Sunday, August 17, 2008

Weekend




Such a wonderful weekend...why does it have to end?! My friends and I saw King Lear at the Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, VA. The gorgeous theatre is the world's only re-creation of Shakespeare's original indoor theatre, and the plays are performed under the original staging conditions -- on a simple stage, without elaborate sets, and with the audience sharing the same light as the actors.

I was a little lost during the play (I should have paid more attention in English class!), but the experience was still great. The simple set-up was quite refreshing. The simplicity made me realize you don't need an elaborate set to impact an audience...it's about amazing content. Seems like we could apply this logic to many things like marketing and blogging.

I wasn't allowed to take photos inside the theatre, but managed to get some around town. Like interesting Staunton characters (how great is he?!), movie theatre details (check out how the vents are incorporated to the design), and framed vintage flour bags (at The Mill Street Grill).

I hope you had a great weekend too!

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

Love the gentleman with the pipe!! Nice pose, sir :)

Hey Harriet said...

Sounds like a fun weekend. And just who came up with the crazy idea of weekends only running for a lousy 2 days anyway!?! Madness!

Love that Staunton character!

Camille said...

Yes, I agree... that is a great photo of the gentleman with the pipe.

I had no idea this was in Virginia. I did the mapquest and it is only 2 1/2 hours from me...I think I forsee a visit in the near future. Thanks for sharing!

dee said...

He is SUCH a character...the only way to describe him! Great shots.

Jessie Cacciola said...

oh VA is so gorgeous! glad you had a good time. xo

Karen said...

That part of Virginia is beautiful, isn't it? I've never been to Staunton, but Charlottesville is great (about 45 minutes east) -- sounds like a wonderful weekend!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great time. I'm glad you had fun!!!

littlebyrd said...

It sounds like a great way to spend the weekend! I also love the pic of the man with the pipe - wonderful!

Anonymous said...

Oh! We used to live close to Staunton-I only wish I'd known about the playhouse. What a wonderful weekend; I love the pictures!

evencleveland said...

That guy with the pipe is priceless.

Sounds like a fun time!

Anonymous said...

What a cool set of photos! And I love your comment about amazing content. You're so right. The bells and whistles mean nothing unless you've got a great product (or great posts) to back it up.

Fifi Flowers said...

I had to look at the man a few times to see if he was real... great live performance art or great sculpture!

We have a small theatre in our town... I have yet to see a performance... but I did pop around inside and snap photos when I was there for a non-profit luncheon.

Thanks for sharing... looks like you had a LOVELY weekend!

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

Oh I love that man! You just want to stick him in your pocket, take him home, and have him read you Sherlock Holmes. ;-)

Your weekend sounds beautiful.

The House That A-M Built said...

Oh what a wonderful weekend.... such a unique experience, Shakespeare style. A-M xx

please sir said...

Thanks! It was a great weekend - so happy to share with all of you!

Pigtown*Design said...

Sounds like a great weekend. We've stayed on the other side of those mountains near the Greenbriar. Friends have a farm called Hobbyhorse. I love those small southern Virginia towns.

Bonbon Oiseau said...

sounds like a great time!! and i think you're right about keeping it simple..

lotta said...

We were in Staunton just a week ago. Did not make it to the play but went to Woodrow Wilson's house, browsed the Hardware store, and had dinner at the Depot Grill. It was a lovely outing just a short drive from where we live. I am glad you enjoyed your visit as well!

amy turn sharp said...

love the pipe man! great fun!

Anonymous said...

My husband and I got engaged in Staunton! We went there to see Much Ado About Nothing at the Blackfriar. It was an amazing production. We have the names Beatrice and Benedick engraved inside our wedding bands. Thanks for taking me back!

Ms. Robinson said...

i live about 30 minutes from Stanton...Mill street grill is the best...Come back soon.

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