Peter Kirwan
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Review of the Year
December 20, 2009
Rather than do a ‘Top Ten’ this year, I thought I’d be less reductive and do a month-by-month breakdown of my year’s early modern theatre-going. It’s been an interesting year, with some real ups and downs and productions which I still feel conflicted about. Still, here goes! January Propeller’s The Merchant of Venice at Liverpool …
Two Gentlemen of Verona; or, Vakomana Vaviri ve Zimbabwe (Two Gents Productions) @ North Wall Oxford
December 13, 2009
Writing about web page http://www.twogentsproductions.com/wordpress/ Two Gents Productions are a three-man company made up of performers Denton Chikura and Tonderai Munyevu, and director Arne Pohlmeier. As their name suggests, the company was founded as a result of the trio’s work on their devised production of Two Gentlemen of Verona, retitled Vakomana Vaviri ve Zimbabwe. While …
Shakespeare and Co. in 2010
December 5, 2009
Here’s the so-far full list of Shakespeare and other Early Modernists I’m aware of for 2010. Almost certainly there are omissions, and if anyone has any tips of anything else relevant coming up in the new year, I’ll be happy to add it to the list (Duncan, I’m looking at you, but anyone else as …
Another Comedy
November 27, 2009
Nice to see Errors so popular at the moment! The Royal Exchange’s Macbeth was one of the more interesting Shakespeares I saw this year, so I’ll definitely be back for their new Comedy of Errors. And the fact it’s directed by a new RSC Associate Director is worth noting, it’ll be interesting to see how …
Coriolanus: The Movie
November 13, 2009
Not really news, because there’s very little to report, but the casting information available so far about this new movie of Coriolanus is pretty tantalising…..
Twelfth Night (RSC) @ The Courtyard Theatre
November 11, 2009
Writing about web page http://www.rsc.org.uk/whatson/8209.aspx Here’s an interesting question. If one is updating the setting of a Shakespeare play, but needs to incorporate a vast amount of explanatory material in the production’s programme and on its website, are the resonances of the updated setting not then too obscure to hold any meaning for its audience? …
Days of Significance (RSC) @ The Belgrade Theatre
November 4, 2009
Writing about web page http://www.daysofsignificance.co.uk/page/1/home Roy Williams’ play debuted as part of the RSC’s Complete Works Festival back in early 2007, and it’s a pleasure to have the chance to revisit a production I enjoyed so much the first time round. The play has gone from strength to strength since its initial short run, and …
A Tempest (Krazy Kat Theatre) @ Warwick Arts Centre Studio
November 2, 2009
There’s a bit of a gap in Shakespearean performance criticism. Despite the quality and inventiveness of theatre for children all around the country, it falls beneath the notice of most reviewers, with the implication that it is considered not to be of substantial intellectual or creative merit. This is an enormous shame, as a viewing …
Spanish Tragedy
October 21, 2009
Writing about web page http://www.arcolatheatre.com/?action=showtemplate&sid=366 I’d completely missed this: a production of The Spanish Tragedy at the Arcola in London. Rather desperate to see this, but don’t think there’s any chance of me getting down to London before November 14th. If you’ve never seen or read this play, book now – essential viewing, particularly if …
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