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Dame Ioreth
Tol Eressea
Jan 17 2014, 5:09pm
Post #1 of 105
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Dame Ioreth goes There and Back Again and meets Brethil along the way...
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..or what happens when a Forest meets an Herbalist in the Big Apple.
But the story doesn’t start there....
It starts as one might expect, in a PM on TORn.
Actually no, it started with this text message - DI to B: RA in NYC reading Pinter on Proust. Tickets cheap! 1/16 You have to go to this!
B to DI: I’m online. Ordering now.
Then the conversation switched to PM.
DI: I really want to go. It’s impossible but I’ve got Amtrak, Bolt Bus, NYC Subway and bus schedules in different screens on my computer.
B: Wow, tickets are going fast. Already Row U.
DI: OK, I’m going to do it. I’ll figure out how to get there later. Ordering now! Row X
B: I should have ordered two tickets. I didn’t think you would actually try this!
DI: OK, now I have to figure out how to get there.
Conversations over the next few days ranged far and wide. Helpful children told DI she could use a transporter (if only someone would invent one). Finally, she decided the only way was to drive - all 236 miles - each way. Into New York (gasp!) City.
B kindly offered a bed for the night and all was settled, except for DI’s stomach, which was doing back flips at the thought of driving into a city she had only visited twice before. Alone. Especially that city.
Various in-laws (of B’s and DI’s) told them they were nuts; specifically, Walking In NYC Without An Escort Was Unthinkable. They (virtually) looked at each other and nodded. Could be.
Last minute car trouble and an almost missed train did not stop them though and at 7pm they met up for the first time. TORn is a place for the meeting of like minds - a lovely island of all things Tolkien amidst a sometimes choppy sea of life. Meeting one of those minds in person is sweet indeed. Over (real authentic!) NYC bagels, they shared news and made final plans. They would stay after the play on the chance that the actors would mingle. Dernwyn dropped the bomb on both of them the day before that this was indeed the case at this venue. Unsettled stomachs started doing back flips.
A short walk in the brisk night air, smelling of pine from all the discarded Christmas trees piled high on the sidewalk and they were there. DI feared her touristy look would give her away and tried to stay cool. B, always the friend, teased her mercilessly, to the delight of both! They chatted some more about the play. B had read it, both screenplay and the original text (because she’s the smart one) and DI was willing to pay any amount of Future Tumblr Photos for the insight. It was a meeting of minds made more special because of the proximity.
They took their seats, the lights went down and magic happened. There was no fog to warn them (sorry DanielB) that they were in an enchanted land but somehow, with minimal set (some gilded chairs), minimal costume (pseudo period dress at times) and only a few props and sound effects, the world of Proust as seen by Pinter came alive on the stage. Separated by rows and sections of other travelers in this strange land, DI and B could not share their thoughts immediately.
DI found the play haunting and funny in a witty, did-you-get-the-joke kind of way. Worried about being overwhelmed surrounded by Upper East Side intellectuals, she found that she laughed and sighed at the right places. The performers transported her. They were perfect, managing multiple roles with ease, navigating complex multiple storyline and never losing her. She was in NYC, at a play, at a play with Richard! How much more could she ask for!
B was thrilled that Richard was reading Swann! Exactly whom she had hoped he would portray, a perfect fit. B was informed by the people she was sitting with that they had attended the pre-show talk with the Director (B's dratted train was too late for that, sadly) and he seemed to cast this play from association and memory of actors he knew. How very appropriate for this work by Proust.
They met at intermission and sought cooler air. B shared more of her knowledge of the play and DI found that her thoughts coincided. The cast was entrancing, able to create a world with so little. Of course they were there to see one cast member in particular and both spotted his profile immediately, even on the darkened stage. DI found it hard not to squee out loud but managed to maintain and aura of Propriety worthy of a Dame. B found her knees melting during the romantic scenes but recovered sufficiently to walk to the lobby after the final bow to find DI propping herself against the wall. Knee problems.
