A Dark Lady's Comedic Revenge in Talene Monahon's *Jane Anger*

 

FSC Resident Scholar Stephen Buhler really wishes he could see this before it closes January 8. That won't happen, but he looks forward to reading the published script and finding connections with other recent Dark Lady texts, such as Caroline Randall Williams's Lucy Negro Redux (recently staged as a ballet, Black Lucy and the Bard) and Morgan Lloyd Malcolm's Emilia. It's a wonderful coincidence that Amelia Workman, the actress playing Jane Anger for this production, shares a name with Aemilia Lanyer, the central character of Malcolm's play (also a historical figure, also a trailblazing woman writer with strong proto-feminist messages to share, also suggested as inspiring the Dark Lady sonnets).

https://www.folger.edu/shakespeare-unlimited/jane-anger-monahon

Photo: Amelia Workman as Jane Anger, Talene Monahon as Ann Hathaway. Photo Credit: DJ Corey.

Early Modern Women Investors in The Fortune Theatre

 

They weren't yet permitted on the stage, but Early Modern women played a vital role in rebuilding the 17th-century Fortune Theatre. Exciting research from Lucy Munro and Clare McManus! h/t our friend A. J. Hartley

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2022/dec/11/revealed-how-women-bankrolled-rival-to-17th-century-globe-theatre

Billy Collins and "The Bard in Flight"

 

An interview with former Poet Laureate Billy Collins, about keeping Shakespeare and all great writers and poetry itself on a human scale:

https://www.folger.edu/shakespeare-unlimited/billy-collins 

The podcast includes Collins reading this delightful poem about a time-traveling Will --

"The Bard in Flight"

It occurred to me
on a flight from London to Barcelona
that Shakespeare could have written
This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England
with more authority had he occupied
the window seat next to me
instead of this businessman from Frankfurt.

Of course, after a couple of drinks
and me loaning him an earbud
he might become so preoccupied
with Miles Davis at the Blackhawk
at 36,000 feet above some realm or other to write a word.

I imagine he'd enjoy playing with my wristwatch,
the one with the tartan band,
and when he wasn't looking out the window,
he would study the ice cubes in his rotating glass.
And he'd take a keen interest
in the various announcements from the flight deck
and the ministrations of the bowing attendants,
all of which would be sadly lost on me
having gotten used to rushing above the clouds,
even though 99% of humanity has never been there.

Yet, I am still fond of the snub-nosed engines,
the straining harmony of the twin jets,
and even that sensation of turbulence
jostled about high above some blessed plot
with the sound of crockery shifting in the galley,
the frenzied eyes of the nervous passengers,
and the Bard reaching for my hand
as we roared with trembling wings
into the towering fortress of a thunderhead.

Armond Is Ariel? *The White Lotus* and *The Tempest*

Our friend Austin Tichenor recently watched the multiple Emmy Award-winning show The White Lotus and "suddenly beheld the wonder of what creator Mike White had accomplished: transforming William Shakespeare’s The Tempest into a darkly funny satire of the hospitality industry."

Of course, he had to share that wonder with the world via the Folger Shakespeare Library's Shakespeare & Beyond blog. Enjoy!

https://shakespeareandbeyond.folger.edu/2022/09/30/tempest-the-white-lotus/

Photo: Natasha Rothwell as Belinda, Murray Bartlett as Armond in Season One of The White Lotus.

Photo Credit: Mario Perez / HBO

Julius Caesar and Nelson Mandela

Our production of 𝘑𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘶𝘴 𝘊𝘢𝘦𝘴𝘢𝘳, directed by Marshall Carby, continues tonight, 7:30 p.m., at Wyuka Stables, 3600 "O" Street in Lincoln!

Can't make it tonight? No worries! The show will also be performed September 8-11, Thursday through Sunday, at the same location and time.

So many remarkable performances make this is a show that you don't want to miss. Grab your tickets online at https://flatwatershakespearecompany.org or at the door. Come enjoy some Shakespearean theatre, as he liked it: actor-centered, open-air, big-hearted.

On the theme of big-heartedness, those who resisted South Africa's apartheid policy demonstrated courage and compassion again and again -- including Nelson Mandela, who eventually became the nation's president. Imprisoned on Robben Island for his politics, Mandela became part of a Shakespearean circle. Literature was generally forbidden, but a copy of Shakespeare's Complete Works was ingeniously disguised as a sacred Hindu text by prisoner Sonny Venkatrathnam. The book circulated among the inmates, who eventually signed their names in order to mark favorite passages.

