Titus Andronicus

Very good, very violent and the scene with the rape and mutilation of Lavinia was brutal. No one left and no one seemed seriously discomfited although Monica complained that the woman beside her kept up a nervous laughter throughout.

Needless to say, everybody dies.

There was some talk on the way home about how issues and themes that would be revisited in later plays could be picked out. I liked the production, I usually do. Bard on the Beach does good work and I always come away feeling that I have spent my time well.

There was also a clear connection between the issues that Shakespeare was trying to deal with and our present varied predicaments. A failing (failed) imperial power, a ruling class addicted to plots and torture, an ignored and essentially powerless populace that gets trotted out for justification for decisions made behind closed doors and with no interest in its needs or desires. Wars, leavened with bread and circuses.

NINE POINTS TO NAVIGATE - The Brian Webb Dance Company

First show I have ushered and seen at this years Dancing on the Edge. I was very strongly affected by this piece, less by the dance and far more by the spoken and sung word. This is a piece of remembrance, of fathers who were young enough to be influenced, changed, affected by the 1930's Depression and the 2nd World War; as my father was.

The two leads (David Webb and Sheir Somerville) spoke of their fathers with love, and understanding. Both of their fathers had been damaged in the Great Depression and the War, focused on providing for their families but finding it difficult to care for their families. I know that one. The silent father who struggles against the odds to make a living and support his family but who cannot speak or play with his children.

As I said a very affecting piece, using music, theatre, voice, and movement to remember, with love and understanding.