I can't wait!

Let the reviews begin:

No more Mr Nice Guy: Ewan McGregor stars as the scheming villain in a revival of 'Othello'
Paul Taylor discovers why this usually charming actor was cast in the role

Published: 29 November 2007

There's more than a smack of the sordid bullfight about Othello. That parallel is subject, though, to several twists. It's a human being of a different race, not an animal, whom the scheming Iago reduces to a tortured, jealous wreck in the throes of a frothing fit at his feet. It's no red rag, but an emotionally charged handkerchief that the matador waves goadingly at his prey. Dragged into the ring, the innocent wives of both antagonists are killed during the course of the contest. And, also against the rules, the matador is, in the end, upstaged by the victim who is felled by his own hand.

Othello is arguably the most intense and immediate of Shakespeare's mature tragedies. Yet productions that release the play's full potential are rare. The problems that it poses for a director are part and parcel of its tremendous yet tricky brilliance. On the one hand, it would be a sentimental reading of the play that accepted Othello at his own valuation; on the other (which, for a while, was the modern orthodoxy) it is a cynical, reductive interpretation of the play that takes a steadfastly censorious view of his self-protective magniloquence. Avoiding both of these distortions and achieving a balanced view of the hero is the moral challenge to our perception that lies at the heart of the play. Few productions successfully rise to it.

Without doubt a key factor in this production selling out so quickly with tickets changing hands for up to £1,200 is the casting of Ewan McGregor.

It's sometimes argued that the play should be called "Iago", for it is Othello's right-hand man who drives the hero towards his doom. Iago is a warped, surrogate dramatist and his genre is revenge pornography (his account of Cassio's alleged horny dream about Desdemona brilliantly presses every button of perverted sexual arousal). Initially incited to vengeance when he is passed over for promotion in favour of a Sandhurst type, this chippy army man is revealed in soliloquy to be a psychopath who has to invent absurd reasons for his nihilistic hatred of the Moor.

But though Iago is a playwright who takes the exploitation of living creatures to a chilling extreme, it's sometimes forgotten just how improvisatory and hand-to-mouth are his methods. And in emphasising his diabolical ingenuity and recklessness, productions often overlook the fact that, for his plot to work at all, the character (and the actor playing him) must plausibly show why he has achieved his ironic reputation for honesty.

Michael Grandage, whose Donmar revival of the tragedy begins previewing tonight, is alert to the problems which are possibilities in disguise. Well aware of the performance history of Othello (in his earlier career as an actor, he played the idiotic Roderigo in the celebrated RSC production starring Willard White and Ian McKellen), he talks of the cultural shifts that have seen alternations in which of the two main male parts was regarded as the better role.

In the days when it was considered acceptable for white actors to play the Moor, leading thespians – such as Edmund Kean – played both roles during their career, as did Laurence Olivier, who portrayed Iago to Ralph Richardson's Othello at the Old Vic in 1938 and then blacked up as an ostentatiously African Moor to Frank Finlay's Iago in the 1964 National Theatre production.

But Grandage has been intent in rehearsal on shedding the weight of theatrical tradition. "Everything is on a knife-edge in this play, so you've got to get across the sense that nobody knows what is going to happen next." Iago takes enormous risks in the tissue of lies he concocts. No other Shakespearean tragedy could be averted so easily by someone stalking on and administering a strong dose of the facts to the deceived hero.

Casting is crucial to the chemistry that bubbles in a production between hero and villain. In this account, Iago is played by Ewan McGregor, last seen on stage as charming, personable Sky Masterson in Grandage's production of Guys and Dolls and better known as a screen actor who embraces both the indie end of the spectrum (Young Adam) and the mainstream (Star Wars, Moulin Rouge!).

The role of Othello is taken by Chiwetel Ejiofor who, though he has lately concentrated on movies (for directors ranging from Woody Allen to Ridley Scott), boasts an impressive list of theatrical credits.

The director talks of Ejiofor's "natural goodness" as a person and of how as a performer "he has access to such extraordinarily open qualities. He's somebody who manages to keep hold of something very, very childlike, who takes people as they come, and has faith that people can be like himself".

