King Lear

King Lear

Royal Shakespeare Company

BAM Harvey Theatre

April 7, 2018

Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Academy of Music
& Royal Shakespeare Company

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of King Lear, now playing at Brooklyn Academy of Music, is not to be missed.  This phenomenal company of actors, under the direction of Gregory Doran, boldly tells this tragic tale of family loyalty and personal honor.  The events are clearly woven and build to a sweeping and passionate conclusion.  The set and costume design by Niki Turner is dark and majestic.  It satiates the expansive space of BAM’s Harvey Theatre with stark and stunning, emotion-filled shapes and images.

King Lear (played by Antony Sher) decides to divide his kingdom and distribute it to his three

Antony Sher as King Lear
Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Academy of Music
& Royal Shakespeare Company

daughters.  He first asks each of them to declare their love for him.  His eldest daughter, Goneril (played by Nia Gwynne) glibly professes words of loyalty and devotion.  His second daughter, Regan (played by Kelly Williams) cunningly tops her sister’s proclamation.  His youngest and favorite daughter, Cordelia (played by Mimi Ndiweni), seeing through the veil in her sisters’ sentiments, does not reply.  This breaks the heart of the king.  He immediately disowns her, sharing his kingdom between his two “loyal” daughters.  When the Earl of Kent (played by Antony Byrne) speaks in defense of Cordelia, he is banished.  Meanwhile, Edmund (played by Paapa Essiedu), the illegitimate son of the Earl of Gloucester (played by David Troughton), is plotting against his father and half-brother, Edgar (played by Oliver Johnstone).  When Goneril and Regan turn their backs on King Lear, he leaves the court out of contempt to them both.  While on his journey, he descends into madness as he faces his sadness, flaws, and wrong doings.  Edmund joins Goneril and Regan to gain power over the kingdom, as Cordelia finds her father and tries to nurse him back to health.  Unfortunately, they are all too steeped in dishonor to be redeemed.

Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Academy of Music

In King Lear William Shakespeare launches a highly complex plot with varieties and layers of family betrayal.  The play clearly illustrates powerful themes of how love and loyalty are deeper than mere words and trifling action.  The older characters (Lear and Gloucester) are easily swayed by declarations of loyalty from their children and followers.  Their dependents (Goneril, Regan, and Edgar) know how to manipulate this need to gain favor and power from their superiors.  The younger characters (Cordelia and Edmund) do not partake in duplicitous gesture, yet stand on their own integrity and speak from their hearts.  These family stories of love and betrayal are timeless and, although told through royalty, universal.  The fall from grace in the royal family makes the tragedy highly dramatic, but no less poignant.

This production is magnificently conceived and superbly delivered.  King Lear is playing at the BAM Harvey Theatre through April 29.  Go see it!

Domenick Danza

Wolf Hall: From Novel to Stage

Wolf Hall

Winter Garden Theatre

Photo courtesy of Wolf Hall

Similar to the seventies Heinz Ketchup commercial that said "Anticipation is making me wait," the stage adaptation for Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hallfor months was making me wait.  For many months, I had eagerly awaited the stage productions at the Winter Garden Theater of Mantel's novels, Wolf Hall and Bring up the Bodies, its sequel.  When I visited London a couple of months ago, I wanted to see the Royal Shakespeare Company, but because of travel time to Stratford, I decided to forgo the trip.  I was familiar with their work as a result of seeing them, in collaboration with another theater company, perform Shakespeare's Anthony and Cleopatra last year. When I read about their pending repertory performance on Broadway, I knew that the quality would be extraordinary. I became so excited about the upcoming performance because I love classical historical drama and because all the shows that I have seen in London have been either captivating or riveting. I expected no less from the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Wolf Hall. 

