cymbeline

My inital reactions to the production of cymbeline were much more positive than my reactions to the previous performance we saw at the theatre. Just by walking into the theatre and seeing the set design onstage was intriguing. the whole stage was in use witht he design of the tree and nature background including the limited lighting which created a mystical fairy tale atmosphere for the play. even the little girl sleeping onthe stage as the audience entered added to the fairy tale direction of the play. After reading and performing select scenes in our class last semeser, i know that the opening dialouge is not too much action or catching to the audience, yet simply a narration to help lead into the play. therefore, the director decided change those two characters into a more prominent narrator role where the little girl watchs and observed everything in the story and the story teller guided her through the story while also participating in the story. this technique allows the audience to open their imagination to the twists and turns of a story so they can further invovle themselves in the show. even for the audience who was unaware of the story, they would be able to accpet the impossible such as cloten's vesba. the actors and actresses were well selected in their roles ecspecially jacimo and cloten whoe overall apperance, voice, and twirks for the character fit perfectly for their roles. what was one unforgetable feature was at the end of the scene of the second act where the battle took place and visually explained the scenario, as well, as the significance of the rain effect used to wash away the blood of the battle, and create a clean start for the characters. it was a moment of awe when the rain fell to signifiy this power of nature in the fairytale world. this combination of actors, actresses, set design, effects, and mysticism created a captivating show.