Rumors were rife - the cast had been commandeered by The Money (i.e. those who underwrote the show) and would not be appearing... but then low and behold, they came, at least a few of them.
RA was immediately inundated by his army. He was calm and attentive throughout and remarked to the handlers that he was not going to leave until he saw everyone. The handlers let him think that for a time and he spent almost 15 minutes with the crowd that had gathered. DI and B stayed toward the back, unwilling to be part of the press of fangirls (Although secretly both wanted to be up front). DI remarked that he looked tired and they talked about celebrity and its costs. RA's fans are generally well-behaved though and there was a general air of merriment as each person had their moment with him. I guard stood by taking the small gifts and finally B managed to make her way to the front.
B reported that Richard was charming, warm, and had a smile for all. The consummate professional. She thanked him for being in this particular work, as it is certainly not the provenance of every actor. A disappointment not to be able to thank all of the cast though, or to be able to discuss the play and its enigmas itself.
DI was blocked by many tall people (possibly elves in disguise), she being about the size of a dwarf in stature (but not in girth!). When it was finally her turn, a handler was already moving RA away to the private venue. Alas for her! He looked truly sorry to have to leave the few who were left though. Up close he did look tired and she hoped that The Money would not keep him long. She had come to see him in person on his beloved stage and she had. It was enough.
The pair of adventurers parted on the sidewalk, one to the parking garage one to a cab; train and car would carry them back to their dwellings, the extra bed in B's Hobbit Hole going unused as DI needed to deliver the car back the same night for use by pastry chef daughter in the morning.
But they would meet again where they started... Where one would expect... on the internet on TORn.
Please note with caution: Brethil-like wordy appendices of play notes to follow. You have been warned.
Where there's life there's hope, and need of vittles.
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
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dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Jan 17 2014, 5:40pm
Post #2 of 105
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Close encounters of the best kind!
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Talk about going to "great lengths" to do something - but why not, life is for seizing the moment, and an outing with a TORnsib is worth more than a mithril-shirt! I am SO glad you were able to get there, and meet Brethil. 
Thank you for an excellent report - and for sharing the memories! 
(and yes, it's amazing what one can pick up on, when doing a few Google searches... )
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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Brethil
Half-elven
Jan 17 2014, 5:43pm
Post #3 of 105
(2813 views)
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That sounds like a surgical issue doesn't it?
First, in all the hubbub, I never had the chance to say: I would like to thank the entire cast and crew for this performance, which at this point I never thought I would see. Everyone was a treat to watch, and I wish I had a chance to see it again and methodically address everyone's performances. As it is, I will highlight some points here.
SO:
A noteless review of Pinter's 'Proust Screenplay', the template for a film encompassing Proust's seven volume work 'Rechereche du Temps Perdu'.
I specify noteless ahead of time! It was too dark to make notations, and truthfully I did not want to miss anything. I also failed to get a copy of the play's synopsis, so I do not have cast names in front of me. (Sorry. I am a Bad Fan.)
First (excited) impression was the painting to the right side of the stage, of the splash of yellow - in filmology this would be a full screen shot. It is seen as itself, up close. Only later do we get the detail that it is a section of the side of a wall in Vermeer's 'View of Delft'. Its significance underscores the Pointillist concepts within the entire work. Nothing exists alone, but instead as points of life and memory that combined form the picture, even if they are seen standing alone and not understood in singularity. Memory in the mind of the author is the paint on the canvas.
The sketch imagery was quite impressive. Lighting colors and directed light, with minimal props, conveyed the idea of the different time frames that the play leaps between rapidly. In film, there would be greater cues for heralding the times in the author's life. In truth, this was the part that I was most concerned with being handled effectively, and having read the screenplay and the work I feel that it was. The input of the people around me was mixed - the ladies I was seated with initially seemed a bit lost by the shifting scenes, so I my guess would be familiarity may have assisted me here.
