Macbeth

I had a quiet day at home whilst it rained outside.

I read the introduction and first chapter of Uncivilised (see yesterday’s blip). It’s very interesting. I found myself irritated by the use of words like it’s, although I will happily use such compressions in my commentaries. I assume this technique is aimed at making the text more chatty and accessible - completely unnecessary imho!

The font is also a fancy one and less clear to read than usual.

I’m turning into a grumpy old woman….

Tonight was Macbeth with Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma, in a “live” stream at the cinema.

I studied Macbeth for O level and I’m always fascinated to see how it is interpreted. For me, the most moving and best acted scene was when Macduff hears that his wife and children have died. Shakespeare’s exposition on grief is amazing, although I’m always sorry when Malcolm tells Macduff to man up and stop crying!

I was less convinced by Ralph Fiennes who delivered some soliloquies in a ponderous fashion. Indira Varma was an excellent Lady Macbeth, but the sexual chemistry between them was lacking.

And so to my blip. These are the first tulips this year to create sinuous shapes as they die. Three? For the witches of course!