Oscar Wilde three-dement ional. Our class seemed to think the play humorous and enjoyable entertainment. Hilary then spent the rest of our class time discussing The Winter’s Tale.

Shakespeare wrote The Winter’s Tale at the age of 45. He embraced the new style of romance and set the standard with 4 plays of this genre: Pericles, Prince of Tyre , Cymbeline, The Tempest and The Winter’s Tale. There are 2 location, a place of reality (Sicilia with its linear storyline) and a forest infused with fantasy (Bohemia, where the story meanders). At intermission the play is in the state of tragedy. Leonates, suspecting his wife of adultery, separates himself from all who love him. His son tragically dies in the processes, he is told his wife has been killed in childbirth and his new-born daughter is sent to be left to the wolves. A violent storm comes to bring rebirth. When the audience returns from intermission 16 years have passed, the universe expands and a new generation is of age, bringing the promise of better times. For the first time we see the element of forgiveness.

At 12:00 Dad and I ventured to the park talk. We thought that James Newcomb was going to be speaking, but 15 minutes prior to the talk, we were informed that he would not be joining us. Instead, Christopher DuVaul came, whom I much prefer. As one of my favorite actors from last season, I was very excited at the prospect. Unfortunately at that point I had not seen him in any of the plays this season, so I had to store the information away until I could connect it to his performance tonight. I listened very intently and laughed a great deal with him in spite of my ignorance.

At 2:00 PM we saw OSF's The Winter’s Tale and I was grateful for the discussions I had in class and with DuVaul. The costumes and set was wonderful as expected. Beautiful silhouettes of trees moved in and out against a colored sky. I felt the performers were very clear in their objectives and therefore made the plot clear and reasonable to me. I saw the initial moment that Leonates jealousy arose. It was of no surprise to me that he felt that way, looking upon his wife casually flirting with her party guests.

When it was time for Hermione’s return I saw the director’s clear choice - Paulina kept Hermione safe the past seven years – she did not die and was not brought back to life from a statue. This concept came easily to me in the way the actors delivered their lines and followed through with their objectives.

We went to the green show, “The Shakespeare Songbook” at 7:15 PM. Actually, we arrived much earlier to secure a seat on the brick wall surrounding the grassy knoll. The dancers this year are very lovely and at the same time very strong. The musicians really did a wonderful job writing the music to Shakespeare’s lyrics in new and interesting ways. It was very delightful.

At 8:30 PM we attended Two Gentlemen of Verona. It was very exciting to see such an innovative production. The director set Verona in an Amish town, Milan in a socialite city of today (the Hamptons perhaps) and the Forest in Goth alleyways. These contrasts worked extremely well and heightened the stakes of the players. In OSF’s production, Valentine leaves the Amish village to see the world, while Proteus is forced out on his mission trip by a parent. This creates conflict for Julia, who follows to protect her love from the outside world and ensure his safe return, and provides ample reasoning for Launce’s unwillingness to leave home.

As is typical of this play, Launce and Crab (his dog) seemed to steel every scene they were in. Launce was very adaptable to the actions of the animal and used quite a bit of improve. The Shoe monologue was slightly adapted, which made the humor new and adventurous. His sister was described as a “water bottle, for look you, she is little on the top and big on the bottom.” When he described the “moan she makes” the actor squeezed the water bottle and waved it about, drenching the front rows of the audience.

The audience was very interactive tonight. One young man cried out when Proteus gave his ring (originally from Julia) to Sebastian (Julia in disguise) to give to Silvia! This provoked the rest of the audience into a fitful of laughter which stopped the show. The actress playing Julia nodded to the young man in great delight (I know, this is terrible! You got it kid!, she seemed to say) and was forced to let the audience settle before continuing the scene. It was all great fun!

I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train.

Today I came into "Waking Up With Shakespeare" class ready to discuss Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I found everyone’s opinion of the play interesting. Yet, some could not release the novella from their minds. I felt that somewhere in the midst of it all were those who were lost to the world of the play altogether.

