The National Theatre

Two nights ago, we all went as a group to the National Theatre in London's Southbank area to see A Light Shining in Buckinhamshire by Caryl Churchill.  The concept of having a national theatre was passed by Parliament in 1949, with the first performances in the building it currently sits in in 1976.  However, the companies first performance was in 1963 at the Old Vic.  Its intended purpose was the "...constant revitalization of the great traditions of the British stage and to expanding the horizons of audiences and artists alike."  One of the former Director of the National Theatre, Nicholas Hytner, said of the purpose of the theater: "We want to tell the stories that chart the way the nation is changing. We want to bring front-line reports from new communities and generations, and we want to see the present redefined in the context of the past."

Our play was performed in the Lyttelton Theatre, which is the second largest theatre in the National Theatre's residence.  It was a very political play about the English Civil War.  I do believe that the play did help to fulfill the purpose of the National Theatre.  It goes hand in hand with what the former director said; "We want to tell the stories that chart the way the nation is changing."  I think this play uses the stories of the past to make a statement about current situations in modern day England.  I loved watching the production of the play.  The lighting and the entire stage was unbelievable.  I loved the symbolism of the action of the poor taking place on the table of the rich, and I do not think the play would have been near as powerful without it.  With that being said, I could not tell you what really went on in the play.  The dialogue was very hard to follow, but I think that a person with knowledge of British history would have understood quite well. 

I am looking forward to going back to the National Theatre this week and seeing a more lighthearted play and seeing how different of an experience it will be.