In casting McGregor as Othello's nemesis, Grandage says that he is getting away from the "bushy-eyed, fruity, over-sophisticated villain who seems to have it all worked out in advance" to someone who can move between "a charm that is not feigned" in the public scenes where he is "honest" Iago and the dark and perverted confidences delivered in the soliloquies.

Grandage is alert to the ways in which Iago can be construed as the malign step-brother of Hamlet (a perception that Simon Russell Beale drew on when he played the part for Sam Mendes). Both characters are essentially on suicide missions; there is a mystery at the heart of both their stories (the cause of Iago's malignity; the reason for Hamlet's fatalism after the sea voyage). And silence is the end of the road for both these loquacious soliloquisers who, in Iago's case, break the rule that characters tell only the truth when speaking directly to the audience.

The irony is that while Iago may wrestle with the unknowable nature of his motivation, he knows one thing for sure: that Othello has "a free and open nature". As with the jealousy of Salieri, the composer destructively fascinated by Mozart's genius, Iago's envy is an inverted, glowing tribute. Grandage's production looks poised to bring out the full balance of forces in this fierce, bloody bullfight.

'Othello', Donmar Warehouse, London WC2 (0870 060 6624),to 23 February

Source: The Independent

I don't think you should put that there

Salt scrub = comfy sleep. It was awesome, despite the knuckle in my ass-crack. If I ever win the lottery I'll splurge on daily massages. I had forgotten how good they are.

And I even passed on the paper panties. I can do a silly spray tan without getting drunk first. Right?

Is it scaly or scaley?

I'm off to get a salt scrub at the salon inside Macy's. Never been there, hope it's nice.

Can't believe I made it through the entire work day. My back is still killing me. I was on phones so I had to sit here all day. I think I've had six cups of tea. Big cups.

Oh well, hopefully this de-scaling won't be too painful. Or embarrassing. I probably should have shaved my legs, huh? I'm easing myself into the horrific spray tan tomorrow. I feel so bad for the poor girl who has to spray me. That's really a job for a robot. Uggh.

Jinx

What's worse than saying out loud how perfect everything is going? Maybe blogging about it? Can you say dumbass?

I threw out my back yesterday picking Ruby up. Okay, I hurt my back sitting sideways and changing her diaper, then twisting at the waist while holding her to look at a woodpecker out the window. (I've never seen an actual woodpecker before so I thought it was cool. I don't think Ruby ever saw the frikken bird, she was too busy watching the reflection of my finger pointing to it.)

Anyway that was stupid enough on it's own but then I bent down to pick her up and toss her in the air. Half way back up and my back decided to fuck me over. I couldn't move and was worried Ruby would take off for the stairs again, little girl can run now. Luckily she found all my groaning and moaning fucking hilarious. She started doing baby yoga moves, bending over and grunting. We came up with a great new game.

I didn't get any of my shopping done, sat and sewed a pocket into my new geek bag, and can barely move today. I know I should just stay in bed and rest it but I've got way to much to do. I'll be on the cruise in a fucking wheelchair at this rate. But at least Mary can dump my ass out into a chair poolside and just leave me there. And that bitch Laverne finally showed up. Uggh. I'm gonna try something new: Everything sucks! Really Fate, I promise, my life is so shitty. Go screw with someone else now.

More boring me

I'm barely awake, drinking tea and checking the web for gossip and updates about the cruise and the strike. I should be in the shower, going to babysit Ruby in about an hour. And since I didn't spend a penny yesterday I'll probably go downtown and do a little shopping. Not Christmas shopping mind you, that would be way too organized. I want to buy a new camera for my trip, and have a bunch of little things I need. Sunscreen, pony holders, travel size shampoo bottles, Jack Daniels mini bottles maybe?