"N. R. Mandela" appears next to these lines from Julius Caesar: “Cowards die many times before their deaths; / The valiant only taste of death but once.” The signature is dated 16 December 1977.

For more about the Robben Island Shakespeare, listen or read (or both) to this episode of Shakespeare Unlimited, from the Folger Shakespeare Library --

https://www.folger.edu/shakespeare-unlimited/robben-island-shakespeare 

*Julius Caesar* Opens August 25!

Did you miss August 19th's Friday Live on Nebraska Public Media FM with FSC Executive Artistic Director Marshall Carby and host Genevieve Randall talking about his production of Julius Caesar? Or did you listen in that morning, but still want to hear the interview again and again? Well, here you go --

https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/series-media/friday-live-audio/standalone-audio-15896/rowe-flatwater-shakespeare-frank-s-oneal-opera-omaha-more-50019502/

Their conversation starts around 7:50 in the broadcast turned podcast.

Julius Caesar opens Thursday, August 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the historic Wyuka Stables, 3600 "O" Street in Lincoln.

Tickets are available now:

https://flatwatershakespearecompany.org/community-events/plays/tickets-merchandise.html

Flatwater FREE Shakespeare FAQs

 

Flatwater FREE Shakespeare

Summer Tour 2022 – Much Ado About Nothing

Got questions? We have answers.

What Is Your Inclement Weather Policy?

It is our desire to complete every performance, and we will make every effort to start, continue, and finish each show despite light rainfall or breezy conditions. 

In the event of heavier rains or winds, however, we may delay the start of the show, or the completion of the show, in the hope that the weather will clear. Announcements will be made informing audience members of "holds." We may also pause to take precautions to ensure the safety and health of the performers and crew.

If severe storms are likely or imminent, shows may be moved to an indoor location or, if necessary, cancelled. To find out if a show has been moved or cancelled prior to showtime, please check our website -- www.flatwatershakespearecompany.org --and Facebook or Instagram accounts; you can also call our Information Line at 402-413-1586. 

Do I Need a Reservation?

No reservations are needed. However, audience members are strongly encouraged to arrive 30 minutes before the performance to ensure a good place. This is particularly true if you plan on using a blanket, as space is limited.

Is There a Cost to Attend?

 No! Flatwater Shakespeare Company offers the summer touring production FREE of charge. A $10 donation is suggested, but everyone is welcome whether you can make a contribution or not. For some alternate locations due to weather, there may be parking costs.

 

How Long is the Show?

The show runs 75 minutes, with no intermission. All performances begin at 7:00 p.m.

Is the Show “Family Friendly?”

Yes! Our summer production is family friendly as the informal park setting is perfect for children as well as adults to have a taste of the Bard’s wonderful characters, exciting action, and brilliant language. Past audiences have included everyone from babies to people in their 80s, people from all walks of life, and even some pets.

 

You Mean Pets Are Sometimes Allowed?

Furry family members are welcome to attend any of the park performances with you! We request that pets be kept on a leash. Owners must clean up after their pets.

Are Bathrooms Available?

Yes! Modern bathroom facilities are available at the performances at Wyuka. Some park locations have bathroom facilities. Other locations will have port-a-potties available.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Chair or Blanket?

Chairs are provided at the performances held at Wyuka Cemetery. Audience members should bring their own chairs and blankets for the performances at the park locations and at James Arthur Vineyards.

May I Bring Food and Beverages?

Yes! At the park locations audience members are welcome to bring in snacks, even a picnic supper, for you and your family. We merely ask that all trash items are disposed of after the show so that we leave the parks in good condition.

Please note that alcoholic beverages cannot be brought to any of the locations. However, James Arthur Vineyards will have wine available for purchase at the performance held at their facility, as well as soft drinks and water.

What Are the Remaining Locations?

• Wednesday, June 8 – The Stables at Wyuka Cemetery, 3600 O Street. *Chairs provided at this location and Admission is charged. 

• Thursday, June 9 – Trago Park, N. 22^nd and U Streets.

• Friday, June 10 – Cooper Park, 8th and D Streets.

• Saturday, June 11 – Havelock Park, 64^th and Ballard.

• Sunday, June 12 – James Arthur Vineyards, 2001 W. Raymond Rd., Raymond.