Brokeback Marlowe
"Galveston, Why Can't I Quit You?"
'Edward II' at the new Shakespeare Theatre in D.C. was AMAZING! Just...WOW!
The play is the story of a King Edward II. His father has just died, a father that banished his "favorite", Galveston, to France some years back. Now with is father six feet under, Edward immediately calls back his favorite, his friend, his lover - Galveston - back to the court. His wife, Queen Isabella, is none too thrilled. It is clear that Edward truly loves Galveston, and his love his returned. The noblemen of the court despise Galveston. In fact, they hardly ever call him by name, he's just a "minion", a "wanton" or "base". Edward always calls him "dear Galveston" or "friend Galveston" or "My Galveston". The nobles swear that it's not really the relationship that bothers them, but the fact that Edward would bestow titles on Galveston, who is a "nobody" to them. And, as with so many crusaders, they charge into battle with the phrase 'It's not for me, but for my country that I do this'. Yeah, right.
Where 'Tamburlaine' was the story of a main rising to power by destroying everyone around him, Edward just wants to be left alone, but his position as King gives everyone the right to tell him how best to live his life. Things fall apart around him because no one will let him be! He even tries to delegate his power to the nobles so he can go and hide away with Galveston. You feel for Edward. You can tell the director and the actor put a lot of thought and care into his portrayal. He could easily have been an effemenate, naive joke or a spoiled King throwing a fit for not getting his way. But he is just tired. You can tell his has put up with being what he is supposed to be - he has married a princess of France, he has provided the throne with an heir. He has been a good father to his son. But now, finally, his true love can return to him. He just wants to be in love but the real world entervines.
Gale Edwards interpretation was just fantastic. She has the play in a 1920-30s era world, so the men are all in suits and tuxedos. Wallace Acton as Edward...what can I say? I had never seen or read this play before but I know it will take a lot to top this production. Every. Single. Cast Member gave 110%!
If you see the play, watch ALL the characters, even if they are only off to the side. The glances, the nods, the gestures - they are all truly in the moment. Poor Edmund, brother to the King, might be the most sympathetic character. He tries so very hard to stand by his brother and its not until he sees that his country might be at stake that he tells Edward that he can't realistically have Gaveston and his kingdom too. And he immediately regrets it.
Oh, and Mortimer! I have this image of him warming up for Act II by standing backstage and laughing maniacally. He has a very James Bond villian moment, where you divulges his plans to the audience. If he had a mustache, he would have been twirling it.
So, in short - Play GOOD! If you can, go see it.
'Edward II' at the new Shakespeare Theatre in D.C. was AMAZING! Just...WOW!
The play is the story of a King Edward II. His father has just died, a father that banished his "favorite", Galveston, to France some years back. Now with is father six feet under, Edward immediately calls back his favorite, his friend, his lover - Galveston - back to the court. His wife, Queen Isabella, is none too thrilled. It is clear that Edward truly loves Galveston, and his love his returned. The noblemen of the court despise Galveston. In fact, they hardly ever call him by name, he's just a "minion", a "wanton" or "base". Edward always calls him "dear Galveston" or "friend Galveston" or "My Galveston". The nobles swear that it's not really the relationship that bothers them, but the fact that Edward would bestow titles on Galveston, who is a "nobody" to them. And, as with so many crusaders, they charge into battle with the phrase 'It's not for me, but for my country that I do this'. Yeah, right.
Where 'Tamburlaine' was the story of a main rising to power by destroying everyone around him, Edward just wants to be left alone, but his position as King gives everyone the right to tell him how best to live his life. Things fall apart around him because no one will let him be! He even tries to delegate his power to the nobles so he can go and hide away with Galveston. You feel for Edward. You can tell the director and the actor put a lot of thought and care into his portrayal. He could easily have been an effemenate, naive joke or a spoiled King throwing a fit for not getting his way. But he is just tired. You can tell his has put up with being what he is supposed to be - he has married a princess of France, he has provided the throne with an heir. He has been a good father to his son. But now, finally, his true love can return to him. He just wants to be in love but the real world entervines.
Gale Edwards interpretation was just fantastic. She has the play in a 1920-30s era world, so the men are all in suits and tuxedos. Wallace Acton as Edward...what can I say? I had never seen or read this play before but I know it will take a lot to top this production. Every. Single. Cast Member gave 110%!
If you see the play, watch ALL the characters, even if they are only off to the side. The glances, the nods, the gestures - they are all truly in the moment. Poor Edmund, brother to the King, might be the most sympathetic character. He tries so very hard to stand by his brother and its not until he sees that his country might be at stake that he tells Edward that he can't realistically have Gaveston and his kingdom too. And he immediately regrets it.
Oh, and Mortimer! I have this image of him warming up for Act II by standing backstage and laughing maniacally. He has a very James Bond villian moment, where you divulges his plans to the audience. If he had a mustache, he would have been twirling it.
So, in short - Play GOOD! If you can, go see it.