LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST

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Shakespeare’s Globe in New York. Three aisles and seats 270 degrees around the main thrust. A wooden balcony lined the upper edges of the entire playhouse, and ¾ was seating. A balcony in back was for musicians. Love's Labour’s Lost is ensemble play, so there are no true spotlight stars. It is made out of small roles, combining into a masterpiece. Like a jigsaw puzzle. Unlike things like Hamlet or Henry V, there is no one character whose name will be known by every child. Many wish to be an Orlando or Prince Hal. But many more are a Don Armando or a Costard. And many more people are in love with someone who scorns them than are fighting tyrants with shield and sword to save their king and father. 

It was a very endearing performance, on all fronts. There was comedy, and no shortage. They had the audience in stitches multiple times, including the famous library scene, where Dumaine at one point actually hid in the audience. The play was also accented by the princess, who was very sweet. Almost all of the actors were helped out at one point by Costard, who made anyone on stage look good. Don Armondo also was fabulous prancing around with Moth in his mock Spanish accent.

Jude Law as Hamlet

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Also I saw Jude Law do an uncut Hamlet on Broadway, which was fantastic! He had a real stage presence, which was maximized by using a minimal set. He really delivered both the euphoria and depression of Hamlets situation so well that he made it unclear whether Hamlet was truly a madman or just faking it. He made the audience believe he really was at a loss, not sure whether he should kill Claudius to avenge his father.

The play revolved around Jude Law. He had all the lines, all the acting, all the stardom. He didn’t act out the play, he was the play. And the play was him. I mean, he went on stage, and instead of thinking “O my god it’s Jude Law” I thought “Hey, it’s Hamlet.” When he spoke those ancient lines, he wasn’t reciting them, they were his. He was the Hamlet.

But really set him apart was his ability to own the stage. Maybe it’s something you learn as a screen actor. His physical acting was impeccable, but he had a presence besides that. As if he built the stage. The stage was always dark, with no props at all, just a single door. He would look up and light would shine on his face, and he would merge with the stage. It was a magical experience.

25 September 2009

Description

Monkeys are smart. Though they haven't created cars or trains or weapon, they are educated through simplicity. They flourish on what they have, and if something doesn't work, they don't give up, but they evolve to overcome it. Like monkeys, Shakespeare had no thesauraus, no dictionary, no laptop and no editor. But when he came to a spot where he was at loss for words, he made up his own words. Through practice, perseverence and certaily trial and error, he created works that will last forever.