The Illustrious Duke
Okay, so this post isn't really about my prep for Scotland but oh well. Last night I went with a few friends and my parents to see The Illustrious Return of Don Quixote at Double Edge Theater in Ashfield, MA. A co-worker, Thom Pasculli, is a part of the theater group/play and we all decided to go out and support him. Plus he has been growing a sweet beard for the play and that in itself deserves an ovation.
As I was driving out to the play I realized that I had no idea what I was going to see. I know the story of Don Quixote and that this is a physical theater group but, really, that's it. And I can't describe how intoxicating it was to view this play with no expectations. You are thrown into the literary dream world of Don Quixote, following him throughout Double Edge's entire estate, both indoors and out. The ensemble meshes so organically with each other and their surroundings that you really do forget where you are for and hour and a half. And that is the strongest message out of this play: that one's dreams and realities are no different and need not be. Acrobatics are no longer acrobatics, they are physical extensions of the emotions of these wild characters.
And here I find myself at a wall. I'm trying to explain a play that shouldn't be described because it deserves to be seen without expectations. And in that I think there is some wisdom for my travels. Perhaps I should stop reading my copious amounts of travel guides. Perhaps I shouldn't wonder what my three roommates will be like. Yes, there is a certain amount of vulnerability in this and, yes, there can be disappointment. But the reward of throwing yourself into a strange situation or world and coming out feeling as if you've lived a dream, well...I'm willing to take my chances.
As I was driving out to the play I realized that I had no idea what I was going to see. I know the story of Don Quixote and that this is a physical theater group but, really, that's it. And I can't describe how intoxicating it was to view this play with no expectations. You are thrown into the literary dream world of Don Quixote, following him throughout Double Edge's entire estate, both indoors and out. The ensemble meshes so organically with each other and their surroundings that you really do forget where you are for and hour and a half. And that is the strongest message out of this play: that one's dreams and realities are no different and need not be. Acrobatics are no longer acrobatics, they are physical extensions of the emotions of these wild characters.
And here I find myself at a wall. I'm trying to explain a play that shouldn't be described because it deserves to be seen without expectations. And in that I think there is some wisdom for my travels. Perhaps I should stop reading my copious amounts of travel guides. Perhaps I shouldn't wonder what my three roommates will be like. Yes, there is a certain amount of vulnerability in this and, yes, there can be disappointment. But the reward of throwing yourself into a strange situation or world and coming out feeling as if you've lived a dream, well...I'm willing to take my chances.
posted by Caitlin at
6:52 AM
3 Comments:
Oh man. Words can not describe this play, Caitlin, you are right in that. It was even better the second time around!
This post has been removed by the author.
That was a great log. And I completely agree about just jumping in. Truly experience it all organically, not as some "tourist" guide tells you. There's something beautiful in the real grind of it all.
However don't be as dumb as me and miss out on the cool, memorable touristy things that people wanna hear about too. An even balance will do. But definitely plunge away!!
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