Shakespeare Calls Curtain on London Trip
By Kasi Dickerson
Dr. Guidry's Literary London class toured Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Southwark Cathedral and the National Theatre for their last field trip of the semester. The morning tours of the Globe and Southwark Cathedral were optional, but all students were required to attend the National Theatre's production of "Othello."
Four students participated in a guided tour of the Globe Theatre. The theatre is a replica of the original Globe Theatre built by William Shakespeare in 1599 five miles from where the current one stands today. The original theatre burned down 13 years after operation. Surprisingly, all 3,000 audience members in attendance escaped the fire.
In Shakespeare's time, people lived across the city in London where the Puritans lived. This religious group hated the theatre and laws were in place banning theatre productions because they were seen as sinful. In fact, there were laws stating that there could be no noise after 9 p.m. and the city gates locked people out at 6 p.m.
The Globe was built across the river so people attending the productions had to pay a penny to take a boat across the river. Shakespeare's plays also had to fit in a 2-hour time span because people needed to make it back to the city before the gates closed.
In 1997, the Globe standing today was officially opened. Like the original, the Globe was built by hand and there are no nails or screws in the theatre. Architects and designers spent years researching the Globe to make sure they built the new one just like the original. In fact, 1,000 oak trees were used to build the Globe.
"Seeing the Globe Theatre was an incredible experience that took my breath away. The exquisiteness of the stage in itself was a masterpiece," Jennifer Nicely said. "The wooden beams painted marble were stunning and I was even more taken aback when our tour guide informed us that the entire theater was built entirely by hand. I cannot even imagine the skills needed or the patience necessary to build it. I think the Globe being built this way made it even more of an experience that I was lucky to have."
Walking into the theatre, were students surrounded by three levels of wooden seating with a stage in the center. The Globe has an open top so weather is a big factor in the productions. Divided into three sections, the stage represents the heavens, Earth and the underworld. The tour guide explained the symbolism of the sections as well as the design of the stage. On each side of the stage a wooden column painted like Italian Marble stands and there are two statues on opposite ends of the stage representing tragedy and comedy.
With a good humor, the guide explained how groundlings, audience members who stood by the stage, would grab at the actors’ feet during the performance. Also in Shakespeare's day people would only bathe twice a year; moreover, the groundlings were also know as "stinkards." Also there were no bathrooms so the groundlings would relieve themselves where they stood. Imagine a pit of 1,000 dirty, sweaty, drunk men and women standing together for two hours- not a pretty sight. The modern version of the theatre does have bathrooms and electricity.
English Graduate Lauren Hawkins attended the production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Globe earlier in the trip.
"Actually seeing 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' in the replica of the theatre where it would have originally been performed was an amazing experience that gave me a greater appreciation of the work itself," Hawkins said. "I'm glad I was able to go back and learn more about the history of the theatre."
After the tour of the Globe, the class walked a few blocks to Southwark Cathedral where Shakespeare attended church.
The Cathedral is the oldest cathedral church building in London and still holds services today. Students viewed a stone memorial to Shakespeare carved by Henry McCarthy in 1912. Above the memorial is a stained glass window depicting different scenes from Shakespeare's plays such as "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
At 5 p.m., the class traveled to the National Theatre to see a modern day performance of Shakespeare's "Othello," that they had just read for class.
"I thought it was really awesome. It wasn't what I was expecting because it was set in modern times, but I think that made it easier for me to understand," Taylor Cernosek said.
Director Nicholas Hytner worked with military adviser Jonathan Shaw to create a modern version of "Othello" set in a military base to play off the psychological and military dynamics.
"When you are reading it you don't get the same emotion as you do when people are acting it out," Ashley Vandenbush said. "In the theatre you see the facial expressions, emotions and reactions so you know whether the line was supposed to be serious or comical."
"Othello" ended in a standing ovation marking the end of both the play and the Literary London class. Saturday, the class will travel back to Texas.
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Class Tours Covent Garden Market, St. Paul's Cathedral
By Kasi Dickerson
Handmade jewelry, painted photographs and more quirky items lined the booths of Covent Gardens Tuesday, June 18, as the Literary London class shopped in the open market. In order to better understand William Wycherley's play "The Country Wife," the class walked around the market just like the character Margery Pinchwife did.
Once arriving at Covent Garden, Dr. Marc Guidry explained the market in relation to their reading; It was one of the settings of the play. Then Dr. Guidry gave the class an hour to shop.
Covent Garden market housed shops selling items from wacky T-shirts to handmade suitcases.
