Looking forward (as usual) to the previews, I find it strange to think that I did not actually see a performance of the play until the 1990’s when I saw the touring production with Vanessa Redgrave and David Harewood. Since 1999 I have seen every RSC offering and have vivid memories of Frances De La Tour/Alan Bates, Sinead Cusack/Stuart Wilson and Harriet Walter/Patrick Stewart.
Now with our present talented ensemble in their second season, we can relish the prospect of Michael Boyd’s forthcoming production with Kathryn Hunter/Darrell D’Silva. It will be fascinating to see Darrell continuing his striking and splendid Antony in JULIUS CAESAR and Kathryn following her equally splendid performance as the Fool, not forgetting her marvellous production of OTHELLO at Warwick Arts Centre last year.
The more I see the play the more I realise why Granville-Barker also spoke of it as “a great technical achievement and one of great artistry …” with a magnificence and magic all its own”. If anyone reading this has not yet seen a live performance of ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA, book your tickets now if you have not already done so.
by Tony Boyd-Williams, Volunteer Theatre Tour Guide, RSC Friends, Stratford
Well the Anthony and Cleopatra previews have started with high drama as Darrell has carried on despite a rehearsal injury which meant he had to appear sporting a sling. Congratulations to him, as they say, the show must go on!
This article set me thinking of when I have seen the play
“Anthony and Cleopatra”.
I think I mentioned before about sitting in the pews at
Durham Cathedral watching a performance. Then there have been aleast three performances at the Theatre Royal in
Newcastle, and two at the RSC in Stratford., and I have also
seen the play quite awhile ago now, at the Old Vic.
There have been afew TV versions, one in what was termed
“The Spread of the Eagle”, the roman plays, when Mary Morris
played Cleo.
The part of Cleopatra needs an actor of strength to display the
power of the queen while illustrating the insecurity of the woman in an emotional turmoil. It is perhaps the best part for a woman in Shakespeare. Though there are some in the
history play etc.
In regard to films the best scene from any film on the topic is
a funny scene in which Vivian Leigh rolled out of a carpet.
I don’t think I ever did see the Elizabeth Taylor version. But
who could forget the photographs of those eyes. Violet, of course.