Occasionally some of the best things are free, as this was the case with the troupe from the famous Shakespeare's Globe Theatre that is performing Hamlet in the US. Over the weekend--including today, Sunday, as I'm writing this--these fine actors are on Pace University's campus.
The stage was erected on the lawn, in the open, with no amplified voices, and no artificial lighting. Thus, the weather is part of the show. I watched the play on Friday, much under very dark clouds and occasional drizzle. But, this is how much of theater was experienced in Shakespeare's time, indeed in the ancient world too.
By the way, if you ever happen to go to Greece and the Peloponnese, visit the ancient theater in Epidauros whose acoustics are amazing. It hasn't been modified in terms of seating or major renovations so when you sit all the way up you can still hear people's voices "on the stage", that is, down in the center of this amphitheater.
Hamlet has a dark theme but it's a classic, of course. The Globe Theater actors are all great. I've seen quite a bit of theater on/off Broadway and their performance is professional and engaging. It may a few minutes to grasp some of the old language expressions but it's easy to follow the dialogue and the plot.
Pace university brought the Globe Theater to Pleasantville, in Westchester for thee free performances. I guess the catch is, bring-your-own-blankets/chairs, and take a chance with the weather. The actors perform in all weather, they said, though probably they meant light rain and wind, not a nor'easter.
In the following week, they'll take their stage and apply their trade indoors, in Pace's downtown campus, at the known Schimmel Center for the Arts with tickets priced at $35-55. But, it'll be indoors with comfy seating. For me, it was a real treat to experience it outdoors. Bravo to Pace for bring us this.
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| Performing Shakespearian theater al fresco! |
The stage was erected on the lawn, in the open, with no amplified voices, and no artificial lighting. Thus, the weather is part of the show. I watched the play on Friday, much under very dark clouds and occasional drizzle. But, this is how much of theater was experienced in Shakespeare's time, indeed in the ancient world too.By the way, if you ever happen to go to Greece and the Peloponnese, visit the ancient theater in Epidauros whose acoustics are amazing. It hasn't been modified in terms of seating or major renovations so when you sit all the way up you can still hear people's voices "on the stage", that is, down in the center of this amphitheater.
Hamlet has a dark theme but it's a classic, of course. The Globe Theater actors are all great. I've seen quite a bit of theater on/off Broadway and their performance is professional and engaging. It may a few minutes to grasp some of the old language expressions but it's easy to follow the dialogue and the plot.
Pace university brought the Globe Theater to Pleasantville, in Westchester for thee free performances. I guess the catch is, bring-your-own-blankets/chairs, and take a chance with the weather. The actors perform in all weather, they said, though probably they meant light rain and wind, not a nor'easter.
In the following week, they'll take their stage and apply their trade indoors, in Pace's downtown campus, at the known Schimmel Center for the Arts with tickets priced at $35-55. But, it'll be indoors with comfy seating. For me, it was a real treat to experience it outdoors. Bravo to Pace for bring us this.
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