Before lunch, the class scouted out the Drury Lane Theatre. This theatre sits on the same spot where the first Drury Lane Theatre was built in 1663; moreover, it was here that "The Country Wife" was performed in 1675. Three different fires have destroyed previous Drury Lane theatres and there are legends of ghosts haunting the theatre.
Students also toured St. Paul's Church in Covent Garden. This church was built in 1633 and was designed by Inigo Jones. It is known as the actors' church and inside memorials to various actors line the walls. In contrast to St. Paul's Cathedral, which is designed by Christopher Wren, St. Paul's church is rectangular and simple in design. Inigo Jones referred to it as the "Handsome Barn of England."
"It is one of the early neoclassical churches in London," Dr. Guidry said. "Christopher Wren, who designed St. Paul's Cathedral, was a student of Inigo. Also the church is known as the actors' church and to this day actors still pay patronage here."
Inside the church there are memorials to actors such as Charlie Chaplin.
Hot food and drinks were just what the class needed before heading to St. Paul's Cathedral.
St. Paul's Cathedral was one of the first cathedrals built after the Church of England split from the Roman Catholic church. It was designed by Christopher Wren and rises 365 feet from the outside, which symbolizes the 365 days in a year. The dome on St. Paul's Cathedral is one of the largest in the world. Over 6 million painted pieces of glass make up the dome mosaics. Over the quire the mosaics depict creation as told in the Book of Genesis. Sir James Thornhill painted the dome ceiling with scenes reflecting St. Paul's life.
"I was amazed at all the dome pieces that were made of glass," Lauren Hawkins, English graduate, said.
Some students braved the 528 stairs up to the top of the dome known as the Golden Gallery. After 257 steps, students stopped at the Whispering Gallery that lines the interior of the dome. Here someone can whisper and be heard by another person 100 meters away. Looking down from the whispering gallery, students could see the floor of the cathedral and visitors congregating in the nave.
After climbing 528 steps students reached first the Stone Gallery and then the Golden Gallery. Both places offered a grand view of London. The Golden Gallery runs around the highest part of the outer dome.
"The trek up was very difficult, however, the view was phenomenal and completely worth it," Jennifer Nicely said.
The cathedral has held many memorable events including the wedding of Lady Diana Spencer to Prince Charles and the state funeral of Winston Churchill.
St. Paul's Cathedral also holds the largest crypt in Europe. Most of the monuments are from the 19th and 20th centuries. Here, Lord Wellington, "The Iron Duke," rests in a Cornish granite casket. There are also numerous memorials lining the Crypt walls including designer Christopher Wren and William Blake.
Next week the class will attend their final trip to the National Theatre to watch a production of William Shakespeare's "Othello."
Handmade jewelry, painted photographs and more quirky items lined the booths of Covent Gardens Tuesday, June 18, as the Literary London class shopped in the open market. In order to better understand William Wycherley's play "The Country Wife," the class walked around the market just like the character Margery Pinchwife did.
Once arriving at Covent Garden, Dr. Marc Guidry explained the market in relation to their reading; It was one of the settings of the play. Then Dr. Guidry gave the class an hour to shop.
Covent Garden market housed shops selling items from wacky T-shirts to handmade suitcases.
Before lunch, the class scouted out the Drury Lane Theatre. This theatre sits on the same spot where the first Drury Lane Theatre was built in 1663; moreover, it was here that "The Country Wife" was performed in 1675. Three different fires have destroyed previous Drury Lane theatres and there are legends of ghosts haunting the theatre.
Students also toured St. Paul's Church in Covent Garden. This church was built in 1633 and was designed by Inigo Jones. It is known as the actors' church and inside memorials to various actors line the walls. In contrast to St. Paul's Cathedral, which is designed by Christopher Wren, St. Paul's church is rectangular and simple in design. Inigo Jones referred to it as the "Handsome Barn of England."
"It is one of the early neoclassical churches in London," Dr. Guidry said. "Christopher Wren, who designed St. Paul's Cathedral, was a student of Inigo. Also the church is known as the actors' church and to this day actors still pay patronage here."
Inside the church there are memorials to actors such as Charlie Chaplin.
Hot food and drinks were just what the class needed before heading to St. Paul's Cathedral.
St. Paul's Cathedral was one of the first cathedrals built after the Church of England split from the Roman Catholic church. It was designed by Christopher Wren and rises 365 feet from the outside, which symbolizes the 365 days in a year. The dome on St. Paul's Cathedral is one of the largest in the world. Over 6 million painted pieces of glass make up the dome mosaics. Over the quire the mosaics depict creation as told in the Book of Genesis. Sir James Thornhill painted the dome ceiling with scenes reflecting St. Paul's life.