Netflix Review: Knocked Up
4 1/2 stars. I remember wanting to see this at the Riv and missing it. Amanda assured me I'd love it and she was so right. For more than just the cute movie too. First, Nathan Fillion's movie was one of the previews. Yummy. Second, so many of my favorite people were in it. Alan Tudyk (who you already know I adore), Jason Segel, Seth Rogen, Craig, BJ & Steve from The Office and freaking Paul Feig! I think Craig as the Doorman (doorman, doorman, doorman, doorman) may have been the best part of the entire movie. He was so funny. And if you end it early, like right as she drives away after their big fight, it's pretty representative of what it's like to have a kid with a guy you don't know. Although mine wasn't a one-night stand. More like a six-week stand. It was a very cute movie, though the birth scene may have guaranteed that Jboy will never have kids. Funny commentary too.

Fat and Happy. And thankful too.

We had a very nice Thanksgiving. Ate too much, played with Ruby, the boys both went to see their dads and I was back in bed by 4 PM. Can't ask for more than that. Finished watching My So-Called Life and started thinking about packing.

I can't believe how fast the cruise is coming up. 8 days! We're gonna do a little tour thingie in Cabo and I'm really looking forward to lots of lounging. And apparently I'm gonna have to dance because Kathleen and Mary talked me into buying a sequined tank top thing. I hate clothes.

After the cruise Mary and I will be heading up to LA to join the writer's strike. And Joss, Sweetest Man Alive™, has promised to show up even if the strike is settled by then. Love him. And, we just found out that (I think completely by coincidence) they're showing Serenity at midnight at a theater in LA. Not sure this trip could be better if I'd planned it all out myself. I'm gonna call it karma for not eating that bird yesterday.

And because awesome is never enough, I just found out that tickets to see Ewan in Othello are selling for as much as £1,200! £1,200.00! I paid £29 for them. Thinking about selling my tickets for one night to help pay for the trip. But then what if Ewan's understudy performs the night I go? Crap. Don't know what to do. Not sure I can chance going all that way and then missing him.

And finally...Shayne, how about we nail down a date for Disneyworld for your birthday present instead trying to pull off Europe? Sorry to put you guys in a weird spot. I had totally forgotten that you were planning Mexico. We've been talking about WDW anyway and there's no need for a babysitter that way. We can fit it around your schedule. Unless of course you've decided to come to Europe.

Talent

This is what I brought to Jon, the little koi from KK's jacket...

...and this is what he came up with. A more traditional Japanese koi, but still very close to the original.

Momma Got A New Tattoo

I forgot to bring my camera last night and Jon didn't have his either, which sucks because the tattoo looked so cool before it was colored in. I was tempted to have him stop there and just have it black for a few months. Kind of like having two tattoos. But that was probably just because this one hurt like a mother.

It didn't hurt enough to stop getting tattoos, but I was surprised. My first tattoo not only didn't hurt, it actually felt good. And the other four didn't hurt, except for the sunburn I had getting my 22.


So, the photos don't show the progression or anything and I forgot to take more before covering it with goo, but I think you get the idea. Ignore my oh-so-sexy pj's.

Oh, and Macaroni loves the bloody bandage shot, sorry.

Just after taking off the bandage, still covered in grossness

Now I just need a name for her. Or him. Haven't decided that yet.

Edited because I kinda sounded unhappy about it: I love my new tattoo. Pain and all.

Punk rock hair

So tonight I told the woman who does my hair that I wanted something weird and "kinda rock and roll". And about two torturous hours later a girl who works in the salon walked by and said "whoa, very rock and roll". So mission accomplished, I guess. I totally remember why I vowed to never be mean to my hair again though. Bleach should never touch scalp. It's a very bad thing.

Tried to get a decent photo but they aren't really turning out. And I didn't think to take any before scrubbing off all my skin with my new exfoiliator and putting on my pj's. Oh well, this is the best I could do. Ignore the pasty white makeup-less skin and imagine lots more red.

I love a good fight

Sorry that I can't stop blogging about the strike, must be that hard on I have for the underdogs of the world. I should just leave the internet alone until it's all over. Of course, with the elections kicking into gear I'm going to have to leave the TV alone too. Sheesh, it's gonna be just me and the microwave pretty soon.

