Shakespeare in the Heartland

William Shakespeare has attracted quite a following here in St. Louis. The city now boasts two resident companies devoted to the Bard's works, with one offering free performances at Forest Park in the summer. In addition, various other theatrical venues around the city mount Shakespearean productions throughout the year. It was not so long ago that some local school districts were de-emphasizing Shakespeare's works in their curriculums, but that situation seems happily to be reversing (although sadly even a few colleges seem to be opting for trendier, contemporary literature above the classics in some case, although hopefully that too will change).

The Soundstage Theatre recently presented what amounts to a brief retrospective: William Shakespeare's Greatest Hits, created and directed by Dave Houghton. Although serious academics might roll their eyes and lament this sort of fast-food Shakespeare, this production was an excellent review of many of the memorable lines and plots that some of us might have forgotten, as well as a wonderful introduction for young theatre-goers to the joys of Shakespeare and the Elizabethan world. Moreover, this production was performed in readers' theatre style--eight actors onstage in black speaking lines, with minimal action. Soundstage terms this technique "theatre of the mind", and it is remarkably effective; we quickly learn that our own imaginations are far more skilled at crafting a set design than we ever realized, and the lack of sensory input enables the audience to concentrate on the true meaning of the words.

Like the salon movement mentioned in an earlier post, readers' theatre is something that can be enjoyed in homes or clubs, and can be performed by amateurs or professionals alike. It offers a means of bringing theatre into a friendly, intimate setting, much like chamber music did for past generations. It is an excellent learning tool. It is also fun to experience readers' theatre in an actual theatre. Soundstage performs in a studio setting, which helps the audience feel that they are part of the drama.

Soundstage does not currently maintain an official website, but anyone interested in attending one of their productions can contact their box office at 314-968-8070.

Thanks,
Gary