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Good morning. So, we were on page 186 when the play gets rudely interrupted by the inspector
and while the play Macbeth is in progress and inspector happens to know that most of
these are banned play rights and play actors and they are not supposed to stage a play.
And while all this is going on, he is, you know, throwing his flash light or search light
on the audience and he wants to know who are the people who are attending and the people
who are supporting this kind of, what is the term? You remember? Good, LRT - the living
room theater in Prague flex. So, he recognizes the famous actor Pavel landovsky
and he says Macbeth is being played by Pavel landovsky, who is the real life character
who was indeed an actor who was a prevented from acting during the communist regime, Czechoslovakia.
So, Landovsky, inspector, the actor Macbeth, the floor cleaner in a boiler factory - what
do you understand by this? He is a well-known actor Lando pavel landovsky
and he is inspector says, so, your name is Landovsky; rings a bell; you are a you are
an actor and he says the floor cleaner from boiler company - a factory; what does it mean?
Not exactly. See, when they were prevented from doing their,
from pursuing their profession. What other choice did they have? Do you remember the
bearable lightness of being villain Kundera? Does it mean mean anything to you? yeah Are
you familiar with the bed-drop? Its again about the communist regime in Czechoslovakia
and the revolution and the attempt to over throw the communist regime, and what happened
to professionals and intellectuals during that particular regime and the the protagonist,
the hero of the novel, Thomas. He is a doctor; he is a practicing surgeon,
but because of his so called liberal inclinations he is suspended; he he he his no longer permitted
or allowed to pursue his profession. So, what other choice does he have? So, he becomes
a window cleaner and we are told that there are many such highly qualified people who
are pursuing such jobs because they are no other way for them. So, this could be, one
of this could be an explanation for this. So, he is not really lying, but because his
an actor, that is is profession, but he is denied to pursue it. So, now, he is a boiler
he he is a floor cleaner in a boiler factory. That is what he is doing.
That is him. I am a grated minor of yours. You know, I followed your career for years.
I have not worked for years. What are you talking about? I saw you last season; my wife
was with me. The newspaper kiosk at the tram terminus and you were wonderful or you are
also selling newspapers at one point of time; at one point and I said to my wife - that
is Landovsky, the actor; is not he great? What a character, wonderful voice. No strain;
every syllable given its value. So, now, you are sweeping floor.
So, in between, I hear you were also I saw you selling newspapers. Now, you are cleaning
floors; good. I remember you when you were a night watchman in the Builders yard and
before that, when you were the trolley porter at the Mortuary and before that you are the
button molder in peer Gynt ; peer Gynt is play by Epson .
So, you know, before doing all these jobs, you know before cleaning floors, before being
a trolley pusher and selling newspapers, you were playing may be peer Gynt ; I remember
that. So, it has been quite a while since Landovsky has been out of job and he is forced
to take take up these very ordinary kind of work just to survive and that was the real
condition in Czechoslovakia which is the fact. So, this is just a commentary on that. Actually
Pavel, you have had a funny sort of carrier; It is not my business of course, but do you
know what you want? It is my opinion. Then the public is utterly confused about your
intentions. Is this where you saw it all leading to where, when you started off so bravely
all those years ago? I remember you in your first job. You were a messenger at post office.
Now, he is again being sarcastic saying this; this is the character from Antony and Cleopatra.
So, you were working at the post office. I remember, actually he was playing a character
- the character of a messenger in Antony and Cleopatra, but the inspector being what he
he is, he says - that was your first job; you were working as a postman. That was no,
then I was actually acting then in Antony and Cleopatra. You see, I am actually confused
myself what are you exactly. So, are you… you are so many things; tell me Pavel, why
did you give it all up? You were a star. I saw your hamlet; of course,
you are a Stanley Kowalski. You know this character Stanley Kowalski? Yes. Stanley Kowalski,
your hamlet; Stanley Kowalski is is a character, is a is a memorable character. Good. Street
can name desire ok. Marlin Brando popularized it on broad way and, of course, it is a Tennessee
Williams play, if you remember the animal cries Estella, Estella. yeah I saw your Romeo
with what is her name? Wonderful girl; whatever happened to her. Could I have your autograph?
