Royal Shakespeare Company
We saw two Shakespeare plays on our trip, both presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company. In London, we saw Coriolanus at the National Theatre. We also traveled to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare, where we saw Othello at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Coriolanus
Coriolanus is one of William Shakespeare's Roman plays, written around 1608. It is the story of the legendary Roman general Caius Marcius, later called Coriolanus after his conquest of the city Corioli. The play explores themes of heroism, loyalty, and politics.
It is interesting how, as native English speakers, both Stephanie and I gradually became accustomed to the archaic Elizabethan English as the play progressed. In the beginning it was difficult to follow the dialog, but by the middle of the play, we were both understanding quite a bit of it.
The performance was excellent, with compelling acting and rich, modern costumes and stage settings. The only problem was the use of excessively loud, bass-heavy amplified sound for the battle scene and other scene changes. As Shakespeare himself might have said: "In sooth, methinks this odious thunder doth torment mine ears!" (Sorry, Will.)
The somber stage setting for the second half of Coriolanus
Like the Royal Opera House, The National Theatre is a huge multi-faceted structure. It contains not only theaters but also bars, restaurants, and even an extensive book store.
The book store at the National Theatre
One of the bars at the National Theatre
Othello
Othello is one of Shakespeare's most well-known plays. It concerns Othello, a Venetian moor (a Black person from North Africa) who is a great general of the Venetian army. He marries Desdemonda, the daughter of a wealthy Venetian gentleman. Iago, one of the soldiers under Othello's command, hates Othello and engineers his downfall. Through trickery and deceit he convinces Othello that Desdemonda has been unfaithful, and tragedy ensues.
The production featured period costumes, although the staging was minimal, with no props or scenery, except for a hanging curtain that was changed around for some scene changes. The presentation was excellent in all respects, except for a peculiar glowing white light that surrounded the stage (see the photo below). The glare of that light made it difficult to see details. It was sort of like watching the play through a neon sign. Too bad.
Inside the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre