Headmaster's Blog

Never believe the gossip!

Posted by Headmaster on 5 May 2011 | 0 Comments

I’ve never really been enamoured with Shakespeare. As a child I could never understand the language that was used. I may as well have been reading or listening to Greek. When I was at school one of our literary studies was Julius Caesar. I did not fare well with my interpretations and analysis. So when I recently found myself in conversation with a friend who was extolling the virtues of the newly refurbished Stratford Theatre I wasn’t really convinced. My interpretation of a good play was not the same as theirs, but then my experiences had not been similar either. Another friend who was with us at the time relayed a story which was not so favourable. He had been in a seat where he could not get a clear view, had people coughing and sneezing all over him, thought that the acting was sub-standard and was totally bored.

What a good job I had the first conversation. If I had listened only to the second opinion I would have felt assured that my childhood reactions to Shakespeare were apt. Luckily for me, my daughter had just finished her modules on Othello and Macbeth, which prompted me to look at the web-site for the theatre. Low-and-behold Macbeth was playing at Easter. How else could I get a true reflection of Shakespeare and the Stratford Theatre without being persuaded one way or the other by gossip?

It proved to me that if you want to know the truth about anything you hear, go and find it out yourself, first hand.

The language was still a mystery to me, but having read the ’story’ in plain English prior to watching the performance, I was astounded at the magnificence of the acting. The passion and expression that each and every actor and actress relayed on a simple stage was more dramatic and moving than any Hollywood blockbuster could provide. The stage was mid-theatre and very effective. Most of all being so close to the action pulled you into each and every scene.

I left with knowledge. No longer did I have to rely on the views of others, I had found out for myself. The real atmosphere and experience allowed me to have a truly informed opinion. I enjoyed every minute and the theatre is lovely. I look forward to my next visit and maybe I have kindled an admiration for Shakespeare.

In life we are always bombarded by the gossip and interpretation of events from people around us. Some of the time we even ask for it. However, we cannot rely on the opinion of others and all too often we can pass on their obscure or discoloured views and in doing so distort them further. We run the risk of spreading inaccurate information or fueling other people’s gripes. We could even be slandering or undeservedly damaging a reputation without realising. Spreading rumours is dangerous and can cause other people upset or harm. Never believe the gossip. Find out for yourself. – RY

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