But this is Shakespeare's narrative poem The Rape of Lucrece, and, in the hands of RSC actor Gerard Logan it's unmissable.
On a bare stage, for 70 minutes without an interval, Logan performs magic. He goes to work on the splendid metrical verse – it's packed with extraordinarily concrete imagery – and brings it alive. It's sensuous and erotic; and convincing.
The poem gives us the build-up of Tarquin's lust for Lucrece, the wife of his friend Collatine, the lead-in to the central deed, and its consequences, including a suicide; but, interestingly, not the deed itself. Along the way we're given some monologues of astonishing psychological depth.
Logan's delivery of text, his articulation and timing are superb. His acting is gutsy, but it isn't self-indulgent: he never allows us to forget this is a poem, a great one, not a play.
Some dramatic background music, thoughtful lighting as well, contribute to the overall atmospheric effects.
The director is Gareth Armstrong.
 |  |
Roberto Mancini Nuclear weapons England rugby union team Andrew Cole Iran US healthcare
No comments:
Post a Comment