Posted in British Experience, British History, Flowers, humanity, Parliament Square, Photography, Remembrance Day, suffering, War, Westminster Abbey, wildflowers, tagged British Experience, British history, Flowers, london, Parliament Square, Photograpy, poppies, remembrance day, veterans, war, Westminster Abbey, World War II on November 13, 2011| 1 Comment »
War does not determine who is right – only who is left.
– Bertrand Russell
Women selling poppies outside of Westminster Abbey.
You can no more win a war than you can win an earthquake.
– Jeannette Rankin
War memorial outside of Westminster Abbey.
I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.
– Albert Einstein
Waiting for the veteran's parade at Parliament Square.
Posted in Arcadia Productions, Art, culture clash, death, Hammersmith, humanity, Lebanese culture, Plays, Riverside Studios, Shore, suffering, tagged Arcadia Productions, Art, culture, culture clash, death, Hammersmith, humanity, Lebanese culture, london, performances, play, Riverside Studios, Shore, suffering, Wajdi Mouawad, west on March 30, 2011| Leave a Comment »
It’s difficult to deal with the stress of a death in the family. It’s downright insane to deal with a talking semi-estranged dead father whose body needs to be transported back to his war-torn homeland. Shore portrays this situation with a balance of sincerity and humor.
We witness the main character, Wilfrid, undergo rapid maturation after making a blunt revelation about his heritage. Despite the stark subject material of death and suffering, the play remains light and enjoyable. Wilfrid’s psyche’s comical manifestations and a few tricks of Wajdi Mouawad’s playwriting style reflect a sense of how we deal with tragedy as humans. All too common in a life changing situation, we are forced to stop and laugh at the absurdity of it all.
This is all complimented by an obvious drawing on Wajdi Mouawad’s personal cultural divide. He draws on his Lebanese roots and western experiences to create this commentary on heritage and responsibility that labels neither as good nor bad. It’s just what is.
In the end the play feels unlikely and sappy and yet at the same time honest and funny. I recommend this performance to anyone. I especially recommend it to those seeking something a bit deeper than the likes of Sadler’s Wells’ Shoes, wanting to see a well-run show in a cozy intimate environment, or just interested in seeing a nice looking man start off the show in his boxers.
Wilfrid. Picture courtesy of Arcadia Productions.
As an added treat, you can stop in and hang out at Riverside Theatre cafe and bar. The night I popped in the atmosphere was buzzing with great music, conversation and a nice selection of adult beverages. Food is available as well although I did not have a chance to try any.
Riverside Studio's very happening cafe.
Shore runs through April 16th, 2011 Contact Riverside Studios for exact showtimes. Tickets are £15 (£10 concessions).
Texas on Thames 