always waiting

When one enters into the acting world, there are the compulsory genres and forms that one learns about; Shakespeare, Method Acting, Brecht, Realism, the list is endless.

Then there are the plays and well known productions that will be around forever and themselves will aim to be in one day; 'Romeo & Juliet', 'Phantom of the Opera', 'Wicked' and 'Away'... just to name a few.

By this stage, the actor is already feeling overwhelmed and doubtful in themselves, insecure within their own skin. To complicate matters further, they then come across something called 'Absurdism' - and the infamous text of 'Waiting for Godot'. The play's title is misleading (as the man never actually arrives), so when it comes to the content... don't even get me started. It is acclaimed to be a play that is moving and quite emotional - exploring the monotony of life, or simply confusing with language that doesn't make any sense. Regardless, if you don't know it, you clearly aren't serious about 'The Theatre'.

Needless to say, when I first saw the poster for 'Waiting for Godot' here in London, I thought it was a rite of passage to go as a fellow actor. Trouble was, I saw the poster in January, and here we were, April with no show. SO - the end of the season was near approaching, and with no real plans over Easter, I indulged and bought a ticket. Too excited for words (yes me!)

From the moment the lights came up on the abstract stage, I was mesmerised. The well known 'bow not break' tree in the centre of the stage only emphasised the bleakness of the rest of the set. Ian McKellen's entrance immediately got me giggling and the quick pace of the dialogue ensured my cheeks did not stop grinning. The actors delivered the muddled dialogue in a seemingly effortless way, almost as if it was natural. Despite the laughter, the deeper meaning still rang true - the confusion and helplessness we feel when getting trapped in a boring loop of life.

Two hours later and I was utterly content. The play made sense, I enjoyed it more then ever and I admired the actors who were in it. What I loved the most was the well known actor, Ian McKellen's performance. Some may know him for his role in 'Harry Potter' as the replacement Dumbledore, or his grimacing role in 'X-Men' & 'Lord of the Rings' so clearly his talent and passion for acting is evident. But there he was, getting back to the groundings of acting. Up there on the stage, one chance to get it right, to make the audience understand, to make the audience emotionally connected and moved. Failure to do so - there is no second chance with the stage - they walk out the door and make their judgement. Despite his experience with film, he was still challenging himself and determined on leaving such a lasting impression on the audience. Such brilliance, such talent. What a blessing it was to see him perform in such a moving way.

Thank goodness ... for Godot!