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home of the official visual artist for Theatre of Rats
Monday, May 31, 2010
"Plays, plays, plays. They're all around us, we see them nearly everyday. But what are plays? And why do we watch so many?"
(the title is from Colwyn's generic television host speech, btw)
(I'm so bad at reviewing plays.) I saw some really good ones this week.
I saw The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, The Ugly One and Richard III. That's right, a double hit to the MTC. Thank you for the free tickets to the Ugly One, it was terrific.
I think people who don't usually go to plays should see the Ugly One, because it demonstrates really nicely why theatre is such a good medium, and how it is unique and distinct from other forms of entertainment. It is a good example of how the writing can be about anything, there are no limits, and then how the actors/creative team must find a way to translate that to stage. They did some really cool things with staging, microphones, scene changes. They had wheely chairs and a microphone, basically. With maybe 3 or 4 lighting changes? The actors played ,multiple characters in multiple physical forms. It amazes me how in theatre, when you say something is a certain way, then it instantly is. "We are at the beach", and it is so, no questions asked. The Ugly One is definitely worth seeing. Also fulfills my theory that the best plays go for around 40 minutes to an hour with no interval. No sore bums, and many satiated minds.
Richard III
OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In my mind's eye I could see that Shakespeare was good, I could see inside my imagination, Shakespeare's plays having dramatic integrity and conviction. But every time I went to see something 'shakespeare' on stage it was like... giving money over in exchange for a gun to shoot myself in the foot with. There was always the feeling of 'today I am voluntarily ripping myself off,' but this was absolutely NOT the case with MTC's production of Richard III. The actor who played Richard was absolutely brilliant. Ohh, how did he do that? It was inspiring! It was so gutsy. So confident, and so devilishly relished. If I had the money I would see it again, like 3 times. Not even kidding. (Though I suppose if I had that much money there would be much of this going on. Still. I really would, and I really want to). The only thing which I thought cheapened the show was the 'Obama'ish prez Richmond. Little bit laaaame. Still, it shouldn't take away from the show, I'm just so so happy that I have seen something that I really really enjoyed, that restored faith in me. My soul replenished, I will now rise from the ashes. Might even do a shakespeare production? Hmm. Yeah, have to be careful, don't I; that I don.t become one of those sellers of foot-shooting guns.
The Last Days of Judas Iscariot - I liked the show a lot. I think I am still thinking about it though. No doubt, there will be much to say. Still thinking, churning, processing. Such rich, dense and thickly laid material. Will post what I think soon.
Anyway, like I said, I'm not the best at writing reviews, and quite frankly I don't really think I'm qualified or good at it, even - I feel like I am spouting an opinion that anyone is capable of having and expressing... I don't like to think that I have some really special platform off which to tumble my opinion off. Plus critics kind of suck. But, I do like regular writing, and its nice to have something to post about. It's good to share and relate experiences.I guess the moral of the story is go to the theatre, you will find some good things at the moment.
P.S does anyone know any good basic theatre skills courses for actors in Melbourne?
P.P.S Clare Bowditch on Q & A tonight was such a smokin' gun. So eloquent.
Also I've decided I am going to convince Y.K. to publish the Debbie Specific story book in a zine. It needs to be done. Debbie is a universal character who ought to have a place in everyone's heart.
Now, Jamie and I are going to re-commence our Alias marathon. Jennifer Garner is a babe, and the Michael Giacchino's music makes me feel like I really am on a mission.
(singing the music from the show to enhance your experience in viewing this picture:) byoaw byoach myao myao dhskedoiasdfdsfk :)
(I'm so bad at reviewing plays.) I saw some really good ones this week.
I saw The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, The Ugly One and Richard III. That's right, a double hit to the MTC. Thank you for the free tickets to the Ugly One, it was terrific.
