Ben Brantley Writes “Limns” Loves Phèdre
UK Stage Hit on US Screens
BROADWAY MAGAZINE – In today’s New York Times, Ben Brantley shares his thoughts about the starry summer shows playing in London’s West End. Among the highpoints is the National Theatre production of Phèdre starring Helen Mirren in Racine’s taught drama. Mr. Brantley writes: “Ms. Mirren’s Phèdre is a more extreme blend of artifice and conviction, but boy, does she make it work in Nicholas Hytner’s intense, modern-dress interpretation…Ms. Mirren limns a staggeringly wide spectrum of emotions with her body and voice, sliding instantly from the ecstasy of anticipated consummation to the most blistering self-contempt.”
Did Ben Brantley just write “limns”? Yes.
It seems as though almost every Ben Brantley article in the New York Times contains one rarely used word that you feel should circle to win a prize. It is like getting a theatre review and a word-game puzzle all in one. Look out Will Shortz! Mr. Brantley’s uxorious affection for logorrhea can sometimes be charming, when it isn’t causing tenesmus. For those looking to get a jump on what word he might surprise us with next, check out this website. “Limn” is in there too.
While grateful for Mr. Brantley’s trip to London this summer (and more than a little envious!), as a fan of Edwin Booth, he does a great disservice in lumping the playing styles of Edwin and John Wilkes together in describing Jude Law’s Hamlet. It is commonly accepted that Edwin made his success and distinguished himself by being a more naturalistic player than his father Junius Brutus, Edwin Forrest or the flashy John Wilkes. Histrionics come in many sizes.
That said, the article from Ben Brantley about the current London season is well worth reading. A Jude Law Broadway Hamlet would be fantastic…or as Mr. Brantley might not write “fantastic.” Best news of all is that you can see the Phèdre live in real time in movie theatres across the world tonight…and in New York City too. Click here.
Photo of the limning Helen Mirren by Catherine Ashmore.
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Tags: Ben Brantley, Hamlet, Helen Mirren, Jude Law, Phedre, West End
