Two Bits Of Culture
First Julius Caesar at the Barbican. I thought I knew the play quite well but apparently I'd completely forgotten it. Like the whole fact it's not really about Caesar (though John Shrapnel was very good in this role.) Brutus, the heart of the play, was excellent portrayed by Anton Lesser and his partner, Cassius, did very well, though something about his delivery niggled. Wasn't convinced by Ralph Fiennes's Anthony - the jump from playboy to statesman to general was to sharp and underdeveloped. It's a very male play - this production wrung as much homoeroticism as it could out of it - but Fiona Shaw gets the best she can out of Portia.
But my main problem was with Shakespeare, not the actors. I've realised I don't think the play is much cop. The forming of the conspiracy is very good but then it goes to pot. The central, famous oratories are actually quite poor and only engender a sense of contempt for the citizens of Rome. As a centre piece it is rather flat. Then it devolves into a messy and protracted battle (the production staged this very well) with far too much falling on swords. There is no sense of tragedy to these acts, they seem contrived and juvenile.
Then a gig at the Garage which somehow warranted three support acts:
1) By the numbers angular rock
2) Decent post-rock with unfortunately Keane-esque frontman
3) Terrible Drowning Pool type shouty nonsense
Headliners were 65 Days Of Static who were described to me as "Godspeed You Black Emperor! meets Ventetian Snares" which had me jizzing in my pants and they met my expectations (though more Mogwai than Godspeed.) Now that was some good noise.
But my main problem was with Shakespeare, not the actors. I've realised I don't think the play is much cop. The forming of the conspiracy is very good but then it goes to pot. The central, famous oratories are actually quite poor and only engender a sense of contempt for the citizens of Rome. As a centre piece it is rather flat. Then it devolves into a messy and protracted battle (the production staged this very well) with far too much falling on swords. There is no sense of tragedy to these acts, they seem contrived and juvenile.
Then a gig at the Garage which somehow warranted three support acts:
1) By the numbers angular rock
2) Decent post-rock with unfortunately Keane-esque frontman
3) Terrible Drowning Pool type shouty nonsense
Headliners were 65 Days Of Static who were described to me as "Godspeed You Black Emperor! meets Ventetian Snares" which had me jizzing in my pants and they met my expectations (though more Mogwai than Godspeed.) Now that was some good noise.