As Strindberg hated Ibsen's plays and strove To set himself an equal opposite, And Hellman sued McCarthy as she drove Herself into the grave over the split, Such passionate antipathy excites, As legendary treasure does marauder, And spurs an artist to undreamed of heights, As Dostoevsky found Turgenev fodder. But I can't think of any … Continue reading March 16: A Bee in One’s Sonnet
theatre
March 8: The Genre Game
Once, Farce was playing cards with Tragedy, And both held hands that each believed would win. While both observed the needed pageantry, They both were very anxious to begin. First, Farce laid down a witty dowager And three fine fops who sought to win her hand, But countered Tragedy with late monsieur, So noble that … Continue reading March 8: The Genre Game
March 1: On Disappointing Productions
A past professor once apostrophized, “Preserve us from directors with Concepts!” Until today I never realized That even when design is quite adept, It's hollow if the chosen point of view, Sucks out all joy and spontaneity. Conflicting humors turn the text into Perfunctory theatricality. Though challenging a problem play may be, The most successful … Continue reading March 1: On Disappointing Productions
February 15: On Coriolanus, Bethany, and The Elixir of Love
On Thursday, an immortal voice was heard; On Friday, a contemporary one, On Saturday, an opera absurd, But filled with gorgeous music, verve, and fun. Three works that have completely different tones, But even the historic tragedy Shares story arcs, some key thematic bones, And caustic wit with the dark comedy. Though you may laugh … Continue reading February 15: On Coriolanus, Bethany, and The Elixir of Love
Libby Weber 