August 23, 2010, by Peter Kirwan
Upcoming non–Shakespeare
I’m feeling a little bit swamped by the embarrassment of productions of non-Shakespearean early modern drama coming up in September. Here are just a few (thanks to Duncan for most of these):
Jonson’s The Magnetic Lady at the White Bear.
Kyd’s Spanish Tragedy at the Rose Bankside.
Jonson’s Alchemist at Hoxton Hall
Ford’s ‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore at Liverpool Everyman
Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus at the Royal Exchange in Manchester
Aside from a student production of ‘Tis Pity, I haven’t seen any of these plays, and it’s going to be something of a tough call to decide which to go and see. I’m referencing Faustus, Spanish Tragedy and Magnetic Lady in my PhD work, but ‘Tis Pity is amazing on stage, and Alchemist could be hysterical. Anyone out there who gets to any of them (or is involved in them), please let me know what’s worth getting to!
Totally go for The Spanish Tragedy. It’s my favorite early modern play not by Shakespeare, and of that list, it is the least likely for you to get a chance to see it again. It is done so very, very rarely.
I saw Planet Theatre Productions (who will be giving The Spanish Tragedy at the Rose) do a very creditable School For Wives last year, and Hayward Morse, who was excellent, will be playing Hieronimo. Also, there’s a pleasing symmetry to the fact that the Spanish Tragedy was first performed at the Rose. I’m going on Thursday, and I’m definitely looking forward to it!
Helen
http://alarumsandexcursions.blogspot.com/
Revengers Tragedy currently on @ the Space, Canary Wharf
Thanks TM – regrettably, though, it’s already closed. Hope it was good!