Poised with her message; The Messenger…
Over the last few weeks; we have had many of our guests’ ask us about the large bronze sculpture outside the entrance to the Theatre Royal Plymouth. Wondering why it was there and what it was all about!
There have been so many in fact, that we thought we would use this time to pop a lens over the sculpture and, in our words, share what we know about The Messenger.
The seven metre, almost 10 tonne bronze beauty was brought to life by Cornish artist Joseph Hillier. The sculpture itself was inspired by a split-second pose which was struck by an actor during a rehearsal for the award-winning production of Othello.
Believed to be the UK’s largest cast bronze sculpture, Joseph explained that ‘The Messenger’, although inspired by the pose, also represents a great deal more…
Our Thoughts…
Like the artist himself, we believe that Theatre is so much more than just a home for putting a great show on the stage. Its actors breathing life into words; its audiences being captivated by the messages carried through the auditorium; it’s using art and culture to make deep rooted, significant change within communities. Yes its theatre, but by golly it’s also so much more!
Although not the official explanation, for that you can head over to the custodians themselves on the Theatre Royal Plymouth’s website, we see this sculpture as a metaphor for what great theatre does within a community and for its patrons. It carries a message. It encourages debate and opinions that usually differ; and most of all truly great theatre makes us ask questions and share thoughts.
Like with many of our guests, The Messenger will no doubt be like Marmite. People seem to either love it or hate it! But the point is, if we were all the same, wouldn’t that be a boring message!
Theatre Royal Plymouth…
Theatre Royal Plymouth is the premier arts organisation in the South West. They have many amazing and diverse performances on its stages. There is always a show for everyone. For more information on what to see, visit their website for their new season brochure and book you stay (and maybe play) today!
For more information from the custodians themselves, please visit the Theatre Royal Plymouth’s website.