"I was amazed at all the dome pieces that were made of glass," Lauren Hawkins, English graduate, said.
Some students braved the 528 stairs up to the top of the dome known as the Golden Gallery. After 257 steps, students stopped at the Whispering Gallery that lines the interior of the dome. Here someone can whisper and be heard by another person 100 meters away. Looking down from the whispering gallery, students could see the floor of the cathedral and visitors congregating in the nave.
After climbing 528 steps students reached first the Stone Gallery and then the Golden Gallery. Both places offered a grand view of London. The Golden Gallery runs around the highest part of the outer dome.
"The trek up was very difficult, however, the view was phenomenal and completely worth it," Jennifer Nicely said.
The cathedral has held many memorable events including the wedding of Lady Diana Spencer to Prince Charles and the state funeral of Winston Churchill.
St. Paul's Cathedral also holds the largest crypt in Europe. Most of the monuments are from the 19th and 20th centuries. Here, Lord Wellington, "The Iron Duke," rests in a Cornish granite casket. There are also numerous memorials lining the Crypt walls including designer Christopher Wren and William Blake.
Next week the class will attend their final trip to the National Theatre to watch a production of William Shakespeare's "Othello."
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Royal for a Day: Class visits Hampton Court Palace
By Kasi Dickerson
In the dim shadows the students walked down the corridor. They admired massive and elaborate beds while they learned the secrets of the palace bedchambers. On Tuesday, Dr. Guidry's literary London class had a taste of royal life as they toured the Hampton Court Palace to supplement their reading of Alexander Pope's, "The Rape of the Lock."
Before touring the palace, the class explored Kew Gardens stopping at a local pub for lunch and the Parish Church of Saint Anne.
At around 1:30 p.m., the class hopped on a ferry to travel the route that Belinda in the "The Rape of the Lock" took on the Thames River.
"The ferry ride was cool because it was the same voyage Belinda took up the river to get to Hampton Court Palace," said Ashley Vandenbush, junior sociology major.
The ferry tour guide pointed out several historical sites along the river.
"It was cool seeing the historic part and to see where Alexander Pope lived because he was exiled for being Catholic," Vandenbush said.
After a cold and windy ferry ride, the class docked at Hampton Court Palace.
Hampton Court Palace has had over seven centuries of powerful owners and visitors including Henry VIII, Edward VI and King James I. It was used as a palace, hotel, theatre and entertainment complex in the 16th century, according to the Hampton Court Palace guidebook. Throughout the palace, interactive exhibits and artifacts highlight the daily and lavish lives of royalty.
"I thought the palace was extravagant. It was interesting seeing all of the pieces like the art and beds," said Taylor Cernosek, sophomore history major.
Actors roamed the palace grounds as Henry VII, Anne Boleyn and many other historical figures giving visitors a vision of what it was really like in the 16th century.
"I thought the actors were cute and I got pictures with them," Sheila Mayberry said.
One exhibit titled "Young Henry" illustrated a different side to the notorious King Henry VIII.
"The story behind the palace was interesting especially the young King Henry room because it showed that he wasn't always how he ended up," Vandenbush said. "He just started out ambitious and then turned into a wife killer."
Elaborate tapestries and paintings cover the walls and ceilings. Each owner changed the palace in some way by adding rooms or decorations, but they never really wiped out their predecessors' marks, according to the guidebook.
"Going to the palace helped us get a better mental image of where 'The Rape of the Lock' took place and how wealthy Belinda and the Baron had to have been to even be in the palace," Cernosek said. "It was cool to go where they went."
Some say not only the decorations remain, but ghosts. There is a legendary ghost of Catherine Howard that is said to run and scream for her life down the "Haunted Gallery" and in 2003, the palace attracted international media attention for a CCTV picture of a figure flinging open the doors, according to the guidebook.
Students also perused the palace gardens, which used to be part of Henry VII's hunting park. Now, the formal garden has obelisk yew trees, holly globes and 13 fountains creating a beautiful view.
"The palace definitely reflected royalty and what people back then thought was important," Vandenbush said.
Next week, the class will visit Covent Garden Market and St. Paul's Cathedral.
Crossing to Canterbury
By Kasi Dickerson
Screeching rail tracks replaced the beating of horse hooves as English professor Dr. Mark Guidry traveled with eight students to Canterbury, England. They may not have been on horseback, but on June 4 Guidry and his Literary London students took the BritRail from London to Canterbury for their first class field trip while abroad.
