A woke up in the morning, once again early. Today was going to be a day of Shakespeare and Modern Art, a mighty interesting combination. First things first, Modern Art! Due to only a little bit time later we decided to get up early and head off to the Tate Modern before our workshop at the Globe. Though it was hard to drag myself out form under the covers I managed to do so by chanting to myself "you're only in London once in a lifetime" oh, and a few quick yells from Kyle.
The sheer size of the Tate Modern is impressive. Though it looks a bit like an abandoned factory it hold some really amazing things. Now let me preface by saying I'm not personally a fan of most modern art, especially early modern works by the abstract expressionism. There was plenty of that there. However, even though its not my personal taste from an Art History context it was an amazing place. There were so many famous works, ironically by American artists. It was just really great to see all these pieces that I had learned about and read about in my textbooks. Seeing something in person is just so different than seeing it in a book.
After the Tate it was off to experience a true British treasure, the Globe. While it may not be the actual Globe in which Shakespeare performed his works, it still stands for so much of British culture. It's a great historical monument. I admit when I first saw the Globe it wasn't quite how I had imagined it. I mean there it was cramped between so many modern buildings, it, like so many historical places in Britain are so integrated into modern society. Unlike in America where we tend to fence off our historical buildings, instead in London I found that old was merely built around and integrated into new. It was something that really charmed me about the city, one of the reasons I really loved it in London.
Once again we were lucky enough to have an amazing tour guide, this time a spit fire ginger haired woman who was more than enthusiastic. She was incredible though, the first thing we did as we entered the interior of the Globe was to scamper up backstage. It was great to see, and I love the fact that theatre is still constantly being performed there. Once we were told all about backstage it was time for the big moment, to step onto the stage of the Globe Theatre.
It's a pretty unbelievable to stand on that stage and stare into the heavens. Though while it was amazing to stare out into the stands and imagine a rowdy audience staring back at you, one small detail really caught my eye. It was a huge dent in one of the columns where it looked like someone had backed into it. It was a great reminder just how this stage is not just a museum but a real working stage that still provides Britain's greatest and newest theatrical work.
The Globe was amazing and after wards we headed to a small museum next door further explaining it's history. A found a special surprise there. Lo and Behold they were doing a presentation of historically accurate Shakespearean costumes and they needed a volunteer. I was to become Ophelia. After a slip, a couple of skirts, a corset, some socks and garters, not to mention a hat and others I was transformed.
After our visit to the Globe it was a quick break before it was time to head to another Shakespearean Event, Hamlet at the National Theatre. But before we got to see Hamlet we had another treat in store. A backstage tour of the National Theatre.
Once again an amazing tour guide. We got to see Twelfth Night in progress, see a fight call for Hamlet. We learned about the amazing abilities of the National theatre especially the Olivier stage which would lower giant set pieces. We got to walk backstage on multiple working sets. It was really just great to see what a real professional stage looked like from behind the curtain. After visiting the giant paint shop I couldn't but help think it sure wouldn't be a bad place to work.
After the tour it was time for a modern adaptation of Hamlet. A very longgggg adaptation of Hamlet. At first I found the modern setting intriguing but the end I was really wishing I had some cool historical costumes to keep my attention. I admit however, I'm not a huge Shakespeare fan. After 3 and 1/2 hours it was time for bed and then DAY 6.
No comments:
Post a Comment