Shakespeare Theatre Company: The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci

 

This is the second production that I have seen which comes to the DMV from the Goodman Theatre in Chicago.  The first was a production of "Moby Dick" hosted by Arena Stage.  It was transfixing.  A melding of actors with costumes with props with sets with sound with lighting.  It set a high bar for my expectations.  It even included some of the same actors.

What is the "Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci"?  At its most basic it's just that.  The words of da Vinci taken verbatim out of his copious collection of notebooks and writings.  Not a single word from any other source.  It is loosely thematic and taps all of the major themes of his genius: Nature, Physics, Mechanics, Anatomy, and Art...and the creation of Art.  And even a snipe or two at Michelangelo and Botticelli for fun.  Wrapped in all of the other elements--it is also a transfixing experience.

In other words, the staging is in keeping with the previous Goodman offering.  Very physical, very integrated...a set that is as vertical as it is horizontal.  Eight actors (five men and three women) embody da Vinci's words bring them to life in an ever changing tapestry.  

So, yes, it was amazing theatre.  There is no need to highlight one actor over another.  All are fully and joyfully engaging.  The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci was icing on the cake of my extended theatre weekend. 

L-R: John Gregorio, Kasey Foster, Andrea San Miguel, Anthony Irons

L-R (up stage): Louise Lamson, Kasey Foster, Andrea San Miguel

L-R (down stage): Anthony Irons, Wai Yim, Adeoye, Christopher Donahue

L-R: Kasey Foster and John Gregorio

L-R: Wai Yim, Adeoye, Andrea San Miguel, Louise Lamson

L-R: Christopher Donahue and Kasey Foster