We have concluded our study abroad trip in Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare, where he grew up, found his wife, Anne Hathaway, had his children, wrote most of his famous plays, and the place he is buried. We stayed at a very quaint little bed and breakfast where we were served a full English breakfast every morning! Even though we had to move completely into a different bread and breakfast down the road in the middle of our trip, the lodgings were very hospitable and charming.

                  Stratford-upon-Avon was a quieter town compared to the busy and bustling city of London. It had more local shops that were bigger and less crowded, all with unique food and experiences, including a cat café! We explored the places that Shakespeare lived and Anne Hathaway’s cottage. Everything was very authentic and had tour guides explaining what each room was in the houses and what the appliances there were used for. The walk to Anne Hathaway’s cottage was especially memorable with its overwhelming amount of greenery and fairytale like paths.

                  By touring Shakespeare’s old village, I got a better understanding of his life and how he grew up. Because Shakespeare is such a legend and powerful historical figure in the theatre community, it was enriching to see his roots and what parts of his livelihood inspired his work that we still study and perform in the theatrical world to this day, all these years later.            

                  We ended our journey to Stratford-upon-Avon with getting matching T-shirts, riding a Ferris wheel, and having a fancy farewell dinner! I thought we had a great ending of the trip here with all the cutest cottages surrounding the town. I had such a great experience through this theatre in London trip and learned so much about theatre, especially on the West End! I truly loved being able to be on this trip and will have so many cherished memories because of it.

Sitting here in my “I heart London” shirt, writing my final blog, I’m overwhelmed by how profound and true those simple words across my chest feel. Though, if I’m being honest, I wish the shirt said “I heart England,” because this trip would not have been complete without our day trips to Bath, the Cliffs of Dover, Hampton Court, Oxford, and, endearingly, Stratford-Upon-Avon. I don’t think I’ll be leaving my heart in England; I think I found it here. You can take the girl out of the UK, but you can’t take the UK out of the girl, am I right?

I think that Stratford-Upon-Avon was the perfect way to end our time here. As a devoted fan of Shakespeare since early high school, I’ve long hoped to visit this place where such genius was born and brought to life. Also, after watching Hamnet (which is indeed my 13th favorite movie), I knew that this place also held intense weight that Shakespeare carried throughout every one of his writings, and I hoped that his inspirations would, in turn, inspire me. Growing up in such a quiet town, without the luxuries we know today, it makes sense that imagination could become such a powerful source of joy and purpose. Shakespeare never left England, yet he wrote with incredible depth about distant places and the complexities of human life. His work is timeless, transcendent, and endlessly relatable. To me, Stratford is proof that no matter where you come from, if you run with your passion, it can carry you to every corner of the world! Shakespeare did that through his writing, and through his words, he has allowed countless others to experience the world too. I hold a deep respect for him for all these reasons and more, and let me tell you, it was something quite special to sit in the exact space that he sat in while writing his classics, and I was inspired to write a poem of my own!

This town was tranquil, quaint, and captivating in its simplicity, and it was a slow, sweet way to end the trip. And now it’s hard to imagine going home to normal life after living what feels like a dream for so long! 

I meant it when I said I found my heart in London, in England. With every new street and every turn of a corner, I found myself wondering how so much beauty could exist in a single glance. Somehow, in what was probably the busiest season of my life, finding bliss felt seamless. It was there in the couple on the Tube, squeezed into the crowd and still holding pinkies, every dog trotting proudly beside an owner who looked just like them LOL, in the beautiful parks where time seemed to soften and slow, in the art and history manifested into every street, in the fast, wonderful friendships I found on this trip, the kind that reminded me what can happen when you show up fully and completely as yourself! And the theatre. Oh, the theatre. This trip has reignited my love for an art form that has filled so much of my heart for so long. London has changed me. More than that, it has given me one of the most important lessons I think I could ever learn… love and life are much easier to find when you hold your arms open to receive them. I’m going home fuller, with more life in me, more wonder, and a newfound determination to keep seeking these moments, to keep holding my arms open and saying yes to the big and small things! 

England, I will hold tight all you have given me and be back soon to gather more of your goodness. 

Thank you to Shawn, Susan, my new lovely friends, and everyone on this trip for making this experience unforgettable as well. Couldn’t have asked for a better group!

Best,

Siena

What do you mean this is my last blog post? Wow, how time flies! I could’ve sworn we just got to London, yet we left London and our flats behind two days ago. It was strange, coming into Stratford-upon-Avon and realizing just how different life is here than 2 hours south. I noticed it almost immediately- how quiet it is, how I could hear the birds chirping and the wind blowing, and even how people move slower here. Nobody seems to be in a rush; they’re simply living- living in the same place that Shakespeare once did, and they probably don’t even give a second thought about it. 