It is not for me; it is for your daughter. Now, he is addressing the female actor here.
Lady Macbeth, I would rather not; the last time was signed something, I did not work
for two years. So, you never know what these people make you sign and then get you or estate
for trumped up charges. Now, look, do not blame us if the parts just stop coming; maybe
you got over exposed. See, this is what actors are usually told. You were doing all sort
of bit jobs and not really worthwhile work. So, therefore, you did not get the right kinds
of plays; it is not. Actually what was happening, that people were forced producers were forced
not to give any work to these people. Therefore, they went out of it.
So, how else? So, it was just very well state controlled machinery, but however, here they
do not even take responsibility for doing perhaps you know you were you just did not
work well and you got over exposed. So, therefore, the part stopped coming. I was working in
a restaurant at that time. There you are. You see the public’s very funny about that
sort of things; they do not want to get dressed up and arrange a babysitter only to find that
they have paid good money to see had a gabbler done by a waitress.
Who wrote, had a gabbler? Epson ; again, a lot of references to Epson , here. Can you
tell me why, so much of inter textuality happening here? Peer Gynt , had a gobbler, who met that
famous presentation on - Epson . Yes, all fingers point at you and what was Epson here?
the dramatist of… Breaking or in social.
Questioning interrogations, social accesses, moral codes, establish moral codes as you
have seen in A doll’s house. Peer Gynt is again an extremely… Peer Gynt along with
her ghosts yeah, you know, extremely controversial plays and the Epson had to face a lot of trouble.
So, perhaps what Epson went through during his times in Norway, that could perhaps be
a commentary that. So, that could be the intertextual reference here because Epson too, was not
very well received during his times because of his unconventional ideas. They may not
look all that unconventional today, but, during those times, they were because, you see, he
came at the turn of the 19th century yeah. So, those times things were different.
And now, inspector asks these people have owned to. He is squarely laying the blame
on her that you know after all you have been working as a waitress in restaurant; who would
pay and come to see you playing lady Macbeth? So, although reality is something different,
I am beginning to understand why are audiences confined to your circle of acquaintances;
to audience - do not move; It gives one cause, does not it? Tonight Macbeth will be played
by Mister. Landovsky, who last season scored a personal success in the newspaper kiosk
at the tram terminus and has recently been seen washing the floors in number three boiler
factory, the role of lady Macbeth is in the capable hands of bearer from the dirty spoon;
it sounds like a rough night. So, now, this is a very a sarcastic and very
cruel observation on their situation. See, after all you are you you you know this is
what you are; you are a floor sweeper and you are a newspaper seller and then why bother,
who would bother to come and see you, but they are not. Actually, that is not their
identity; they are actors who are denied rightful profession.
We will move on to now page 190 Please, page 190. Here, you know, they are coming to the
end here a Macduff. So, Macduff - he is already named and gone to scorn to be invested fanfare;
they leave the stage, Macbeth his clove crowns himself standing above a screen. The inspector
applauds and steps forward into the play. Inspector - very good. So, what scene are
they enacting from Hamlet? Macbeth in clove crowns himself standing above screen; that
is, king Duncan has already been murdered and now Macbeth has been crowned the rightful…
they you know the the he is not actually the rightful heir, but now, he has been crowned
by the ministers as the king of a Scotland and inspector is quite happy with the situation.
He says, very good very good; so nice to have a play with a happy ending, for a change.
