One of my favourite annual excursions is with my Shakespeare buddy son 
David when we visit The Globe Theatre and today we are going there to see Othello.
I love the wit of Shakespeare and his clever play on words and have yet to see an RSC production I have not enjoyed. I’m sure today will be no exception.
Performers at The Globe bring Shakespeare alive, with minstrels playing in the gallery as you arrive and a bearded man hilariously taking on a female role. I always find it a thrilling experience.
A couple of years ago I bumped into an old friend I had not seen for ages who was leaving the theatre the same as us, he had been standing in the pits (I prefer the wooden benches in the balcony). When I looked at my photos afterwards, sure enough, there he was, but I doubt I would have spotted him otherwise. Last year, a member of the audience fainted due to the unbearable heat while standing for the performance.
I wonder if Shakespeare is really hard for kids to fully appreciate, I enjoy it much more now than as a teenager. But David seems to follow it ok, and says he he will come along with me to anything with me – except opera.
But then I have taken him to countless football matches, so it’s a fair exchange.
You should force him to see Verdi’s Othello too! 😉
I found when I was teaching senior English (albeit a few years ago) that kids, who tended to scoff at Shakewspare if they were uninitiated, tended to like if if they allowed themselves to get into the rhythm. A play like Othello, with its treacheries and jealousies can’t help but be a winner.And, of course, Shakespeare must be seen to be truly appreciated.
Oh, and my dear, your photo of the Globe filled me with mostaligic longing to go back to the trip down the Thames last November.
Ian
I have always wanted to visit The Globe. Hope it all has gone well.
I think Othello is a good introduction to Shakespeare.
Sadly, most schoolkids come to him via A midsummer Night’s Dream, not one of his better ones.
But othello deals with themes that are still relevant today; Racism, Sexual Jealousy, Deceit.
I think I was a University student before I really started to appreciate the Bard.
Elle, I like the Open Hand Productions
Cambridge Shakespeare Festival outdoors in the college Gardens, I always try to catch them, and if & when it turns cold in the evenings – the mulled wine goes down a treat!
Make sure you report back on the Globe – I’ve always wondered about it and wandered about it but never went inside.
Othello! One of my favorite plays and operas in spite of the fact I get angry at his stupidity every single time! It’s wonderful to take your son, the only way to ensure the future of the theater I think. I’ve not seen a play in the Globe, just walked about when it was empty. What a great experience… uh, I might want to skip that heat incident.
Picard…surely you were on stage?
I can’t abide Opera either; somethings you can’t even grow into.
Q9, I am hoping to see Taming of the Shrew performed in St John’s College gardens next weekend, a friend has invited a group of us for his birthday.
Well Elle, we shall have to see if we can coincide @ “The Taming of the Shrew”
I’m on stand-by for a trip away, but if I’m in Cambridge, to St John’s I’ll probably find my way
Q9, duty obviously comes first, let’s see what the Gods decide…
I think Crushed is right. Most kids are forced to read “Midsummer” first and that is a play that just has to be seen. It puts them off for life.
[…] A day with Othello […]