all made up
How can you preview a show which defines itself by resisting premeditation? Each night, from the moment their feet scrape the boards, Impromime could go anywhere. There is no script, no plan, just a piano, a raucous audience and five very gutsy actors.
Drama: laughter in the dark
There’s a scene from Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi which always sticks in my head. Bosola, the mordant but thoughtful executioner, takes Antonio in his arms and whispers softly into the dying man’s ear: “My Lord, your Duchess and children –” Antonio stirs, pride burning in his eyes, and gasps, “Their very name kindles some life in me!” Bosola pauses for a moment, then adds, “ – are murdered.”
Drama: writing wrongs
It’s a pretty widely accepted fact that Oxford life is insanely, skull-numbingly busy and stressful. So it seems frustratingly impressive that, while the rest of us systematically diminish our loans and dignity in Oxford’s provincial attempt at clubs, a minority of smug individuals have actually busied themselves writing new theatre.