I think people who don't usually go to plays should see the Ugly One, because it demonstrates really nicely why theatre is such a good medium, and how it is unique and distinct from other forms of entertainment. It is a good example of how the writing can be about anything, there are no limits, and then how the actors/creative team must find a way to translate that to stage. They did some really cool things with staging, microphones, scene changes. They had wheely chairs and a microphone, basically. With maybe 3 or 4 lighting changes? The actors played ,multiple characters in multiple physical forms. It amazes me how in theatre, when you say something is a certain way, then it instantly is. "We are at the beach", and it is so, no questions asked. The Ugly One is definitely worth seeing. Also fulfills my theory that the best plays go for around 40 minutes to an hour with no interval. No sore bums, and many satiated minds.
Richard III
OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In my mind's eye I could see that Shakespeare was good, I could see inside my imagination, Shakespeare's plays having dramatic integrity and conviction. But every time I went to see something 'shakespeare' on stage it was like... giving money over in exchange for a gun to shoot myself in the foot with. There was always the feeling of 'today I am voluntarily ripping myself off,' but this was absolutely NOT the case with MTC's production of Richard III. The actor who played Richard was absolutely brilliant. Ohh, how did he do that? It was inspiring! It was so gutsy. So confident, and so devilishly relished. If I had the money I would see it again, like 3 times. Not even kidding. (Though I suppose if I had that much money there would be much of this going on. Still. I really would, and I really want to). The only thing which I thought cheapened the show was the 'Obama'ish prez Richmond. Little bit laaaame. Still, it shouldn't take away from the show, I'm just so so happy that I have seen something that I really really enjoyed, that restored faith in me. My soul replenished, I will now rise from the ashes. Might even do a shakespeare production? Hmm. Yeah, have to be careful, don't I; that I don.t become one of those sellers of foot-shooting guns.
The Last Days of Judas Iscariot - I liked the show a lot. I think I am still thinking about it though. No doubt, there will be much to say. Still thinking, churning, processing. Such rich, dense and thickly laid material. Will post what I think soon.
Anyway, like I said, I'm not the best at writing reviews, and quite frankly I don't really think I'm qualified or good at it, even - I feel like I am spouting an opinion that anyone is capable of having and expressing... I don't like to think that I have some really special platform off which to tumble my opinion off. Plus critics kind of suck. But, I do like regular writing, and its nice to have something to post about. It's good to share and relate experiences.I guess the moral of the story is go to the theatre, you will find some good things at the moment.
P.S does anyone know any good basic theatre skills courses for actors in Melbourne?
P.P.S Clare Bowditch on Q & A tonight was such a smokin' gun. So eloquent.
Also I've decided I am going to convince Y.K. to publish the Debbie Specific story book in a zine. It needs to be done. Debbie is a universal character who ought to have a place in everyone's heart.
Now, Jamie and I are going to re-commence our Alias marathon. Jennifer Garner is a babe, and the Michael Giacchino's music makes me feel like I really am on a mission.
(singing the music from the show to enhance your experience in viewing this picture:) byoaw byoach myao myao dhskedoiasdfdsfk :)
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
seeing too much theatre for our own good
sunday
Lots of us went to go and see Waiting for Godot on Sunday.
It was really good. I always get that thing though, when it's at the end of the day and the theatre is just that little too warm and a little too comfortable and there is the danger of falling asleep. Beth said that in front of her someone was actually falling asleep... As if you'd even do that!
