When I was preparing myself for this trip, I wasn’t at all focused on the social, cultural aspect of London. I was hyper fixated on the theatre we would be seeing and almost disregarded the fact that I would have to navigate London in order to see these lovely productions. Once we got off that international flight however, I was hit with the city. I was so frazzled trying to sprint after Shawn’s impressively fast legs and entirely overwhelmed, exhausted, and delusional once we got our Oyster cards and got on the tube. I didn’t make any observations about how I got on the tube, how the tube was moving, where we were on the tube, or anything that has to do with the actual mode of transportation itself. I immediately however, noticed the ads that were on display when I sleepily lugged my suitcases next to a mix between locals going to work. There was an ad right in front of me the entire 45 minute tube ride that read something like, “There’s thousands of Muslims in London, and you’re still single?”, and then below was a website for single muslims. It immediately reminded me of Christian mingle and I remember thinking “we’re all the same”, and then feeling somehow more comfortable on the tube because of this ad that doesn’t relate to me in any way shape or form. The next day I was far more observant. The tube system was rather easy for me since I have already lived in a city, so I was far more observant of the people than the actual mode of transportation itself. I felt as though we all walked far too slow, we don’t know how to not crowd exits/entrances, and I definitely felt as though others knew we were tourists. I also noticed that on the escalators people don’t just sit and wait to get to the top or bottom. They use them like we use the walking escalators in the airport, it’s just a way to make the steps easier, not make them a ride that takes far longer when you really examine it. The escalators is the worst part for me. They’re claustrophobic, on a huge angle, and I honestly might start just walking up and down them in the express lane to the left while everyone else stands. I think that’s my first step in becoming a local.
I am so happy that our first show had Ralph Fiennes in it. I deeply enjoyed this production and watching Fiennes in person rather than through the screen. The cohesiveness of the physical movement between and within each actor was so specific it made me not only inspired, but envious of British training. Throughout the entire performance I was in awe of each actor’s connection to one another and to themselves. Each person was so connected to their objective that each choice was motivated, specific, and purposeful. While I did notice some of the accents slip a few times, I felt it was easier to see past because not every single person had an American accent. The show itself was structured really beautifully. I really enjoyed the fourth wall breaks of the reporter and Finnoula. It gave the show this personal, intimate feeling that was already being exuded by the dialogue, but the small soliloquy like moments of narration in the show made the energy more shared rather than just observed. The moments of tension between Ralph Fiennes’ character and everyone else in the show sometimes got so thick that I had to hold the handrail in front of me, they really had me on the edge of my seat. The way that they set and lit the show also greatly contributed to the intimate writing and thrust seating as well. The set was minimal, but the pieces were so specific that they felt huge and almost like characters themselves. The lights fading in and out of dimness and kind of following certain characters through the space gave the stage so much dimension. I became so emotional by the end of the show. Not only because the cast did such good work, but the show was so beautiful, heart-felt, and reminded me how much I want to do this for the rest of my life. It was one of the best shows I have ever seen live and I could not be more grateful for this opportunity. I absolutely cannot wait for more, and to write more about this experience!
Theatre in London U of A 