My second Theatre Treat of the Week was the new Theatre Extra Universal Experience.
I have been a patron of the NY Film Society of Lincoln Center for years. I participated in the NT Live Screen of Racine’s Theatre starring one of my favorites, Helen Mirren.
The idea behind this unique concept is to bring London’s National Theatre to the screen live performances in cinemas around the world. Phedre was recorded live on June 25 and was rebroadcasted in high-definition at my neighborhood Walter Reade Theater.
What an extraordinary and enchanting event to view and review. I was not familiar with this classic Greek tragedy. In Phedre, Mirren plays a woman consumed by uncontrollable passion for her young stepson. Believing Theseus, her absent husband, to be dead, she confesses her darkest desires and enters the world of nightmare. But, when Theseus returns alive and well, Phedre accuses her stepson of rape. The result is carnage.
Believe me, this was bigger than life. “Up close and personal” vs. the stage, as the camera zoomed into the emotions the actors projected. I do confess my biggest disappointment was the lack of chemistry between the intertwined complicated love affairs.
Now that’s what I call a tragedy!
