 |
| Department for Gifted Ones |
| IT'S ALL ABOUT RESPECT Patrick Stewart in "The Master Builder", Albery Theatre,London by Pinkie |
 |
| I am passionately in love with London. The culture delights seem endless here. Not to forget the shopping possibility, the local pubs, football clubs and and and … Last weekend - during my annual credit card massacre - to my delight Patrick Steward had just returned to London's West End stage. I melt away listening to his voice (If he'd record audio tapes, I would buy two copies just in case one gets ruined). Anyway - he currently stars as Halvard Solness in Hendrik Ibsen's brooding self-portrait "The Master Builder" at the Albery Theatre - Solness, an architect who in his youth had been ruthlessly ambitious, but now, in his later years, not only feels threatened by younger architects, but also fears the decay. A tragic tale of betrayal, pride, sexual passion and the disintegration of love. The whole cast is excellent. But Patrick Stewart is outstanding! He is literally taller than the (beautiful) stage and portraits Solness with such an intensity and sensuality; I was glued to the security bar in front of me. I felt like a "voyeur" fascinatedly watching fragments of someone else's life. As the story reaches its tragic climax, I felt a true loss. It was time very well spent! Later I decided to ask Mr. Stewart for his autograph just to round this evening up. Something I usually don't do. Standing outside the stage entrance, I wondered - why do people get autographs of other people? I like to think out of respect for an artist. Later that evening, I was not so sure anymore. There were quite a few people waiting to get autographs. Among them, the "ebay sellers" fraction - "lots of pictures of Patrick Stewart as Captain Picard - no dedication needed - to Mary Ann sells less than - with kind regards". All quite disappointed as a concierge came out to tell us that Mr. Stewart would sign autographs but only on tonight's program. (He must have heard of ebay as well : ) And there was the "I've got the right to" fraction. The concierge also asked on Mr. Steward's behalf for no photographs to be taken. They probably thought it was more of a suggestion than a request and flashed him almost blind as he appeared. Some tried to grab him for their photograph to be taken with him, a guy even told him it was his birthday and it would be spoiled without a picture. (Maybe he should have wished for some manners…) Some pushing and stepping on my feet later, I got my autograph and I am very proud of it. At the same time I regret I did it. This could have been a magic moment for me but reality can be cruel. I think as an artist and a "gentleman" Patrick Stewart deserves better than this. If you get to see him (which you must if you happen to go to / be in London) show him some respect. Take a look into his mischievous eyes; capture the moment in your heart and not on colour print paper! |
 |
| Patrick Stewart in The Master Builder by Henrik Ibsen Sue Johnston Edward de Souza Jonathan Hackett Katherine Manners Andrew Scarborough and Lisa Dillon directed by Anthony Page Albery Theatre / West End / London Closing date not available yet |