Last
night I watched the renowned Sir Ian McKellen give a series of monologues live
with a very good friend of mine. What a night! What a magnificent affair it
was! I was so high on the euphoria and ecstasy that I found it difficult to get
myself to sleep and I found myself waking up in the early hours of the morning
just to immortalize my memories into words. I can only imagine how I’ll be
feeling after watching Lady GaGa perform live this coming week!
It
was such an experience and a privilege to see this gentleman’s opening act. Sir
Ian is a worldwide phenomenon in starring in plays and movies and he has become
synonymous with the characters of Gandalf (from Lord of the Rings) and Magneto
(from the X-men trilogy). His opening act was a re-enactment of Gandalf’s
confrontation with the Balrog of Moria.
Apart from the flawless acting, vivid vocal variety, and all the
memories that were brought back of my journey with LOTR, perhaps the best moment
was when Sir Ian portrayed Gandalf’s defining moment in all three movies when
he boomed loudly “You shall not pass!” It was such a rare thing to experience
given that that one line was known throughout the world and I was hearing it first
hand, live by the very same actor who played the role of Gandalf. Speechless.
Furthermore, Sir Ian then invited the audience to have a feel of his own
personal replica of Gandalf’s sword, Glamdring. Being seated at the front row,
I lost not a moment dashing up the stage to feel the magic and power of this
sword – a sword not just symbolic of Gandalf’s power, but also one that
belonged to this favourite actor of mine. Now how many people in the world can
say that they’ve held Gandalf’s sword?!
That
was my first treat for the night, and throughout the performance there were
many wonderful performances from this actor. However towards the end of the
monologue, Sir Ian called for audience participation for one of his
Shakespearean plays. I recall him asking “would any of you like to come and act
with me on stage?” As quick as lightning, many youths, myself included of
course, dashed up onto stage. Before the act, Sir Ian gave us instructions that
we were playing the role of dead French soldiers during a war. He instructed us
to fall dead on the floor at his signal, and rise up again on verbal signal, join
hands and bow to the audience to close. It was certainly an experience to
remember since I myself enjoy acting and being seen, and I managed to find
myself a spot in good view of the audience. The acting went well but I just
cannot put my thoughts into words now. For the reality of the matter is that
last night, for a few minutes of my life, I was performing on stage with Sir
Ian! What an honor! What a privilege!
Now
the night’s blessings were not over. More was to come. After the performance
Sir Ian opened the floor for autographs and pictures to raise funds for the
rebuilding of one of our theatres. Being seated near the exit, my friend and I
dashed out to the autograph table to be the first few to meet this actor. My
friend received an autograph on his ticket, while I managed to take a priceless
photograph with my most favorite actor! To me, this was a dream come true. For
there was once when I wanted to meet Sir Ian back home after watching his role
in the play “King Lear”, but I did not manage to do so. However this time it
was now or never and I got that photo I was waiting on for so many years! Oh
and did I mention, Sir Ian recognized me from the Q&A session during the
monologue! (Yes. I asked him a very personal, delicate question that was close
to my heart in front of an audience of hundreds #Born to be Brave) Intriguing
it was since he spoke to me in such a casual, friendly manner and it was such a
joy to have a few seconds of conversation with him. After the photo with him I
shook his hand as a sign of thanking him for the flawless performance and for
his response to my question. He gave me a friendly smile and wished me the
best. Breathe, Dominic…
When
all was over, I left the performance that night with my friend walking in the
cold, foggy winter night. I was in such euphoria and filled with excitement
that I did not bother about the weather. For hours on end I was jumping for joy
and screaming with gladness after the night’s events.
Now
how many people can say that they’ve seen ‘Gandalf’ perform live, held his
sword, shook his hand, taken a photo with him, and asked him a very personal
question all for the price of $25 in the span of two hours? This was certainly
a night to remember. And quoting a Shakespearean play that Sir Ian starred in,
“All’s well that ends well”.
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