As someone who is spending little time in Stratford, exploring historic sites of literature and history, I found it fascinating to be standing in the same place that Shakespeare once did. I almost found it difficult to imagine the famous playwright enjoying his days in the same town, let alone the same cottage, as I was in. However, simply walking around Stratford, I can see now how Shakespeare had such a strong imagination and fascination with the world around him; this place almost forces you to. I do believe that my understanding of Shakespeare’s life and work was enriched by visiting Stratford. Being engrossed in the culture and significance of this place has opened my eyes up to the true art of literature and storytelling, and how important these things are for society. I believe that it’s beyond important to realize how badly humans crave the arts and our need for connection and shared experiences, which is why theatre and English deserve more recognition than they get. 

This program has been absolutely incredible in more ways than one. Being able to understand different perspectives and lives other than our own is part of what makes studying abroad so special. This experience has shown me that art is everywhere, in the grand and mundane alike, and has made me appreciate just how rewarding it is to view the world through that lens. I always thought it so silly when people would say how studying abroad changed them, but I now understand exactly what they mean. It happens without you realizing it, in a way that is so subtle yet so dramatic at the same time. I would be crossing a busy London street and suddenly realize just how much has shifted. The unfamiliar becoming familiar, the intimidating becoming routine, and feeling a sense of peace in a city 4,000 miles from home. I will forever be in debt to this program, and I’m not sure I can put into words how grateful I am for the amazing professors (shoutout Shawn and Susan) and the University who made all of this possible. London, I will be back. Just you wait. 

Cheers! (for real this time)

-Emmy

The entire concept of a fringe show was entirely foreign to me as, before this trip, I knew very little to nothing about theatre in general. I was excited to see a fringe show because all of the other shows we had seen had been so good. Of course, I knew the fringe show would not be as good in many aspects simply because it was fringe, but I also feel like I have a very low bar when it comes to being pleased with a show. So, in general, my expectations were low, but I fear I have been spoiled by the shows we have seen as a class.

Reese, Emmy, and I saw Glengarry Glen Ross. I had never even heard of this before Reese mentioned going to see it in a theatre for our fringe show, so I basically went in blind. The only thing I knew about it was that it was a very masculine movie with very masculine characters and that this production would only have women in it. This bold decision for this production is what got me so interested in the first place. I was very intrigued to see how these women actors would carry out the roles of such misogynistic male characters.

The theatre that we saw this production at was Old Vic Theatre, which was honestly pretty big and very nice for what I had expected a fringe show would look like. The stage was a round circle in the very center of the room and it had several mechanical movements throughout the show which I also found very cool for a fringe show, but also just in general.

My main thoughts about this show are that I feel like I needed more context going in to truly understand the commentary being made here. In my opinion, this entire play was just making fun of misogynistic men, which I thoroughly enjoyed. There was no explicit joke or harsh statement about men, but the women were playing their characters so extremely, that it seemed as if they were making fun of the way men act, at least in this movie. There was a ton of dialogue and not a whole lot of action which did make it hard to keep up. It was also only an hour and a half with no intermission.

Overall, I have to say I did enjoy this production, but I don’t believe I would see it again. The only way I would see it again would be if I watched and thoroughly analyzed the movie first, because I didn’t get as much social commentary out of this play as I felt I needed. It was great, I wanted it to be better. Considering my expectations were low, this is very surprising. I love the idea, but I think it needs a bit more substance to really hit the spot of commentary I was looking for. Still a great experience, and I would definitely see another fringe show if I ever get the chance!

Cheers!

• Jill Qualls

Stratford is perfectly picturesque. Nearly anywhere you look could be a postcard, or the subject of a painting. It makes sense to me that many writers, poets, and other creative types visit Stratford to connect with their influences and gain inspiration for their compositions. It is a place that possesses both the beauty and stillness to evoke creative reverence and imagination. I took a stroll through the park and read under a gazebo (like I said, it’s pretty much a postage stamp over here), and it definitely prompted some reflection on nature, life, and the tranquility of this place. Once I reached the river it was significantly less quiet, but there were swans so it didn’t really matter. And the Royal Shakespeare Company is really something! They’ve got some great shows lined up with very talented people (Jonathan Groff, Kenneth Branaugh, some others I don’t remember at the moment). And all in the little town of Stratford-upon-Avon. 

