SHAKESPEARE TODAY (IMOGEN)

Recently, I saw a production of Shakespeare's 'Cymbeline' at the Globe theatre during my last few terms at BRIT. It sparingly used elements of traditional Shakespeare, but also combined it with a contemporary setting, story and characters.

One thing I noticed about this production is it's take on classical theatre. It stripped it of it traditional roots of medieval England and its heritage and instead placed it in the heart of modern London, with issues being that of today as opposed of the past. What would have traditionally featured over the top dress and larger than life stage personas was instead re imagined with a naturalistic and human setting. 

During this performance, the lighting was all done electronically as opposed to the natural lighting that would've been used during Shakespeare's time. This play would have been performed mid day to maximise the amount of daylight they could use. Instead, Imogen was performed later in the day (around 7 o' clock) so that the tech could supply the artificial stage lights. This, to me, is much better than what would have been in the original performances. Stage lights create drama and atmosphere. Something that natural light cannot provide. It creates a sense of excitement, tension and euphoria for the audience.

During the original productions, the natural daylight would have definitely been off putting if the scene required lines that looked up to the stars or mentioned the darkness. Of course there were nighttime matinees performances available during this time, but they were more costly to put on and were not as often used as daylight shows. This production also featured live stage fighting and flying. Something that would have been deemed impossible in Shakespeare's time. True stage violence that looks exceptionally grotesque and vulgar wouldn't have been used as it would have shocked audiences. Today, it's common practice. The show featured flying mechanics that made the stage feel like it was all around you. 

Another difference is that the set is much different. Imogen had large construction like a greenhouse and a bedroom set out on the stage which would have been abnormal in a traditional production. Shakespeare's performances would have been exceptionally minimalist, whereas this production was large scale structures and props being used in every scene. A traditional set would be very baron. Leaving a big job for the audience to create the spaces and worlds through their imaginations. Whereas the world is created by the set team for you in a contemporary show.

Perhaps the biggest difference in this production of Cymbeline is that of the acting. The performance style differs from classic Shakespearean acting immensely. Originally, an actor was expected to project so much so that it appeared as if you were shouting or hard of hearing. Now, with a modern director, the actors are told to perform in a naturalistic style and tone so that it feels real, raw and human. This is much more effective as it creates a connection between actor and audience, and tells the journey of the story. A Shakespearean actor will physically dramatise the character as opposed to showing the character through emoting. This means that the story is told physically as opposed to a modern way.

Overall, modern Shakespeare is in many ways improved, but the traditional element of Shakespeare's writing will always present in every production as its so important.