A Magnificent Shakespeare's Actresses in America at the Calderwood Pavilion, Huntington Theatre Company
An One-Woman Tour-de-Force by Rebekah Maggor
By: Mark Favermann - Feb 14, 2008
A One Woman Show Performed by Rebekah Maggor
Written by Rebekah Maggor
Directed by Karin Coonrod
At the Wimberly Theatre at The Calderwood Pavilion
The Huntington Theatre Company
Performed from 1/27/2008 to 2/11/2008
Approximate Running Time: 65 minutes with no intermission
Shakespeare's Actresses in America is a performance piece that is simply and beautifully accessible Shakespeare. It is done with great intelligence, showmanship and even wit. It goes beyond being a one-woman tour-de-force (which it certainly is) as it brings to life the vocal and physical styles of some of the America's finest actresses. By nimbly and realistically evoking a number of historically significant major female stage stars including Sarah Bernhardt, Ellen Terry, and Margaret Webster along with glamorous movie stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Claire Danes, Rebekah Maggor beautifully reveals the varied interpretations of Shakespeare's heroines. She provocatively explores how each woman has shaped our understanding of the Bard's imagination, work and world.
In this highly polished and exquisitely crafted show, Rebekah Maggor is magnificent. She is a master of language and physicality. Her voice exquisitely varies in depicting actors and periods. At times it vibrates; at other times it sings; and at still other times it shouts and even whispers. During her performance, she acts speaking American and British English, French and Yiddish in believable accents and rhythms. Therefore, no matter what language, in a fascinating manner, Maggor elicits personal interest and emotional connection.
Maggor clearly differentiates each actress in her own particular period and in her own fashion. She smoothly, no elegantly moves from one to another in a very intelligent as well as thoughtfully emotional way. She gives nuance to each actress' performance as they gave their own personal interpretation of Shakespeare's plays and heroines. Her skill also gives the playgoer an insight into what American audiences must have experienced in times past.
Rebekah Maggor is charismatic. That is to say that she has a magnetic stage presence. Her words not only speak but also actually illuminate a moment, a relationship or an emotion. Shakespeare is brought to life through her interpretation and translation of her acting forbearers. By her amazing acting skill, we are at once entertained as well as enlightened. I found myself in the presence of a great artist.
Part of Shakespeare dramatic genius is that his plays are both ageless and also of each age in which they are performed. Every period sees something of its own culture in Shakespeare's plays and characters; the Victorians were no exception, nor were our grandparents or parents, nor are we today. This performance piece beautifully recognizes that Shakespeare dramatized many faces of womanhood (in her "infinite variety") for his time and for every age since. It is easy to perceive that Ms. Maggor bestows upon each member of her audience this richly human and highly artistic Shakespearean gift.
Alas, this show was only performed a few times, just nine times, over three weeks. Perhaps, the Huntington Theatre Company can bring it back for a longer run in the future? It deserves to be seen by a vastly larger audience, Bravo to the Huntington Theatre for producing this show. Bravo exponentially to Rebekah Maggor.