Compared to London, everyone here moves at a sluggish pace. There are definitely a lot of sloth walkers here, but the city itself seems an idle and relaxing one, so I guess it’s okay. It is also significantly less densely populated, so I have yet to be shoulder checked or side-eyed. And Shakespeare’s birthplace was one of my favorites sites that we’ve visited on the trip because they essentially gave a free guide. Many other museums and locations have audio guides or explanatory plaques and things, but they just aren’t the same as a living person standing in front of you talking about exactly what you are seeing. I enjoy the combination of recuperation and learning that Stratford offers (and the sweets shop is also a plus). Also, the whole town is like a shrine to Shakespeare; there are plaques scattered throughout town denoting locations significant to his life, innumerous statues of him, and street and restaurants named after his characters and plays. Most of this is for the touristic appeal, it’s true, but it also reflects his incredible influence as a writer and cultural figure. If anyone were worthy of such celebration, it would likely be him, but it makes you question whether anyone should be remembered in such a way. I just wonder if the town and its people aren’t swallowed up by his legacy. But at the same time, without Shakespeare, Stratford really wouldn’t be any different from the other towns around. 

I think a visit to Stratford is the perfect end to the program. It’s definitely a place you could retire to (although the tourism prices may prove an obstacle), and it’s no wonder that everything closes at 5:00. Although we aren’t retirees, it still serves as a wonderful place for winding down after a bustling three weeks in London. I have the peace of mind to reflect on the whole of the trip, which is an ambitious undertaking that will likely take the rest of my life to complete. I am just amazed at all we have done, experienced, seen, and I can’t help but feel a bit changed by everything. The memory of London will forever live in my mind, and it inevitably has shaped who I am. Maybe not fundamentally, but it has certainly become a piece in the jigsaw puzzle that is me. I’ve gained a surety in myself, a comfort in navigating new places, and a greater appreciation for just how large the world is. It’s been one of the most informative periods of my life and I’m just so grateful to have had the opportunity. 

Thanks so much to Professor Irish, Professor Marren, my roommates, and everyone else on this trip for making it a wonderful experience! 

Cheers, 

Reese 

The markets in London have by far been some of my most favorite experiences while being here. I feel as if the markets are the way to truly immerse oneself in the culture of the true London experience. I’ve been to Borough Market and Seven Dials Market twice, but my favorite market of all would have to be the one we visited last: Spitalfields.

All of these markets are special for their own reasons. Some have more food choices, others have more shopping options. What made Spitalfields the best, in my opinion, was the combination of all of these things. The culture, food, shopping, and people in Spitalfields was some of the best I have ever experienced. For food, Emmy, Reese, and I first got a  Caprese Focaccia sandwich. It was something I’ve never had before and it was absolutely delicious. Reese and Emmy got Pho, which I tried but I wasn’t really interested in eating the rest of it. Instead, I walked around until I found a place giving out free samples of all their food. I tried a lot and landed on a bowl of Kothu Roti with everything on it as the person cooking recommended. I’ve never had anything like it and I think it was one of my favorite things I have ever tried!! I even took it back to the flat and ate it for two more meals. Sadly I didn’t get a picture of the actual bowl itself, but I do have a picture of the display bowl.

Afterwards, we walked around and happened upon a couple of very nice shop owners. We met a man named Romeo who wanted us to guess his name by giving us the hint “Shakespeare related that starts with an R.” He also guessed where we were from. After a long talk with Romeo, we walked along the shops. I got a few vintage sweaters and Emmy got a cute watch. Then we decided to get donuts (nutella filled and triple chocolate) and I got a chai latte. As we were eating the donuts we had a nice chat with another kind man who used to teach history. We never got his name but he was very kind.

Overall, Spitalfields Market was the best food, cultural, and social experience I’ve had during my entire time in London. I will definitely be going back here when I come back to London!

Cheers!

• Jill Qualls

Ok, so we saw a fringe show. Palmer, Trevi, and I went to go see An Ideal Husband at the Lyric Hammersmith theater. 

The first thing that was strange was that we didn’t get the seating we originally wanted. Apparently, the top level where we were originally going to sit closed down, so at the end of the day, we got better seats. However, Trevi got separated from us, so that sucked.

About the play, I’m not gonna hold you. Kind of buns. They didn’t have mics on, so it was pretty difficult to understand what was being said at first, and also, the plotline of the first act was quite dull, so it was hard to feel fully involved. 

Part of this disconnect was due to the fact that a bunch of asshole French middle schoolers in the row behind us would actually not shut up. So we snitched on them to their teacher and laughed while they got cussed out in front of everyone. Got those little turds kicked out. 

One thing that I thought was really smart about the play was the use of a cast made up completely of people of color, without addressing any topics of race. I believe this was a very smart way to normalize the ideas of minorities in positions of wealth and power. The show in and of itself, has nothing to do with race, so presenting an all-black cast as a matter of fact, rather than something different or trivial, really made an impact.

