Ping Chongs “Throne of Blood” was one of the most eccentric plays I have ever seen. Aesthetically, the costumes and set designs were magnificent. Unfortuantely, all other elements besides the costumes were under developed. If it werent for the costumes, as Isherwood says, the play “would be as boring to look at as it is to listen to.”
I had trouble understanding the dialogue. The voices were not clear. On a positive note, however, the spirit in the forrest was aboslutely terrifying. Her voice sounded similar to someone posessed, similar to the voice in “The Exorcist.” The make up worn by the actor was unbelievably convincing of an actual spirit, with an all white face, and chilling laugh.
Isherwood is very critical of Pong Chong’s production. “It essentially boils down to a lot of men charging back and forth across a mostly dark and bare stage in fancy samurai getups.” The play was no masterpiece, however, there were certain signs of brilliance. I thought aside from the costumes, the theartre screen used when the lights went out provided a new dimension into plays. Also, the lighting was excellent. Instead of focusing in on who was speaking the whole time, the voice would only be heard and the lighting would focus on the person hearing the voice, and catch their reactions.
“Throne of Blood” needs a bit improvement, but it was entertaining and unique from most other plays in theatre.
