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Flying Solo! Presents the original piece of work Elizabeth I: In Her Own Words written by Carole Levin, directed by Lynn Nichols and performed by Tammy Meneghini. This play is being shown at theSpace@Surgeons’ Hall.
From the beginning of Elizabeth I: In Her Own Words, the audience is completely immersed in Elizabeth’s world. Every movement, every gesture, every expression from Meneghini was so consistent with what we know of Elizabeth and her strong, commanding character. Meneghini fully embodied Elizabeth in every way and Elizabeth at that particular stage of her life. Meneghini’s performance was beyond exceptional, and she had the audience in the palm of her hand throughout the entire production. Levin’s writing is beautiful, and it is clear to see that she is a highly skilled writer with a deep passion for Elizabeth, her story, and her emotions and thoughts.
This show pays mind to the smallest of details, even including the calligraphy in which the letters are written, and this adds to the authenticity of the experience. This show very much is an experience and it must be seen. Meneghini’s performance of Elizabeth’s speeches, Tilbury and ‘unsex me here’ in particular, were beautiful and very touching. This is a performance that grabs the heart and squeezes. Elizabeth’s grief over the loss of those she loved most is palpable and could push even the sternest towards tears. In Meneghini’s hands, Elizabeth’s pain becomes our own, and we share in her emotions and her struggles, her fears, and her anger and indignation. Meneghini’s performance of Levin’s writing portrays a clever, witty, and fiercely intelligent woman and ultimately honours Elizabeth and her legacy.
Overall, Elizabeth I: In Her Own Words is a heart-wrenching, intimately moving portrait of an individual who continues to speak to the hearts and minds of so many. Together, Levin, Meneghini, and Nichols do honour to Elizabeth and the strength of her character, a strength that will continue to be aspirational for years to come.
