Monday 17 January 2011

Week 41 - When We Are Married; Becky Shaw; BBC SO

One of the first plays which took me aback was Time and the Conways at the National a few years ago. It is written by J.B. Priestley and since then I always try to see his production on London stage. However, none have yet repeated the awe inspiring feeling. The same applies to When We Are Married currently running at the Garrick Theatre. It did have some good laughs and an amazing set on stage, but the play didn't touch my heart. The cast contained lots of 'local celebrities' (I didn't recognized anyone) who performed well, but boozy singing and old men acting drunk diminished the comedy element. 

A much better, actually superb, evening was spent at the Almeida in Islington. After the UK premi̬re of Becky Shaw, a satire of contemporary American life, I was left with a feeling equal to that after Time and the Conways long time ago. The action was fast, the characters sarcastic and the ending unpredictable Рa perfect recipe for a great modern play.


The week finished with a great concert by the BBC Symphony Orchestra. I am always careful with this SO, as they play a lot contemporary and unknown music to me and very often their concerts can be dull. This weekend the programme sounded like it could one of those. However, it was an evening of discovery and beautiful moving music. They played de Falla, Piazzolla and Ginastera creations. These three composers are from Argentina and Spain and their music contains many ingredients of the southern cultures. I particularly enjoyed Ginastera's Estancia dances, which the orchestra played with real passion. 

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