A Duel with Judi
Tuesday, April 8th by scott malia
Don’t mess with a Dame. If you’ve ever seen Judi Dench’s stage or film performances, you know she’s not someone to be toyed with. In fact, tartness is her specialty, whether she’s rattling off iambic pentameter, telling a certain world-famous superspy what to do, or trying to elevate cutesy fare like Chocolat. She won an Oscar for roughly eight minutes of withering dryness, yet it was potent and memorable despite its brevity. It would be ironic if in real life she were docile and lamblike, but a recent news item suggests such a dichotomy is not the case.
Dame Dench has joined a protest, one that specifically deals with Shakespeare’s heritage. Plans are underway to construct and eco-town in England, which normally would be cause for celebration among those who care about the environment; however, in this case the response has been far from universal praise. The issue is that this particular eco-town is to be constructed within six miles of Shakespeare’s home in Stratford. What is raising the ire of La Dench and company is that it will bring extra tourism and commercial construction to an area revered for its historical value, forever changing the landscape.
Our Dame has been very careful to point out that she fully supports eco-towns and environmental consciousness. In this case, she simply objects to the location. Ultimately, it’s a case of earth versus history. While it remains unclear who the victor will be, I think those eco-peeps should be plenty scared. I would be willing to bet that one icy stare from Her Royal Judiness would be enough to raze FIVE eco-towns.
