Pericles, I was told by a flatmate, is one of Shakespeare’s ‘problem’ plays. Problematic in that he most likely did not write all of it (the most popular theory has George Wilkins as co-author) and also because no one really gets it. I’m not sure I really get it either. I mean, I get it. I know what’s happening, I just don’t really get it. It’s definitely not one of the Bard’s best and doesn’t have hugely wide-appeal. I can’t see it having many full houses- opening night didn’t even achieve that.
The performance was solid. It was clear and well communicated (always the first hurdle with Shakespeare). It was fun too, a live band played covers of contemporary hits throughout. The costumes were fun. Many of the characters were interpreted playfully. The audience laughed a lot.
There were moments where it felt very am-dram. If I have to see another sea-based play which employs lengths of blue material being waved by actors, I might cry. There has to be another way.
Summer Shakespeare is an institution- it celebrated its 50th birthday last year. It’s always a beautiful night out, set behind the glowing clock tower, under a starry summer night. I suppose it’s also the perfect opportunity to keep the less well known of his 38 plays alive. It fulfills an important purpose. That said, I think Pericles will possibly appeal most to dedicated Bard fans.
Solid, but not the best Sumer Shakespeare I’ve seen.
On at The University of Auckland 28th Feb-22nd March. Tickets $19-30.
