The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 17.0438  Thursday, 11 May 2006

From: 		Abigail Quart <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date: 		Thursday, 11 May 2006 02:12:43 -0400
Subject: 17.0424 Female Hamlets
Comment: 	RE: SHK 17.0424 Female Hamlets

John Crowley wrote:

 >"At Joseph Papp's Public Theater in the 70s Diane Venora played Hamlet and
 >brought tears to my eyes (or maybe it was just Hamlet that brought tears
 >to my eyes, again). The costuming was Napoleonic, lots of uniforms."

First, in deference to Joe Papp whom I was told specifically did NOT 
want the Public named after him, in the 70s it was still just the Public 
Theater.

Second, Mr. Crowley's reference to the Napoleonic costuming reminded me 
of the one thing that I do recall about that production, which was being 
completely distracted by the bizarre decision to costume Ophelia as a 
replica of Gail Merrifield, Joe Papp's wife (although I don't recall if 
they were yet married at the time). I realize it was an homage or 
in-joke which, judging by Mr. Crowley's reaction, did not affect the 
general audience, but it was so jarring to me that I don't remember 
anything else about the production.

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