Oedipus
Sat, 21 Apr 2001, 11:52 amWalter Plinge2 posts in thread
Oedipus
Sat, 21 Apr 2001, 11:52 amHi all
When I heard that a first time director was going to direct Oedipus I naturally had my reservations. The usual concerns ran through my mind 'what can be done to this production that would make it stand out from the rest'
Well I saw the opening night of Playlovers production last night and those reservations were blown out of the water.
The show was visually and stylistically stunning.
The atmosphere was set on entrance, with the auditorium and bar area dimly lit to reflect the ominous mood of the story we were about to see. (so much so that I spilt my complimentary sherry all over Carmen through lack of vision - sorry Carmen - but if I recall you were wearing shiny vinyl pants anyway so that sherry should just wipe straight off!!!)
The creative side of the show was highly effective. The set looked great with the use of calico wrapped pillars, lined walls and ceiling, and projectons of 20th century images was a fab effect. I especially liked the visual of Oedipus giving his speech behind the lecturn with the television station countdown in the background.
The costumes were outstanding. Once again Terry has done a wonderful job. The Star Wars-esque fantasy feel, looked brilliant. I loved Oedipus' black leather look mesh jacket, and Jocasta's red gown - although we did not get to see enough of it as she was on the floor of the auditorium and not on the stage.
Which does bring me to a minor point of concern. I was sitting in the second last row centre and I did have problems seeing the action on the floor. It was a shame it was not raised just a liitle bit more so we could have seen the entire action. i did feel i missed quite a bit through lack of visuals. but saying that, I know the difficulties first hand Nick of staging shows at Hackett Hall, and had the same problems with Cabaret.
My only other criticism was with the dialogue, I did find certain actors difficult to hear at some points, a combination of acoustics and speed of delivery I think - but that is something I will put down to first night nerves - as it certainly got better toward the end of the second act.
Performance wise I thought it was great. I don't like singling people out in shows, especially in a show that had a really sound ensemble feel. Well done Nick, as maintaining that ensemble feel to a show can be one of the hardest things to do.
Congratulations to all involved on a show well done.
Dave
When I heard that a first time director was going to direct Oedipus I naturally had my reservations. The usual concerns ran through my mind 'what can be done to this production that would make it stand out from the rest'
Well I saw the opening night of Playlovers production last night and those reservations were blown out of the water.
The show was visually and stylistically stunning.
The atmosphere was set on entrance, with the auditorium and bar area dimly lit to reflect the ominous mood of the story we were about to see. (so much so that I spilt my complimentary sherry all over Carmen through lack of vision - sorry Carmen - but if I recall you were wearing shiny vinyl pants anyway so that sherry should just wipe straight off!!!)
The creative side of the show was highly effective. The set looked great with the use of calico wrapped pillars, lined walls and ceiling, and projectons of 20th century images was a fab effect. I especially liked the visual of Oedipus giving his speech behind the lecturn with the television station countdown in the background.
The costumes were outstanding. Once again Terry has done a wonderful job. The Star Wars-esque fantasy feel, looked brilliant. I loved Oedipus' black leather look mesh jacket, and Jocasta's red gown - although we did not get to see enough of it as she was on the floor of the auditorium and not on the stage.
Which does bring me to a minor point of concern. I was sitting in the second last row centre and I did have problems seeing the action on the floor. It was a shame it was not raised just a liitle bit more so we could have seen the entire action. i did feel i missed quite a bit through lack of visuals. but saying that, I know the difficulties first hand Nick of staging shows at Hackett Hall, and had the same problems with Cabaret.
My only other criticism was with the dialogue, I did find certain actors difficult to hear at some points, a combination of acoustics and speed of delivery I think - but that is something I will put down to first night nerves - as it certainly got better toward the end of the second act.
Performance wise I thought it was great. I don't like singling people out in shows, especially in a show that had a really sound ensemble feel. Well done Nick, as maintaining that ensemble feel to a show can be one of the hardest things to do.
Congratulations to all involved on a show well done.
Dave