The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 24.0507 Wednesday, 6 November 2013
[1] From: Peter Holland <
Date: November 5, 2013 at 10:54:49 AM EST
Subject: RE: SHAKSPER: Julie Taymor Dream
[2] From: D. E. Green <
Date: November 5, 2013 at 3:10:37 PM EST
Subject: Re: SHAKSPER: Julie Taymor Dream
[1]-----------------------------------------------------------------
From: Peter Holland <
Date: November 5, 2013 at 10:54:49 AM EST
Subject: RE: SHAKSPER: Julie Taymor Dream
I have to say that – rare though it is – I agree with Charles Weinstein’s preferences. I was astonished at the reported budget for Taymor’s Dream: can TFANA really have found $2.4 million for the show? Of course, spectacle can be hugely enjoyable, and I do like Cirque du Soleil enormously. But if there’s only spectacle, then the text one is working with might be almost anything and I, for one (or, counting Charles, for two), am left with an emptiness and a hunger unassuaged.
[2]-------------------------------------------------------------
From: D. E. Green <
Date: November 5, 2013 at 3:10:37 PM EST
Subject: Re: SHAKSPER: Julie Taymor Dream
I agree with Charles Weinstein’s assessment of Taymor’s strength as a designer rather than as a director—or as a director for whom design and spectacle are primary elements. But to my mind her film of Titus succeeded both in performances and in design. It wasn’t as strong as Warner’s 1987 production for the RSC, but it still holds up as a Shakespeare film: my students love it and always return to the play with renewed interest and even enthusiasm.
Taymor’s Tempest is far less memorable despite some good performances. Unfortunately, except for clips online, I have never seen her work onstage.