Sorry for the Delay: The Rape of Lucrece

Watching Dan Hodge, learning from Dan Hodge, and anticipating the upcoming rehearsal process for Hamlet with Dan Hodge makes me, bluntly, jealous of Dan Hodge. Since I met he and his wife Krista Apple-Hodge over a year ago, I have been in awe of their work. Tonight was no exception. Dan, in roughly 90 minutes, brings to life Shakespeare's epic poem and puts on display the power of performance. As he sweats through his grey shirt and walks the audience through the world of ancient Rome via candle-light, Dan displays the power of the text, his mastery of the language, and the nuance of a one man show, all the while engaging the audience in only the way Dan can. Every time I have the opportunity to see Dan, or any of his fellow PAC members, work I will jump at the opportunity. Sitting in the room, Philly humidity and all, inspires me. As I sat and listened to Dan prepare us for the world, my heart began to pump. When he delved into the poetry, my mind began to race. And when he dissolved into the world of Shakespeare's epic, I desired Dan's level of mastery. Never before had I read or seen this epic, however, the moment it came to life in front of me I could not help but imagine Dante, Homer, and Shakespeare spilling forth their poetry to listeners. The world's of Meisner, Stanislavsky, and Strasberg fall by the way side, and only the idea of master story teller exists. Twain, Dickens, and Poe standing in front of the audience and attacking their message seem to be the true analogy, but I have a heard time they could match the entertainment value Dan brings to the stage. In his performance, Dan proves that print is dead, that the only way to experience classic works such as Lucrece is via actor/audience. If life was a video game, The Rape of Lucrece was like getting a health pack. Every actor who is inspired by craft will be inspired by Dan's work. The Philly Fringe Fest is here, and if there is one show that is not to be missed, it is the PAC's production. It is as relevant today as it was 400 years ago. "The fault is thine," rings out like a war bell. The chilling conclusion of Lucrece's final decision, shakes the bones of the audience with its truth. Get of your ass and spend a an hour in the Broad Street Ministry and experience a man at the height of his game. 

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