Here's some interesting quotes from one of The Office writers/producers, Greg Daniels:

“The Office is a perfect example of a show that has a vested interest in the
issues on the table. We’re one of the highest downloads on iTunes. We made a lot
of money there, and the creative people didn’t see any of it. And this is the
future of the television business. People are going to sit in front of a box
that has computer guts inside and watch their shows, and just because it’s not
called a TV, it doesn’t apply to our contract. All we’re saying is that it’s the
same thing. We’re watching the same show from our couch or from our chair on a
screen, and just ’cause it’s delivered through the Internet, we’re not [being
compensated for it].”

and

“You know, we had 7 million downloads on iTunes. We are the big draw on NBC.com.
We did webisodes before anybody did webisodes. We won the Daytime Emmy for our
webisodes. None of this stuff did we get paid for and, you know, this is the
future of TV. We’ve seen the future because we’ve kind of lived it, and so we’re
very much aware that the business model is fantastic for the companies. The ad
rates are much higher for Internet ads than they are for TV ads, because you
can’t skip ‘em. You have to watch ‘em, and they can tailor them to the
consumers. So, they’re very valuable ads.”

del taco?

** deleting the video of Joss because he hates it. He's been really sick and was hoping the interview wouldn't show up on the interwebs. Silly, silly Joss. Just like a certain boy in high school, if he sneezes I'll find out about it. **

** joss doesn't want you to see this **

I really don't have anything to add that Joss doesn't cover in this little video **that's gone now ** (isn't he adorable?) ** trust me, he is ** except that it's amazing how the press is totally one sided on this issue. I'm not surprised that the press is totally one sided - hello? fair and balanced coverage of the Bush Administration, where are you? - but this issue is so simple. The writer's are asking for a TINY percentage of new media profits. Profits. Not a specific amount that could in any way hurt the studios, just their fair share of what the studio will make.

It's insane how greedy we are in this country. Obviously the writer's strike isn't the most pressing issue in the country but it certainly shines a light on what we value. Or, don't value. Will the rich ever have enough? Will the fact that we have starving children in this country ever bother any of those billionaires? Maybe it's because of my job but I hate money. Hate it. Uggh, it makes me crazy.

So, I'm off to make a new reading list because I will not be watching any freaking reality TV or downloading/streaming any shows during the strike. Good thing most of my favorite shows are long off the air and already sitting on my bookshelf. And thank goodness I pre-ordered and paid for Ewan's new show, Long Way Down, a million years ago. It kills me that I can't watch that right now but hopefully the US discs will be released soon.

And last but not least...

Thank you veterans!

I not only appreciate your service but I gotta say, I love the day off. Here's to bringing our active troops home soon, and safe.

Yawn

Who wants to hear about my boring life? I'm sitting here, listening to Billie Holiday, filling out a stupid food log for a market research thing that I forgot to say no to, wishing I could just go to bed. At 7:31 PM.

Mandy went home last night after staying with us all week. I love having her around and spending time with her, but it's nice to have the house back. Not really comfortable sitting around in my undies in front of Mandy and her non boyfriend boyfriend. Mandy, the non boyfriend boyfriend, Jboy and I went to see Dan in Real Life last night, after spending the day shopping with Mandy. The boys didn't really like the movie but Manda and I did. Lots of "Michael" moments and cute, although sappy.

Today I went to a home improvement show with my parents. Again. I wasn't going to go because I love nothing more sitting around the house all weekend, but they lured me out with Rubytime. She was as adorable as always, but they didn't mention the cold she's coming down with until I had her entire hand in my mouth. Hopefully I won't get sick because I'm getting a new tattoo next week and have tons of stuff to do before the cruise.

Started watching My So-Called Life today. Jboy was even interested, for a while.

V34. Partially obstructed view. Of Mexico!

It could be a long, cold winter

Some boyfriends are nice

Mandy's staying with us for the week and last night, after getting all tucked into bed, her sweet boyfriend Teddy brought me a yummy Mexican cocoa. He brought all of us goodies after he got off of work.

A boy who brings late night treats and then goes away. Sounds heavenly, huh?