Marcel was perfectly cast, and managed all the colors of depicted the author. I liked how, with staging, Marcel - as in life - is so often The Observer, removed yet highly and poignantly aware. His reactions are so often the key to what is actually transpiring in a scene - pathos underlying moments which are superficially humorous. Knowing the lines, I often observed Marcel for the underlying message, and was not disappointed in the character's depth.
I was thrilled (as I wrote above) to see Richard cast as Swann (among other smaller roles). The melancholy and sadly delusional love of Swann for the banal Odette evolved fully in two scenes. Later, his grief at guessing the secrets she has kept from him; the regrets of his misled love life, and thus the enormity of what he has lost. That life cut short, the herald scene played with such honor and self-deprecating dignity was a sad pleasure to watch. A reason I had hoped that Swann would be the role he primarily played, as he seems to have a mastery of portraying exactly that sort of fallen, blighted nobility.
Marcel's mother, such an influence, was played briefly but with such strength it established why she would be the anchor to him and such an object of (completely) filial desire and influence his whole life.
Charlus is such a large fulcrum in the story, and though he is a man of excesses I was very happy with his not over-stated or over-comicized character. Too much of the comic would render the party scene, where he is rejected by his protege, emotionally null. As it was, even with his (at times) predatory antics I still had compassion for the Baron. The brothel scene, when Marcel unknowingly takes shelter from the air raid, was absolutely perfectly comic in its staging: the unexpected sight of flight goggles on the half-naked man lounging behind Marcel, and his subsequent reaction, was a priceless moment. All in the staging and well done. At this point, the comic is more overt, because it can underscore the tragic in Charlus versus making him an object of pure humor.
Albertine, the ever enigmatic symbol, was a treat as well. Costumed to stand out in a pure yet endlessly maiden state (belying the undercurrents) I did feel a connection between her and Marcel. I missed seeing the syringa scene. Her death telegram was expertly done I felt: I heard people around me gasp when the telegram was read out loud. And her drifting by, that last time, enveloped in light, wraith-like "I might...." Perfect summary of her by Pinter and it looked wonderful.
The younger Me had written a very long (you think this is long? Hah) point by point essay proving logically using inferences within the novel(s) to establish the sexuality and nature of Albertine. Today being a tiny bit wiser (and no longer knowing everything) I accept her for the enigma that she is: the catalyst for the pain that Proust felt was needed to capture the world around him. In his own life the connection between Albert (whom he loved, but whom appears to have cheated on both Proust and his own wife) and Albertine is paralleled by their tragic deaths: Albert in a plane crash and Albertine on a horse. That horse seems significant to me: the symbol of sexual control is what kills her, all alone. That enigma came through on the stage; her pure and radiant appearance belying a puzzling (and puzzled, I think) nature.
One bit I missed was the bit of snark said about the chairs moved to the attic - there was a pause there, so I am not sure if the line was missed or simply edited out. It simply makes me laugh when I read it so I was hoping to hear it said.
Really enjoyable piece of theater. I wish I could see it twice! My theater dance card is a bit full right now, as I see Bedlam's Hamlet February 1st and close No Man's Land March 29th. But if they staged this again - I would be there.
Have an idea relating to the world of JRR Tolkien that you would like to write about? If so, the Third TORn Amateur Symposium will be running in the Reading Room in April, 2014. We hope to see you there!
(This post was edited by Brethil on Jan 17 2014, 5:47pm)
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Brethil
Half-elven
Jan 17 2014, 5:53pm
Post #4 of 105
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Very much a Semi-Unexpected Adventure, planned so quickly.
In addition, my NYC adventure included a marriage proposal. Also a lap versus a seat on the train home.  Politely declined both. Where else can you have that much fun in one night? Really, things like that should be in an *I Love NY* Ad. 
We had a wonderful time and hope to do it again - my hope is that we see Richard in more stage work.
