The Crucible Final Performance (7/17/2016) & Life / Gigs Post-Crucible
Now that I'm getting the remnants of elation and sadness out of my system, post-The Crucible (which ended on Sunday, July 17th, after 20 weeks and 157 performances), we can turn our attentions to what is next on the horizon for Mr. Whishaw.
As of today, it has been announced that he will be one of the readers of Oscar Wilde's prison writings during Inside--Writers and Artists in Reading Prison's festival (September - October 2016). Ben will read for roughly 4.5 hours on Sunday, September 11. If anyone is in the London/Reading area, and goes, let us know!
Details: https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2016/maxine-peake-ben-whishaw-and-ralph-fiennes-to-perform-oscar-wilde/
On another note, did anyone else go to the final performance of The Crucible? It was one of the most excruciating (in a good way), well-acted, and sad theatrical experiences I've had. Everyone performed as if desperate to showcase in their respective characters some last saving scrap of humanity. Saoirse Ronan was crying as early as Act I during her intimate scenes with Ben's John Proctor; her emotional depth was notably the strongest it has been. Her lines were delivered with the most naturalness and emotional depth I've seen in her Abigail Williams throughout the run. Tavi Gevinson was never more alive and compelling as Mary Warren. She took more risks in her physicalities (like popping up during one moment to stand and confront John Proctor whereas she had always stayed cowering on the ground). Ciarán Hinds milked every pause and quiet moment and offered some electric tensions greater than he has in the past. Ben and Sophie Okonedo's scenes together, particular in Act IV, were utterly heartbreaking. You could tell that the "good-bye" was between the actors as much as between the characters. And Ben himself--from the ravenous way he chewed and clawed himself through the play's most desperate moments, to the shattering vulnerability at the right moments, to the giant snot-bubbles and rolling tears punctuating his face...he has never been more engaging to watch. The audience sprang to a standing ovation as soon as the cast came out and Bill Camp tried to get Ben to take his own bow, but Ben wasn't having it. I only wish Ivo van Hove (and Luchta, the Tamaskan!) had come out for a final bow, too. I was never so slow to exit a theatre--I didn't want this emotional journey to end. The post-show Stage Door crowd was pure chaos: I don't think security knew what to do (I've never seen such a crowd after one of these shows!). I'd love to hear anyone else's experiences. Four days later and I'm still processing!
"I always have a wonderful time, wherever I am, whomever I'm with."