I’ve only been here just over a week and one of my friends (Ryan!!) is already complaining that I haven’t written anything here for a while. This same friend (ie Ryan) is trying to correct my spelling and grammar. Look hon, you can't have it both ways. Either you get ramblings and accept them as they arrive, or you get no ramblings. Another friend is complaining that I am not posting the right kind of pictures (ie of good looking boys). Good grief – can’t a girl move to another country in peace these days? Honestly though, your love and attention is appreciated and I do miss all of you. The events pile up so quickly though...it really is in my best interest to write often, otherwise I forget what happened and in what order!
London
I spent the early part of this week in London, hosted by the wonderful Ter-Berg family (thank you again Francesca!!).
I went in on Sunday in order to catch Simcha on the Square, hosted by JMI (the Jewish Music Institute). I was particularly curious to see the event as, while JMI has a much different scope and focus than KlezKanada and KlezKamp, it acts as the local equivalent in that it is the organization behind KlezFest London. I had fun surprising my Klezmatics friends over their lunch – reactions like “Avia! It’s so great to see you! Wait…..why are you in London??) – and I had a great time co-leading the Yiddish dancing with Guy and Ilana. I was certainly struck, however, by the difference in the crowd. Over the past few years I have found it rather fascinating (albeit incredibly frustrating at times) to see the way in which different communities and cities/provinces/countries respond to Yiddish music. I have found that management often assumes an even audience response across all community barriers (if they sold out there, they will sell out here). The truth of the matter is that such assumptions actually hinder the production of a show because neglect of the local details follows. The audience at Trafalgar Square seemed fairly passive; they seemed happy, but not particularly elated. I was a bit worried about the potential for dancing but with three leaders we actually got quite a crowd dancing. I loved looking around the circle and seeing the multicultural variety of our freylekh.
What Fools these Mortals Be - Shakespeare at the Globe (a review?)
Rather spur of the moment, I picked up a 5 pound groundling ticket to see Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Globe theatre. Now I have to admit that Midsummer has never been one of my favourite Shakespearian plays and, after the seemingly endless number of “just ok” productions that I have seen, I was hesitant about sitting, standing in fact, through another one. I was pleasantly surprised. I arrived early enough to be right up at the stage, almost centre. This afforded me a great few of the actor’s mis-buttoned cuffs and dragging end-of-season hems.
While I enjoyed most of the mortal performances, the immortal world of the play fell flat, relying on weak physical humour and an odd mixture of 80s running shoes and corsets. The running shoes and over-bright colours sported by the fairies surprised me; most of the costumes were quite subtle and classic in their design (mostly blacks, browns, greens and oranges). The real performance, fully worth more than the 5 pound admission AND the 3 hour stand, came with the performance of the mechanicals for Theseus’ court. It was hands down, the funniest production of Midsummer’s play within a play that I have ever seen, leaving me with tears in my eyes, clutching the side of the stage from laughing. They started off with the brilliant monologue of the wall, who rattled off his lines in fearfully counted, monotone iambic. The hysterics were capped by Theseus and Thisbee attempting to whisper to each other through the groin of the increasingly uncomfortable wall.
Watching the actors made me quite nostalgic for performance, for the LIVENESS of it. I hope I have a chance to do some performing this year, maybe even a little bit of Shakespeare??
Country-side Adventures
Since I've returned from London I've spent most of my time exploring my surroundings, walking wherever I can. Some favourite moments of the last week (out of many!):
- being introduced to the concept of the camping kettle, or "kelly kettle" by Becky, another student living in the house. Becky is a graduating MA Arts and Ecology student at Dartington. Their program is fascinating: "Arts & Ecology has been designed to allow arts practitioners to develop their skills in the context of ecology, interdisciplinarity and place. The MA provides a challenging academic vehicle in which you’ll develop your arts practice, further your ability to engage with complex ecologies and work with other artists and scientists. You’ll explore various discourses, methodologies and philosophies conventionally associated with non-art disciplines (especially those of the sciences), and apply them to contemporary approaches to ecology through your arts practice" (from the college prospectus). Becky's project includes leading walks to find plants and make tea out of them. The kelly kettle is a rain or shine portable fireplace!! Becky also made Nettle Soup this week which, although sounding suspiciously fairy-tale-esque, was delicious.
From England - Chapter 3 - taking off to the beach with Sarah and her friend Neil. The drive itself was adventurous - there are all these tiny tiny "main" roads that are barely wide enough for one car, let alone two. Every so often there are driveways or places to pull right into the hedgerow so that a car coming in the opposite direction can pass (it often means some impressive reverse driving skills).
We followed these little roads along the coast. It's amazing to drive between the hedgerows because you only see glimpses of the countryside. It feels like driving a labyrinth and it is easy to get lost. We stopped once and Neil asked directions of three small boys dressed in their best and holding bouquets of flowers. They gave us directions in an adorably haphazard, distracted sort of way and then warned us that we might meet a tractor coming down the hill. We did meet the tractor (luckily on a two way section of road!) and were delighted to find that it held a wedding party!! We drove to an amazing cove called Garra Rock and hiked down the hill to the beach. There were hardly any people about - it had a very wild feel to it - and we spent a happy hour or two digging around in tide pools for small creatures, getting our feet wet, and drawing maps in the sand. Between Becky and Neil, I'm learning the names of local flora and fauna.
From England - Chapter 3 
From England - Chapter 3 
From England - Chapter 3 - sampling the local ciders, of which there are many. Cider is definitely better here.
- hiking today along the river and over the hill, through forest and pasture. We ended up at Sharpham Vineyard where we stopped for tea and cake (mmmmm) before walking home.
From England - Chapter 3
No comments:
Post a Comment