Have an idea relating to the world of JRR Tolkien that you would like to write about? If so, the Third TORn Amateur Symposium will be running in the Reading Room in April, 2014. We hope to see you there!
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Brethil
Half-elven
Jan 17 2014, 6:06pm
Post #5 of 105
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Ioreth I love your summary! //
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Have an idea relating to the world of JRR Tolkien that you would like to write about? If so, the Third TORn Amateur Symposium will be running in the Reading Room in April, 2014. We hope to see you there!
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Rosie-with-the-ribbons
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Jan 17 2014, 6:39pm
Post #6 of 105
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Meeting TORn friends for real is amazing! There is something special about it.
And what a lovely report.
Thank you for sharing!
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Roheryn
Tol Eressea
Jan 17 2014, 6:53pm
Post #7 of 105
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you're making the rest of us jealous, right? 
Thanks for the report. I'm glad you upped and went -- despite the assurances from family that you're crazy -- what a special evening! I was there with you two in spirit. Can't believe you drove home afterwards -- you must have been exhausted!
So, do you think RA is as great a theatre actor as he is on the big screen?
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Kim
Valinor
Jan 17 2014, 7:13pm
Post #8 of 105
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Thanks for the reports from both of you - it's great to hear you had such a good time! And DI, glad to hear you made it there and back again from the big city! I was thinking of you both as I was at dinner with a friend last night, and when I told her about it and that I had seriously contemplated flying out to join you, her response was, "you totally should have!" So not everyone thinks it was a crazy thing to do. Next time, ladies. 
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Brethil
Half-elven
Jan 17 2014, 7:19pm
Post #9 of 105
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Hmmm. Can I hazard to say better?
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But I am biased probably because I love theater.
No I am sure that feeling is just leftover buzz from seeing the performance last night. He has a fantastic stage presence - which that voice and vocal range certainly creates - and was still subtle as Swann. Unsubtle as the brothel guest! So range again, quite clearly.
Have an idea relating to the world of JRR Tolkien that you would like to write about? If so, the Third TORn Amateur Symposium will be running in the Reading Room in April, 2014. We hope to see you there!
(This post was edited by entmaiden on Jan 17 2014, 7:35pm)
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Brethil
Half-elven
Jan 17 2014, 7:22pm
Post #10 of 105
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Even better if you join in Kim!
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I truly hope for the arts sake to have more theater experiences. Delighted with last night's incarnations with Richard onstage, as I was with Sir Ian (and happily will be again!)
Have an idea relating to the world of JRR Tolkien that you would like to write about? If so, the Third TORn Amateur Symposium will be running in the Reading Room in April, 2014. We hope to see you there!
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Brethil
Half-elven
Jan 17 2014, 8:11pm
Post #11 of 105
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BTW: one of the news headlines featured in NYC cabs last night:
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Adult toymakers lust after 'Shades of Grey' film.
In so many ways, that simply doesn't seem like 'news'.
Have an idea relating to the world of JRR Tolkien that you would like to write about? If so, the Third TORn Amateur Symposium will be running in the Reading Room in April, 2014. We hope to see you there!
(This post was edited by Brethil on Jan 17 2014, 8:11pm)
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The Grey Elf
Grey Havens
Jan 17 2014, 8:53pm
Post #12 of 105
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DI, you need to change your user name
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to include "Took" given your propensity now for running out your front door, LOL. Kudos to you for your hobbity chutzpah!! And your review is excellent (that NaNoWriMo discipline surely has paid off here), especially given that you had to be exhausted. You're an inspiration to the rest of us! And you were so lucky to connect with Tornsib Brethil. Even though you weren't able to sit together during the play, I'm sure that also made the notion of this trip seem more attractive and doable.
I'm glad everything turned out so magical, even if RA slipped through your fingers. Thanks so much for sharing your adventure with us!
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Dame Ioreth
Tol Eressea
Jan 17 2014, 8:58pm
Post #13 of 105
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So much fun!
