425 posts
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Post by dlevi on Jun 11, 2019 6:28:03 GMT
Curiosity got the better of me and last night I caught this misfire of a production at the Arcola. Billed as a radical re-interpretation of the Williams classic, if failed on every level. The performances were declamatory and all lacking in poetry or even empathy for the characters, a ridiculous design that simply didn't make sense ( including what seemed to be the use of sleeping bags set up in the Wingfield living room) , and the menagerie itself seemed to come and go at will. Oh, the "radical" part I'm guessing is that the Wingfield's are now a black family. The director Femi Elufowoju, Jr says this is purposeful and historically accurate ( and it may well be) but why can't it simply be talented black actors getting their shot at playing great roles? There was no greatness in any way last night at the Arcola.
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4,993 posts
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Post by Someone in a tree on Jun 11, 2019 9:58:54 GMT
I have also seen and wasn't too impressed.
How accurate is it that black and white sat in class together at the time of its setting?
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425 posts
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Post by dlevi on Jun 11, 2019 12:16:38 GMT
How accurate is it that black and white sat in class together at the time of its setting? it's doubtful - especially in St Louis which even now has a deep divide when it comes to racial issues. It would be one thing if it were at the secretarial school but since it was a regular High School, it becomes unbelievable. |
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4,993 posts
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Post by Someone in a tree on Jun 11, 2019 14:55:49 GMT
How accurate is it that black and white sat in class together at the time of its setting? it's doubtful - especially in St Louis which even now has a deep divide when it comes to racial issues. It would be one thing if it were at the secretarial school but since it was a regular High School, it becomes unbelievable. Exactly and so the production became defunct. |
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8 posts
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Post by 1234akimbo on Jun 14, 2019 15:33:45 GMT
Saw this at the Duke of Yorks several years ago and starred Cherry Jones who was terrific. Such a sad story but well performed by all the cast.
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