Kevin's Bed
Fri, 28 June 2002, 06:23 pmAmanda Chesterton8 posts in thread
Kevin's Bed
Fri, 28 June 2002, 06:23 pmWhat: Kevin's Bed
When: Thursday, 27 June 2002, 8pm
Who: Irish Theatre Players, director Naomi Lynch, featuring Ormonde Waters, Clare Wilson, Simon Nichols, John Dunne, Katrina Bonds, Shirley Toohey, Lilliana Caltanisetta, Michelle Beaton
This play was an intriguing example of how the Irish are natural actors. As a friend who was with me said, they're a nation of storytellers - why shouldn't they be?
There was a complete, believable naturalism in all of these performances. All but two were (originally) native Irish-persons, and one truly felt that you were simply watching a heightened version of themselves and their own culture on stage. That may seem like a slightly vacuous and obvious comment, but if you see the show (and I recommend that you do) you'll see what I mean. It was effortless performing, and watching was like slipping into a warm bath.
The two non-Irishers were outstanding. Simon Nichols I've gushed about ad infinitum on this page before, and he didn't disappoint in this one. I often have a hard time watching people I know perform, as I can't get what I know about them out of my head. Simon is one of those few I can watch do bloody anything. His performing is seamless and every choice he makes for his character is spot on. No kneepads in sight, though (see recent posts titled 'Any work in Perth? HOORAH!' for that particular in-joke). Lilliana Caltanisetta as Maria is, and played, an Italian. Her energy and conviction were outstanding - the whole stage lit up when she came on.
My one and only criticism for the show would be that it had a slight lack of performance energy (Caltanisetta excepted). This may have been related to some unfamiliarity with the lines (not notable in the performance, but I understand that this has been a bit of an issue in the production) and the comfort each actor had with their characterisations. Simon - perhaps a few rounds of Muffin Man before you start?
Overall a teriffic show, and there's free tea, coffee and biscuits at interval!
[%sig%]
When: Thursday, 27 June 2002, 8pm
Who: Irish Theatre Players, director Naomi Lynch, featuring Ormonde Waters, Clare Wilson, Simon Nichols, John Dunne, Katrina Bonds, Shirley Toohey, Lilliana Caltanisetta, Michelle Beaton
This play was an intriguing example of how the Irish are natural actors. As a friend who was with me said, they're a nation of storytellers - why shouldn't they be?
There was a complete, believable naturalism in all of these performances. All but two were (originally) native Irish-persons, and one truly felt that you were simply watching a heightened version of themselves and their own culture on stage. That may seem like a slightly vacuous and obvious comment, but if you see the show (and I recommend that you do) you'll see what I mean. It was effortless performing, and watching was like slipping into a warm bath.
The two non-Irishers were outstanding. Simon Nichols I've gushed about ad infinitum on this page before, and he didn't disappoint in this one. I often have a hard time watching people I know perform, as I can't get what I know about them out of my head. Simon is one of those few I can watch do bloody anything. His performing is seamless and every choice he makes for his character is spot on. No kneepads in sight, though (see recent posts titled 'Any work in Perth? HOORAH!' for that particular in-joke). Lilliana Caltanisetta as Maria is, and played, an Italian. Her energy and conviction were outstanding - the whole stage lit up when she came on.
My one and only criticism for the show would be that it had a slight lack of performance energy (Caltanisetta excepted). This may have been related to some unfamiliarity with the lines (not notable in the performance, but I understand that this has been a bit of an issue in the production) and the comfort each actor had with their characterisations. Simon - perhaps a few rounds of Muffin Man before you start?
Overall a teriffic show, and there's free tea, coffee and biscuits at interval!
[%sig%]
Re: Kevin's Bed
Sun, 30 June 2002, 12:31 pmWalter Plinge
I thankyou for taking the time and effort to write a review of what has been, for all of us, and by all accounts, all of our audiences, a very enjoyable experience. However, I would politely request that you do not, in furture, extrapolate first-night nerves into "a bit of an issue". None of my cast, which included some novices, as well as other very experienced actors, suffered from any problem with the (undoubtedly wordy) script, which is typical of Bernard Farrell's many popular plays.
I have been absolutely delighted with their professionalism, and the authentic performances they gave, in both that, the opening night, and the six subsequent performances.
I believe that we who are involved in Community theatre have a responsibility, not only to our audience, to provide a good show, but also to our community's seasoned and budding performers, in that we provide a forum for both the naturally gifted, and the merely enthusiastic, to exercise their abilities in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Naomi Lynch, Director,
I have been absolutely delighted with their professionalism, and the authentic performances they gave, in both that, the opening night, and the six subsequent performances.
I believe that we who are involved in Community theatre have a responsibility, not only to our audience, to provide a good show, but also to our community's seasoned and budding performers, in that we provide a forum for both the naturally gifted, and the merely enthusiastic, to exercise their abilities in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Naomi Lynch, Director,