If you know your English Literature, you’ll come to terms right away with what this column is all about.
Stratford-on-Avon is a small market town of Warwickshire, England, a few hours from London on a leisurely drive. There are many bus tours leaving London daily that take tourists to this interesting destination, and to the other iconic attractions of England. The town’s tourism revenues, from approximately five million visitors yearly, come from its being the birthplace of the most popular English playwright and poet, William Shakespeare, also known as the “The Bard of Avon.”
Tourists get to visit the house where he lived from birth until five years after he married Anne Hathaway. Offering an interesting glimpse into Shakespeare’s early world, his house has become a shrine of sorts, having been the main attraction for millions yearly and which has also been visited by other famous writers like John Keats, Thomas Hardy, Charles Dickens, and Walter Scott.
Another attraction in town is the 12-room farmhouse of the Hathaways, where Anne lived as a child. The appeal of this imposing abode is further enhanced by the attractive blooms in the beautiful garden right next to it. It is believed that this romantic garden setting prompted William to ask Anne for her hand in marriage.
The other “must-see” destination in this small town is the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, which first opened 84 years ago and holds a little over 1000 seats. It has a thrust stage which brings the performers much closer to the audience. All throughout the year, there are performances highlighting the masterpieces of The Bard.
Because of his ability to capture the essence of the human condition, I am a dyed-in-the-wool true-blue fan of Shakespeare, the reason why I rejoiced when I learned that the British Embassy Manila lined up a series of events celebrating his life and works.
The 3-day British Festival not too long ago had, among many other interesting offerings, the Shakespeare Pavilion, a new attraction for this year, which housed a series of events and performances honoring the influential literary figures in the world and, of course, The Bard and his legacy. Budding artists joined the Children’s Theatre Workshop conducted by the Philippine Education Theatre Association (PETA).
Other events at the Pavilion were: Everyday Shakespeare Talks, by the Manila Shakespeare Company; excerpts from PETA’s highly applauded Shakespeare rap-musical, William; William Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits, by Word of Mouth Theatre; excerpts from A Comedy of Errors, performed by students from the British School Manila; and pocket live performances of Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar and Twelfth Night by students of Miriam College.
There were many other interesting features of this year’s well-attended Festival. First of all, the entrance archway was inspired by the iconic London Eye. Visitors had fun sampling the assortment of delicious British culinary fare as they went around having their Festival passport stamped, which took them around the entire venue.
UK In Miniature gave them the chance to take selfies in front of smaller versions of British landmarks and pop culture icons. Amateur sleuths tried their luck at a mystery game created especially for the occasion. Embassy staff and PMAP models strutted on the catwalk in the latest summer togs from top British brands, while the main stage featured a singing contest with wannabes belting out songs from West End musicals, the winner of which received a round-trip ticket to UK via Etihad Airways.
British Ambassador Asif Ahmad, British Council executive director Nicholas Thomas, and UK Education Ambassador Joyce Tan opened the festivities and were later joined by Shell Philippines country chair Ed Chua and vice president Ramon del Rosario.
It was a fun event, as this year’s British Festival proved to be a showcase of the creativity, innovation and culture of what is popularly regarded as “the noble race” and also because it reminded everyone of the continuing universal influence of The Bard Of Avon.
For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com
YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE:
It is said that when a woman closes her eyes, she sees the person she loves the most. But, when a man does the same thing, the slide show of attractive possibilities begins.