“Macbeth” was an action-packed spectacle

JESSICA PENZIAS ‘08

I attended the Beaver production of Macbeth on Friday November 9. Upon my entrance to Black Box Theater, I was immediately engrossed, albeit startled, when loud thunderous sounds and stimulating swordplay caught me off guard. Despite the overpowering fog machine, which engulfed the audience and incited numerous coughing fits, the atmosphere was extremely impressive. Actors hovered over the audience suspended on hanging wooden platforms, swordplay occurred feet in the air on the top tier of the multilevel set, and the scene was extended into the audience when soldiers, witches, and royalty marched past audience members. As a result, the twenty-first century audience members became embedded in the Elizabethan world, and intermission felt like time-traveling back to the future. I have seen many performances in the Black Box, but it is safe to say that Macbeth’s set far surpassed the rest.

I was initially skeptical about the casting of the play. The part of Macbeth, a typically overtly masculine character, was played by Olivia Carye-Hallstein. As a literature student, I view Macbeth as an alpha male character who is entirely emasculated by his calculating wife. As Lady Macbeth manipulates Macbeth, his size and strong masculine features highlight his inability to maintain the typical male power in his relationship. However, as an audience member, I had to suspend my dismay when the large, tough, male was depicted by a female. While I still stand by my belief that the audience cannot truly comprehend the emasculation of Macbeth when he is played by a female, Olivia’s impressive performance enabled me to stifle my uncertainty.

Additionally, the supporting cast’s enthusiasm was apparent from the beginning. They all assumed their roles well. Despite a few missed lines and stumbles over the difficult Shakespearean language, the performances were impressive. Standout performances include Sam Tincler, who played the role of Lady Macbeth. One of her numerous assets was her ability to permit the audience to fully comprehend her thoughts, motives, and emotions despite the language barrier. Mr. Manning also put on an admirable performance. While some may argue that Mr. Manning’s acting was unparalleled, I personally believe Sam stole the show.

Other highlights of the play included the numerous complex fight scenes (particularly those between Olivia & Vivek and Olivia & Dan) and a comical monologue performed by Michael Firer. Overall, the play was immensely enjoyable. Good work everyone!

Image from: Beaver web site
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Susan Cooper: Fantasy and Literature; Unriddling the World

SARAH MINK

Susan Cooper is the author of more than twenty books as well as plays, screenplays and poetry. She was born in Buckinghamshire, England, and went to Oxford where she studied under the great fantasy writers J.R.R. Tolkein and C.S. Lewis. She began writing as a reporter for London’s Sunday Times, where she worked under James Bond creator, Ian Fleming. She is best known for the books in the Dark is Rising series, which have received many literary awards since their publication in 1976. She now lives and writes by the sea in Massachusetts and comes to Cambridge to speak at forums.

The presentation by Susan Cooper and open discussion were the second of a two-part program presented by the Cambridge Forum, and were recorded for publication on NPR. The author’s talk was preceded by a musical introduction from two members of Revels (a Christmastime celebration that began in Cambridge). The songs correlated with the theme of the night: ‘Unriddling the world.’ While the songs were intriguing, the audience came to hear the author speak. For this reason, many felt that the singing went on a little too long. Not to mention, audience participation in the songs ruined any possible enjoyment. After the disturbingly off-key audience sing-a-long, Susan Cooper finally took the podium.

A very dignified woman, Cooper wore a large sparkling purple necklace that might have been classified as ‘bling.’ It immediately grabbed the audience’s attention. The necklace seemed as though it could have come from one of the author’s fantasy worlds as it had an ethereal-like quality. She spoke deliberately, and the audience listened attentively to each word.

According to Cooper, humans have invented stories to make sense of the world throughout time. These stories take the form of creation myths and legends that explain the way the world works. She says that there are five myths that we try to ‘unriddle’: life, death, time, good and evil. These five myths are all present in Cooper’s stories, especially good and evil. However, her view on modern culture is somewhat cynical: people prefer facts to metaphors, and they have come to think that technology and science will explain all of life’s riddles. People generally are so rooted in linear time that they repel all fantasy in general.

Cooper’s theory involves her target audience. Her stories are not written specifically for children, she says, but publishers have put her books on the children’s lists because adults do not appreciate fantasy to its fullest. She says that children (specifically pre-adolescent) are more engrossed in the story, and allow themselves to be enveloped in the world of fantasy. This is because children are still looking to unriddle the five myths and feel scientific explanations leave much unanswered. Adults, however, are hardened by their experience in the real world and are less open to the mystical goings-on of the genre.

Mystical stories are more relevant to real-life than one would think. Cooper says that, in her books, the fictional quests to differentiate between good and evil often end up being accidental metaphors for the quest for adulthood and the struggles it entails. She says she “teaches without intending to.” Put simply, sex takes over the imagination beginning in adolescence because the quest of good versus evil is no longer as interesting to readers, or it isn’t relevant to their lives. In no way does she regret the toll growing-up takes on her readership. In fact, Cooper proudly shares letters she has received from young readers. She also talks about how adults have shared how much the books meant to them when they were young.

However, Susan Cooper’s ideas don’t merely pertain to the younger generation’s issues. After discussing the impact of modern religion on the acceptance of her stories, Cooper stated, “I am a storyteller. I tell stories to unriddle the world.” She ended with talking about 9/11 and related it to fantasy world, where good triumphs over evil, “But in real life, things go on, and on, and on.” It is not as simple as us and them, the line is fuzzy. Yet, at times, Coopers’ books do not embody her characterization of fantasy, but rather the real world, something she is the first to acknowledge. When a white horseman comes to save the day from a black horseman, it turns out the white one is questionably evil as well, blurring the lines of morality.

