Château of Roquebrune - the Open Air Theatre
You can see the bridge and entrance to the castle on the lower left-hand side (see yesterday's photograph to see the bridge from the side). We've already walked up those wide steps and passed under one of those green structures to reach it. But here's the surprise - an open air theatre. To watch a performance, lit from those green towers, with a view of the Mediterranean and across to Monaco isn't at all a bad thing.
I've seen several productions here - I remember Macbeth put on by the English-Speaking Drama Group of Monaco. The setting is perfect. You can probably picture Lady Macbeth running down the bridge, white robes catching the moonlight - 'Out damned spot!'
Or the three witches...'Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble.'
There wasn't always the wooden seating you see in this photograph. We sat on the bare stone benches in those days and woe betide anyone who didn't take a cushion to sit on! You always knew who was going to the theatre as they walked up the hill from the carpark, cushion at the ready.
Tomorrow? - the view from the theatre - and then we enter the castle.
I've seen several productions here - I remember Macbeth put on by the English-Speaking Drama Group of Monaco. The setting is perfect. You can probably picture Lady Macbeth running down the bridge, white robes catching the moonlight - 'Out damned spot!'
Or the three witches...'Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble.'
There wasn't always the wooden seating you see in this photograph. We sat on the bare stone benches in those days and woe betide anyone who didn't take a cushion to sit on! You always knew who was going to the theatre as they walked up the hill from the carpark, cushion at the ready.
Tomorrow? - the view from the theatre - and then we enter the castle.
Jilly I'm enjoying the guided visit tremendously. Looking forward to tomorrow's picture, I suspect the view from the theatre will be spectacular!
ReplyDeleteThis is a magnificent view. I am amazed that there is no space wasted anywhere.
ReplyDeletesuperbe vue d'en haut, ce théâtre est magnifique
ReplyDeleteSuperb view from the top, this theatre is magnificent
All of the castle and theatre pictures are really neat. I like the stories also.
ReplyDeleteWhat a splendid place to watch Shakespeare, or any other dramatic production!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting and amazing place to be in. Thanks for your guided tour. Again looking forward to tomorrow tour. :)
ReplyDeleteRe the CUSHIONS -- I live about 20 steps down from the castle and remember having dinner parties which went as follows: first course and main course chez moi, then everyone with a cushion under their arm to the castle for the play, and dessert afterwards back chez moi. I sometimes had to go home in the interval to get extra cushions for those who had come up from Monaco and Menton without one, as the stone benches were really very uncomfortable ! It is true the view at night is absolutely spectacular. Many classical concerts have taken place here over the last few years, as well as a dance and theatre festival. The wooden benches are an improvement BUT CUSHIONS REMAIN A GOOD IDEA !
ReplyDeleteThat is a surprise, Jilly, but I don't suppose it should really surprise me to see such a place. In the delightful climate there, sitting outside and watching a play or other production would be perfect.
ReplyDeleteYes, I have had a massage and a bath in Hot Springs, though not on the day that I took the photo that's up today. It is quite relaxing and pleasing and not all that expensive.
I like France to holidays. Thank you for visit.
ReplyDeleteOpen air theatre? That´s nice. But only when the sun was shinning all day long, no?
ReplyDeleteGreat series of photos. I would love to see a theater production in that open air theater.
ReplyDelete"What's done is done."-Lady Macbeth
ReplyDeleteAnd you done good ;-)
What a perfect place for taking in a show or production! Amazing view.
ReplyDeletewow! It must be lovely there at night.
ReplyDeleteDo they hold plays there in the winter as well or is it only in the warmer summer time?
Oh my, what a splendid view!
ReplyDelete(Re: adding text to your images, all image editors come with a "text tool" - if you can't see it, click the help icon on the menu bar of the editor, that's what I use to add text to my images.)
Fabulous place for an open air theatre. I can see that the wooden seating would be an improvement!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting to see that bridge featured yesterday from a different angle and to know where it leads. What a terrific surprise, Jilly.
I have to admit, you WALK a lot, don't you. It seems like you are at different parts of the town every week.
ReplyDeleteDo you take the dogs with you?