Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto

Philip's Commentary On

Shakespeare In Hollywood by Ken Ludwig

A PLAY OF SURPRISING SIGNIFICANCE

Joseph Addison was born in England in 1672.  He is best known as an essayist and editor for his collaborations with Richard Steele in The Sspectator and The Tattler.  However, in 1712 he wrote a political and historical blockbuster of a play.

• When:  Monday, July 9, at  7 pm in Room 10 
                  Tuesday, July 24, at  7 pm in Room 9
• What:   CATO  by  JAMES ADDISON
• Who:     UUCPA Thespians
• Why:    To read one of the greatest English plays written in the century after Shakespeare.

This is a play of conflicts:
        individual liberty vs. government tyranny;
        Republicanism vs. Monarchism;
        logic vs. emotion. 

This is a play of love:
         the love of two brothers for each other –
                and for the same woman;
        the love of a general for his leader –
                and for his leader’s daughter;
        the love of Cato for Rome. 

This play has been called “the literary inspiration for the American Revolution”.  It was popular in the Colonies, and it’s lines are probable sources for a couple of well known American quotes. George Washington had it performed for the Continental Army while they were encamped at Valley Forge.

Patrick Henry’s ultimatium:

"Give me liberty or give me death."

Nathan Hale’s valediction:

"I regret that I have but one live to give for my country.”

As usual we’ll read the play twice, and I am now accepting reservations for both dates, Monday July 9 and Tuesday July 24. The play has lots of characters, so I won’t impose strict quotas on the performances, but it would be nice if they achieved an approximate balance.  Send an email to thespians-info@uucpa.org or call or snail-mail me – or just show up.  You‘ll be most welcome.

Philip Hodge, Chair of Thespians