He thinks this is how the play ends, but this is just the beginning. Other actors come on
stage in general light; To lady Macbeth – darling, you are marvelous;
it is just like you know very theatrical pleasantry; all those darlings and social etiquettes and
all, and you are marvelous; this is just a convention in the theatrical society. Lady
Macbeth, she is quite indignant and she is already put off by this man. I am not your
darling. I know and you want marvelous, but when in a Rome Paleo has the natives do. So,
now, since we are in Paleo, you talk the way a Roman. So, this is a proverb right. So,
see how Stoppard uses language. He is a set arising the theatrical etiquettes as well.
And then, he is you know because then perhaps this is commentary on the actually state of
affairs in theater where people are always complimenting each other, however bad they
may be because they are supposed to do. So, may be you are you are not really all that
great end actors. We know that we have to say when in Rome, do as the Romans do and
parley with this is also interesting; you are saying Rome and you are using a French
term. To the general audience the inspector says
- please do not leave the building; you may use the lavatory, but leave the door open;
so, this kind of surveillance; you are not supposed to leave; yeah you are being watched
all the time. Stunning, incredible, absolutely fair to meddling, Macbeth you were rubbish.
So, now, you know, they are a just there is faceoff between them. Inspector, look, just
because I did not laugh out loud, it does not mean I was not enjoying. To hostess - which
were you? Which one were you? Hostess - I am not in it. You are in it. Up to here you
are part of this entire setup. It is pretty clear to me that this flat is being used for
entertaining men. There is a law about that you know.
So, now, he is accusing her so that you know he can shut the place down. He is accusing
her indirectly of running a brothaling, but see you are doing this which is something
absolutely illegal; say, they are trying to survive; they are trying to protect their
theater, theatrical heritage; anyhow, there is struggling. So, perhaps this, this is exactly
what they went through when during those times and stoppard. So, there was at this stage,
let me tell you there is a site; you can go to this particular site and look for this
topic charter 77. This was when the communist government was
at its peak and when there were when they were lot of violation of human rights. Some
liberal minded people, they developed a document; they took that initiative to come up with
a charter; it was called called charter 77. And Pavel Kohout was one of the architects
of this particular charter and the idea was to spread the message of that charter; it
is all about civic rights, human rights etcetera to spread the contents of the charter to as
many people as possible; that is what they were trying to do and the government was doing
its best to suppress this charter. Now, it was believed that, through their theatrical
expressions because see, many people who who were the architects of this charter, they
belonged to the artistic world; drama theater films etcetera. So, backler, we have been
talking about, he himself was a dramatist. So, it was believed that they were using theater
as means to propagate their ideas; especially the contents of the charter 77. So, that was.
So, it was not like Macbeth being staged. It should be prevented; I mean what is so
harmful? What is so dangerous about acting out Macbeth? The government there, it it was
so paranoid; they actually believed that perhaps there are they are certain encoded messages
which are being spread about and about charter 77. So, therefore, this urge to control whatever
was being played and you know the six excessive surveillance, bugging the houses, all that.
Any questions at this time, at this point? No. All right. We will skip to page 190; sorry
192. 192 - There is a lengthy dialogue by the inspector. Abhay, can you read it out
and striking on what worth you can do in three years maximum. I know you been having a lot
of bad luck all around; jobs loss, failing in exams, letters are delivered, driving license
withdrawn, passports indefenitely post poned and nothing on paper.
It is as if the system had the mind of its own. So, why do not you give it a chance and
I give you one. I am really glad I got to you before you close. So, I can just leave
this and I can make one line if this is Shakespeare or the us you call it the force. It is not
the popular choice, you might see; if quite those popularity with the public or as we
call it is the force within. The fact is when you get universally entitled like Shakespeare,
this is strong feeling that he could be spitting in the eyes of the holder when he should be
keeping his mind on Verona hanging around the gents. You know what I mean?. There is
no use doing it; at least we could not prove with it; It is what makes a chief so prejudiced
against him. The chief says you rather you stood up and
said, there is no freedom in this country. Then there is nothing under hand and we all
know where we stand. You get your latch together, we can all get our latch together and then
it is all over; one of us in power and you all in the jail; that is view of action but
what we do not like is a lot of people being cheeky and saying that there are only otherwise,
we are going to start treating them as the same as the ones who say they are Napoleon.
