Very quickly got used to working back in the chapel. It’s a wonderful place to work. The accoustics are incredible. The atmosphere is alive. And the smell is amazing!! Actually it can be purchased in handy bottles for a very reasonable price at Rosslyn Chapel gift shop… Your living room can also smell like a 5th Century stone chapel!
Tuesday was a wonderful surprise because a harp player has agreed to perform for us. She played for us and it was beautiful and has suggestions for musical interludes and character motifs. The magic that is so much a part of Midsummer Night’s Dream will be made tangible in the live music. And she’s placed in a prominent position so the audience can her. We were thinking of fiddle music or perhaps a flute but the harp or clarsach (not sure which it is, or what’s the difference – must find out) is better.
First Demetrius scene with Helena rehearsed. Brilliant to be alive in the space working with creative people and just free-styling. Director had many ideas. Its a very physical scene. It’d be great to rehearse outside in Roslin Glen to get the feel of the actual wood.
The Mechanicals are proving difficult. Read one theory that states they are actually part of the main plot – the lovers are simply a subplot. We’re experimenting with accents, attitudes, and need to do more. So much can be mined from these rich characters – its just a case of choosing one option and seeing if it works. The good thing about Mr Strachan is that when presented with a problem he says “Show me.” So we can work out in the playing if something works or not, not the analysis.
Couple days break then full-time from Friday. I reckon we’ll aim for a run-thru middle of next week, which leaves very little time. Need to work harder and faster. Fun and games.
