Post by foxa on Oct 26, 2016 23:10:16 GMT
First a couple of disclosures - a friend of mine is in this play; I'm a bit of Bonnie Greer fan after her recent Question Time appearance; I grew up in America so some of themes might resonate particularly with me.
BUT after seeing Quentin Letts (imagine me turning and spitting dramatically at this point) gave this 1, yes ONE star, I think I have to speak up.
The premise: based loosely on The Cherry Orchard, the play is set in a hotel owned by and catering for an upper middle class African-American clientele. The owner returns, with her family, but must make certain choices in order to save the hotel. Meanwhile they celebrate the 4th of July; have a disco party, try to make deals and liaisons.
Running time: Two hours twenty.
Nudity/Dogs: No
Disco Yes!
This is a generous, big cast show that I found really interesting, with some strong performances. It is overtly political at points, in a way that Chekhov never is, and (I think) Greer is by nature an optimist so there isn't the same melancholy of the original, but it is engaging, non-stereotypical and if you find yourself out in the Stratford East vicinity, I would say, give it a go. In terms of a play exploring women and politics I found this MUCH more satisfying than 'Oil' which got a number of mystifying (for me)four star reviews.
This is more my idea a four star play; flawed but ambitious with a lot of talent on display.
BUT after seeing Quentin Letts (imagine me turning and spitting dramatically at this point) gave this 1, yes ONE star, I think I have to speak up.
The premise: based loosely on The Cherry Orchard, the play is set in a hotel owned by and catering for an upper middle class African-American clientele. The owner returns, with her family, but must make certain choices in order to save the hotel. Meanwhile they celebrate the 4th of July; have a disco party, try to make deals and liaisons.
Running time: Two hours twenty.
Nudity/Dogs: No
Disco Yes!
This is a generous, big cast show that I found really interesting, with some strong performances. It is overtly political at points, in a way that Chekhov never is, and (I think) Greer is by nature an optimist so there isn't the same melancholy of the original, but it is engaging, non-stereotypical and if you find yourself out in the Stratford East vicinity, I would say, give it a go. In terms of a play exploring women and politics I found this MUCH more satisfying than 'Oil' which got a number of mystifying (for me)four star reviews.
This is more my idea a four star play; flawed but ambitious with a lot of talent on display.
