Brand - preview
by Henrik Ibsen, performed at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, London to the end of August
An early play by a master dramatist with a performing time of six and a half hours, intended to be read as a dramatic poem rather than performed on stage, sounds like a recipe for failure Looking at an edited translation by Michael Meyer, director Adrian Noble and actor Ralph Fiennes decided it was a challenge worth accepting, though judging by some of the critical reviews, it remains a controversial decision
Brand is a protestant pastor of the most uncompromising sort, whose motto is 'All or nothing' He demands of himself and others total commitment on the narrow path to salvation, thus attaining a messianic quality which commands respect and even discipleship from his flock But the ultimate message of the play, declaimed by a heavenly voice after a (beautifully staged) cataclysmic avalanche is 'He is the God of Love' In other words, Brand's steely exercise of willpower is not the answer and the sacrifices which he has made on his uncompromising path – including the lives of his baby and then his wife – have been
Chas Raws
This is a preview of the full article - to see the whole thing, or to post a comment you need to login, or alternatively you could try a free sample!
|
|
In this week's
online edition...
Commentary
HJA
Letters
Quakers in the public sector
Gerald Conyngham, East Devon MM and assistant clerk of the Testimonies committee
Extracts from Minutes and Advices 1783
'Civil Government'
From South African sun to Serbian snow
Marian Liebmann
Out of the ruins
Judy Clinton
Property problems
Tony Crofts
The hush that speaks better than words
David Lazell attender at Loughborough Meeting
Out of the woodwork
Ronald Watts
Brand
Chas Raws
Animal concern
Joan Silvester
Observer in Gaza
Elaine Helyer
Peace work
Theo Tulley
Friends & Meetings - submit a notice
q-eye
eye@thefriend.org
Advertisements
Things to do, where to stay, people to see etc...
download
this issue
save
this page
|
most recent comments:
Letters, Ala
Quaker approach to business under the spotlight, David Hitchin
Tackling the pay gap from both ends, anonymous poster
Some more equal than others?, anonymous poster
Climate Camp experience, Frances Laing
Climate Camp experience, Frances Laing
The centrality of worship, Andrew Hatton, Maldon LM, Essex
In the care of the Meeting?, chrissie hinde
Lockerbie grief and justice, Jennifer Barraclough
The centrality of worship, Peter Arnold
The top ten reasons (plus three) why bottled water is a blessing, Fee Berry
Letters, David Hitchin
Marriage and committed relationships, Fee Berry
George Fox and same gender partnership, Chris Bagley
Marriage and committed relationships, Chris Bagley
Meeting for meditation?, Barry
Meeting for ‘weorthscipe’?, Gerard Guiton
Report shows that all is not well in multicultural Britain, chrissie hinde
Johann Sebastian Bach and the Jews, Peter Arnold
Prisons: our growth industry, Peer Arnold
|
Save on your phone bills with:
|
|
