Conversations apres un Enterrement
Thu, 14 Aug 2003, 01:24 pmCat2 posts in thread
Conversations apres un Enterrement
Thu, 14 Aug 2003, 01:24 pmI saw the opening night of Conversations... last night and was very impressed.
Seeing yasmina reza's work performed in its original language gives an extra quality, which can also be enjoyed by non francophones thanks to the sur- titles that are non obtrusive, but very very helpful!
Although the performers are evidently not actors, their performances are to be admired- timing and pace was excellent, and there was a great feeling between the characters. The play has been directed as a very well rounded piece of theatre- moving music, fab sets and sound that really compliments the text.
I loved the make up and costume work- no talcum powder to 'grey up' the young actors- from where i was sitting, they took on middle age exceptionally well, physically and vocally. i never stopped believing they were grumpy old men (something reza seems to like writing about) .
The whole cast worked well together producing some hillarious moments, but the i think the real stars are directors Nick Kay and Sally Haak , who have taken an inexperienced cast of predominantly non-native french speakers and produced a very enjoyable production and have obviously put a lot of work into it, which has paid off.
Whether you have an interest in french language, or just enjoy seeing student theatre at its best, this is a great night out. Thouroughly recomended.
Seeing yasmina reza's work performed in its original language gives an extra quality, which can also be enjoyed by non francophones thanks to the sur- titles that are non obtrusive, but very very helpful!
Although the performers are evidently not actors, their performances are to be admired- timing and pace was excellent, and there was a great feeling between the characters. The play has been directed as a very well rounded piece of theatre- moving music, fab sets and sound that really compliments the text.
I loved the make up and costume work- no talcum powder to 'grey up' the young actors- from where i was sitting, they took on middle age exceptionally well, physically and vocally. i never stopped believing they were grumpy old men (something reza seems to like writing about) .
The whole cast worked well together producing some hillarious moments, but the i think the real stars are directors Nick Kay and Sally Haak , who have taken an inexperienced cast of predominantly non-native french speakers and produced a very enjoyable production and have obviously put a lot of work into it, which has paid off.
Whether you have an interest in french language, or just enjoy seeing student theatre at its best, this is a great night out. Thouroughly recomended.
Re: Conversations apres un Enterrement
Fri, 15 Aug 2003, 03:01 pmWalter Plinge
I saw the play on thursday night, after hearing it advertised on the local radio station, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
As "cat" mentioned, the surtitles didn't get in the way of the action on stage, yet served as a great aid to those who don't speak french, or like myself, have forgotten much of their learning of the language in earlier years. Much congratulations to Mr. Andrew Hobbes for the smooth operation and synchronisation of the titles with the performance.
The production was very professional, with a great atmosphere, continuity, and well set up stage, lighting, sound, effects, and performance. The directors, Sally Haak and Nick Kay, the cast, the art director especially with his/her magnificent "flats", and all crew should be proud of their efforts to create not only an interesting production on a "university-production" standard, but as a gold class production, which received very deservingly, a long long applause from the audience last night.
I must also give a special congratulations to the makeup and costume crew. The cast, considering that I assume they are all 20 or under, looked very much the part, and after working in the industry for over 25 years, I know that good stage makeup is very difficult to convey a particular image, but was done marvellously.
Yasmina Reza, had she been there to see it, I'm sure would have been very pleased at a very convincing, moving and well executed performance of one of her finest works. I am sure to come again next year to the 70th annual play, to see what great work these young adults will be producing.
In four words: Beautiful, charming, moving and interesting.
As "cat" mentioned, the surtitles didn't get in the way of the action on stage, yet served as a great aid to those who don't speak french, or like myself, have forgotten much of their learning of the language in earlier years. Much congratulations to Mr. Andrew Hobbes for the smooth operation and synchronisation of the titles with the performance.
The production was very professional, with a great atmosphere, continuity, and well set up stage, lighting, sound, effects, and performance. The directors, Sally Haak and Nick Kay, the cast, the art director especially with his/her magnificent "flats", and all crew should be proud of their efforts to create not only an interesting production on a "university-production" standard, but as a gold class production, which received very deservingly, a long long applause from the audience last night.
I must also give a special congratulations to the makeup and costume crew. The cast, considering that I assume they are all 20 or under, looked very much the part, and after working in the industry for over 25 years, I know that good stage makeup is very difficult to convey a particular image, but was done marvellously.
Yasmina Reza, had she been there to see it, I'm sure would have been very pleased at a very convincing, moving and well executed performance of one of her finest works. I am sure to come again next year to the 70th annual play, to see what great work these young adults will be producing.
In four words: Beautiful, charming, moving and interesting.