I spent a few hours wandering around on my own too. I found 3 glorious bookstores (one was all books about food!) and 2 Thrift shops and can I say these are not your grandma's thrift shops. I mean think about it - thrift shops on the Upper West Side - it's not just the stuff in the shop, it's the people shopping there. I have a book's worth of material I jotted down while waiting for Brethil.
Where there's life there's hope, and need of vittles.
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
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Dame Ioreth
Tol Eressea
Jan 17 2014, 9:06pm
Post #15 of 105
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I was amazed that such a complex play could be staged with so little and still have it entertaining and approachable by even those of us who had not read it. What you say about the Baron on being overworked is what I would say about the whole production. Neither too hot or too cold - just right in all its choices. Bravo to all but yes the fan girl (I'll come out of the closet. I admit it!) in me loved Richard's performance. You are right - perfectly cast and expertly performed.
Where there's life there's hope, and need of vittles.
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
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The Grey Elf
Grey Havens
Jan 17 2014, 9:06pm
Post #16 of 105
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Your love and knowledge of theatre really show, Brethil
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Thanks for such an exhaustive debriefing ! I'm curious to know a bit more about Richard's other roles. Swann is a dramatic one and I can imagine how wonderful he was in this role. But what about his other ones? Were any comic? I ask because he's described himself as not being very good at comedy. You mentioned he was in the brothel scene -- was it a part played for laughs?
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Dame Ioreth
Tol Eressea
Jan 17 2014, 9:18pm
Post #17 of 105
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I got home at ~ 4 am, could get to sleep until 5:30 am and was up for bus stop duty at 7:30am. Did some work on Boy Scout work for a few hours because I was wired again (Nice brisk air this morning) and then fell asleep shortly after posting this. I just woke up.
I have to say that I think he is better on stage because he seems to love it so much. He loves the craft of actingI think so any time he gets to do that he puts his whole self in, but on stage he feeds off the audience. Even when he was technically off stage (not reading a part), many of those times he was seated in the back of the stage with the other "off stage" actors. He was studying in script for much of that time. I did notice even from the back that some of the actors' scripts were almost pristine while his was folded and bent and had all kinds of sticky notes sticking out of it. (Gotta love opera glasses.) His head would come up a certain times though, as if to gauge the audience reaction to the play or to engage himself. This truly is his element.
That was actually the reason I wasn't too miffed (just a little disappointed) that those people called him away. It's part of the job to court The Money. It's too bad it was just a one-off. Like Brethil, I'd see it again and again. There is so much more to discover from that play and personally, actors like those cast for this production are the perfect leaders for that particular kind of adventure.
Where there's life there's hope, and need of vittles.
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
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Riven Delve
Tol Eressea
Jan 17 2014, 9:19pm
Post #18 of 105
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Fabulous reporting, DI and Brethil! :D //
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"Our perennial spiritual and psychological task is to look at things familiar until they become unfamiliar again." --G. K. Chesterton
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Dame Ioreth
Tol Eressea
Jan 17 2014, 9:21pm
Post #19 of 105
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I'll make sure to reserve an extra pony, just in case!
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THe ladies at my bus stop stared at me this morning when I told them what I had done. Then one of them said, "Why would you want to do that?"
Yeah, I need to move. To Tolkeinia!
Where there's life there's hope, and need of vittles.