I must admit I did have shivers quite a few times, there were many moments. The quality of Becket's writing is what is apparent immediately. I remember the first time reading the script, I absolutely could not picture how you would say these things. Where is the character? I thought it would just be long and depressing and a total let down for all involved. It wasn't until I was older that I understood better, and even then, it took for me to actually see it on the stage to realise how the script, everywhere, was punctuated with rich character and poignancy. Being older must be the key, though, I think. I used to not believe all that stuff about needing to be older with 'life experience' at all. OH MY GODot, the acting was so expert...still can't find the word. The ability of the actors was amazing. They were so capable, their character was so clear, there was never a moment when I thought of them as actors, even when they came out and took a bow. I don't think I have ever had that experience. Surely I have? Anyway, consequently the next couple of hours after the show I was groaning in my own head "Gnnaaaawwwwwww that was so goooooooddd I have to be like thaaaaat...arrrrrrrgh ammmmaaazzzinggggg... i have to do thaaaaat...want to be an actorr so baaaadddd"etc. I don't really know what this phenomenon is, but usually it happens after a really good production, or I read some John Waters interview, or I read some amazing book, see a documentary. I think the best one, apart from Godot this year was the Peaches gig in January. Babbleballblebabble - noone ever knows what I'm talking about' my head lifts into the air with the help of my rapidly fluttering heart and I go whirring around, over places talking nonsensical things ... the first time it ever happened was when Mr. G (my sister's grade 3 teacher) gave me a giant bag of CDs, books and posters which he labelled 'the grunge pack' in which there were like 5 billion CDs. Nearly all of the NIRVANA back catalogue, Smashing pumpkins... there were more. one of the books was a compilation of all the interviews and stories Rolling Stone ever published about Kurt Cobain and NIRAVANA on his one year death anniversary. These things just totally make me crazy. Waiting for Godot, made me crazy. I think the only thing that took away from it was the cost of the tickets, and that girl diagonally across from us who kept glaring every time Kirsten, Millie and Colwyn laughed. UM. What do you expect, the venue is ACTUALLY CALLED the Comedy Theatre. It looked as if we were the only youths there. Apart from glaring girl. I see they trained HER well.
Tonight we're going to see The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, directed by David Myles, who is doing a course at the moment that Colwyn and I are in, at Broken Mirror Productions Brunswick (its a really really good course). It's a 27 piece cast comedy courtroom drama. I'm very much looking forward to it.
Wednesday, starting from 3pm is the LOST finale party. Don't know who I'm going to dress up as yet. Jarman is being Anna-Lucia, kind of envious but mostly it's only going to be to her detriment as I may try and seduce her (there is a new universal rule on the list: Michelle Rodriguez is the mayor of Babetown, hush hush, no arguing.) Party till 11pm. All the fish biscuits money can buy. Maybe I'll even blow up Colwyn's model plane with some dynamite. Who knows. Polar bear might make an appearance. Epic.
Thursday, thursday...
There are two possibilities on thursday. There is "Transmute", a production of Butoh Cabaret on at Melbourne Uni. Yes, I know, Butoh Cabaret. I was THIS CLOSE()to wetting my pants with excitement. Then there is one called "The unexpected passage of time within a confined space" which sounds very interesting indeed. What to do? I don't know. I guess I'll flip a coin or something. Would anyone like to come with me? Jana Filipovic, perhaps?
Friday
Got tickets to go and see 'The Ugly One,' at MTC as a consolation prize for not quite making it into their emerging directors programme, which makes me think that the people at MTC must be marvellous beings. Thankyou, I will take those two tickets, and I will see your show at no extra cost to me you are so lovely YUMYUM MIAOW!
It's a week of theatre. I want more of these weeks, so now I have made it a proper aim of mine to do this. And now I leave you with a picture of John Waters.
"I love rap. I love Snoop Dogg. I have a CD player that has 100 CDs in it, it looks like a dishwasher. I load it up and it's like I'm the DJ of my own radio station."
Babblebabblebabble away
GO GO GO GO
Lots of us went to go and see Waiting for Godot on Sunday.
It was really good. I always get that thing though, when it's at the end of the day and the theatre is just that little too warm and a little too comfortable and there is the danger of falling asleep. Beth said that in front of her someone was actually falling asleep... As if you'd even do that!
