John Gabriel Borkman, A Review

[rdholmantx]

John Gabriel Borkman

Layers of Absurdity

First of all, it must be understood that I’m not an Ibsen scholar.  In fact, I’m not much of a scholar at all.  Just ask my university advisor, who could only cry with joy when I graduated, ranked 1214 out of 1224.  I like American football, Eminem, and eating cheeseburgers.  But my passion for the absurd

Comments

[arphile]

Good, thoughtful review, red. It sounds like Fiona Shaw consistently hits the ball out of the park, and Lindsay Duncan/the director haven't totally worked out her character.

Any comments on how AR's interpretation of Borkman is evolving, and how different it will be once it gets to BAM in January?

[rdholmantx]

I'm not sure how they're going to adapt it for BAM. BAM is a much bigger theatre but the changes shouldn't be too profound, vs. Creditors when the stage at the Donmar was surround by water. I'll let you know about AR's evolving interpretation of Borkman a little later, I need to think about it.

[rickmarvelous]

your review makes me excited all over again about seeing this play, as well as sorry that i couldn't see it from its inception. also, a much better review than any i've read so far, well done.

[rdholmantx]

I think the other reviews really focused on the themes of the play. They also hadn't seen it every night like I had.

YAY January. :D

Spot On

[neelix_2000]

I had a brief conversation with Fiona Shaw after seeing the play, and I commented on how something so tragic - because it really is a very sad and depressing play at the first read - could also have moments of hilarity. I particularly enjoyed Borkman's proclaimation that 'one woman can replace another', which invited lots of booing from the audience!

I would suggest that if the cast don't want people to laugh they should deliver the lines differently, because it's certainly the timing that does it. The maid shouting 'Jesus Christ' was simply priceless. Surely they can't think it's not funny in parts? Tradgie-Comedie (sp... on purpose!) is what it is.

I loved the walk in the snow and found it incredibly moving.

Cant wait to go back in November :D

Re: Spot On

[rdholmantx]

That's actually my favorite line/part of the play - when he walks downstairs looking totally catatonic and Mary Sheehy yells, "Jesus Christ!"

That and, "Dole it out... the happiness."

Re: Spot On

[ext_292297]

What did Fiona Shaw have to say about the laughing? Also, is the actors that were surprised that the audience laughed?

I very much wanted to see this at The Abbey, but couldn't. Hope to see it at BAM. Thank you!

Re: Spot On

[rdholmantx]

I think they're taken aback by the laughing but I can't figure out why, exactly. They seem annoyed by it, but if that's the case, they should be playing the characters differently.

Fiona Shaw/Gunhild: "You had the power to make me happy, once. Did you use it?'

Alan Rickman/John Gabriel: "In a shipwreck, someone always drowns."

How is that not funny?

[sunnythirty3]

I'm impressed. A serious, thoughtful review. :D

[rdholmantx]

I AM capable, yes. :P

[amber_dragon_64]

Thank you very much for the review I really enjoyed reading it. Great job by the way :) I really envy you :)

[rdholmantx]

A lot of people mistakenly do. There's nothing to be envious of. Trust me.