I know, I know...

It's been forever since I last posted, I think waaaaay back at the end of September. All I can say is that the only excuse I have is online games and being a first grade teacher. I have not, however stopped reading, in fact I'm getting ready to "turn in" in a moment and pick up a book this evening. I have completed a few plays since last I posted.

I read Tom Stoppard's Travesties, which I enjoyed and could imagine the action unfolding in my mind's eye quite nicely. I had directed a Stoppard piece way back in college for my senior seminar project, After Magritte, and Travesties did not disappoint. The absurd quality present in some of Stoppard's work was indeed present in this piece. And in keeping with the absurdism trend, I picked up some Ionesco, another of my favorites when it comes to absurdist theatre.

I read both The Lesson (disturbing) and The Chairs (funny and sad at the same time). The Lesson shocked me to be honest, and I kept thinking of Oleanna for some reason. I wonder if Mamet was at all influenced by Ionesco when he penned that fantastic piece of theatre. I was not expecting the conclusion, while I should have been tipped off from the stage directions, I simply thought that perhaps the characters would lose control and the whole thing would just erupt in a big cyclone of craziness, much like The Bald Soprano, but no so with this gem. Ionesco took a dark turn and the whole think ends with a very disturbing scene, one which the maid doesn't think too unusual. Quite well written and again I could see this piece being staged and being very painful to witness.

Finally The Chairs, just too much, but in a good way. This is the kind of Ionesco that I like, the comedy was there, throughout, but of course he took a strange turn at the end. Absurdism at it's best. I especially like how all of the "guests" save one are invisible. I would love to perform this piece, I think the female lead, Old Woman, in the show has a terrific role, swinging back and forth between respectable woman of society and strumpet. I really enjoyed her lines and her action. I would also love to direct this show. The stage movement alone is a challenge, not to mention the set pieces and lighting. Overall this is a challenging production and a play with a fairly overt message. The male lead, Old Man, is constantly putting off sharing his opinion, simply telling all of his "guests" that the Orator, who is expected presently, will speak for him. The unfortunate business happens at the close of the play when Old Man, leaps out the window to his death and the audience is met with a dumb Orator, who has little if anything to share in regards to the Old Man. Brilliant on the part of Ionesco.

I am hopeful that I will not have any further lengthy hiatuses, but I make no promises. With the holiday break forthcoming I should have more time on my hands, but as usual, I've plenty of projects to keep me busy. Rest assured I am still reading, just not commenting on my thoughts as much as I should.