Shakespeare Sunday: As You Like It & Richard II

Welcome to 'Shakespeare Sunday', where I take an extract from the plays and write my thoughts.

'This our life' As You Like It, Act 2 Scene 1
Deposition: Gift or Curse?

Pen to Paper

A poetry course providing inspiration, writing activities, tips and tricks to get you putting pen to paper! 

Another non-regular post from me, but I just wanted to share the story and success of my recent poetry writing course, 'Pen to Paper'!

'Pen to Paper' was originally commissioned by the Anchor Gallery in Birmingham, as a part of their Spring 2018 season of poetry events. Held in the gallery space, a small but hard-working group met for three 2-hour sessions across March, April and May. Each session included two mini-activities, a main poetry activity, and a guest activity run by a special guest poet. One-to-one sessions with myself and the guest poet were offered at the end, where discussions ranged from editorial advice, to guidance on performing and publishing work.

      

Comment: The Stage, Protecting Shakespeare

The first in a new (non-regular) feature! This was spurred by an article in The Stage by associate editor Lyn Gardner, which I found tremendously valuable and would like to share. My thoughts below.

Lyn Gardner: Chekhov and Shakespeare do not need ‘protecting’

Review: RSC, The Duchess of Malfi

Once, twice, she stumbles - letting the rope in her hands go slack, a pitiful whimper to escape her lips. Yet, mustering her strength, she keeps going, dragging the heavy carcass onto the stage...

Recently, I've seen some really enlightening productions of Renaissance drama, where the story and characters have been transposed to a modern setting. Such modernisation can be a risk, but it is also essential to keep the intrigue and influence of theatre alive. The work of Shakespeare and his contemporaries is often as powerful, problematic and provocative to a modern audience as it was at the time it was written, but sometimes with traditional costumes and sets, the themes lessen or lose their impact. In stylising John Webster's The Duchess of Malfi in a 21st century world, the Royal Shakespeare Company reminds audiences of theatre's ability to impact and unsettle. Here's my thoughts.

Review: National Theatre, Macbeth

In a bleak, post-apocalyptic landscape, the king's militia brutally decapitate an enemy fighter, hanging his head in a plastic bag upon a pylon... 

As with the RSC's recent production of Macbeth, the reviews for the National Theatre's rendition of the Scottish Play were less than praising. Criticised for misjudging the play's themes and glorifying its violence in a 'Mad Max'-style setting, the production has been cited as one in a long line of flops from the National Theatre under artistic director Rufus Norris. Yet, as with the RSC production, I sat down for the live screening with an open mind - and was pleasantly surprised. Here's my thoughts.