At Long Last, a New Post

When I was studying in London, my schedule did not allow me to do any blogging. In fact, I BARELY had time to sleep. It was really that demanding. And since I've been back in New York, I've avoided doing a posting because I thought 'oh geez, what will I write to do it justice?' But I'm ready for the challenge now and I will be brief.

Basically the London experience was one of the most demanding and fantastic things I have ever done. At times I was euphoric, at times completely depressed. It was, as they say, a rollercoaster. The good thing is that I learned a lot about myself as a person and as a teacher and I'm ready to begin my second year of grad school.

We saw about a million shows in London, and many of them were not very good. But I'll talk about the good ones. Billy Elliott, Macbett (by Ionesco), Sombrero and Saint Joan were my favorites. I don't think I could pick a favorite between those because they were all so different and so amazing. One unifying thing was that they all utilized aspects of physical theatre that I find fascinating. Well, maybe not Billy Elliott, but that show had dancing kids - what more do you need?! Saint Joan was SO RAD, and if it comes to New York, I hope people will go see it. Macbett in Stratford-upon-Avon was my first true experience with theatre of the Absurd, and I loved it. It was hilarious, irreverent, and totally frightening. Sombrero was just indescribable. I love the French!

I taught with a fabulous group of colleagues at Hampstead School in London. The few days I spent there were some of the most education-packed days of my life. As my mentor Sian says, student teaching is a bit like being stripped naked and laughed at. The experience was difficult but absolutely worth it.

I'll post a few pictures on the next post. Enjoy.