Tuesday, July 17, 2007

this week's reviews: theatre and pop lit...

Usually, I like to give a little overview of what I'm reading somewhat regularly on the blog, but today, I thought I'd mix things up a bit.

Saturday, I went to the Goodman Theatre to see Mary Zimmerman's production of Mirror of the Invisible World.

While I wasn't sure what to expect in terms of the story, I knew the production would be visually stunning, because Mary Zimmerman is just amazing! I saw Silk (based on the book by Alessandro Baricco) last season, and was totally captivated by the beauty of the sets, costumes, and effects.

Mirror was also very beautifully done. The costumes and sets were lovely, and some of the effects were really, really cool. I especially like the way one of the stories (The one told by the Russian princess, I think?) was represented in silouette, behind a screen...I love that kind of stuff!

While the play was kind of long (about two and a half hours), I didn't really mind. It was worth the time invested.

The story, (I'll be brief) is about a Persian king who falls in love with seven princesses, each of whom tells him a fairytale-type story that combines elements of the erotic, the grotesque, and a suprising bit of humor, as well.

I've posted a link to the review on TheaterMania.com here.

I've also just finished reading The Good House by Tananarive Due. While the "haunted house" is a fairly familiar trope within the horror genre, I like what she did with the story. The non-linear approach to the narrative works, and while the ending wasn't quite what I expected (which is not a bad thing!) I think it works out--in part--because of the way she structured her story. There is one scene in the book that still chills me even thinking about it!

I think she's one of the best contemporary horror writers around.

Okay, I admit it. I'm also reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I've only read the first four, so I thought I might catch up with the rest of the world.

2 comments:

Melissa said...

First, let me mention that Tananarive Due is probably the best crazy name I've heard in a month. Wow. I will now be able to change my name to Bananaweave with a clear conscience.

That play sounds so great, and I can imagine how visually amazing it must've been!!! And you know I love fairy tales!

That's funny, I just read Silk a couple of months ago and figured out that they are making a movie based on the book. Unfortunately Helene will be played by the ever-popular Keira Knightley, who I absolutely HATED in Pride & Prejudice. Ugh. Let's only hope she can do Silk the justice it deserves!

Susan said...

Hmm. After seeing the lovely theatre version of Silk, I can't help but think the film would seem artless, by comparison. Of course, I could be mistaken. We'll see.

Someone ought to give Kiera Knightley a sandwich or something. Seriously.

And I may not be able to resist calling you Bananaweave from now on--