Last week before seeing the stage adaptation of Wolf Hall, I decided to read the novel's first two parts twice to gain a better understanding of all the characters in the story.  Without having a working knowledge of the history, keeping track of all of the characters was proving to be difficult. Upon reading it the second time, the characters became less obscure and much clearer. After reading parts one and two of the novel, Wolf Hall, I watched the first episode of Wolf Hall on PBS.  As a result, I became even more enamored with the text.  I was so enthralled that I googled many of the major players of this historic drama.  I wanted to ensure that I had an accurate understanding of the major historical people and events discussed.  Mantel, in many respects, keeps well in tune with the actual historical events of the life of Henry VIII; however, she refashions Thomas Cromwell to make him much more palatable than the version depicted in A Man For All Seasons (I read that in high school), allowing us to focus less on his malfeasance and more on his fidelity to the King and to Cardinal Wolsey.

Hillary Mantel's novel in two parts tells the story of how Henry VIII requested annulments from both Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn because they were not able to give him a son as heir to the British throne. To help one understand the historical aspect of the story, Henry VIII married Katherine who was his brother's widow.  He claimed that his brother never consummated his marriage and that his brother never touched Katherine, therefore he was free to marry her.  But after eighteen years of marriage, she failed to give him a son that would be heir to the throne.  As a result, he petitioned the Pope, via Cardinal Wolsey, for an annulment.  The pope refused over the protestations of Henry VIII. He married Anne Boleyn anyway and later had her executed for adultery, incest, and treason (she failed to produce a son).  Thomas Cromwell was his "right hand man" who helped the King accomplish his goals of annulment and subsequent marriages, all the while the King never achieved his primary of goal of having a male heir to the throne!  Little did he know that he was to blame!!

The novel was adapted for the stage by Mike Poulton.  Make no mistake, this play focuses on Thomas Cromwell and his relationship to Henry VIII and to Cardinal Wolsey. The other characters are essential, but the play gives great insight into Cromwell's actions in relation to the Catholic Church and in relation to those around him. The play had its original runs in Stratford preceding its run on the West End in London before coming to Broadway. Ben Miles plays loyal Thomas Cromwell, a lawyer, Nathaniel Parker plays King Henry VIII, and Lydia Leonard plays the fearless and shrewd Anne Boleyn, who is later convicted and subsequently beheaded for treason, incest, and adultery -  charges that are historically thought to be false. I saw each part of the play on separate days. The theater appeared to be sold out for the first part, but was only half full for the second part.  Even though the first part ended superbly with the foreshadowing of Jane Seymour, I surmise that either the length of the play or the subject matter deterred people from watching the second part.  The running time for each part is about two hours and forty-five minutes. 

Ben Miles and Lydia Leonard playing Thomas Cromwell  and Anne Boleyn
Photo courtesy of Wolf Hall

Additionally, if one does not know the story of Henry VIII, he or she might have become confused by the twenty-four major characters and by about another twenty minor characters. As a result of reading the novel and watching the PBS Masterpiece series, I understood the content of the play. My suggestion for those who are seeking to see the play is to research some basic history of Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell, Cardinal Wolsey, Anne Boleyn, Catherine of Aragon, and Jane Seymour. If one knows the key aspects of their lives as they relate to the British monarchy, understanding the play will not be as arduous. If one takes some time to research the history, then disappointment will be unlikely for the acting is superb and the writing keeps one engaged all the while already knowing how the drama is going to unfold and end. Even though I knew the ending, I remained riveted by the story and it maintained my engagement. Lydia Leonard was outstanding in her portrayal of Anne Boleyn. One should see the play for her dramatic portrayal.  Her performance will leave the average theatergoer wanting more from her, yet knowing that the story ends with Jane Seymour, the subsequent wife of the King after Boleyn. Don't be dismayed, rumor has it that part three of this novel is coming! Maybe a drama will follow.

