Leigh McDonald, Castle Acre

Castle Acre

I've found that the places I most enjoy traveling to are those with cultures very different from my own. Not only did the town of Castle Acre offer the historic ruins of the priory, but it gave us a look into what some peoples lives are like in rural towns. Although Castle Acre had modern amenities like wifi in the local bread and breakfast, and streets wide enough for cars to pass, because of the nature of the small town, I felt like I was able to get a feel for what it would have been like to live in a small English village in centuries past. 

After dinner one night, the student group decided to stay in the pub and have a few drinks. We were able to engage with the locals and ask them about their daily lives. Some of the young men were farmers and lived a few miles away, but met with friends whenever they got the chance at the town's only pub. The locals were friendly and eager to entertain us in conversation. Not only this, but I felt as if I could observe a difference in their mannerisms and ours. Because many of the pub-goers were farmers, and lived in the rural area surrounding the town, life for them was most likely slow paced and constant. A man at the pub sat by himself with his dog just observing the ongoings of the establishment. I gained a deeper appreciation for a simpler life, one not plagued by smartphones, constant international news, and intercity commutes. 

Perhaps the most astounding feature of the priory ruins were the tunnels that the Monks used to enter the chapel during the night. Our tour guide told us that the Monks' services started at 2 a.m. This fact so startled me, that I asked for clarification. I remember asking Olmert who would go to such a service in the middle of the night. Olmert reminded me that the life of a Monk was committed to service. Even as I am not a religious person myself, I found the kind of selflessness that the Monks exhibited admirable. To deprive themselves of sleep, food, and comfort so that they could better serve the purpose they believed in is truly astonishing. 

 

 

Castle Acre

Leigh McDonald: The English Theater

I found my time at the theaters in London to be the pinnacle of my English experience. Before this trip, I considered myself an avid patron of the theater. I had been to plays in my hometown of Annapolis, Maryland, seen musicals at center stage, and shows on Broadway just about every time I had been to New York City. From the spectacularly produced "Wicked" on Broadway, to "Death of a Salesman" put on in the comparatively tiny theater of Colonial Players in Annapolis, I had been awed and amused by what I thought was the quintessence of "good theater." 

What I found, however, was that English theater was something entirely distinct and unique to itself. The Globe Theatre showed me, for the first time, how Shakespearean drama was supposed to be experienced. I had studied Shakespeare before, even at the college level, but no professor could teach or explain what the Globe Theatre could provide. Before this trip, I had never seen or read "The Tempest." If I were to sit down and try to read this play, without any previous knowledge of the plot, I would most likely be lost. But because of the actors and stage production, not only did I effortlessly understand "The Tempest," enjoyed myself as much as I would have watching a modern play. 

While the audience involvement at the Globe Theatre is what helped make the plays come alive, the fabulous sets at the National Theater are what impressed me the most about that establishment. I will never forget the moment during "Strange Interlude" when the revolving set of Nina's childhood home gave way, in a spectacular revolving motion, to her and Sam's more decadent residence. I later got to see the "birdcage" staircase up close and personal on a back stage tour of the National Theater. I got to see the choreographed rhythmic dance of scene changes in action and in detail when I saw "Othello" from the first row. The National Theatre successfully lifted the plays' texts from the page and onto the stage for a visually astounding experience.

Globe Theatre

My Favorite Things

Getting to know London on a personal level was a true adventure.  I loved so many things about it that I just had to tell you all about a few of them. 

First off, my favorite meal: fish and chips!  I have never been a fan of the dish and I was always confused when my dad ordered it all the time back home but now after going to the Rock and Sole I can't get enough!  I was hooked! (Pun intended) By the end of our stay I believe I ordered fish and chips around 8 or 9 times but every time I was fully satisfied.

Next up, favorite plays: Children of the Sun, Midsummer’s Nights Dream and Mission Drift.  Yes, it’s true, I loved too many of the shows to pick just one favorite.  Children of the Sun was astounding (you can read all about why in my first blog) but I must say Midsummer’s Nights Dream was absolutely hysterical!  Julie and I were dead center along the stage and I was cracking up the entire time.  It’s also worth mentioning that that all of the male actors were quite handsome.  The Globe Theater is truly beautiful and even with the simple sets; I was instantly drawn into the story and believed I was watching these lovers and fairies run around in the forest. As for Mission Drift, I loved it for the music and for their take on capitalism.  One line stood out to me in particular was, “If you believe in money, then you believe in God.”    The woman who narrated the story and sang most of the tunes was beyond fabulous.  Her voice was rather unique but she could still belt it like Celine Dion. I even bought the soundtrack the next day when we returned to the National Theater for the backstage tour.   

Favorite Art Museum: The Tate.  They had several rooms dedicated to JMW Turner and I honestly fell head over heals in love with his paintings.  There was this one in particular that was untitled by Turner and murkily portrayed a skeleton riding a horse.  It was very creepy but I was instantly drawn to it for some reason.  The plaque next to the piece mentioned that no one knew what Turner was trying to represent.  They guessed it could either be a representation the black plague or of his father who died a few before the work was completed.  Besides the Turner section, I loved the modern pieces as well.  There was an entire room dedicated to African-like tribal statues which all subtly represented McDonalds.  I didn’t know exactly what to take from it all but I thought it was quite provocative.  There was another really cool piece called The Elephant, which I saw as a commentary on the long-term effects of colonialism.   

I honestly could go on and on about all the amazing things in London.  It’s a beautiful city that seems to transcend time with the newest buildings going up right next to 15^th, 16^th and 17^th century churches and buildings.  I know I must return to London again in the near future and I cannot wait to go back. 

The National Theatre [by Anna Butler, 21 June 2013]

The National Theater has eight productions on--War Horse, Children of the Sun, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, One Man, Two Guvernors, The Amen Corner, A Strange Interlude, Othello, and Mission Drift--and we have seen every single one.  Since we are NT groupies at this point, it seemed fitting that we go on the National Theater Backstage Tour on one of our free days.  Our guide was quirky, self-deprecating, and incredibly knowledgeable, excitedly leading us from one theater to another. 

Standing in the concrete lobby, she laid out the National Theater’s funding, explaining that they receive a certain amount of government grants, but the rest of the operation relies on private donations.  And, the National Theater is quite an operation.  It has three theaters in constant use, along with in-house costume and set workshops, rehearsal rooms, etc.  Architect Denys Lasdun designed an impressive building, modeling the Olivier Theatre after the Epidaurus amphitheater and the Lyttelton Theatre with a proscenium-arch.  The Cottesloe Theatre, home to more alternative plays, is currently under renovation, and The Shed, a temporary, red structure on the South Bank, acts in its stead. 

It was phenomenal looking on as the in-house crew changed the set from The Amen Corner to Othello.  We were catching a glimpse into a secret world, and I was fascinated by the “nuts and bolts” of theater.  In fact, we were astonished, and somewhat upset, to learn that the explosion in Children of the Sun was minor.  While it’s a magician’s game to use smoke and mirrors, the National Theater isn’t too far off--and the audience definitely feels the magic.

By Anna Butler, 21 June 2013.