The Puck from the live performance at the castle amphitheater was much more flamboyant, confident and just a little smug. It wasn't just about pleasing Oberon for him. He also wanted to entertain himself. I could see a gleam in his eyes that screamed trouble and a smirk that made him seem like he had more control over the situation than he actually did. While the other Puck ran and almost crawled around the stage, this Puck love to strut. He command the stage like he was his own, unless Oberon was there of course. But when he was, Puck never lost the mischievous gleam in his eye nor that smirk of his. This Puck was full of energy.
It was fun and interesting to see the different Pucks that can be portrayed. Both had the same lines and yet two different Puck's were created.
I noticed that, too! 1960's Puck flirted with fairies and seemed rather impressed with himself. :) Rice Puck was more childlike, and I agree with your characterization of him that he acted like a spaniel wanting to please his master!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that fascinating?? I once saw an interpretation where Puck's mischief was solely Oberon's doing, and he was more quiet. He was still fun, but in a very different way
ReplyDeleteI thought it was also interesting how in the live version Puck stood in for the part of Philostrate at the beginning and the end of the play. It seemed to me that it showed how he had a hand not only in the scenes in the woods but also in the scenes that normally have only humans. I don't know if this was done in other versions as well, but it definitely does make Puck seem more independent of Oberon.
ReplyDeleteI think "flamboyant" and "proud" are two great words to describe Puck in the castle amphitheatre version. He was hilarious to watch, especially with all that dancing and hip thrusting, and I agree that he definitely came off as having his own agenda. He was motivated by more than a desire for Oberon's affection.
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