Last week started with the Macbeth by Cheek by Jowl at the Barbican. I have to admit, that I struggled to understand the language and the staging didn't help (no decorations or props, only 1 two hours long part). My friend and I left in the middle. Only later after reading reviews and watching some TV discussions I realised what we missed – it was a brave and original interpretation of Shakespeare's play.
Another play in the Barbican later in the week left a different experience. Psychosis 4.48 by Sarah Kane performed in Polish by TR Warszawa was a depressing yet powerful experience. It is about a woman in deep depression trying to end her life. You see what she and people around her go through, how this disease shatters relationships and lives. After the final suicide the stage is left empty and actors don't come back for the applause and audience is left in confused, dark mood. Some people attempted to clap and end the gloomy atmosphere, whereas I felt that by not coming back actors extended the theatrical spell and I left theatre sunk in deep thoughts.
In the books department, I am towards the end of The Three Emperors by Miranda Carter. Carter tells the story of Russian, German and English monarchs before the WW1. It is a fascinating account of the last glorious days of European monarchy before the war which changed everything. The author provides details not only about politics, but also draws convincing portraits, describes behind the doors scenes and allows just enough space for the gossip. A joy to read, although the bias towards English could be sometimes too obvious.
