The word theatre means different things to different people - what does it mean to you?What does Bristol Old Vic mean to you? What theatre excites you?
Posted: 19 March 2008 By Bristol Old Vic
Is theatre in Bristol dead? We have one of the top theatre schools in the country and two Universities in Bristol producing the best theatre academics, writers, actors, designers and directors of tomorrow. But will any of them base themselves in Bristol? Does Bristol offer young theatre professionals opportunities to stay in the city? Or is the only realistic option London? We want to hear from the students of Bristol- are you planning to stay in the city? What does Bristol need to do to keep the talent that it creates? Some of the big names of the theatre trained in Bristol- but are any of them still here? There are not jobs in theatre for a new graduate especially with the Bristol Old Vic closed. You just do not get the same theatre buzz here like you do in London. Bristol Student If I based myself in Bristol I just would not get the same level of work like I would in other cities. Bristol Actor I love the city, but there is not enough going on in theatre to keep me here after I graduate. Bristol Student Speak up, be heard! Have your say. What needs to change? Can Bristol become a city at the forefront of theatre?
Posted: March 26, 2008, 10:46
I have just got back from seeing Roberto Zucco; beautifully performed by the Youth Theatre. With all the publicity surrounding the renovation of the theatre, i feel many Bristolians and other theatre goers believe Old Vic productions have crumbled into nonentity, yet this is not the case! Tonights performance simultaniously highleighted the raw talent and ability of the actors, and in doing so made me feel solumn at the fact that there were not more in the audiance to get bewitched into such a world. Although the amount of people watching should not affect a piece of theatre, i felt a sense of despair that the very people who post these you-tube videos claiming their love for the place, appeared absent. Perhaps this is a direct consequence of the Youth Theatre s neglect or merely the un commercial non narrative aspect of some of the works of the Youth Theatre. Ive seen Old Vic Theatre School productions, thus some of the actors in those pieces should be in awe of the organic acting and loose, more liberal structure of the story seen in works like Roberto Zucco. A section of text from the flyer reads Not suitable for children under 14. Whilst this is sensible, as the issues the performers tackle range from murder, violence ect... a part of me felt that all human beings should play audiance to such a narrative; it will set you up for life! Moreover, the costumes and set design demand appreciation from more than those who had the pleasure of viewing them. All of the cast owned a grey skin (made from material which looked like tights) making them move as if a blur behind a fogged up pain of glass. After all, arts audience should not be limited to those of a particular age. Picasso s blue period was a reaction to a horrific chapter in Spains history, of bloodshed under Franco's regime. These works by picasso are not off limits to children, for it is their very abstractisity (not sure if thats a real word) which deems them acceptable. Maybe i am making a point out of nothing... Still, i urge anyone to go and see Roberto Zucco because at times the poetic language, along with haunting sound, captivateted me. Furthermore there was hilariouse moments which were created from the most least likely laugh out loud moment. Parts of the story were so poigniant and inadvertantly truthful. I can not say which specific bits im talking about, as you should go and see it. Really the magic was the fact that there was no SPECIFICLY engaging part. The whole of it was.
Posted: March 27, 2008, 22:22
Theatre, for those involved is a passion. You can not be "sort of involved" with out wanting to be fully involved. Wether you just like watching shows or wether you are a performer, theatre can not be ignored. The Bristol Old Vic is a fantastic theatre involved in not only providing great entertainment, but ensuring that it will carry on.
Posted: April 08, 2008, 21:35
I think the bristol old vic is a great place bursting with drama and fun, alot of celebrities have started from the bristol old vic e.g. Gene Wilder famously known in Roald Dahl's charlie and the chocolate factory- I hope by attending the youth theratre classes I could end up like him.
Posted: April 12, 2008, 19:21
we enjoyed a fantastic day at BOV yesterday. we saw truly teriffic theatre in the productions of persephone and narcissus and echo. also we partook in a very lively debate about the future of the theatre. i feel that the future is assured with so many young people visibly having a great time and with two such vibrant directors at the helm. good luck
Posted: April 14, 2008, 11:44
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Appearing this month in 1946
Title: The Importance Of Being Earnest Author: Oscar Wilde