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Post by DuchessConstance on Nov 25, 2016 11:18:20 GMT
The thing is, there is a lot of theatre that is dire, boring, unnecessary, pointless, nepotistic, derivative, a bad idea for various reasons, or just plain not one's cup of tea. And for the most part people don't care. They just don't go and see those shows. It's only when it involves women or minorities in lead roles that people become actively offended. (NB I don't mean on this board - we bitch about everything more or less equally  ). |
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Post by bellboard27 on Nov 25, 2016 12:06:54 GMT
The article refers to Lear. Just to note that, of course, Shakespeare did not write any roles for women to play. So if Lady Macbeth is now viewed as an 'iconic' role for a female actor, then so can Henry V, Lear or Shakespearean character. Also, there is a difference between a female actor playing the part as a male character or a female character. Glenda J has not changed the gender of Lear (still 'king'), but the gender swaps in RSC Cymbeline have changed them to female characters.
Swapping genders need not be about making more roles available (for either sex). It can simply be about changing perspectives. Imagine a simple two-hander about a woman in an abusive relationship with a man. Swap the actors around and leave the text unchanged - audience reactions may be different. So, I'm all for mixing things up - as long as what comes out is interesting (and not for the sake of doing it!).
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Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2016 13:01:15 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2016 13:04:15 GMT
Ronald Harwood isn't worthy of two pages of comments, even if most of them have nothing whatever to do with his latest reported utterances.
He should just be ignored.
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Post by couldileaveyou on Nov 25, 2016 19:16:30 GMT
Just read that Marianne Elliott is producing Sondheim's Company with a female Bobby. Why? If you're going to do this, you need to have a reason for it other than "Because I can". It needs to add value. Actually she gives a pretty good motivation here:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3969946/New-Company-production-Rosalie-Craig-play-s-hero-female-character.html Sondheim is my everything, but I have always perceived Company as a bit dated... This seems to be an interesting concept. |
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Post by lynette on Nov 25, 2016 20:37:58 GMT
Ronald Harwood isn't worthy of two pages of comments, even if most of them have nothing whatever to do with his latest reported utterances. He should just be ignored. Well, yes, he is rather grumpy and opinionated but he isn't the only one, is he? |
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Post by schuttep on Nov 26, 2016 9:09:00 GMT
Thanks for the link. Indeed there is a good reason; my question Why has been answered. |
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