Taking a well deserved break from the relentless schedule of revision, I decided to take a trip to Shakespeare country to see the RSC perform The Merchant Of Venice, and look around some of the pretty historical houses around there.
I've always been kind of a sucker for Shakespeare plays, I just love the drama of them and rhythm of the words when spoken. It's hard to explain to people who just see these plays as just to be studied in english why I love them so much, because although the language is old fashioned it's a reminder of our heritage, a lost past, and in fact many of the words we use every day were actually first heard in the lines of these plays. I guess I'm also a romantic at heart, I love these tales of ages gone and imagining how life must have been before society relied on technology. Not just this, but Shakespeare is still relevant and can be modern...
The Merchant Of Venice was actually set in Las Vegas, the characters wore modern clothing, played in a casino, there was an Elvis impersonator as one of the servants, the leading lady Portia and her maid in waiting even host a game show to decide whom she shall marry-popping up out of the floor on a sofa, on air signs, cameras and everything. The actors were fantastic, and made Shakespeare enjoyable and understandable. At one point there's a lads night out with the boys dressing up as Batman, Yoda and a giant teddy in order to rescue Jessica, one of the love interests. Oh and a bit of Babra Striesand playing in the car as the group drive over to "Belmont", head banging all the way. Seriously the best play I've ever seen, if you ever get the chance you should really see one of the RSC productions!
Afterwards I spent the rest of my time in Stratford checking out the historical buildings, including Shakespeare's birthplace, Anne Hathaways cottage, and Nash's House. They were all beautiful Tudor style houses and were so interesting to look around and see how times have changed.
I've always been kind of a sucker for Shakespeare plays, I just love the drama of them and rhythm of the words when spoken. It's hard to explain to people who just see these plays as just to be studied in english why I love them so much, because although the language is old fashioned it's a reminder of our heritage, a lost past, and in fact many of the words we use every day were actually first heard in the lines of these plays. I guess I'm also a romantic at heart, I love these tales of ages gone and imagining how life must have been before society relied on technology. Not just this, but Shakespeare is still relevant and can be modern...
The Merchant Of Venice was actually set in Las Vegas, the characters wore modern clothing, played in a casino, there was an Elvis impersonator as one of the servants, the leading lady Portia and her maid in waiting even host a game show to decide whom she shall marry-popping up out of the floor on a sofa, on air signs, cameras and everything. The actors were fantastic, and made Shakespeare enjoyable and understandable. At one point there's a lads night out with the boys dressing up as Batman, Yoda and a giant teddy in order to rescue Jessica, one of the love interests. Oh and a bit of Babra Striesand playing in the car as the group drive over to "Belmont", head banging all the way. Seriously the best play I've ever seen, if you ever get the chance you should really see one of the RSC productions!
Afterwards I spent the rest of my time in Stratford checking out the historical buildings, including Shakespeare's birthplace, Anne Hathaways cottage, and Nash's House. They were all beautiful Tudor style houses and were so interesting to look around and see how times have changed.
Outside Shakespeare's Birthplace
Romeo and Juliet in one of the many gardens in Stratford Upon Avon
RSC Tower in distance and River Avon
Pretty Tudor gardens at Nash House
Anne Hathaway's Cottage- I wish I could own a house like this someday!
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