Can you comment on this particular passage? Now, why why this prejudice against Shakespeare?
I think we touched up on this briefly yesterday. Do you remember? Krishna? Go through the lines,
look at the lines; again, the fact is when you get a universal and timeless writer like
Shakespeare, there is a strong feeling that he could be spitting in the eyes of the beholder
when he should be keeping is mind on Verona hanging around the gents. If a play, this
this is a clever fun on which play of Shakespeare? Where? Who is Verona in merchant of Venice?
Shreya, tell me. Good. Two gentlemen of Verona; there is a play called two gentlemen of Verona.
So, he should keep his mind on Verona who is hanging around the gents; do you see, but
you know, being the universal play write, he talks about so many universal predicaments,
and therefore we do not like him. Under the guise of saying something, Shakespeare always
say something else and he is quite ambiguous. So, very difficult to understand the moral
complexities, they you know the meaning implicit, the subtext in Shakespeare.
And so, you you can use Shakespeare to say whatever you want. So, when you say Julious
ceaser, because Julious ceasert happens to be political play; partially, you know, you
can praise it for its aesthetic value, but also it says the it is also politically relevant
play. Yeah Then, you also have a play like Macbeth.
Like Rehan was saying yesterday, when I asked you guys that what is Macbeth all about? The
first thing she said - it is a political play. There is also lot of… and Macbeth can also
be contextualized in several different ways. We have seen in own country what how Macbeth
has been used? maqbool and recently there is a Hollywood flick called Macbeth with that
and it is all about a gang war in a New York. So, you have the same story all most like
Maqbool. So, it has… . What is his What is his name? Sam Waddington,
playing Macbeth yeah. So, you know shakespeare can be Shakespeare can be universalized and
he can be made very contemporary and he is timeless. See, he here to use he redefines
the boundaries and pushes the boundaries of time and space.
So, therefore, we do not like Shakespeare; do anything else; I mean come out and say
it in the open that the government is oppressive and we are denied freedom of speech. So, here,
you have lot of dialectics going on now. So, it is no longer a comedy, of course, it is
a satire, but then, again like most plays it turns into some kind of you know a place
of dialectics where there there is lot of exchange; intellectual exchange about what
is what is moral after all and what is freedom? How do you define it?
And therefore, so, you see, if you say that you are a Julius Caesar or Macbeth or a Coriolanus,
then we will say that we are Napoleon and what did Napoleon do to all his opponents
and that is what we are going to do to you. We obey the law and we ask no more of you.
The law I have got the penal code tattooed on my whistle. Do you know I keep the law
in my pocket. I understand now Landovsky and there is lot about you in it; section 98 - subversion
anyone acting out of hostility to their state; section 100 - incitement anyone acting out
of hostility to their state. I could nick you just for acting and the sentence
is double for an organize group which I can make stick on Robinson crusoe and his man
any day of the week. So, do not tell me about the laws. We are protected by the constitution.
Dear god and we call you intellectuals. Personally, I cannot read that stuff constitution. What
I say, you know there is no such thing; nobody talks like that. So, it is not reasonable
to expect them to live like it the way I see it; life is lived the off the record.
It is all together too human for the written word. It happens in pictures, metaphors. A
few years ago, you suddenly had it on toast, but when they gave you an inch, your over
played your hand and rocked the boat. So, they pull the rug from and… Now, look at
all the proverbs and idioms he is using. You give an inch and they pull the rug and the
rock the boat and they do all sort. So, this is again Tom Stoppard and his burnings I mean
that is pure act. Metaphorically speaking, it describes what
happen to you in a way that anybody can understand. Now, banquo hansford kahout. So, that this
is Kahout’s Macbeth howls like a dog, barks, falls silent on his hands and knees. Sit here
boy; what is his name? Kahout the social parasite and slander of the state; the writer that
is him; you are a great favorite down at nick. You know, we are thinking of making you writer
in residence for a couple of years like we are going to make tie your around like a dog.
