I Love Drama!

The difference between plays and novels is that I can read a play in a few hours while it takes days to read a novel. I'm in my play-reading mood again, and it is just so much fun to go to the library and grab so many volumes at the same time. Each one is an adventure, and to know that I can experience them all in a matter of weeks is just exciting. Well, this past week I read two plays and I just wanna share them with you.

Though predictable, campy and over-the-top, Charles Busch's "Die! Mommy! Die!" is hilarious and thoroughly enjoyable. It's not the kind of play you read or see to learn or to be enlightened; it is purely entertaining. It's not the most cleverly constructed murder mystery I've ever read, but it is well done. Perhaps its overt sexuality is the only thing that distinguishes it from most other mysteries. I don't feel compelled to recommend it to anyone--it's not that meaningful to me--but certainly I would suggest it to somebody who asks specifically for a fun read in the drama form.

David Hare's "Blue Room" is filled with archetypal characters. However, if there is a place for those characters, it is in a play like this. The focus of the play is not how the characters reveal themselves to one another and to the audience; it is not about their growth and progress; it is, instead, an exploration of different kinds of sexual relationship. Apparently Freud and Proust are the main influence on this work, along with Arthur Schnitzler's "La Ronde," from which it is adapted. I don't know enough about either of those writer to see the connection; I only know that "The Blue Room" is a lot of fun to read, and would be even interesting to see. (The play is meant to be performed by two actors; when it premiered it was performed by Nicole Kidman and Iain Glen.)

Books For Lunch

I'm trying to get my friends to check out my blog; for some reason this seems like a good idea.

Toni Morrison's "Sula"

I wrote a short little review of Toni Morrison's "Sula" on Facebook, which sounds more like a blurb:

"Toni Morrison is one of the writers who have mastered the craft of prose writing to the point where they can use it effortlessly and eloquently. Reckless readers delight in her brilliant storytelling skills, while careful readers are able to discover her methods and continue to be amazed by her intelligence long after they finish the book."

I read this novel very carefully, not taking any word for granted, because it was clear from the beginning that Toni Morrison is brilliant at using her craft. This novel would work so well as a reading assignment for a writing class; there are many examples of how she isn't merely telling the story but makes sure that it is heard and felt by the readers. By reading carefully one can detect the methods she uses, but they are not overworked or blatant or out of place. It is just right, and it is intelligent.

This and That

I recently finished reading, along with listening to the cast recording, "Assassins" by Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman. It is a musical about assassins of American presidents--some of them are based on historical figures, and some are fictional. I find it very interesting to read the books of Sondheim's musicals. He chooses such great materials to work with, and he too is a great writer. The way he uses the words to tell the story in songs is simply intelligent.

I find that going to the theater isn't just an absolutely entertaining experience, but also very inspiring. When I see a good show it makes me want to come home and write my own work. (I'm working on a play now that I'm really enjoying. It may not turn out to be a masterpiece, but I'm sure it is at least a bridge to something good.) Reading plays at home is great, but there is nothing like seeing things performed. Plays are meant to be seen and heard, not read.

This is the back patio of the lovely coffee shop wherein I spend most of my days

I am now reading "Writing: Working in the Theatre," which is a book that compiles quotes about the theater and play writing from many notable playwrights. It offers different insights into the theater lives, assuring readers that there is no one way to write or to be a writer. In my opinion the greatest advice is one that offers more than one way to look at things, because everybody is different.

I've also been enjoying "The Peanuts!" I got a copy of a collection from '67-'68 and it's absolutely fantastic. I wish I had read it as a child, but reading it as an adult is good also. Other things I've been reading are "The Blue Room," a play by David Hare, and "Suly," a novel by Toni Morrison. Both are great; I will probably write about them later.

This and That

After reading a lot of old stuff, I'm feeling the need to take a break and read something newer. Over the past couple of months it's been about Shakespeare, Ovid, Balzac, Proust, Forster...I'm tired. So, here is the list of newer novels I'm hoping to read this summer:

Alice Walker's "Color Purple."
Toni Morrison's "Sula."
Nella Larsen's "Quicksand."

They are all written by African-American women, so I think this could make for an interesting study. But, knowing me, I'm probably going to start feeling like reading old, British things again soon after.

Upon writing the above I realized that I just finished E.M. Forster's amazing novel called "A Room with a View." I will write more about it soon.

Shakespeare's "As You Like It"

While I think Shakespeare is the best writer in all of English literature, I do not in any way think that he is flawless. Some of his works are, what should I call them, sloppy. "As You Like It" is one of them. It is like a mixed tape your friend made for you; if you listen to the songs individually, they're great, but together, not so much. Likewise, this play has many great qualities--some endearing characters, clever dialogues, complex speeches--but at times it seems clumsily put together. Some of the great scenes are not-so-seamlessly sewed together with off-stage actions that move the story forward while saving time, making the play feel rushed and the author lazy. It would have perhaps been more beneficial to the play had there been fewer characters--many of them are disposable anyway.

The most important element in the play, it seems, is the plot, and Shakespeare seems to enjoy contriving this complicated puzzle. We don't see the characters coming to any form of self-realization and growing from it; those who do change do it off stage (e.g. Oliver the evil brother and Duke Frederick the other evil brother). The epilogue is unnecessary; its only value is in being the only epilogue assigned to a female character in the period (albeit the actor is no longer in character when he gives it).

Having said that, there are many captivating moments, usually having to do with the relationship between Rosalind and Celia. I also love the character Adam, who has some good scenes in the first act. There are three songs, two of which--"Under the Greenwood Tree" and "Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind"--are beautifully written. Certain oddities, such as the relationship between Oliver and disguised Rosalind, or the references to Greek mythology, would make good paper topics. Despite not being as well crafted, the play is still very much intriguing and highly entertaining. It is perhaps more fun to discuss than some of his better ones.

David M. Halperin's "Saint=Foucault: Towards a Gay Hagiography"

Ever since I was first introduced to Queer Theory almost two years ago, my knowledge and understanding of the field have continued to expand, and along with it my affection. It is my most favorite field of cultural studies and literary theory, and it is a subject that I constantly hunger for and never get tired of. Currently I'm reading David M. Halperin's book about my favorite queer theorist entitled "Saint=Foucault: Towards a Gay Hagiography." It offers insights into Foucault's life and work, as well as how his works influence queer activism and communities. It also discusses how his theories can be related to other theorists' works, and how they might help us to understand sexuality and our cultures. I find it very much enjoyable, and even more enjoyable than some of the works of fiction that I have been reading recently. I'm not done with it yet, but I'm already ready to recommend it to those who are interested in queer issues. It is informative yet very readable.