This year marks the 26th season in the Markel Auditorium, and the last production lead by Professor George Angell: All’s Well that Ends Well by William Shakespeare. I attended the production on opening night, Wednesday, October 11th, and, while it had its faults, it was a well-executed college performance. First to note is the performance of the plot by the actors. The plot itself was not one that was notable, and oftentimes, I would get feelings of dissatisfaction with characters’ decisions. The conversation between Helena (played by Glynis Gilio) and the Countess (played by Jennifer Weil) that takes place in one of the beginnings scenes where Helena confesses her love for Bertram (played by Johannes Olson) seemed forced, and it was …show more content…
Glynis played a very realistic Helena, and at moments, I could believe she was actually the character and not just an actress playing one. Her makeup and costuming was also well done, and they made it seem that the setting was in the mid 20th century, something that was consistent with all of the characters’ costumes. Lastly, she was very aware of how to use her voice. Glynis succeed in projecting her voice while still using it skillfully with portraying emotions, and at no moment did I struggle to hear what she was saying. Jennifer Weil, a guest artist, clearly was a professional and when she was on stage, an air of confidence was given off. Her experience in live theatre helped those around her on stage too, as most actors appeared more comfortable speaking to her as oppose to their other co-stars. She elevated the quality of the play, and as a side note, it is very obvious the benefits of working with a professional when one is pursuing acting as a profession. The Countess was a rather static character, and Jennifer was able to keep the Countess’ consistent but not boring throughout the play. One thing to note however, was that there were moments where I sometimes did struggle to hear Jennifer, and I think she could have done a better job of connecting with the crowd. Because I was seated stage left I felt I rarely got a full view of Jennifer’s face compared to Glynis’, who did a good job of incorporating the whole audience when giving monologues. Another
I was particularly struck by the acting of Gracie Sartin. Her fearless approach to so many elements of the play – whether it was being hit on the head with an ironing board, hitting another costar with the ironing board, or giving one of her characters (Villian) an accent - was incredibly interesting to watch. Despite the fact that she portrayed six different people, she embodied them so well that I did not see Gracie in them. I saw only the characters she was portraying. The other actors were also successful in that ability. I think that achievement, combined with the success of the way the time constraints were embraced, added greatly to the success of the play.
They really played up the stakes they were given; especially the Baker and his wife. Their urgency to need to lift the curse off of them was played up and caused the audience to relate to their needs. Julia Wilkinson’s portrayal of the Witch was outstanding, not only did I feel fully emersied in the world she had created with her performance. Her singing ability made her part in “Prologue” memorable and made me excited for the rest of the production. I also felt like Chase Guthrie’s performance as the Baker was on par with Julia’s. Not only was his character funny and a sense of comic relief; but in the moments of pain Chase really made the audience believe him and empathize with him. He seemed fully given over to the character which made the highs in the plot higher and the lows even more heartbreaking. I however I felt as though some of supporting cast took away from the performance. It was apparent that the director and cast decided to play the supporting characters in a more comedic way; which for the most part was great and gave a lighter tone to more intense pats, but sometimes caused it to come off as surface level performances. For the most part I felt as though the performances were outstanding throughout and only the added ill-timed comedy took away from the
This film will provide you with an enhanced understanding of the play. Although, it is misleading at times, this version of the play will keep you fully entertained for the full 111 minutes and provide you with extra knowledge of the play. Casting The majority of the cast was well selected,
The male characters in Hamlet continually abuse both Ophelia and Gertrude, physically and psychologically, as a pathetic attempt to gain power and control over the situation. One of the greatest examples of psychological abuse comes from the harrowing scene where Hamlet and Ophelia have their final conversation before Hamlet leaves for England. During this rage-induced altercation, Hamlet refuses to accept Ophelia’s returning of the gifts previously given to her from him, saying “I never gave you aught” (3.1.97). Ophelia is appalled as Hamlet continues to insult her and laugh in her face. In the climax of the argument, Hamlet tells Ophelia that she “should not have believed me; for virtue cannot so inoculate our old stock but we shall relish of it: I loved you not” (3.1.117-119). The immense amount of psychological damage received by Ophelia between the addition and removal of love by Hamlet and her father’s death is enough to drive anyone to madness. David M. Smith recounts this as Hamlet’s necessity “to genuine outsideness because of the danger of being co-opted by love” (Smith, 1). However, Hamlet no longer needed to protect himself in his situation. His actions from this scene were not only uncalled for, but added to the slow mental demise of his sweet Ophelia. Hamlet’s next scene of abuse come shortly after this when he goes to speak to Gertrude about her participation in the murder of Old Hamlet. His rage, yet again, takes over, but this time he adopts physical abuse
Almost every story involves a conflict between hero and villain. In some stories, there is a plot twist where the hero is also the villain—but in Hamlet, there are no heroes and many villains. In Hamlet, every character has lied, kept secrets or is seeking revenge that leads to a tragic ending at every corner, but what we fail to see is who the true villain is. Looking at the character of Hamlet throughout the play, it is easier to spot his many dishonorable actions than his few honorable ones.