As a result of my prior knowledge of the novel and of British history, I recognized the action and many of the lines of dialogue in the play that were taken directly from the novel. For example, Cromwell discusses that in the Bible there is no mention of purgatory, no pope, no relics, etc.  He also discusses, William Tyndale, a leader in the Protestant Reformation. These references in the play are used as a basis for King Henry VIII forming the Church of England. Because of the enormity of Wolf Hall- nearly six hundred pages, the stage adaptation has only the most salient points of the novel and of British monarchy history.  Without starting from the beginning of the novel, which details Cromwell's humble beginnings, the play periodically hints at Cromwell's beginnings as the son of a blacksmith. The stage adaptation does detail, as the story progresses, the deaths of Cromwell's wife and daughters from sweating sickness as well as the life of his only son. The sentiments of each of the major characters are accurately portrayed.  One can see that Anne Boleyn's shrewdness is depicted accurately as well as the coy and subtle coquettish behavior of Jane Seymour, Henry VIII's third wife. The great adaptation allows us to follow the trajectory of both Cromwell's life as well as Henry's VIII's life and his wives.

Photo courtesy of Wolf Hall

Creatively this dramatic rendering does much with less. The set design features high cement towers that serves many purposes.  The lighting design and sound designed helps the audience to determine the actual location of each scene.  At times, the play is set on the Thames River. The sound of the water as the characters are on the boat gives a strong sense of location.  Other times, the characters are indoors and there is often a fireplace that gives us understanding of the location. The scenes at the Tower of London where Anne Boleyn and others were beheaded is dark and has a sinister atmosphere. The creative team does a splendid performance in its decisions of costume design. The costumes in the play are reminiscent of both the fifteenth and the sixteenth century. The costumes help one to be able to distinguish the characters from each other. Their power and their wealth were both displayed through their clothing. During sixteenth century England, velvet, wool and silk became sought after fabrics. The play's costume fabrics are elegant and display the opulence of the monarchy. The hats that they wear also depict the era.

Although this play does not have many special effects, its strength lies in the writing and in the acting that are used to maintain your interest. Sometimes, plays use many techniques to either make a production greater or to mask otherwise weak productions; but, this production is great at its core without all the possible technology and elaborate set design. It's set in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, a time when all of the advances were not on the horizon. There are no anachronisms that are out of tune with the setting of this historical drama. Perhaps in the future, we will see more dramas like this.

Please get your tickets to Wolf Hall- both parts!  This is a limited run of fifteen weeks. Even if you believe that the play will be difficult, watching this historical drama will not likely leave you disappointed.  You will be both engrossed and educated at the same time. Why not give it a try! As I finish this post, the PBS drama awaits me! Yes, I still want to watch the drama unfold, even though I know the entire story.  The reviews for that series have been on par with Downton Abbey. What can I say? I love both great writing and great theater.

Starting in July, Lin Manuel Miranda's Hamilton, a historical musical, will be appearing on Broadway after a successful run at the Public Theater in New York City.  I was dilatory in getting a ticket and I have had no success at the Public's ticket lottery.  I hope to get a ticket for this upcoming Broadway production. I'm expecting it to be as great as Wolf Hall. Reputation is everything! Comments welcome.

Deirdre M. DeLoatch

Guest Contributor 

Experiencing the Heart & Culture of London

Several years ago while visiting the United Kingdom, a cab driver quoted, in a satirical manner, a familiar UK saying that states, "The sun never sets on the British empire."  I assumed that meant that the British thought very highly of themselves and that it was a statement of grandeur because the light would never dim on any of its territories.  It meant that and more because of its expansive empire that spans the globe.  The sun was always shining on one of its territories at all times throughout the day. Although the British territories are not as expansive as they once were, Britain still has both elegance and allure that has caused a certain amount of je ne sais quoi that caused me to think about visiting London.  I previously went to Scotland and enjoyed Glasgow and Edinburgh.  I imagined that this trip was going to be vastly different from Scotland.

This is an actual person who stays like this all day!
Who started this spectacle which has not become pastiche?
New Yorkers or the British?