Finished reading Heroin. So good, in a really sad, monotonous way. I still love Nikki but am so thankful that I never got backstage. Some wishes are not meant to come true. Especially ones that come with an STD.

Happy Birthday Jenee!

Spent the morning with Bob the Remodeling Advisor Extraordinaire™, who shot down my plans for the back of the house but was still very helpful. He thinks we could get a laundry room in the back of the house but that the foundation just can't support a bathroom. So it looks like we'll be remodeling our current stupid, gross, disgusting bathroom and adding a laundry room/mudroom to the back of the house. Now I just have to find an honest and reliable contractor.

I should only work three hours every day, that rocked.


Today is my much older sister's birthday. Hope you had a good one Jen.

Jen's last visit home...the day we got matching tattoos.

Randy, me, Jenee and Bobby

Nieces and nephew

Yesterday we took all of the grandkids to Proex for a surprise Christmas photo for my parents. We were at least 15 minutes late for our 15 minute appointment. The boys and I rode out with Shannon and Ruby. I don't pay attention to the traffic reports on TV because I don't drive and don't know which freeways are which. Which is a shame because the freeway to Southdale (62 by the way) was closed yesterday. I think we made Ron and Kim nervous because everyone was pretty tense when we got there.

Shannon dropped us off and went to park. Ruby was fine until we actually went into the little studio and I put her down. I didn't know little tiny fingers could dig so deep. Needless to say she started crying and looking around for her mom. Then Jacob decided that the last thing he wanted to do was get his photo taken. We did manage to get two very cute photos, one purely by accident.

I guess all the stress of the photo session kind of turned me off of taking photos later on after dinner. I got one photo of Katie, Jacob and Ruby and none of Jboy.

Macaroni & Katie, who is five days older than him


Jacob


Ruby scratched herself with the velcro on her shoes.
Thankfully after the photo session. Poor baby.

The mohawk gets longer, harder to put up.

Look at the happy couple

My Angel boxset finally arrived, and just in case the shelf full of jossy goodness didn't already scream geek, check out who's protecting all my good stuff...

I was a little disappointed that Angel is so much shorter than Buffy (5 seasons versus seven) but I got over that as soon as I read the little letter from Joss. I can't wait to have him back on TV.

Hopefully the writer's strike will be fast & the writer's will get a good deal and I'll be sitting in my broken recliner watching Dollhouse before you know it.

There's no way I can watch reality TV every night. I might be forced to read or something. Guess it's a good time to re-enroll in school after all.

Went to dinner with Heather last night. Tiger Sushi at the Mall of America. It was fun and the food was good, but their vegetarian selection is pretty small. I'd go back but probably wouldn't make a trip out there just for that. The boys both got some new clothes too.

Today we really need to clean the house. Manda is coming to stay with us next week while her mom is out of town. And the guest room is current filled with everything we moved when we hung drywall. I need a big dumpster for all this crap.

Oh, and looky what I just found! Isn't he pretty?

Netflix review: Disturbia

I totally admit to renting this movie because of how hot little Shia LaBeouf is now. I know, I know. I'm a very dirty old lady, I've accepted that. I didn't expect much more than Shia Hotness, which is why I didn't see it when it first came out, but I really liked this movie. Shia is very funny and David Morse is so creepy, mostly when he's not trying to be, so it's way more than a teeny bopper horror movie. I'm going to say four stars. If Shia wasn't in it, more like three.

Best. Halloween. Ever.

* tried to post this last night but the exciting news kind of exploded my computer.


If you've seen the adorable photos in the previous three posts you already know that we had a really fun Halloween. But, hot damn, today is the best day, like, ever.

After years and years of lurking at my imaginary soulmate's site I finally got a membership...just in time to read this. And this. And this.

Joss has a new show!

I'm so excited that instead of peeing 15 minutes ago I've been bouncing in my chair reading all the news and trying to get a freaking link to work.


But now I really gotta go so I'll try again tomorrow. And I probably should get some sleep, it's after midnight here.

Yea! Joss Whedon back on my television set where he belongs. This must be what world peace feels like. Or a really good back rub.

Eliza Dushku and Joss