I must admit I did have shivers quite a few times, there were many moments. The quality of Becket's writing is what is apparent immediately. I remember the first time reading the script, I absolutely could not picture how you would say these things. Where is the character? I thought it would just be long and depressing and a total let down for all involved. It wasn't until I was older that I understood better, and even then, it took for me to actually see it on the stage to realise how the script, everywhere, was punctuated with rich character and poignancy. Being older must be the key, though, I think. I used to not believe all that stuff about needing to be older with 'life experience' at all. OH MY GODot, the acting was so expert...still can't find the word. The ability of the actors was amazing. They were so capable, their character was so clear, there was never a moment when I thought of them as actors, even when they came out and took a bow. I don't think I have ever had that experience. Surely I have? Anyway, consequently the next couple of hours after the show I was groaning in my own head "Gnnaaaawwwwwww that was so goooooooddd I have to be like thaaaaat...arrrrrrrgh ammmmaaazzzinggggg... i have to do thaaaaat...want to be an actorr so baaaadddd"etc. I don't really know what this phenomenon is, but usually it happens after a really good production, or I read some John Waters interview, or I read some amazing book, see a documentary. I think the best one, apart from Godot this year was the Peaches gig in January. Babbleballblebabble - noone ever knows what I'm talking about' my head lifts into the air with the help of my rapidly fluttering heart and I go whirring around, over places talking nonsensical things ... the first time it ever happened was when Mr. G (my sister's grade 3 teacher) gave me a giant bag of CDs, books and posters which he labelled 'the grunge pack' in which there were like 5 billion CDs. Nearly all of the NIRVANA back catalogue, Smashing pumpkins... there were more. one of the books was a compilation of all the interviews and stories Rolling Stone ever published about Kurt Cobain and NIRAVANA on his one year death anniversary. These things just totally make me crazy. Waiting for Godot, made me crazy. I think the only thing that took away from it was the cost of the tickets, and that girl diagonally across from us who kept glaring every time Kirsten, Millie and Colwyn laughed. UM. What do you expect, the venue is ACTUALLY CALLED the Comedy Theatre. It looked as if we were the only youths there. Apart from glaring girl. I see they trained HER well.
Tonight we're going to see The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, directed by David Myles, who is doing a course at the moment that Colwyn and I are in, at Broken Mirror Productions Brunswick (its a really really good course). It's a 27 piece cast comedy courtroom drama. I'm very much looking forward to it.
Wednesday, starting from 3pm is the LOST finale party. Don't know who I'm going to dress up as yet. Jarman is being Anna-Lucia, kind of envious but mostly it's only going to be to her detriment as I may try and seduce her (there is a new universal rule on the list: Michelle Rodriguez is the mayor of Babetown, hush hush, no arguing.) Party till 11pm. All the fish biscuits money can buy. Maybe I'll even blow up Colwyn's model plane with some dynamite. Who knows. Polar bear might make an appearance. Epic.
Thursday, thursday...
There are two possibilities on thursday. There is "Transmute", a production of Butoh Cabaret on at Melbourne Uni. Yes, I know, Butoh Cabaret. I was THIS CLOSE()to wetting my pants with excitement. Then there is one called "The unexpected passage of time within a confined space" which sounds very interesting indeed. What to do? I don't know. I guess I'll flip a coin or something. Would anyone like to come with me? Jana Filipovic, perhaps?
Friday
Got tickets to go and see 'The Ugly One,' at MTC as a consolation prize for not quite making it into their emerging directors programme, which makes me think that the people at MTC must be marvellous beings. Thankyou, I will take those two tickets, and I will see your show at no extra cost to me you are so lovely YUMYUM MIAOW!
It's a week of theatre. I want more of these weeks, so now I have made it a proper aim of mine to do this. And now I leave you with a picture of John Waters.
"I love rap. I love Snoop Dogg. I have a CD player that has 100 CDs in it, it looks like a dishwasher. I load it up and it's like I'm the DJ of my own radio station."
Babblebabblebabble away
GO GO GO GO
Saturday, May 8, 2010
CAPTION COMPETITION
Post captions for each picture (preferably develop it into a plot). The best one will win our respect and a free double pass to our next show...
IMAGE A:
IMAGE B:
IMAGE C:
IMAGE D:
IMAGE E:
And then you must end it by finishing the rest of this sentence: "And the moral of the story is..." (Aesop can suck it!!)
Good luck,
THEATRE OF RATS
IMAGE A:
IMAGE B:
IMAGE C:
IMAGE D:
IMAGE E:
And then you must end it by finishing the rest of this sentence: "And the moral of the story is..." (Aesop can suck it!!)
Good luck,
THEATRE OF RATS
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