The three plays are typical of Stratford's offerings--tremendous productions, excellently acted. While I had already seen Hamlet performed live, the other two were first-time viewings. The three were well produced for the film broadcast. Each film included a brief introduction to Stratford and a behind-the-scenes feature during the intermission. It was just as if one were at the movies...minus the popcorn.
The Taming of the Shrew was first on the viewing list. I had read the play in college, but I had never seen it performed in any format. Deborah Hay as Kate and Ben Carlson as Petruchio were excellent. The intermission feature divulged that the two are in a relationship off stage, which certainly adds another dimension to their interactions on stage. Carlson opens the play as the drunken beggar Christopher Sly. In this updated version, though, he is a drunken blogger; no offense taken by this author. His portrayal of Petruchio in the remainder of the play was admittedly a bit tough to watch at times. It certainly was well done, but the violence of the role is rough. I will leave to the scholars discussions of the misogyny of the play and whether there is redemption at its end. Suffice it to say, it's a thought-provoking and conversation-inducing work. Bravo to Deborah Hay for undertaking to play Kate and succeeding mightily!
The Adventures of Pericles was a brand-new play for me. I let myself come to it with no previous exposure, a new feeling. After it was over, WOW! This is a great performance of a great play. Deborah Hay took on multiple major female roles in the play, including Thaisa and Marina. It was interesting to see her portray both a mother and daughter and to do justice to both roles. (When considering that she was playing Kate in Taming at the same time, again I bow to the mastery of repertory actors and actresses!) Evan Buliung as Pericles was excellent--believable in every aspect. The story was engaging throughout, with the brothel scene as another that was tough to watch. The family reunion at the conclusion of the play brought a tear to the eye.
Hamlet was a repeat viewing of the play I had seen performed live in 2015. I noticed the differences between a live performance and a filmed presentation. Theatre audience members can allow their gazes to wander about the stage--up, down, keeping an eye on all of the cast members as they wish. It's a much more open experience, and I can see how each of multiple viewings would provide something new. Film audience members, in contrast, are locked into the shot presented on the screen. The film, then, is very much the film director's vision. While the film is no substitute for the live performance, I believe that Barry Avrich did a good job balancing wide angles and tight angles. I could get the feel of the entire stage while also seeing the actors' faces up close.
The play was very much as I recalled it. (I checked out my posted review afterward to make sure.) I did take note of one item, though. In a post-performance chat, director Antoni Cimolino had revealed that Ophelia was pregnant. Knowing that before the DVD started, I looked for clues to this. While there was not much of a "bump" evident through her formal gown, there was one significant tell. Toward the end of her madness scene, clad in only an undergarment, Ophelia rubs her stomach before running from the room. The film uses a tight shot to accentuate this gesture. I had not picked up on this before. I don't know whether it would have been so obvious on a second live viewing, but the film's close-up certainly drops the hint to the viewer.
In all, the Stratford HD series is an excellent acquisition for fans of both the Festival and the Bard. It made me look forward to what the 2017 trip to Ontario will provide, both on stage and in the Store!