Cooper was a riveting speaker and it is obvious she has a great deal of knowledge about the fantasy genre. She lacks modesty to a point, which is surprising, but mostly because in this day we are not used to confident, smart women who are not afraid to speak boldly about the world. Cooper’s confidence is deserved, as she is a leader in her genre and an excellent (and very quotable) speaker.

* The discussion and presentation were presented by the Cambridge Forum, which organizes many such readings around the city for the benefit of the public. Every day, there are book readings, art openings, speakers and film screenings all over the city. I think students (and adults) should take advantage of the intellectual community we live in, especially before we leave the area for college. Good places to find listings:

1. The Improper Bostonian
   
2. The Boston Globe/http://www.boston.com/ae/books/
   
3. The Boston Pheonix/http://72.166.46.24//boston/arts/books/
   

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Fashion News: The Natick Collection

SARA MARSH '09

The Natick Mall just got a lot more interesting! The beginning of September became a very busy shopping season due to the grand opening of the Natick Collection. The mall, located off route 9 on the Natick-Framingham border, just expanded and inherited a wide variety of luxury shops. Due to the extensive advertisement of new stores, thousands of people are checking out the new extension of the mall and they are not disappointed. Most are astounded by the amazing sales, special promotions, and unprecedented discounts. The new addition features trendy and sophisticated restaurants, upscale department stores such as Nordstrom’s and Neiman Marcus, and a wide selection of other high-end clothing and accessory stores.

The Natick Mall has always attracted shoppers in need of new outfits or electronics, but the creation of the Natick Collection allows one to do their shopping in style and luxury. The new are more designer based and offer clothing and accessories at better quality. Stores such as, Kate Spade, Betsey Johnson, Juicy Couture, Tommy Bahama, The Apple Store, Banana Republic, J Crew, Lulu Lemon Athletica, BCBG, Max Mara, Burberry, Lacoste, Louis Vuitton and others are some of the new designer stores added to the mall. While these stores are more expensive, they are also more upscale and attract more people. For many, it is easier to travel to Natick than to Boston to find the same selection, and no one wants to deal with Boston traffic and parking? Before Natick collection opened, the only place to grab a meal at the mall was if you either visited the food court, or went to California Pizza Kitchen, which always seems to have a long wait. Some of the new restaurants are The Cheesecake Factory, Finale, The Metropolitan Bar and Grill, Melt Gelato and Crepe Café, Nordstrom Café Bistro, Sel De La Terre, and many more. The wide variety of restaurants allows shoppers to enjoy dinner, lunch or a tasty snack at trendy, high quality restaurants.

The interior decorations throughout the mall are fantastic! There are statues of realistic birch trees throughout the mall, and the floors have all been retiled with marble and are nicely polished. A giant fountain, located where the new section and older section of the mall meet, has created a nice courtyard feeling. The balcony of the second floor looks over the treetops of birch trees that have been mounted into the first floor and the glass ceiling allows the sunshine to glimmer through.

Looking around, the shoppers appear to be happy, excited and overwhelmed. I think that many people are still in shock about how nice the new addition is to the mall. The older part has been refurbished and is still crowded with people. The new wing has brought in many more people to shop at the new stores and as a result numerous people are discovering the improvements to the old section of the mall. If you haven’t already gone to visit the Natick Collection, it’s definitely worth a visit. Make sure you check out the new stores, and restaurants, and bring some extra cash, you may find yourself a new wardrobe!

Image from: www.Boston.com
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Across the Universe is imaginative, but lacks universal appeal

CARRIE WIDMER ‘10

The film Across the Universe is a story of young love in the sixties, narrated by the songs of The Beatles. Jude and Lucy, the two leads, are appropriately named and played well by Jim Sturgess and Evan Rachel Wood. (Jude, not coincidentally, comes to the United States from Liverpool, the homeland of the Beatles.) Jude and Lucy meet and fall in love unexpectedly. The film begins with disappointing and unimpressive song and dance numbers. However, just when the audience is ready to abandon the film, Bono makes an appearance singing, “I am the Walrus.” This colorful, psychedelic number depicts the Summer of Love (1967) wonderfully and is a turning point that saves this movie.

Instead of simply telling the predictable love story of boy meets girl, this film tries to illustrate the reality of being young in the sixties. It is an enjoyable twist on the typical love story. Once Lucy becomes heavily involved in the anti-war movement, her relationship with Jude becomes tumultuous. “Revolution” shows Jude’s frustration toward his girlfriend who shows more passion for the Vietnam War than for her boyfriend.

Two of the most fantastic and imaginative pieces in the movie, regard soldiers in the war. “I Want You So Bad” shows an Uncle Sam poster that literally comes to life and grabs the young men who are drafted. “Happiness is a Warm Gun,” another standout performance, shows the suffering of soldiers and the nurses who care for them. Other high points include “Falling,” “Strawberry Fields Forever,” and the grand finale, “All You Need is Love.” These great numbers stood out in my mind because of their originality—I’d never seen anything quite like them.

Across the Universe has received mixed reviews. Ultimately, it’s a question of taste. This is a film strictly for those who love either over-the-top dance numbers or the Beatles. Otherwise, it would probably be a painful 131 minutes. If you prefer straight plays to musicals, you shouldn’t waste your time. If, however, the Beatles dominate your car’s mix tape, you will never want it to end.

Image from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Across_the_universe.jpg

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