Sometimes I surprise myself.Tonight I had a night in. No sailing or dancing for me.
While relaxing in front of the idiot box I stumbled onto a documentary on the ABC, In the company of actors.
It was a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the New York production of Andrew Upton's Hedda Gabler starring Cate Blanchett and Hugo Weaving.
Back in 2004 I had the amazing pleasure of seeing the original Sydney Theatre Company production before they took it to New York in 2006.
I love great theatre and the exchange that takes place between stage and audience. Sitting in the front row (I was so, so lucky with the tickets) at times a hand full of feet away from Cate and Hugo was mesmerising. Cate in particular has an intensity that even her best film work does not quite do justice to once you have seen her live.
Little snippets of the actual performance made me smile, laugh and even clap - all while alone in my lounge room. Seeing inside the rehearsals and watching the artists interact, bounce in and out of character while looking for the right tone or movement or position was a delight.
The documentary wrapped at the end of opening night at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. I found myself with a tear in my eye as the cast took their bow to a standing ovation in front of what is considered one of the most educated, if not conservative, theatre audiences in the world.
You know something was good when three years on and the echoes of emotions lived during a live performance come burbling up and kick you in the teeth.
What a rewarding night in.
6 comments:
Front row? You lucky cuss. I went to see "The Phantom of the Opera" and we had second row seats...in the friggin' balcony. I would've given my left pinky finger to get even floor seats.
I am a Cate Blanchett fan as well. She's a great actress. Unfortunately, I haven't experienced much live theater. But the small amount I have experienced was enjoyable. Sounds like you had a great night!
I’m a massive fan of live theatre. My sister in law is in the industry and is currently touring Asia in the production of CATS, so have seen countless productions over the years. But one of my favourite productions is the musical WICKED, The untold story of the witches of OZ. (not knock it till you see it) Like you we were lucky to see the New York production from the second row and only payed $26 US each. We won the ticket lottery held before each show. It’s starting in Melbourne in July and it’s well worth the trip.
She is da shit! Fact. I would even say she is probably our best female actor by far.
I seem to think a productive night in is one where I don't end up sticky, despite my best efforts at trying.
Stacy
I did cheat a little. I was a Sydney Theater Company member so got to book in advance before public sales.
Em
I always liked her but fell in love that night.
Bo Bo
Thanks for the tip. Another great excuse to go to Melb. for a weekend.
Steph
Yep, I have to agree.
Phish
You have lost me there. Surely if you wanted to get sticky but failed to do so it would not have been a productive night....
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