The Globe Theatre

I'm titling this blog post The Globe Theatre because it is as magnificent a structure as I hoped it would be. I immediately fell in love with the building and the feeling associated with it: it felt like coming home.

However, we saw Romeo and Juliet, per Vivi's request and the play was horrible.

I know! I was more shocked than you are!

Let's get the bad stuff out of the way first: here is a recap of why the play was so awful:
A woman was appointed artistic director of The Globe and given a two year contract. She is widely known for pushing boundaries (not in a bad way) and thinking creatively with a feminist slant. None of this is bad. In fact, I'm all for her artistic vision. But. It's The Globe. And it's Shakespeare.

People all around the world associate The Globe with a pilgrimage and define a moment of their lives based on their first visit to the hallowed ground. I am one of those people. The only reason Viv and I went to London was to see a play at The Globe and since Viv knows the story of Romeo and Juliet so well, she wanted to see it.

Travel was arranged. Money was spent. School days were missed. Work schedules were cleared.

And then that horrid play.

I don't expect plays to be in Elizabethan costume and word-for-word; in fact, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival is one of my favorite venues and I've attended plays there since high school (thanks, Mrs. Travis!) so I'm all for directors making creative decisions to enhance the text.

But.

The actors wore Day of the Dead style makeup, which removed the audience. I felt blocked because I couldn't see the emotions on their faces due to the pancaked KISS-style veneer. The EDM-ish costumes were fine since their body movement wasn't hindered, but I couldn't see their faces. It's like watching Botoxed actresses emote: placid.

The music was fine. It didn't matter to me one way or the other. I've heard better uses of music, but I've heard worse, too. There were nods to Baz Luhrmann's film version in music, pacing, costumes, intensity, and props (like guns instead of swords).

But.

Scenes were intercut and it didn't work. One reason Romeo and Juliet is still taught to teenagers all around the world is because the plot is accessible and easy-to-understand; for example, Juliet is anticipating her wedding night on a mattress at the same time Tybalt, Mercutio, and Romeo fight to the death all around her. It's an interesting concept of using intercutting, but it would work on television or in a movie, but on stage it just confused the audience. Those who weren't familiar with the play almost simultaneously cocked their heads to the side any time scenes were intercut. It was clear something was happening they were supposed to follow, but they weren't sure what.

During intermission, I spent time explaining the play to Vivian as well as the other people in our section. A lot of people in the theatre chose to leave at intermission, shaking their heads, looking disappointed and befuddled.

They left The Globe Theatre because the play was that bad.

At intermission, Vivian remarked, "I feel bad for the actors." She's seven and gave voice to what an entire audience thought.

The artistic director of The Globe Theatre said in interviews that she didn't really know or like Shakespeare and she hired script writers to make it easier for her to follow.

Why would she want the job??

By all means, be creative and pursue your artistic truth, but know your audience.

Her contract wasn't renewed; she and the board of directors mutually agreed to part ways and the board is seeking an artistic director who will return to the original vision of the theatre. I can't help thinking of the audience members who left at intermission. Will they return? Will they even read about a new artistic director being appointed or will they forever have a negative association with this theatre?

I'll go back when there's a new director so Vivi and I can see a play properly. It'll be time and scheduling and money, but I don't want this experience branded in her wee brain as what The Globe Theatre was meant to be. It's time to start a spare change jar to save for the trip.

Also, I'll make a point of seeing something by the current artistic director so I can appreciate her vision in a format that's right for the audience.

One groundling passed out; it was fascinating to watch how quickly the ushers helped the person get treatment without ever interrupting the play.

Viv's souvenier choice: Plague Rat.

I sent Midge the photo of Viv in front of the stage and she messaged this picture back. How awesome! It's awesome for two reasons: first, because my mom and my daughter stood in the same place; second, because my mom knows how to write over pictures and send them via messenger. High five, Midgey!

Viv downed apple juice at the cafe.