In February 2015, I made my journey to  London, a global city with which I had become enamoured. I had previously never desired to visit London because I always enjoyed going to more exotic places- countries with a culture vastly different from my own; however, since I started having a more voracious appetite for the theater, I decided that I would go to the West End to comparatively analyze theater and visit central London to get both a taste and a feel of the local culture and local color (I previously viewed productions in the US by London's National Theater and by London's Young Vic).  Moreover, I had become increasingly enthralled with several BBC shows like Downton Abbey, Mr. Selfridge, and Call the Midwife (and others).  As the last few years past, I realized that I had become an anglophile.  While watching Shakespearean plays annually and becoming ensconced with British phrases and accents, I realized that I both admired and respected both British theater and television. Logically I decided that the best place to visit on my vacation would be London.  My goal was to see as much theater that I could afford to see and to go to as many art exhibits humanly possible. Because I am an avid walker, I decided to walk everywhere in lieu of the tube or the bus.  I walked about twelve hours daily so that I could enjoy the local flavor.  I visited the National Theater multiple times as well as a couple of theaters in the West End and five museums, each with its own focus.  As a result, I gained a greater appreciation and cultural awareness for both the British culture and for my own.  As anywhere, one can reside at hotels of great grandeur or hotels of more modesty.  I stayed in Fitzrovia at St. Giles, a three star hotel with a full breakfast, in the heart of the West End.  European hotel accommodations tend to be small.  I expected a small room because I booked a single room. The concierge and other workers were exceptionally genial toward me.  Although the room was small, it did not matter.  I only intended to sleep there, thus the only thing that mattered was its cleanliness.  If one is looking forward to attending the theater in the West End, I highly recommend St. Giles.  The Marriott Hotel, although pricier, is located on the South Bank in proximity to the National Theater and it has all the glitz and glamor that goes with a four star hotel.  The Ritz Carlton, is located in Piccadilly, a half hour walk to the theater district.  One can get a superb afternoon tea there, but the cost is much greater than at other locations.

Harrods, the most opulent department store in which I had
ever shopped.  I managed to buy a pistachio pastry and some
 perfume, Spring Flowers by Creed

From the moment I arrived at the hotel,  I was captivated by the frenetic pace of the city, by the avuncular people who often helped me when I looked lost, and by the people moving about while enjoying good sunny weather- three words that do not normally go together in London.  I absolutely adored London.  I cannot say it enough.  I am not sure whether I adored it because the culture was acutely aligned with my own American culture or because of the quality of the theater and other performing arts.  I spent time walking all over central London.  As a peripatetic person, walking pleasantly suited me and I did not tire easily.  I loved the architecture and the general beauty of the city.  I visited both Selfridges and Harrods.  I could have spent days basking in the opulence of each store while enjoying afternoon teas and tempting pastries that truly were works of art.  The price tag attached was commensurate with their worth.  Selfridges now boasts that it is the only department store with a cinema.  The main film that seemed to be ubiquitous throughout central London was Fifty Shades of Grey.  I decided, however, to pass on that film.  The main thought that I came away with regarding British culture as I walked and perused stores was the extent that British culture influences American culture.  It became apparent that the American culture is a pastiche of British culture.  The nomenclature of both countries is the same (street names, districts, etc.).  The one thing that we have not esteemed to the same level as the British is enjoying a cup of tea.  We are more fascinated with coffee than with tea.  The British are still arguing over how to best enjoy a cup of tea. Does one put the milk in first or last?  How hot should the water be?  Tea bag versus loose tea?  How long is it steeped?  After enjoying English Breakfast during the morning and in the afternoon daily, I thought I might have caffeine withdrawal upon disembarkation at Kennedy.  Would you like a pot of English Breakfast?

The National Theater
Have you ever seen any of their filmed productions?
They are spectacular, especially if you cannot get to London
or cannot see their productions on Broadway or elsewhere.