The speakers were blaring AC/DC’s “For Those About to Rock”, my hands saluting in the air, I was headed to bear lake in my car and was well. Then it happened. A full 900 degree barrel, on the interstate going 80mph. So there I was sitting on the interstate, in the dark, upside-down in my car. The cause of this crash was a simple fluke. My right tire was not inflated and it popped. So when I hit the brakes my car dug into the road and flipped. At this point in my life I had never had something that dramatic happen. For the next week and a half I found glass, in crevices it should never be found.
I have never been involved with the production of any kind of play, so my partner and I decided that we would watch multiple versions of this play. There was Kenneth Branagh’s version which was sort of lack characteristic that we thought would be suiting for our “soap opera” themed performance.
The main characters of the play, Hannah and Martin, had strong and successful performances in terms of their body movements, chemistry, and portrayal of their characters. Ali Basalyga, the actress portraying Hannah, was excellent in demonstrating Hannah’s transition from an awkward, shy, and self-conscious young girl in the beginning of the play, to becoming dominant and powerful at the end of the play. While most of the actors did their characters justice, there were some minor faults that seemed to stick out like sore thumbs. In terms of vocal quality and articulation, for example, Basalyga definitely stuck out--her occasional fast speech and slurred words caused sentences to pass, unheard by the audience. Had she spoken slower at times, her role would have been more understandable and therefore, more powerful. I have seen other plays in the past, “The Glass Menagerie”, for example, in which Basalyga also portrayed the main character, and again, articulation proved to a problem for her. One character that did not add to the success of the production was Gertrude Jaspers, portrayed by Emily Paparazzo. Paparazzo’s soft tone of voice and perceived shyness to be on stage, made it virtually impossible to hear what she was saying for minutes at a time. Her movements on stage were awkward and
Grief is keen mental suffering or distress over affliction or loss; and sharp sorrow. Grief is something that can take a massive toll on one’s mental health and actions. It can change a person’s thinking and what they do. In “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare, grief is shown in many ways but with each person who is grieving they begin to act differently than they normally would.
I choose the topic of physical activity as the importance of preventing childhood obesity. Because childhood obesity is increasing worldwide and corrupting the lives of millions of children who won’t survive into their adulthood. Childhood obesity is a serious health issue that’s facing the United States. This topic captivated my attention to understanding the main problems and solutions to combating childhood obesity after watching; “Weight of the Nation” Children in Crisis. The types of information I found on the creditable and non-creditable websites and blogs were steps on how to prevent childhood obesity by incorporating exercise into children daily life’s routines. Changes overweight and obese children encounter throughout the childhood up until adolescents. For example, behavioral, psychological, social and even physical. The explanations of the main types of physical activity. Causes and Consequences of childhood obesity. Health risks found in children like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension. The different physical activity guideline recommendations for children on the amount of time required for the child to stay active and healthy. Majority of the people who are interested in the information would find it very useful. As well as, give them a sense of knowledge on the childhood obesity epidemic in the United States. Also, if you never knew what childhood obesity was and what caused it and how to prevent childhood obesity from entering into adulthood
This production ticks every box; from staging to acting, the play is refined down to absolute fluidity. Immersing themselves in the roles completely, the actors in the Old Vic production embody Miller’s characters in ways unparalleled by other performances. Seeing the actors wholly capture the raw emotions of their complex characters brings the play to life, and with their efforts, the audience feels so deeply along with them.
In the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare, the character Hamlet must deal with both external and internal conflict. Hamlet encounters many struggles and has trouble finding a way to deal with them. With so many corrupt people in his life, Hamlet feels as if there is no one that he can trust and begins to isolate himself from others. A result from this isolation leads Hamlet to become melancholy. Hamlet struggles with suicidal thoughts, wants to kill King Claudius, and is distraught over his mother’s hasty marriage with his uncle Claudius.
From 1533 to 1963 farmers in England and Brazil raised hemp for industrial use, England was importing hemp from Russia, it became a major trade in South Asia and Central Asia. Places in America such as Kentucky, Georgia, California, New York and Mississippi started marijuana plantations. Books were being written all over the world, doctors from all different kinds of countries started doing research on the pros, cons and medicinal values and in 1850 Cannabis was added to the U.S Pharmacopoeia. During the Mexican Revolution immigrants began smoking marijuana recreationally instead of medicinally. By the year 1914 the U.S passed the Harrison Act defining marijuana as a crime. In the 1920s and 1930s jazz musicians were recreationally using marijuana,
Shakespeare writes in a way that is difficult to understand for anyone that speaks the modern language. His story Hamlet is understood through the emotions felt by his characters. Hamlet is the main character who is conflicted with revenge and conspiring friendships. Hamlet returns home from Germany for his father’s funeral only to find far more troubling things. Hamlet is a conflicted character but that doesn’t stop him from knowing what he wants. Revenge is the main cause of his confliction but with great reason, which is important to understand about this play because it helps explain all the betrayal and tragedy.
In the play, “The Importance of being Earnest,” Jack and Algernon use deception to live two separate lives and avoid what they believe to be unpleasant situations. Jack creates his brother “Ernest,” so that he can leave the country, where he is guardian over Cecily, when he wishes to visit the city. Algernon creates his friend “Bunbury,” so that he can leave the city when he does not care to participate in family dining and activities. The play also has a few other characters that live a life with a secret past, that play an important role in the ending. Although Jack and Algernon use deception to live a separate life outside of their normal life, they use it to win the hearts and become engaged to their loves. What about other characters’ deception?