- No25, 5 September, 2008 -
EDITORIAL
Dear Parents, Pupils and Friends
The 2008 Shakespeare play has come and gone. Ephemeral as stage productions are, this one has left lingering
traces…see below, reflections from audience members:
A Comedy without Errors
The word 'twin' comes, unsurprisingly, from 'two'. Shakespeare liked to examine human characteristics, amongst these
the amazing phenomenon of twin-ness, two-foldness. Think of 'Twelfth Night'. But those twins were of a different
gender, and therefore not identical. In 'Comedy of Errors', however, both sets of twins are identical, not even rightside-
left-side. I had wondered how this was would be portrayed in Class 9's production at Michael Oak. As I took my
seat, I was warned that Ephesus would be loud and noisy—more like a place nearer home than an ancient and
venerable mystery centre! I did wonder how the quiet, sensitive poetry that is always there—even in the most ebullient
scenes of any Shakespeare play—would manage to come through in this enthusiastic production.
To stay with the theme of twins: we have so many dualities built into us—two arms, two legs, two eyes, ears, cheeks—
but especially two sides to our brain: left and right. So as I settled down, to experience the play with my customary
regard and appreciation, I wondered whether this production would be left brain dominant (out to impress and
entertain) or if right brain gentleness and quiet receptiveness would allow the creative sensibility to come through.
I believe this is what Shakespeare and those who inspired him—such as the initiates Francis Bacon and King James I
of England—sought to convey in the plays, each having a deep-down mystery.
And what happened?
The production, staging and performances were all exemplary. A wonderful achievement by all concerned, with an
undertone of humour throughout—undertone not overtone! Not 'out to get laughs'—this is generally far from funny—
but a sensitive process of putting up with the vagaries of fate, in the hope that the hopeless will find resolution…with
the bonus of unexpected bliss. Comedy and tragedy are not opposites. Shakespeare was a master of both.
And the cast: no fluffs, no leaving it to the principals by the supporting cast. In the Zodiac, every constellation plays
its part—and here too, every character was 'with it'. Even the clothing shop keeper, who, when things became too
hectic, closed his premises 'Dew to Violins'! And the unfortunate Konstabel who tried his best to represent the public
need for order!
Genial was the conveyance of the goldsmith—a solution to the petrol price! Yes, and that earlier shipwreck…what
more could be needed? The production was wonderful, the dances convincing, the acting was flawless, the music just
right, the scenery fantastic—and indeed there were no errors in the comedy! Left and right brain were in harmony.
Congratulations all round!
Julian Sleigh
When a Shakespearean character comes visiting...
A few years ago, our home was graced by the presence of the mischievous Lucetta, from Verona. This year we were
visited by Adriana—wife of Antipholus—who hailed from Ephesus.
As with any newly arrived guest, she was rather shy at first, and engaged with us in a quiet and reticent fashion.
Initially she said little—not surprising, as her native tongue was so different from our South African English! She
wandered timidly around the house, sharing the occasional rather tentative, halting word.
As time passed and she gained confidence, her walk became more flamboyant, her arm gestures more dramatic, and
her speech increasingly fluent and forceful. Bit by bit she emerged from her shell, and soon we realised that Adriana of
Ephesus had definitely arrived in Kenilworth. She was delightful: funny, but quite a trial too, at times. Spending time
with a dancing, shrieking shrew developed in us much sympathy for her poor husband, who lived with her all the time!
Observing the emergence of a character in each of the Class 9 students is a delightful, challenging, and heart warming
experience. It is marvellous to see them grow—emotionally and intellectually—as they take on the mantle of another
persona. Every teenager in the cast developed new levels of understanding, of empathy, of cooperation, a sense of
collective responsibility—and, of course—an ear for Shakespeare’s wonderful word-craft.
Thank you, Class 9, and well done!
Leigh Whitesman
Congratulations to you all on your excellent production, 'A Comedy of Errors'. Our family saw it three times—we
loved it so much! We have a daughter (7) in Class 2 and a 4 year-old in the Nursery: we thought you might be
interested to see pictures of their impromptu afternoon ‘play’ this weekend (unfortunately not printable in the Leaflet).
Ripples of your achievement have reached even the smallest in the school—inspiring conversations about Shakespeare
as well as anticipation for when they reach the heady heights of Class 9.
Thank you for all your hard work, and well done!
The Loubser Family
I loved the vibrant colours of your costumes and the original and fabulous African Market stage; the humorous ways you played with and tried out the different characters; your confidence, energy and sense of fun—and how, as the week progressed, you got to the essence and the subtle nuances of your character/s—and really lived your part/s.
When I watched your first performance, I had a sudden flashback of you when you were all just seven: bright-eyed, with your new teeth pushing through—and I was moved. I thought of you over the seven years in all our class plays (Jerome and the Lion, Joseph the Dreamer, The Shirt, Sannie Langtand and Around the World in Eighty Days) and I felt so proud of all of you—finally on the Shakespeare stage you all looked forward to for so many years…
And now, as you reflect on the hard work you put into the play over the past year, and the new things you have learnt about yourselves and each other; the frustrations and the impossibly many lines you had to learn, and the surprise moments of joy you must all have experienced—know that I am proud and grateful that I took part in the journey that led you there.
Those of you whom I did not teach: I salute your wonderful performance—and your important role in bringing new energy to the class, for completing the circle...
And as you go forth from here, I wish you many more moments of fun, drama, exuberance, growth, laughter and love—such as you experienced in 'A Comedy of Errors'!
Lots of love to you.
Mrs Reeler