Before going on holiday (British vernacular of course), I researched the plays that I was interested in seeing.  I narrowed the list down to six and I made my final decision upon arrival the first day.  Visiting London without attending theater is like touring New York City without ever seeing Broadway, Times Square or the 9/11 Memorial.  Why would anyone travel so far without ever taking in the Theater?  While in London, I visited the New Globe Theater and the National Theater.  I took tours of both theaters including a back stage tour of the National Theater.  The New Globe was financed by Sam Wanamaker.  It is open during the spring and the summer.  Bring blankets to keep warm, as it is an outdoor theater.  Contrary to the outdoor New Globe Theater is the indoor National Theater that has three theaters with many plays running concurrently.  The National Theater boasts about having a drum revolve that is five stories high and contains several elevators used to hoist huge objects onto the stage.  It is one of two in the world.  I loved the National Theater with its cafes, its restaurants, its bookstore and its general ambiance.  One could stay there all day and read and relax or enjoy a great dinner before a show.  Even though I attended the theater alone, I met people during the interval (vernacular for intermission).  I engaged in conversations about the British and about New Yorkers.  If ever one is undecided about attending the theater alone, it can be a great experience.

The New Globe Theater is built to be a replica of the
original Globe Theater.  I took a tour and learned interesting
facts about the productions at the original Globe Theater.

While in London, I saw five plays. I saw Man and Superman, by George Bernard Shaw. This play expands on Nietzsche's concept of superman in which man explores his own morality and shakes off the conventions that have been placed on him.  The main character is played by Ralph Fiennes who tries to live by his own set of rules  and opines on women and marriage.  This four hour performance was exceptional.  I also saw, A View from the Bridge, in the West End.  It was directed by Ivo Van Hove and written by Arthur Miller.  It was fresh on the heels of their Young Vic production.  It is my belief that this play will arrive on Broadway within the next year.  We love Arthur Miller and we love Brooklyn.  The play was spectacular (I will review it in a separate post).  If it arrives here, I strongly recommend it.  Additionally, at the National Theater is Behind the Beautiful Forevers, a play adapted from the non fiction narrative by Katherine Boo.  This play is about a group of people who live behind the airport in Mumbai.  This group lives in the shadow of great development in Mumbai while millions continue to live in indigence.  This play is emotionally moving, and it prompted me to read the original narrative.  Also, at the National Theater is Tom Stoppard's new play, The Hard Problem.  The play explores consciousness.  It asks the hard questions about the things of which we are aware and that can be proved.  Although Stoppard is known to be logorrheic, the issues discussed were fascinating and the verbosity of the play did not detract from its themes.  The set was minimalistic and the acting was superb. The lead actor, Olivia Vinall, reminded me of Carey Mulligan in Skylight. She was passionate in her beliefs as she opined on her belief of the consciousness of God.  Do coincidences exist or are we merely unaware of the circumstances that create them?  Does God exist or are we orchestrating our own paths?  Lastly, I saw War Horse, which was great in spite of technical difficulties that caused the show to stop for about ten minutes to correct the problem.

One of the last events in which I engaged was visiting The National PortraitGallery; it gives visitors a great history of the kings and queens of England.  Viewing the exhibit has inspired me to gain a more complete picture of the history of the British monarchy.  Much has been written about the British monarchy, but the exhibit gives a complete and accurate history without embellishment.  Currently on Broadway are two productions about the British monarchy, Wolf Hall (Parts I and II produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company starts March 20th) and The Audience.  All anglophiles are rushing to get tickets now!

As a result of my vacation, I have gained more wisdom from traveling and I have a better consciousness of London and its environs.  I am now positioned to return and branch out to other areas of England and also to visit Wales and Northern Ireland.  When I return in subsequent years, I will continue to visit the theater and art museums.  I will also visit Stratford so that I can see the Royal Shakespeare Company and the place of Shakespeare's birth. I learned that if I am having difficulty understanding someone, it is also likely that he or she is having difficulty understanding me.  Walking and not taking bus tours is really the best way to get around (if you can walk without fatigue).  When converting currency, always use "the hole in the wall" (vernacular for ATMs). The best rate is given through the machine.  Bring a small amount of local currency before arriving. Always include respite in your day by having an afternoon tea at one of the better locations.  Get to know some of the locals.  That is how one learns the true culture of a place.  Take time to enjoy the night -life.  London is a beautiful city at night.  I cannot wait to return.  In the meantime, Wolf Hall awaits me.  I have tickets the first full week in April.  A review will follow.  Cheerio!

 Deirdre M. DeLoatch

Guest Contributor