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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."

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Thank you once again for such a powerful review of The Crucible's last show.
I would imagine Ben particularly would be exhausted after performing in such an emotionally draining play over such a lengthy season.

A good holiday for a month before his Oscar Wilde reading in Reading.
RevStan's Theatre Blog will probably review it in detail. I would be amazed is she misses it as she is a big fan of Ben.

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Thank you for reading! I cannot believe the show closed a week ago. The Walter Kerr tore down all the signage (save the giant marquee) within a day or two and Falsettos is already being advertised. It's a bit sad to see such a quick erasure of a phenomenal show!

Social media "tweets" and whatnot indicate that Mr. Whishaw is still puttering around New York City: I hope he's finally getting to enjoy the offerings and see some other peoples' shows!

I wish I could be at the Reading reading (fun to say!), as both an admirer of his and Oscar Wilde's...not to mention a bibliophile who flocks to these types of things. But, alas, there's that Atlantic in the way...and work...and the reading is already sold out, anyway!

I always look forward to RevStan's blog, and have for years--what a way to live beautifully and vicariously through someone who is fortunate to have such experiences and kind to share them! Thanks for the reminder that we can likely expect a fine play-by-play there!

"I always have a wonderful time, wherever I am, whomever I'm with."

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Rev Stan is most entertaining and a very nice person as well. We met when I decided Ben was unlikely to ever come to the land of Oz to do a play so I decided I had to go to London and see him in Peter and Alice. Funny thing was once I booked my seat I immediately became paranoid that, having travelled all that way to see Ben he would be sick that night and I would get the understudy. So I had to book another night as well - just in case.

Rev Stan and I met for afternoon tea. We discussed how we would recognize each other and I said I was likely to be the tallest woman around and she said she would be the shortest!
The afternoon tea lasted 2 hours while we chatted about everything we had in common - Ben, theatre, Ben...it was fun.

PS I have really enjoyed your posts and hope to see more of them.

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I love hearing (or reading, rather!) your story about meeting Rev Stan--sounds so delightful! I've met quite a few good folks through The Crucible (other Ben admirers, Ivo van Hove fans, and repeat-audience-members at the show who kept also turning up at the stage door), so I can understand how joyful it is to have fulfilling and fun discussions post-show, particularly when you've got something specific in common!

One day, I will get to England...and Australia (they've been on my "travel wish list" for nearing 30 years now...it's about time I go, don't you think?!)

And thanks, Jauntystreams, for the kind words. I look forward to chatting with you and others some more.



"I always have a wonderful time, wherever I am, whomever I'm with."

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If you do come to Australia I would love to meet you. Hopefully we will be within cooee of each other...the country is so vast!

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I will keep you posted! My hope is to do more traveling within the next couple of years at least (a long-time coming), but some life changes will have to be made first...and that will take some time.

*knocks on wood*

"I always have a wonderful time, wherever I am, whomever I'm with."

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Thank you for this well-documented post.

I wish (and hope) that this production of The Crucible would transfer to the West End !

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Thank you for reading!

Maybe they'll at least do a screening abroad; that would be nice!

"I always have a wonderful time, wherever I am, whomever I'm with."

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