Yesterday we embarked on one of my favorite activities, art museuming! We walked through all the pigeons and across the Millennium Bridge to get to Tate Modern Art Museum. This museum was huge with over four floors full of free art and cheap exhibits. We were set free to wander around and view all the beautiful paintings, sculptures, and movements that were encapsulated within the walls. I was able to see Picasso’s paintings, which felt insanely surreal. I saw my first Matisse painting in person, in which I audibly gasped when I turned the corner given that I was able to see my favorite artist’s work in real life. Seeing the Guerilla Girls exhibit was also so colorfully emotional. I even saw the famous Dadaism Fountain! Well, a replica of it of course. My freshmen year art history professor would be proud of me for vaguely recognizing so many iconic pieces and the movements that they attract. I only made it through half of the museum, but I feel like could spend forever in that place.
However, after exploring the gift shop and grabbing an overpriced burger, we met up at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. We saw Midsummer Night’s Dream, which was very exciting given that it was a script that we discussed in class prior to the trip. It was a great experience to see our questions and discussions come to life on stage in such a beautiful theater. Though the seats were uncomfortable, the stage was amazingly detailed, and the play was just as rewarding. It is always hit or miss seeing how directors and theaters choose to portray such a classic script, but this adaptation made a Shakespearean script fly by in no time. With a beautifully diverse cast, flamboyantly entertaining costumes, and great comedy, this show was probably my favorite Shakespeare performance yet! I would’ve never guessed the Globe would transform this script into a performance that felt so new and fresh.
Theatre in London U of A 