So, this is what you are. So, writers, that was the situation or the condition of the
writers that you should be on all force, for if you are a member of recognized school which
I can make stick on a chimpanzee with a box of alphabet bricks. Would you care to make
a statement thou hast it now king all the weird sisters promised. Kindly leave my wife’s
family out of this. Now, he is the Banquo; the character of Banquo has played by Kahout;
Kahout who was actually an actor, one of the architects of charter 77. So, he starts reciting
the lines and ugly sisters and the witch is from here. And inspector - so, fine, I think
you are referring to my wife's family; all right.
Will he skip a bit and go to page 197 where we have another character who we are already
familiar with. So, as the play is in progress, yes Macbeth - it is concluded Banquo that
soles light, if it fine heaven, you must find it tonight. The murderers take a position
to ambush Banquo; easy appears and window at window and says all most nothing turned
spa. Now, this is the spillover from dog’s Hamlet and how does he come here and why does
he come because from England, now he is in Prague driving his lorry with all the stage
material; how come? Can you give me some explanation? Now, easy is used as, you know, as a kind
of device to suggest some kind of a link between the two places, but what link is it? These
places, do you find any thematic link between the two place of why why is easy introduced
at this juncture? Yes, Adithi. Cannot guess? Easy appears at that the window and says the murderers are surprised
to see him; murderers - the actors and they have just killed Banquo at the behast of Macbeth.
Macbeth has instructed these people to kill Banquo and then soon you will have that scene
Bbanquo’s ghost is sited at the stage dinner and all kind; I mean then that starts the
downward spiral of Macbeth, emotionally and mentally.
But here, at this point, the ease makes an entry and he says that, this is what he says;
that in the beginning, when he is introduced in dog's hamlet as well he represents this
company Bukston for that this his lorry in all cake hops first ***, but who did bid
thee join with us? Are you one of the actors and who asked you to join us? second ***
with misgiving, he need not or mistress since he delivers.
He is delivering something. So, let us not mistress him or officers and what we have
to do to the direction guests then he stay with us the west glimmers with some streaks
of the… all these are original authentic lines from Macbeth and they are going on with
the performance. We will go to again page 198 - Ease’s lines,
page 198 top. Easy remains looking bewildered; the hostess appears from the audience again;
Buggsters cake hops almost Lamington spa; the hostess leads him off stage light and
music for Macbeth’s feast; Macbeth enters with Lady Macbeth and guess in attendance
very pretends to expect Banquo, who he knows has already been murdered. You know your own
degrees; sit down at first and last a hearty welcome. Our self will mingle with society
and play the humble host. The guests have brought their own stools and goblets. Lady
Macbeth enters; likewise, first *** enters with Easy remaining at the edge of stage.
The Macbeth sees first *** and goes to him. There is blood up on their face; its
there. Is he dispatched? My lord, his throat is cut; that I did for him; thanks for that;
get the gone; tomorrow, we will hear ourselves again; exit murderers followed by easy during
the scene; is he is hovering at the fringes hoping to care someone size; his entrance
and exit coincide with those for ghost who is invisible and he only appears in Macbeth’s
island. Macbeth does his best to ignore him. My royal lord, you do not give the cheer,
sweet remembrances. Now, good digestion, wait on appetite and
health - on both here had we now our countries honor roved were the grace person of our Banqo
present; his absenter Lisa blame upon his promise. Please stay, your highness to grace
us with your royal company; here is a place reserved. Easy enters a door stage right were
here my good lord what is that moves your highness, which of you have done this?
What my good lord, thou cost not say either, never shake the gory locks at me. Sit worthy
friends, my lord often does; fit is momentary upon a thought; he will again be well; she
crosses to Macbeth - are you a man I and a bold one that dare look on that which might
up all the devil? Easy appears at window. Preethi, see their behold look low
.