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
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Brethil
Half-elven
Jan 17 2014, 9:25pm
Post #20 of 105
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Thanks for such an exhaustive debriefing ! I'm curious to know a bit more about Richard's other roles. Swann is a dramatic one and I can imagine how wonderful he was in this role. But what about his other ones? Were any comic? I ask because he's described himself as not being very good at comedy. You mentioned he was in the brothel scene -- was it a part played for laughs? I do natter on.  There is some mildly physical comic and subtle bit when Swann first meets Odette which made me smile. Yes, the brothel scene is more overtly comic - and he played it perfectly as well, in addition to being a very fetching, slouching thug. There is a lovely offstage moment where he is summoned and yells "WHAT!?" in that great baritone voice. There was a kiss in there, man to man, which they pulled off quite believably (people laughed but I didn't think of it as comedy, it was really part of the story.) He also had the small part of a reporter (whom some lucky front row patrons got to sit next to.) And a passing bit as a Gothic-toned Noble, complete with eyepatch. He may be self-deprecating here (likely), or simply not feel as comfortable in his own skin during comedy, but I though he did very well.
Have an idea relating to the world of JRR Tolkien that you would like to write about? If so, the Third TORn Amateur Symposium will be running in the Reading Room in April, 2014. We hope to see you there!
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Brethil
Half-elven
Jan 17 2014, 9:31pm
Post #22 of 105
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it reminds me so much of my friends-in-Tolkien who I finally got to meet in person and my own adventurous trip to NYC to see my beloved Howard Shore.
Thank you so much for sharing with us guys.
Things like this need to happen more often. That must have been a wonderful trip to see Howard! Fantastic! especially with how much you know about his work. (Did you have your site running then yet?) Honestly, I am really looking forward to a 2015 West Coast trip, for a Party: I am determined to make it happen (again: Ioreth! pack the van!) I am not going to miss the chance to meet so many TORnaodes in person!
Have an idea relating to the world of JRR Tolkien that you would like to write about? If so, the Third TORn Amateur Symposium will be running in the Reading Room in April, 2014. We hope to see you there!
(This post was edited by Brethil on Jan 17 2014, 9:32pm)
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Dame Ioreth
Tol Eressea
Jan 17 2014, 9:32pm
Post #23 of 105
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My adventure continued on the way home.
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I had two Google Map directions printed out to get out of Manhattan, figuring I may need an out. Brethil checked for me (thank you!) to make sure the Lincoln Tunnel wasn't closed during intermission. It wasn't so I took that home. What they didnt't say in the traffic reports was that 495 on the Jersey side of the tunnel was closed. Traffic stopped while I was inside the tunnel (I was texting Brethil while waiting and she very kindly told me of existence (without details thank goodness) of a certain scene in The Stand - a book I have never read and will now never read!). All of a sudden traffic moved and we burst out of the tunnel only to be dumped into Hoboken. I have never been to Hoboken, so technically that was another first, but not one I was looking for at the time. I think I scared Brethil because I called her hoping to get help with directions and then found the signs I needed. I rung off kind of quickly there.
So, while Hoboken is not magical, being able, at the age of 50, conquer something like New York and be able to improvise and get myself out of there (Google Maps are NOT accurate BTW) was truly a wonderful experience. Fifty has been a wonderful year so far. I can't wait for what else it brings me!
Where there's life there's hope, and need of vittles.
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
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Brethil
Half-elven
Jan 17 2014, 9:36pm
Post #24 of 105
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I am positive it translates to Land Of Ill-Scented Scary Clowns. I have no idea why. I need clearly therapy to know why I associate it with clowns.
NOW I can tell you: Larry, alone, enters the darkened Lincoln Tunnel to escape NYC after the Superflu has taken down civilization. Chock full of cars and their deceased and decomposing passengers, seen by the eerie glow of a flashlight. Then he hears a scraping noise...
I'll stop there.
Have an idea relating to the world of JRR Tolkien that you would like to write about? If so, the Third TORn Amateur Symposium will be running in the Reading Room in April, 2014. We hope to see you there!
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Dame Ioreth
Tol Eressea
Jan 17 2014, 9:36pm
Post #25 of 105
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Am I driving again?
Change it to planes instead of trains or automobiles and I'm there. I've already put May something or other on my 2015 calendar. I'm going. I missed ROTK - I had just had a baby. I'm not missing this one!
Where there's life there's hope, and need of vittles.
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
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