It has always been an interest of mine to head down to the southwestern part of Ontario, and check out some of the plays being held at Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Stratford. So that's exactly what I did, with the help of a couple of friends, we boarded into a car and took the two hour drive into the city for the weekend. For my friends it was a getaway from the stress and bothers of life and to see a show, however for myself, I was quite excited to see and experience a new piece of theatre. To let you all know I'm a Theatre and Film major and love to see live theatre! It thrills me.With sad regret we only got to see one show[I really wanted to see the Tempest, with Christopher Plummer] however it was a great show nonetheless. We saw the musical, Kiss Me Kate, a play derived from the Shakespearean musical, The Taming of the Shrew. Originally written and scored by Cole Porter, it was directed by John Doyle this year, and it was a comedy-musical of a play within a play. Dealing with deceit, sabotage, love, forgiveness, stardom, and all themes that generally revolve around Shakespeare plays it left me wanting more. It amazes me how a play that has been around for 62 years can still have a modern feel to it, and not leave me bored and annoyed by Shakespeare like it did when I was in high school. It's full of energy and humour, it's not like the other plays written by our beloved Englishman.
Just to give you some background information the Stratford Shakespeare Festival; it's been around for a long time! Founded in 1953, it was formally named the Stratford Shakespearean Festival of Canadian. It generally runs from April to November [so there's still time to check out the festival if you haven't gotten the chance] and generally revolves but not limited to the Shakespeare plays. It used to be a competition run festival, however, that has ceased due to limiting the artistic value of what the festival could potential bring. So even if your not interested in Shakespeare there are different themes and plays for you to explore. Not to mention that the town [be it small] is gorgeous!!! Take a moment after or before to check out the city. The complex where the theatre sits, that in itself is a beautiful sight!
This year there are twelve plays running at the SSF: As You Like It, Dangerous Liaisons, Do Not Go Gentle, Evita, Kiss Me Kate, King of Thieves, Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living In Paris, For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again, Peter Pan, The Tempest, The Two Gentlemen of Verona and Winter's Tale.
Here's a link, check it out,
http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/Default.aspx
I give Kiss Me Kate five stars, however I suggest you check out some of the plays, and brush up you Shakespeare!
Peace,
Audrey
