First Week of Classes

I am slowly becoming acclimated to London. I have learned to walk on the left side of the sidewalk, because British people apparently mimic their cars. Details like this constantly remind me that I am in a foreign country. Also, a few nights ago I saw a bicycle rave ride past my window for about five minutes. All the bicycles had neon, flashing lights attached to them and one rider had speakers attached to his bike pumping loud club music. There were some skateboarders and rollerbladers, too. I have no idea if this is a uniquely British tradition or if it started in another country, but either way I am happy to have witnessed such a thrilling, if slightly silly, sight. Another odd thing I noticed is the college nearby my dorm. I walked past it for the past week without noticing its name. Take a look at the picture below:

Leanne in front of our (prideful or humble?) neighbor.

My classes are wonderful. It is abundantly clear that all of my professors are qualified and excited to be teaching their subjects. My Studies in Shakespeare teacher has an extreme wealth of knowledge on the subject and I cannot wait to learn from her. My RADA classes are as informative as they are enjoyable. I am taking Clowning, Armed Stage Combat, Singing, Dancing, Sonnets, Monologues, and Physical Performance. All these classes will prepare me for a performance of "Shakespeare's Arts" in four weeks' time. I am already being immersed in Shakespeare's world, as all my classes pertain to the arts and skills that he and his peers knew. Finally, my Theatre in London teacher was actually Vice Principle of RADA for a decade! 

Speaking of Theatre in London, my class saw its first performance this past Wednesday. We went to see She Stoops to Conquer at the National Theatre. Half the treat was the walk there. Leanne and I saw most of the Theatre Section (London's Broadway) on our way, with the flashy facades and bright lights. The walk across Waterloo Bridge was beautiful, if not a little windy. We had a lovely view of the London Eye and Parliament all lit up. When we reached the theatre, we were glad for its warmth. She Stoops to Conquer was a light-hearted comedy about a woman of high-class who pretends to be a lowly barmaid in order to win the heart of a man who is scared to talk with well-bred women. The lead actress is none other than Katherine Kelly, a RADA graduate! It was a fun night out at the theatre.

Katherine Kelly and Cush Jumbo in She Stoops to Conquer, a delightful farce by Oliver Goldsmith.

At RADA, Thursday after class we had a fun surprise: a tour of the RADA theaters and technical space. We were shown all three theaters that RADA has to offer, as well as the space where the technical track students work. The resources these students are given are impressive: huge rooms to work on scenery, costumes, and props. I can't wait to see one of the RADA productions (that we are allowed to see for free!) and admire the students' handiwork. We were also allowed to try out the suspended tight-wire floor that the techies use to hang lights. This floor, made up of many flexible, yet strong wires strung across the ceiling, can hold up to seven people at once, and is unbelievably scary. I only went on it for about ten seconds, and only about a foot away from the safety of the landing. Other students were a bit more adventurous:

I'm glad my mother couldn't see me here!
(Photo Credit: Stacy Shirk, fellow RADA student)

After I faced my fears on the dangerous lighting rig, I was more than happy to go back to my dormitory with a few friends and watch An Idiot Abroad, a British TV show hosted by Ricky Gervais, about a simple-minded man named Karl Pilkington who is sent to the Seven Wonders of the World to give his unique perspective on these historic landmarks. We all had a good time laughing, and unwinding from our busy day.

Saturday night I was able to go to Sadler's Wells to see a ballet: Ivan Putrov's Men in Motion. We were made aware of the tickets by RADA and they were free courtesy of the Tisch London program and its director, Mary Jane Watson's, generosity. We American students in London are so fortunate that NYU and RADA work together to help students see as much free/inexpensive art as possible. It feeds my soul and broadens my mind. The ballet was gorgeous. It celebrated men's bodies and the expressive abilities they have. Some pieces were beautifully choreographed and the stage elements were also very impressive: a spotlight on a dancer so that his shadow danced with him; lights that made the floor look water and smoke at the same time, seemingly disrupted by the dancer's movements. It was an incredible experience and a wonder to behold.

It is Sunday night and I am well-rested and ready for another week of classes. My friends and I are loving every minute of our time in London and cannot wait to see more of what this city has to offer. When I post next Sunday, I will be able to tell you about Traveling Light at the National Theatre, London's most famous club, Fabric, playing football with the Brits, my visit to Oxford, and my experience watching the Superbowl in England, which are all coming up for me this week. For now, I will leave you with a picture of my friends and me at Buckingham Palace.

Katie, Me, Emily, Adriana, and Stacy outside of Buckingham Palace.