RSC Friends

First Part (3)

The press night for the RSC’s  new production of Antony and Cleopatra may have been postponed, but the performance I very much enjoyed yesterday evening (20th April) confirmed what the public dress rehearsal suggested. Michael Boyd is giving us something very special with this fantastic production. The use of The Courtyard takes the audience at a swift pace through the multiple locations, whilst the modern dress outlines the clash of cultures and the sharp political edges of the story. Indeed, I do not recall  a production where the politics, exciting and at times downright dirty, are staged so effectively and with such an up to date resonance.

Darrell D’Silva may still be playing Antony with an arm in a sling but this in no way detracts from the power and panache of his performance. When Julius Caesar returns to the repertoire in July, it will be fascinating to watch the theatrical journey of this Antony.

In the same way, Kathryn Hunter gives us something very special as Cleopatra. I do not recall so much humour in her scenes or so much of a portrayal which underlined the loyalty of her court.

Above all, this Antony and Cleopatra make us fully realize their hurt and loneliness at significant moments in the play, and at the same time their unquestionable love for one another whatever the political and domestic consequences. 

Darrell and Kathryn are supported by some very strong performances from the remainder of the ensemble, a reminder that as with King Lear and Romeo and Juliet, the whole company is a tremendous edifice in which there is not one loose stone.

The set, music, lighting and costumes all play a significant part in a production “quite unparalled”.

Meanwhile we have the public understudy performance (plus that of King Lear next month). What a theatrical banquet we are being treated to in 2010!

And Part ( 2)

Those of us who were privileged to attend the Public Dress Rehearsal on Monday 12th April are not likely to forget the occasion. Michael Boyd’s witty and sensitive words of welcome beforehand reminded us not only of the commitment of Darell D’Silva in returning so soon following his injury and operation, but also of the additional commitment of Geoffrey Freshwater in preparing to understudy if need be for the dress and early previews.

In fact, commitment by the whole company was the order of the evening. Darell coped superbly with his arm in a sling, supported not only by Kathryn (Hunter) but the entire ensemble. I felt it was a fascinating, absorbing and most exciting evening.

Some friends of ours had never been to a Dress Rehearsal before, but were so impressed with what they saw that they determined to buy tickets asap for a later performance. 

Thanks also to the Box Office and others concerned at the RSC for the telephone calls and e-mails to let us know about the change to Monday’s performance -so much appreciated.

Tony Boyd-Williams, Stratford