I have just been to see War Horse at the New London Theatre in Drury Lane. Adapted from a story by Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo, it is set at the outbreak of World War I in a Devon village. A chap who's had a few too many ales buys a colt at an auction and his son forms a deep attachment to Joey as he grows into a fine hunter. Unfortunately the wretched father sells the horse to the Army and the young lad must follow him to the battle front in the hope of being reunited with his beloved equine friend. It is a poignant story and the staging is impressive in its minimalism, the use of projection, lighting effects and alarming sound. But undoubtedly the stars of this production are the horses.
Wow. Are the movements of the horses controlled by the groomsmen and principals, or remotely? And are there any plans to film the play?
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like an amazing story - I want to cry just listening to your synopsis!
ReplyDeleteAfter the holidays, I will read the book. It needs more open space in my heart than I give it right now. I want to savor this. Thank's for posting about this. I knew about dogs in war, but never stopped to think about the horse and the trauma they suffered. I remember the looks on the faces of the rescue dogs at the 9/11 site. In fact, I don't think I'll ever forget it.
ReplyDeleterurritable -sorry not to publish your comment before. It didn't come to my email and then I went away! The big horses have two men underneath who control the legs and hooves with levers and then you have a puppeteer in costume with a pole attached to the head which makes very subtle twitches of the ears and can extend/twist the neck. They have a hectic time running along side. Somebody has made some very fine observation of how horses conduct their business.. it really is stunning. Wish the actors had been as good.
ReplyDeleteHome, thank you. I hadn't stopped to consider the feelings of the rescue dogs either. Did you know, by the way, that there was a Dickens Medal for animals in the world wars for bravery. One was even given to a carrier pigeon.
ReplyDeleteRose:I just figured it was getting hectic with the holidays and all. The horse-machines are beautiful. They remind me a little of Hebert Pfostel's equine paintings:
ReplyDeletehttp://papergraveyard.blogspot.com/
though perhaps not quite as reductionist.
rurritable, thank you. I have just visited paper graveyard. It occurred to me that those fragments could have come from the grubby old pocket of a First World War tommy's uniform! I love the post with the jumbled selection of old toys, figures, mementoes.
ReplyDeleteThank you for info about the Dickens Medal. What a wonderful tribute!A teacher in my son's elementary school had lived as a in Hawaii during World War II. Their family pet, a giant or standard schnauzer was "conscripted" for the war. The army held an event so owners come watch their former pets after "basic training" and before they were sent into combat. Even as a child she knew her pet was different and would never be just a pet again. She found him rather majestic and noble.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI love the Carousel Club scenes in White Christmas. What a pity such soigne supper clubs no longer exist...
Your blog is a great treat!
Reggie
Good day Reggie Darling! Thank you for visiting me. I see you have a pug called Pompey. Pompey is also the popular name for Portsmouth (GB) where I grew up. So have a little tussle with him from me!
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