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ninamargaret

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  1. ninamargaret
    I check it a couple of times each week, rather more if I have seen a particular performance or there is a new ballet that I am interested in. Like reading different reviews but am sometimes annoyed by the 'behind the wall ones. I think it's a great service and one I'd hate to lose.
  2. ninamargaret
    I think the general theme appearing in the various recollections from early days is that it is important for children to be exposed to the arts in general, and at as early an age as possible. The current lack of arts education in schools is worrying, even more so given that so many dance/theatre companies and orchestras have excellent educational programmes available. A friend, living in Cheshire, was horrified that her grandson, by the time he went to university, had never read, studied or seen a Shakespeare play. Until the arts are considered to be a necessary part of education we will have scores of children who have no interest in them. Of course, even if there were better facilities in schools not all children would be interested but it would help.
  3. ninamargaret
    I do so agree! I returned to ballet in 2012 after a long absence and have been trying to catch up on things I had missed. My most urgent wish is,to see Morera/,Bonelli in Onegin - I think they would be the perfect casting for me. With Naghdi/Ball as Olga/Lensky please!
  4. ninamargaret
    Yes, availability and ease of access is the important thing, not deciding what is relevant to a particular audience.
  5. ninamargaret
    I am old enough to have been brought up in an age where little help was given to the young to encourage them to enjoy the arts. Luckily, I had a theatregoing family, a music teacher and a school that was at least sympathetic towards my interests. Occasional school visits to Shakespeare productions, and I think a couple of visits to concerts were arranged, but no special preparation was given for these. I feel sure people will find their way into whatever interests,them, and no amount of encouragement, cajoling or cheap admissions will get them into things,that d not interest them. After all, I wouldn't go to a football match if the ground was next door and the tickets were free!
  6. ninamargaret
    Very jealous of those who saw this afternoon's performance! Sounds marvellous!
  7. ninamargaret
    Perfectly true. Obviously he couldn't come up with what was good enough for the masses! Don't know what the authorities would have thought of his later, and very dark, works!
  8. ninamargaret
    Sorry to disagree, but I think a lot of Soviet thinking was geared to producing the very best for the downtrodden masses - look at the splendours of the Moscow underground, and taking music into factories. I realise it was mostly propaganda, but at least the thought was there!
  9. ninamargaret
    Maybe I'm rather old fashioned, and even slightly 'Soviet' in my thinking, but I would think the function of any arts organisation is to ensure that the best possible,quality of work, be it dance, drama or whatever is made available to as many people as possible. To say it must be made relevant implies that the organisation judges what people in any particular area, age, race, should enjoy. Making the arts relevant seems to involve dumbing down, and we've seen what that does on the BBC!
  10. ninamargaret
    I think the only good point is about making arts education more accessible in schools. It seems to me that the current lack of interest shown by some younger people is largely due to the failure of schools to involve children in arts. I agree that most theatre companies, orchestras etc have educational programmes which do a great job, but I think I am right in saying that not all schools have the cash, resources or will to involve their pupils. As far as relevance is,concerned, I fail to see how you can make any art form relevant to all. My needs are different to those of a 12 year old who has never visited a theatre, and in these days of everyone having their 'rights' surely my needs are as important than those of the 12 year old? To me access to the arts should be available to all.
  11. ninamargaret
    Rather amused - a couple of days ago I managed to get a decent ticket that was just about affordable for Boris Godunov. I managed to delete the donation - I cannot cope with high prices AND donations, and was then asked if I would like to complete my 'experience' by booking dinner! Seems to me they would prefer people,who book experiences rather than people like us,who go to the theatre! To me, an experience is a one off happening.
  12. ninamargaret
    Agree totally. I call it ' the caff' It's OK if you want a coffee before the performance but that's about it. After the performance it is ghastly and just gives the impression that 'we've,taken your money, now hurry up and go' Many years ago I used,to go to many concerts in the RFH, and part of the pleasure,was to be able to have a drink after the performance, . I know concerts finish earlier than opera or ballet, but the dismal sight of stacked chairs and queues fighting to retrieve coats is not a,good end to the evening.
  13. ninamargaret
    well, I know who I'd like it to be, but even if it was, chances of getting a ticket are slim!
  14. ninamargaret
    Several reasons I think. Few performances, interesting casts, three ballets which are known and loved by a great many people and a reasonable price. Triple bills much to my taste, apart from the often long intervals needed to accommodate different sets.
  15. ninamargaret
    I am a Patron of the RSC, at the lowest level, about equivalent to my ROH Friends membership, also the lowest level. I receive mailings for each booking period, generally two per year. More like a newspaper than the glossy ROH mag. Also included a very detailed booklet with details of performances, events, prices, details of discounts etc. This is also freely available at the theatre. I get regular emails about extra events, tours etc,and discounts on their shop, restaurants and occasional offers on touristy attractions. I would think if one large national arts organisation can provide this the ROH could do so as well.
  16. ninamargaret
    But you forget that if you're booking for the 'experience ' you probably don't care what the food is as long as it's expensive!
  17. ninamargaret
    I think most organisations have a reasonably priced subscribers scheme where printed information is sent out. I receive this from several organisations - National Theatre for one. Both my friend and I are Friends and I'm perfectly happy to get my additional information on line; some folk still prefer,their information in print.
  18. ninamargaret
    I realise the number of people without access to computers etc must be fairly small, but how can they access information nowadays? I used to.love the very informative brochures that we got and happily pored over them selecting casts. I have a ballet going friend who does not enjoy using a computer and I end up printing out information for her - not always the easiest task. she frequently asks why information can't be sent. To be fair, it's not just the ROH; many organisations act as though it was now a legal requirement for everyone to have a computer!
  19. ninamargaret
    I remember reading many years ago that children being considered for the Royal Ballet School were given some sort of examination to check for their possible adult height and that those falling under a minimum or over a maximum would be rejected. Does this still happen? Or is talent and ability more important, as it should be?
  20. ninamargaret
    Careful - Peregrine might get jealous!
  21. ninamargaret
    I believe opera audiences in Italy can be pretty vocal in making their opinions known!
  22. ninamargaret
    I know I'm being cynical, but I wonder if the web site has been designed for those who wish to book for the 'experience'? The 'show', plus the meal, interval drinks, even the programme, all in one nice tidy little package. None of this mucking about with wanting to book different casts, and trying to find a seat where you can see at least a decent proportion of the stage without bankrupting yourself in the process.
  23. ninamargaret
    I still think a slightly earlier start time would help everyone, especially those with last/late trains to get. If the performance is delayed for any reason the 2230 finish can make even staying for the end of the performance impossible.
  24. ninamargaret
    as I said in another posting, they used to manage very well in pre web site days! It seems as though they just can't be bothered, or attach no importance to giving their customers information.
  25. ninamargaret
    Presumably the RB performances with Osipova were scheduled some time ago. And the Maryinsky perhaps not quite so.long ago. it would therefore seem to me foolish to consider two RB performances, plus another version at the Maryinsky, plus rehearsals,plus travel all in one week. it seems to me that it was inconsiderate on the part of whoever was responsible for the Maryinsky performance to arrange it.
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