There were several people who did not take yesterday’s discussion into the theatre with them. This caused Hilary to be obliged to repeat information already familiar to most of the room.

Many did not understand the female characters and questioned the loss of Catherine’s eye. I thought it was very clear that her eye was lost in an accost by her brother, but one woman did not see it as I do. Later we were told briefly about Oscar Wilde and The Importance of Being Earnest.

We went to a consort a noon, in which the musician, David Rogers, played the lute and the classical guitar. I found his performance fascinating. His fingers moved very quickly on the strings. He is an interesting looking, red faced man and very talented, He cracked several jokes and his rather unintentional humor made me indulge in his music all the more.

Father and I took a little walk and dropped by the brass rubbing garden. However, there was a pushy woman waiting behind us, and I, not wanting to rush decided to pass on the rubbing for another day.

At 2:00 PM we went to see The Importance of Being Earnest. It was my father' s first time experienceing the talents of Oscar Wilde. I have little to say about it other than it was an utter delight. It is one of my favorite pays and the actors in this production are quite likeable. I had a very good time of it.

We had Mexican food for dinner. Dad had fish tacos and I had the spiciest enchilada I have ever had in my life. Then at 6:30 PM we went to the local movie theatre and saw Woody Allen’s Scoop. It is a very silyl but extremely funny film. I like it very much. I don’t know how Dad feels about it though. He seems spend for the day and has fallen asleep watching So You Think You Can Dance. Perhaps we will talk about it together tomorrow.

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde begin the OSF season

It was very difficult for me to get up this morning. Although I have been full of excitement, I did not sleep very well last night. The air conditioning in the hotel room kept switching on and off - Perhaps staying at the Motel 8 wasn't such a good idea. I rolled our of bed a little before 8:00 AM and took a hot shower. I was relieved when my father handed me a cup of coffee from the breakfast car.

We showed up early to class and met our instructor, Hilary Tate, at "Wake Up With Shakespeare". The class is rather large this year. I think there are 24 of us. There are a few familiar faces and some new ones as well. Hilary handed out name cards for our desks, but mind said “Karen” (my mother's name since she made the reservation) instead of “Jamie”. She offered to make me a new one for tomorrow. We read Shakespeare quotes out loud and discussed Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Hilary is very organized and had lost of reference material to share with us.

At 8:30 PM father and I attended Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It was very exciting. This is only the second production of the play, so they worked very closely with the playwright. The set was enormous and turned on a giant turntable. James Newcomb played the lead and is excellent in his role. He has very distinct physical and oval tactics when switching from Jekyll to Hyde.

I enjoyed the women characters very much. The relationship between Catherine and Jekyll is frictional and brilliant. I am glad that I was able to leave my pre-conceived notions from the novella at the door and accept the play as its own entity. The only thing that my father and I wonder at is the scene on the train. The significance of the scene is unclear to us and we suppose that the play would continue nicely without it.

As I ready myself for bed and hope for a better nights sleep, I take my hat off the James Newcomb. What a brilliant actor!

Shakespeare at Motel 8

Tonight my father and I arrived in Ashland, Oregon a little past 9:00 PM. I am glad to be here at the Motel 8 after a twelve hour drive. We had to make the journey in one days time because I had to stay in Los Angeles for closing night of Shakespeare Festival / L.A.’s production of Two Gentlemen of Verona. There is some sorrow in my yet, but I am glad to put my internship and the role of Ursula behind me. Although I will miss the cast and the crew very much, it is time to let the characters of Two Gents depart. I have freed Ursula from my body and look forward to seeing OSF’s Two Gents here in Ashland. I am hoping to discover new insights in the world of the play. Tomorrow will bring many new adventures at "Wake Up With Shakespeare". I look forward to seeing old faces and perhaps some new ones as well. I shall fall asleep to my father watching the news and the wind blowing the branches against our window pain. Until I wake in the morning, I will dream of great speeches, passion, love and humanity; for that is what awaits me coming into the great theatres of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Farewell Ashland

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

"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.

"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.

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!

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.

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.