Storm Ashley treated us more gently than expected today, only blowing over one heavy potted pot, so I stayed in and reviewed ‘Blood Wedding’.
The second of Federico García Lorca’s three tragedies in the Folio Society’s collection has a different approach to the story of feuding families and forbidden love than that of Shakespeare’s better known Romeo and Juliet.
Lorca focusses on contrasts, alternating prose with verse; dark with light; music and gaiety with tension and a sense of doom; warm colours of pink and yellow with colder white, grey, and blue.
Lyrical language and the tuneful verse of the happier moments exemplify the poet’s ear. It is noticeable that the joy of the guests is not reflected in the apprehension of the Bride.
As usual the author is very clear in his scene directions to set the mood of the sequences,
noticeably those introducing Act One, Scene Three (the room, the Maid’s character, and the unease of the Mother and son).
The Beggar Woman symbolises Death and Doom, while Moon casts light as the inevitable tragic conclusion unfolds, perhaps not quite as expected.
Peter Pendrey’s linocuts are here presented as set in their pages, shared with examples of the author’s writing.
Regarding Shakespeare’s play of a similar theme I have previously posted
featuring an altogether different set of illustrations.
Elizabeth visited us for a short time this afternoon, because Efford Recycling Centre where she was booked to tip some rubbish was closed, presumably on account of the storm.
This evening we dined on Royal Spice home delivery of excellent Murgh Masala (only one chilli strength) and plain paratha for me, which I drank Kingfisher; and paneer shashlik for Jackie. We shared special fried rice.
So glad to know that Ashley was kinder than she could have been.
Love all these illustrated books you have and share with us.
Thank you so much, Dale
So glad that Storm Ashley didn’t create havoc in your garden 🙂 Nothing better than great stories to entertain and stimulate!
Thank you very much, Rosaliene
Lovely review and graphics.
Thank you very much, Pat
I expect that the organisers were a bit sorry that they had cancelled the Great South Run.
So glad Ashley was gentler than expected!
Wonderful review! Those illustrations are captivating!
(((HUGS))) and ❤️❤️ for you and Jackie!! 🙂
Thank you very much from each of us, Carolyn
I’m glad the storm was not too bad.
Lovely review. I love the illustrations. I’m remembering more of the play now from when we saw it performed. 🙂
When you saw the play performed, were the sets true to the descriptions in the stage directions?
A good question
I don’t know. I remember the moon, and I remember being caught up in the story.
Thank you for responding to my question, Merril. 🙂
You’re welcome, Liz!
Thank you very much, Merril
From your review and the excerpts you’v included, I would love to see “Blood Wedding” performed onstage.
Me, too, Liz. Thank you very much
You’re welcome, Derrick!
While your more sophisticated comment leavers talk about the play, I will simply congratulate you on surviving the storm, dream of curry and say “Seriously? You have to book at the tip?” Things are really getting out of hand round here, with so many rules and regulations, but if you have to book as well it’s definitely easier to fly tip, which is why so many of the country roads round here are speckled with rubbish..
We get half hour slots and there is quite a lot we would be charged for if we took it.
I used to be able to go to the nearest tip, pop in and dump stuff – mainly garden waste as I am not a large consumer of other stuff. All the nearest tips were County Council Tips and they stopped us using them – we had to use the City Council tips. One involved drive of around seven miles through town, the other a 10 mile drive into the country. Not very Green compared to the old three mile trip. If you have a saw and a big hammer you can fit most of it into a normal bin. That’s what we now do. The garden waste mainly fits in the garden bin. This is one of my favourite subjects . . . 🙂
I’ll bet
So much potential for a good moan. 🙂
A different problem happens here in rural areas. People will just burn it all in their backyard – plastic, metal, pressure treated wood, tires, etc., along with the brush piles. One can smell the toxic materials in the smoke. I don’t go out on days when that is happening.
I once had to clear a corner of a farm where a tenant had been dumping stuff for generations – everything from old tonic bottles to a 1950s Austin car. Amazing and interesting, but also vey irksome. 🙂
Thank you for another intriguing review. You have an outstanding library collection, Derrick. Very impressive!
Thank you very much, Donna
Thank goodness you only had on pot blow over, you were lucky!
We were. Thank you very much, Diane
On top of everything, I’m dog sitting this week – so I am way behind on visiting!
I’m glad Ashley was kind to you, Derrick, and I enjoyed the review and illustrations.
Thank you very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Yes, glad Ashley didn’t hit you too hard. In Maine, it has been very dry this October despite other parts of the country being hammered with rain. Crazy weather! Usually, in Maine, October is a wet month. I enjoyed the illustrations and review.
Thank you very much, Laurie
Glad the storm did less damage than expected.
Thank you very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
I’ve read and enjoyed this though (sadly) without those wonderful illustrations
Thank you very much, Sheree
I’m pleased the storm was milder than expected.
Thank you very much, Sue
I am glad to hear the storm was not as bad as expected. You, Jackie and Martin have put in a lot of work in the gardens, and a lot of work has gone into remodeling your home.
Thank you very much, Lavinia