The production was part of a 4 day event curated by the Folgers Shakespeare Library entitled "The Reading Room Festival". A reading room refers to what happens when a playwright is working through the (usually) the end stages of a new work. Actors assume the roles and read through the script infusing their lines with dramatic and/or comedic emphasis. It can also be a way of presenting a play without having to commit to all the accouterments like sets, costumes, props, staging, lighting... So it's also a lot less expensive. The festival itself promised Reading Room takes on not just Cymbeline, but also a new King Lear, and "Dark Lady" a musical set in Shakespeare's lifetime. Other events include a series of symposiums with themes like "Shakespeare and the American Musical" and "Diversifying the Classics". Additionally, there was a workshop titles "Seven Ages of Music," a Gallery Talk "Making Myths: The Legacies of William Shakespeare, Queen Elizabeth, and American Actors". Also receptions for treat and libation breaks. The first two days Thursday (22) and today Friday (23) are limited to evening events, and Saturday and Sunday were scheduled for a full day each. The total cost for the 4-day package was $120, but tickets were also available at $20 a pop for some of the individual experiences. It's all such a wonderful idea, and the production this evening was nearly SRO.
Cymbeline is actually Shakespeare's final tragedy. Written in 1609, he would complete only 3 (or 4 depending on how you think about his final play "The Two Noble Kinsman") more plays before his death. Scene through the lens of the Telenovela--it very well could be called one of his final comedies!
The cast of nine actors and one musician charged with bringing the play to life were wonderful. Camilo Linares as Caballero (The Cowboy) performed a new role as that of narrator to help move the work's plot along. The principles: Queen Cymbeline (Fran Tapia), Prince Posthumus (James Carlos Lacey) and Imogene (Ixchel Hernandez) all knew exactly how to work a line for comic effect. James used his physicality--or physique--to grab a laugh; and Fran's facial expressivity was a wonder to watch. Other shout outs go to Derek Garza as Iachimo whose dexterous hands told the story as much as his excellent presentation. To Pepin as Pisanio not only for her empathetic facial expressions, but for the clear power of singing. Finally, Alan Gutierrez-Urista in the lesser roles of Guilderius and Dr. Cornelius was a reliable source of comic genius in both his presentation and his timing.
Toss in the wonderful musical accompaniment by Seamus Miller, and what transpired was magical. Yet another confirmation of the unequaled genius of William Shakespeare. And I would love to see this transferred into an Audio Radio Drama format OR staged.
No comments:
Post a Comment