Journeys...Royal Shakespeare Theater

Othello!

A cab ride back to Stratford. Upon arrival at the theater, a lovely art exhibition--"Sea Markings" by Susan Stockwell--embodies the themes of money, trade, mapping, and journeys--all inspired by Othello and  The Merchant of Venice.  Paper ships and boats crafted of every day fabrics stand still, yet appear to move--journey across the floor searching, longing, desiring for newness, peace, and love.

Othello sparks intensity and darkness as we watch in the round, stepping back into Shakespeare's own time period. It reminds us of the faults of humanity like revenge, jealousy, and judgement. Shakespeare's crystal ball again displays how themes of so long ago--the "green-eyed monster"--  live on today.

Opening scene... Rodrigo and Lago on the water 

Royal Shakespeare Theater

At intermission, we are greeted by the swans--full of grace and elegance--and row boats all named after Shakespeare's characters. 

Stratford upon Avon: Still Bustling in Celebration of Shakespeare

Stratford Upon Avon.

Follow the Avon north and we arrive at the birthplace of William Shakespeare! The town's character is alive, busy--still bustling in celebration of the iconic author, actor, and playwright himself. To walk through the town, following in his brilliant footsteps, is exhilarating. To visit his childhood home helps to form an idea of the boy he was and the man he became. I am especially drawn to the window pane, once outside his bedroom--visited and engraved by other famous writers such as Charles Dickens, John Keats, Walter Scott and Thomas Hardy. It is obvious how the richness of his work and the impact of the his language has truly changed the world.

Just a bit of the words he coined 

Shakespeare's bedroom window engraved by so many famous authors who visited 

Shakespeare's bedroom as a boy

The burial site at the Holy Trinity Church is quiet, calm and a place that centers me. The stained-glass allows color to trickle into shadows and the engravings in the window also illustrate the long-lasting power of story. Outside, in the cemetery, I am followed by ideas--Shakespearian ghosts and words that live in the air around me. Spooked and honored all at once.