Emperor and Galilean

[aeolium]

I have always wanted to see (or better still, hear) a production of Ibsen's Emperor and Galilean but never had the faintest expectation that anyone would be foolhardy enough to try to put it on - but apparently they are doing just that at the National Theatre later this month. I am almost tempted to go up and see it and I would be grateful for any reviews from anyone here who is planning to see it. It would be a brave thing for R3 to get the cast to come along to a (large) studio and record a performance for broadcast - we need another marathon after last year's Faust.

A bit disappointing that the estimated 9 hours' duration of the uncut play is being shaved to around 4 hours, but you can't have everything

[Mandryka]

I'm looking forward to this, as well, though with some trepidation: Ibsen conceived it as a play to be read, rather than performed.

The Beeb produced a radio version in the 90s, which can be found as an extra on this set (only available on import, unfortunately):

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_27?url=search-alias%3Ddvd&field-keywords=henrik+ibsen+collection+dvd&sprefix=henrik+ibsen+collection+dvd

I've not got round to listening to it yet, but there are some rather wonderful extras in this collection .

[Belgrove]

I shall be going to see this in July, so will report back then. The cast certainly looks distinguished.
Ibsen's early `The League of Youth' received it's belated UK premier at the excellent Nottingham Playhouse last month, and was an unexpected joy. It's a political farce that was very funny and uncannily relevant to the pragmatism required of politicians in coalitions. It deserves to tour or transfer, and if it does do try to catch it.

[aeolium]

A review of the NT production here. I must say I'd be surprised if any play of Ibsen appeared to be a "powerful defence of Christian idealism", as Billington suggests, and will await Belgrove's report.