Students experienced the same route that the pilgrims in Geoffrey Chaucer's collection of stories "The Canterbury Tales," traveled.
Once arriving in Canterbury, students crossed over the original stone wall that protected the city in Chaucer's time. Guidry challenged students to imagine what Canterbury was like in Chaucer's time while pointing out key architectural remnants of the area.
Students first had a self-guided audio tour of the Canterbury Cathedral. With the audio headsets, students were welcomed by the Dean of Canterbury and listened to the history of each room of the cathedral and the saints.
"The size of the cathedral amazed me. It gave me a better understanding of why the pilgrims went to the cathedral and how they must have felt," said Lauren Hawkins, English graduate student. "It was neat seeing the steps that were worn down from the pilgrims’ knees."
This trip marked Guidry's second time visiting the Cathedral.
"It had been a long time since I had been to the Cathedral and it was more spectacular, beautiful and graceful than I remembered," Guidry said. "I think everyone was impressed and I think it left a mark on everyone. It was really inspirational and almost emotional for me."
International business major Jennifer Nicely was intrigued with the grotesque and humorous sculptures within the crypt and how they related to Chaucer’s writing.
"The descriptions in the crypt of the Cathedral related to Chaucer because they were profane and whimsical. In Chaucer's writing he would pick characters like the friar who was supposed to be humble but made him out to be corrupt."
The class also toured the remains of St. Augustine's Abbey, which was destroyed by King Henry VII who wanted the gold and money out of the church.
"Even though St. Augustine's Abbey was in ruins you could picture what it looked like for the monks who lived there," Hawkins said.
After stopping for lunch and an authentic English pub, the class made one last trip to a medieval hospital, The Canterbury Pilgrim's Hospital of St. Thomas.
"The hospital itself wasn't impressive, but the fact of how old it was and how there was an original painting still there was incredibly neat," Nicely said.
Next week the class will visit Kew Gardens and Hampton Court Palace.
Overall Guidry feels that the first field trip was successful.
"It was a brilliant day," Guidry said. "The weather was perfect and the trip turned out better than I had planned."
Screeching rail tracks replaced the beating of horse hooves as English professor Dr. Mark Guidry traveled with eight students to Canterbury, England. They may not have been on horseback, but on June 4 Guidry and his Literary London students took the BritRail from London to Canterbury for their first class field trip while abroad.
Students experienced the same route that the pilgrims in Geoffrey Chaucer's collection of stories "The Canterbury Tales," traveled.
Once arriving in Canterbury, students crossed over the original stone wall that protected the city in Chaucer's time. Guidry challenged students to imagine what Canterbury was like in Chaucer's time while pointing out key architectural remnants of the area.
Students first had a self-guided audio tour of the Canterbury Cathedral. With the audio headsets, students were welcomed by the Dean of Canterbury and listened to the history of each room of the cathedral and the saints.
"The size of the cathedral amazed me. It gave me a better understanding of why the pilgrims went to the cathedral and how they must have felt," said Lauren Hawkins, English graduate student. "It was neat seeing the steps that were worn down from the pilgrims’ knees."
This trip marked Guidry's second time visiting the Cathedral.
"It had been a long time since I had been to the Cathedral and it was more spectacular, beautiful and graceful than I remembered," Guidry said. "I think everyone was impressed and I think it left a mark on everyone. It was really inspirational and almost emotional for me."
International business major Jennifer Nicely was intrigued with the grotesque and humorous sculptures within the crypt and how they related to Chaucer’s writing.
"The descriptions in the crypt of the Cathedral related to Chaucer because they were profane and whimsical. In Chaucer's writing he would pick characters like the friar who was supposed to be humble but made him out to be corrupt."
The class also toured the remains of St. Augustine's Abbey, which was destroyed by King Henry VII who wanted the gold and money out of the church.
"Even though St. Augustine's Abbey was in ruins you could picture what it looked like for the monks who lived there," Hawkins said.
After stopping for lunch and an authentic English pub, the class made one last trip to a medieval hospital, The Canterbury Pilgrim's Hospital of St. Thomas.
"The hospital itself wasn't impressive, but the fact of how old it was and how there was an original painting still there was incredibly neat," Nicely said.
Next week the class will visit Kew Gardens and Hampton Court Palace.
Overall Guidry feels that the first field trip was successful.
"It was a brilliant day," Guidry said. "The weather was perfect and the trip turned out better than I had planned."