Day 2. “We have quite a bit more madness”

Today started with a trip to TK Maxx. Two flatmates and I took a bus to grab housing items for the dorm. I highly recommend this! On the way back, we witnessed a traffic jam. Some guy tried to make a U turn in a two lane street. He blocked traffic and impeded others from driving in either direction. One annoyed driver shouted: “Aye mate, what you doin?” His tone was not aggressive, “You tryin to make a turn in a two lane street. That don’t make no sense!” 

We laughed! In New York, curse words and honking horns would block more traffic than that car. While walking, we did an improv of the same scene, but set in New York. This led us to realize: angry traffickers in New York fight with emotion; in London, they fight with logic. 

“Lear is not mad. Lear is just doing his thing”

Today was about Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. We had a workshop facilitated by Chu and got to see a performance of King Lear at the Globe. Chu first sat us in the circular-1600-seat-recreation-of Shakespeare’s-Globe theater. The development for this Globe began in 1970, but it didn’t open until 1997. Who was paying attention?! Behind this history lesson, cast members from the matinee show did warm-ups. It was the most bizarre and thrilling experience to watch. I don’t know, but there’s something about seeing a professional actor violently shaking his clasped hands while his jaw jostles about in a ravid attempt to dislocate from his face that is…inspiring! It gave me a true perspective for how actors prepare to do the work they do on stage.  It was captivating. Surreal. It revealed to me that…

I don’t want to be an actor. 

Following, Chu led us through a series of activities to break through the language of Shakespeare and understand characters’ intentions. We even had the privilege of doing a scene study. This task seemed simple. But I never read the play. (Hint: if you can, read the play before the show.) Chu had us read a scene between King Lear, Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia. I thought Goneril and Regan were two-teacher’s-pets-kind-of-an-advisors to the king, not Lear’s daughters! Thankfully, a very kind classmate explained the scene and the entire play. Context matters. 

“Spirit, other guy, clown girl, that’s a great picture”

After the workshop, we had four hours to spare until the show. Some of us ventured towards Tate’s Museum, which is free and open to everyone. David described Tate’s as a MOMA in London. I can’t tell you too much about it. I rarely go to the MOMA and didn’t go to Tate’s. Instead, a small group of us went on a hunt for some food. We walked around the corner to a Greek restaurant across from the Thames river. This isn’t a Yelp review, but…I don’t recommend it. Had we walked about five minutes further, we would have run into a few pubs and outdoor restaurants playing good music. A whole vibe. Had we walked 10 minutes further, we would have run into a cobblestone street of restaurants and Borough Market, a Chelsea Market-like space for food and dining, but all outdoors. 

It’s okay. No regrets. Our hearts were filled with potential memories. Our bellies filled with an “unsavory” meal. Then we spent 3 hours and 10 minutes sitting, standing, or sitting and standing while watching King Lear! 

Favorite quote of the night: “Rock me sexy Jesus”!

NOTES

1. Bolded text are quotations from various folks in the group about King Lear (including the post title)

2. I also recommend Waitrose or Tesco (local grocery stores) for stuff like detergent, toilet paper, and food! You don’t have to eat out for every meal on every day!