Gripping Theater
King Lear with Glenda Jackson and Ruth Wilson
We saw Glenda Jackson last spring in Three Tall Women and were keen to see her again, this time as the irascible domineering king. Sam Gold’s production is not a traditional one and there is nothing staid about it. With modern day costumes and guns instead of swords, it plays with time and makes graphic, couplings and other stage business that are more implied than acted out in other versions. From beginning to end, it is gripping and at points even glorious.
First off, Jackson is superb; androgynous in appearance, she is the king: entitled, dictatorial, and expecting obedience. Ruth Wilson is the gentle, but rebellious Cordelia, who also excels as the Fool. With a Cockney accent and the right combo of jokes and wisdom, the Fool flatters, cajoles and soothes Lear. Another noteworthy performance is Jayne Houdyshell’s Earl of Gloucester, the loyal retainer who is yet duped by one of his sons. I also particularly enjoyed the warmth and dedication of the Earl of Kent, as played by John Douglas Thompson.
This is a very busy stage, and some reviewers found it a bit much. I have to agree that the string quartet sometimes masked the dialogue in a way that was distracting. The very diverse cast also included one deaf actor, Russell Harvard as the Duke of Cornwall, who was signed to by an aide throughout the entire play. Apparently, having a diverse cast (this one had racial and gender diversity for sure) is one of Gold’s hallmarks. My quibbles are minor ones and this, for me, was a wonderful experience and a most memorable Lear! (~JWFarrington)
Engrossing Mystery
The American Agent by Jacqueline Winspear
Author Winspear turns out one Maisie Dobbs a year and this is her latest. Set in London during the Blitz (late 1940 into 1941), it’s engrossing and I read it in little more than a day. The murder here, and there is generally only one, is that of a talented young news reporter, Catherine Saxon, who’s been noticed by Edward R. Murrow and hopeful of the chance to join his team.
Catherine lives in a rooming house run by an older widow and, while extremely dedicated to her work, is attractive and attractive to a variety of young men. Maisie is assigned to the case, but requested to work along with Mark Scott, an American diplomat, whose involvement is ostensibly because Saxon’s father is a U.S. senator.
These mysteries are largely procedurals with lots of interviews and following up on leads, but this one weaves in accounts of the devastation of the nighttime bombing (Maisie and her friend Pris are volunteer ambulance drivers); Maisie’s progress toward adopting Anna, her child evacuee; and also Maisie’s developing relationship with Mr. Scott who appeared in an earlier novel. Lots of richness of character here and a mystery with some suitable twists and surprises. It’s one of my favorites among the most recent entries in this ongoing series! (~JWFarrington)
Turkish Fare: Beyoglu
This Upper East Side restaurant was a perfect venue for a family lunch that included our granddaughters. We had a large table in a corner and our meze platter was quickly ordered and promptly delivered. The combination of yogurt, hummus, sautéed spinach, and other spreads was great with the puffy bread rounds and kept the two little girls occupied until the rest of the meal arrived. We sampled the shrimp appetizer, tomato and cucumber salad, sausages and potatoes, grilled chicken over shredded carrots and other veggies, and the very tender doner lamb. All scrumptious and something for everyone’s taste!
Note: Header photo of Manhattan architecture by JWFarrington. Credits noted for all other photos.
