Rather than me go off on a ramble, I have a question, and it is this…
Would Stratford upon Avon survive without Shakespeare?
In my opinion (and I’ve been here since ’71), Stratford is a funny old place insomuch it has, I believe, an identity crisis. In short, it doesn’t know what it is.
The outside world assumes and is under the delusion that because of the close association with (some might say) the world’s greatest dramatist, William Shakespeare, we walk on hallowed ground. That we inhabit a hotbed, nay a land infused with High Art. That somehow the very fact that the man himself was born here, his very DNA spilt over and blessed everything it touched. (Sorry – bit over the top).
The truth is, however, there is nothing to see here, except a large red brick fortress (The Royal Shakespeare Theatre) that has, apart from a huge turnover of well-paid staff, gifted not that much to the world of theatre except repetition and some amazing actors. Engaged in the constant non-stop interpretation and regurgitation of the man’s 39 ? plays, that is the game played.
Which is fine I guess if you are a fan.
But not so good if you truly believe that the neglect of other plays and playwrights (modern or otherwise), must (one likes to think but I doubt it), have the old man turning in his grave (wherever that is).
This miniscule offering of other stuff is not enough.
Opportunities are being missed, and we are neglecting generations who would like to get into theatre but can’t get past the old man on the door.
Thankfully, there are a few brave and local souls attempting to pump life into the theatrical landscape but too late methinks (Shakespeare). Power to their collective elbows but me and quite a few others just can’t afford you.
Stratford upon Avon is a market town. Not as small as the words ‘market town’ might suggest, in fact it’s getting bigger every day which is baffling. Housing estates are being built but where are the people?
Like a lot of towns in the UK empty shops are springing up all over the place. Town appears empty even on sunny days. And those tourists that do come don’t appear to come for William. A look at the fake architecture and a quick shufty around the river seem to be the order of the day.
Aah yes, the river…brown and slow running…
