Monday, I took the bus on my own for the first time and went down town to a café to meet Ralph. Wonderful hot coffee. I ended up arranging on the phone with Ralph to go to his office and soon met up with him on the street. How wonderful to meet up in London.
We went up Tottenham Court Rd. to a pub and sat in a quiet corner eating pub food (fish and chips for Ralph, risotto for me) and drinking beer. First beer I've liked since we got here. His class on Richard III went very well. He's excited that his students were engaged and talkative and enthusiastic. Imagine studying Shakespeare in London at age 20 something and being sort of on your own. They are situated right in the thick of things with easy access to a myriad of interesting sights.
From the pub we went to meet up with Ralph's students at the study center and then go to Trafalgar Studios across from Trafalgar Square to see Richard III starring Martin Freeman who, incidentally, played Bilbo Baggins. Some theater staff did a presentation for us and some other students before the play. It was essentially an exercise to familiarize us with the complex cast of characters and their relationships. Very amusing. The play was set in the 50's maybe. On the stage were office desks, telephones and chairs. Great play. Outrageous Richard III. Very good Elizabeth. The students were so stoked. Wonderful experience.
It's 3:37 and I must go eat something and make something else of this day besides correspondence. Maybe look for the cat! Will post some photos, come to think of it, before I'm through.
So impressed that you are getting about as you are! And what fun, running into Ralph on a street in London! I can't recall the last time I saw a play; your experience would be hard to top, especially given subject matter! Would have loved to have had the kind of experience Ralph's students are having while in college! So happy for Ralph that his students are responding so well to him and the environment! That has to be rewarding for him! Another day, and evening, of memories . . .
ReplyDelete