Sadly, the show kind of sucked. Some of the acting really took me out of it, and the show overall was just quite boring. I did not enjoy watching it, and it was so difficult to stay focused. I found myself thinking about when the show would be over.

Ok, I’m being really mean. The theater was beautiful. I really loved the space and the way it was set up. The ceiling of the theater itself was incredibly wonderful, and the building was a blend of tradition and modern architecture, which I found very interesting. 

Anyways, I am glad that I got to see a smaller show in comparison to the ones we’ve been seeing so far. Yay, fringe!

Grace Pervades was a very interesting experience for me, but overall, it was not a show that I particularly enjoyed. One of the biggest reasons for this was that I felt completely lost throughout most of the performance. I wish I had known more about the characters and the story before going into the show because I spent a large portion of the time trying to figure out who everyone was and what their significance was. Instead of focusing on the plot and themes, I found myself struggling to understand the relationships between the characters and why certain events were important. I think that if I had some background knowledge beforehand, I would have been able to follow the story more easily and appreciate the production much more.

Aside from my confusion, I also felt that the show itself could have been staged in a more engaging way. The blocking in Act 1 felt repetitive and somewhat uninspired, which made the performance seem much longer than it actually was. From what I remember, there were only about three scenes in the first act, and because each scene lasted a long time, the pacing felt slow. I often found myself losing interest because there was not much movement happening on stage to keep my attention. The actors spent a lot of time sitting down, and while that may have fit the tone of the story, it made the scenes feel even less dynamic. As a result, the first act dragged on and became difficult for me to stay invested in.

Despite these criticisms, I can see why some audience members might appreciate Grace Pervades. The show appeared to have meaningful themes and character relationships that likely resonated with viewers who were more familiar with the story. However, because I struggled to understand the characters and found the staging unengaging, my overall experience was more confusing than enjoyable. While it was certainly a unique production, it was not a performance that personally connected with me.

Growing up in theatre, I idolized Shakespeare. A poet, actor, and playwright of the most well-known plays in history, I wished to be anything like him. I did school projects about his life and his works, learning as much as I could. The Globe Theater was a central part of his career and I’ve seen so many pictures of it over the years and I’ve always dreamt of seeing it in person. I think being able to say that I’ve seen two shows at the replica of the same theater that Shakespeare worked in would have blown my younger self’s mind. First we saw Mother Courage and Her Children, then A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Globe. Though these shows have very different themes and atmospheres, there are absolutely similarities in the audience experience. Both of these shows relied heavily on audience interaction and participation. The actors in Mother Courage and Midsummer would frequently talk directly to the audience or have one on one interactions with a specific audience member. The Globe’s architecture is built for this: with half the audience standing extremely close to the stage and the offstage entrances making actors walk through the crowd to the stage. Back in Shakespeare’s day, the audience would react loudly to whatever was happening on stage, yelling directly at actors. I think this abundance of actor to audience interaction is to in a way mimic this historical theatre behavior. I’ve seen Midsummer done in the United States in a typical proscenium theater, where the audience just sat in their seats and the actors did not acknowledge them. But Midsummer at the Globe was a much more fun experience and showed me what the theatre environment was like at the time it was written, giving me a more authentic experience. I also loved being able to see my friends onstage interacting with the actors before the show began. Good job guys.

Bath was such a beautiful city to visit. It was definitely one of my favorite excursions of the trip. Having tea in London is already such a cool experience, but to have it in Bath in the same room as Jane Austin was just something that I will never get over. The tea and scones were delicious! Though Bath does have wonderful tea, it also has such rich history. The Roman Baths were unreal. I have heard so much about them, but to get so close and walk on the same floors as the Romans was such an exciting experience, even though I did slip and almost fall on my face. One part of the Roman Baths that I found to be enticing was the heated floor system. Heated floors these days are considered a luxury, and not many people have them in their houses or bathrooms. I learned that the floors were very common in the area of the Baths. The system that heats the floor is called a hypocaust. The Romans would use a furnace to generate hot air in a hollow space beneath the floor. The floor was raised by stacks of stones and tiles. The stacks were known as Pilae. They were anywhere from one to two feet high, depending on the size of the room. The air not only heated the tiles but also the room. This was done by strategically placed vents that allowed the hot air to escape into the room. There were also vents placed near the ceilings that allowed air to flow into the rooms. These floors were not only placed in the sauna area, but also in the massage and changing rooms. In the saunas or ‘hot rooms’ as they were called during Roman times, there were no air vents for the hot air to escape, which is what trapped the heat in. I think it is so interesting how, as a society, we have evolved so much, but also not at all, as we still use many of the same practices the Romans did at their baths.