The Pillowman

After attending so many plays, I have to admit that SRT do present shows that are really thought-provoking. In fact, if you ask me to name my 3 favourite plays, I would say
1) The Pillowman
2) Death and the Maiden
3) Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress


I went for The Pillowman with much hopes and expectations especially since I bought the Cat I tickets. The brilliancy of the play was that in the beginning it was so captivating and thrilling that my heart was actually racing. Such awe I had in the set and multimedia that I had that impetus to try out set/stage designing for a play even though I know it will cause a deficit in my bank account. Perhaps it has been a while since I felt that joy and amazement by theatre that yesterday I actually wanted to get involve in that scene once again.

During the entire show, I had many reflections. Honestly, I actually teared when Katurian told the story of The Pillowman to Michael, and when Tupolski wanted to draw that fine line between work and personal, yet a grief of losing his child pushed him to share, though briefly about the loss and the comfort he had in The Pillowman story. Seemingly morbid yet comforting.

So I sat there, watching, thinking about a particular person who lost a beloved. As much as we can try to take comfort in some things to lighten that burden and heartache, would that comfort ever be able to cover that gaping wound? Will you be able to live with hope, or well, just attempt time and time and again to brush it off, and play make-believe that all is well and that nothing happened.

Once upon a time, once upon a time, once upon a time.

For years, my friends and I will have this discussion somehow or another about why is it that nursery rhymes and children books aren’t as pleasing as they seem, in fact, they can be rather morbid. Yet, as a child, I have been intrigued by the illustrations, the beautifully weaved stories, and how I laughed when Humpty Dumpty had a great fall!! Should you ask me to read it again, my eyes would brighten up and I will laugh once again.

The director said it well “what are the consequences of the stories we tell? Would you think twice about telling your child the story of Hansel and Gretel (they are left abandoned by their parents, and throw a witch in the oven)?? What do we learn? Should you believe everything you read or are told?”

Well, this didn’t occur to me till a few minutes ago, that perhaps the stories I hear, be it first hand or second hand from people close to me-some are rather ugly, and honestly the stories do seem a little far fetched at times yet it’s with what intention that I believe what has been told? Or why do I even choose to believe the story that has been told to me? Is it really as it seems?

Yes, I cannot agree more that there are “responsibilities story tellers bear to the listener”.

On a lighter note, the multimedia was exceeding expectation. The story board was well illustrated and the angles as well as the projection of the strips were breath taking. It completely enhanced the story telling!!! Now, I wish I brought a couple more friends along for the play because I know how much they would enjoy and appreciate the little details that made the play so captivating.

Since I did a multi-media, video installation work for my A level coursework, things like positioning of things, lights, shadows, perspectives are crucial elements to ‘make it work’. In the course of the play, I actually took noticed and appreciated where the actors positioned themselves such that the shadow cast on the wall actually emphasizes that ‘thriller’ effect.

I AM TRULY IMPRESSED!

*sigh*  It was a brilliant day yesterday. Enjoyed almost every minute, just minus off the part where my blind and silly school days were brought up, once again. Terribly embarrassed!!!!!!! Checked out MAAD and I’m not very impressed but I do appreciate this growing art scene. Saw this arty print sweater which was absolutely funky!! Maybe I’ll return next month.


Moley birthday card, yummlicious china sesame thingy, Cheesecake, borders gift card, GREAT COMPANY, the best play ever….

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