Hi everyone
Last November saw the 400th anniversary of the publication of Shakespeare’s First Folio and Wednesday was World Theatre Day.
As you know I love theatre and am a big fan of Shakespeare. I’ve been lucky enough to perform some of his most iconic roles, including Richard III. I particularly enjoy seeing Shakespeare performed outside in summer, which there’s something very English about!
I think that Shakespeare creates a lot of opportunities to play with theatre. You can flip genders, explore modern themes like social media and political events, and even combine sections of different plays to create a new story.
Someone told me recently that amateur theatre companies should be banned from performing Shakespeare and it should be reserved for professionals only. I think this is awful and assumes that professional theatre companies are automatically better than amateur theatre companies, which in my experience isn’t remotely true.
I’ve seen some wonderful amateur interpretations of Shakespeare and, on the other side, some truly awful “professional” performances in which the actors (and presumably the director) didn’t care one bit about either the play or the audience watching it. A prime example that always sticks out, is a West End performance of Romeo and Juliet which was performed in traditional clothing. During the balcony scene; the iconic, vital, beloved balcony scene, while Juliet was soliloquising, Romeo yawned, pulled his traditional sleeves up to reveal a very not traditional watch, and then rolled his eyes.
I’ve never seen an amateur company approach Shakespeare, or anything else for that matter, with anything but passion, devotion and dedication. All while holding down their own full-time jobs/other day to day commitments that do not involve getting paid to perform.
The attitudes towards amateur theatre always surprise me so much. I can’t think of another art form where the viewer would stick their nose in the air and speak about what has been produced with such disdain.
Would you tell a friend their painting was poor and unworthy of being seen? Or a relative that they shouldn’t play their music in front of anyone? I’m hoping guessing probably not.
As spring is finally here and the sun is returning, I think it’s worth reflecting during these brighter days that the word “amateur” comes from “for the love”, and we could all do worse than doing something just because we adore it, and not because we are getting paid to.
Especially when jobs, even amazing jobs that you’re incredibly lucky and grateful to have, have their tough days when listening to Juliet go on about roses with another name for the hundredth time leaves you yawning and looking at your watch longing for home time.
Take care,
Donna
World Poetry Day and NaPoWriMo
I was really happy to read at Debbi Voisey’s recent writers’ reading on World Poetry Day.
On theme for Women’s History Month, I read a short collection of poems about strong women and had some lovely feedback:
Wonderful Donna. Love the triolet.
Red Riding Hood - short but precise and effective!
Always find it interesting to hear poetry and flash from the same writer. Love your imagination, Donna.
Beautiful.
Loved those. Fairy tales for adults. Gorgeous.
If you missed it, you can find the video in Debbi’s newsletter.
April will see another NaPoWriMo, which I have participated in since 2016. However, this year I have been made aware of an opportunity which I will need to concentrate on throughout April, meaning I have taken the difficult decision this year to not fully participate in NaPoWriMo.
I will still be writing a poem a day, and of course cheering everyone on, but I just sadly won’t have the time to polish and post a poem every day throughout the month.
I haven’t taken this decision lightly, as you can imagine having done NaPoWriMo for seven years and had many poems from it grow into something more after the month was over, and I will miss it, but deadlines are deadlines and I can’t use poetry as an excuse to procrastinate, as wonderful an excuse as it is!
Sea Invisible
Over on Sea Invisible, my newsletter about living with invisible disability, I have been looking at the concept of passing and what that means to someone with an invisible disability.
Beware of Creepy Houses
Beware of Creepy Houses is my new home for all things spooky. In the first three editions you will find two short stories and a play, reflections for International Women’s Day, mermaids and ghostly love stories.
Molly’s corner
Meow. We recently had a new kitchen fitted which was very stressful and annoying. I also had to supervise the kitchen fitters to make sure that they did a good job. My favourite thing about the new kitchen is now I have my very own cupboard with all my food and supplies in. It’s very nice having my own little space and not having to share a shelf with the humans anymore. Of course, the whole house should be devoted to my presence, but one cupboard at a time… Purr.
What I’m reading
Mothering Sunday by Graham Swift
Things that have caught my eye
Return of the Gods This was such a great exhibition looking at the impact of mythology. Fascinating subject presented in a great way.
Ladies Unleashed at Formby Little Theatre Am looking forward to seeing this performed. Formby have such a wonderful amateur dramatics group, with all of the qualities mentioned above and more!
Daffodils! My favourite spring flowers. They bring such a bright little cheeriness to the showery days of March.
Great newsletter. ❤️ I think the awkward buggers always make a beeline for you! 😜