"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 :)