A Streak of Good Theatre

One show each day this week, and so far none have been disappointing. Here's the rundown:

Monday - Traces

This urban circus show did something I didn't know could be done: It took a circus act and humanized it. I was on the edge of my seat rooting for the performers, hoping that they could make their stunts. It was breathtaking. This clip won't do it justice, but it will give you a taste of how amazing they are.

Tuesday - Pride of Parnell Street

A heartbreaking show about two determined people who loved each other but could not hold themselves up against the tide of class circumstances. Really sad, but in a glowing sort of way. This it the review that appeared in Irish Theatre Magazine.

Wednesday - James Son of James

Well...what do I say about this show...hmmm. It was a melange of physical theatre, musical, and satire. But I didn't get it. I enjoyed the dancing, understood the relationships among characters, and really loved the color palette selected for costumes, but I totally lost some of the plot. It seemed unresolved and surreal and strange. Perhaps I just wasn't smart enough to get it. But, to my comfort, a very nasty review appeared in the Irish Times yesterday, and although that's not good for the show it certainly makes me feel better because I wasn't the only one who though the show lacked clarity. I'm very glad I went though because it was unlike any theatre that I have seen before.

Getting very excited about my weekend in the Aran Islands. I leave tomorrow! Something not so exciting, however, has been happening with my cellphone. CellHire (a company recommended by IES) stopped providing phone service. Yes, my phone simply ceased working this past weekend, leaving me with no communication options in case of emergency. And they've been incredibly uncooperative and unresponsive as we try to fix this. As a result of this unfortunate occurrence, I have to go out today and buy a new phone...as if i hadn't already spent enough money. *Sigh*