Well, would you believe the first day of rehearsals are upon us? 11 days have passed remarkably quickly. So the process has now begun in earnest and we have 18 rehearsal days until opening night…. Now that is scary.
Last week I was in Inverness working with the National Theatre of Scotland Learn team on their ‘Exchange’ project: http://www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/content/default.asp?page=s4_3
This was a high energy week with around 70 young people from across Scotland who were performing shows and participating in workshops. I had a particular connection with Vertigo Theatre in East Kilbride and the Rusty Boat Theatre company from Greenock. Both groups did themselves proud with great performances and I was very proud to be associated with both of the groups.
It is amazing how much you learn form working with young people. Their appetite for theatre and their ability to be completely socially interactive with dozens of different people is genuinely moving. Also the power that theatre can have in changing people in extremely positive ways. Confidence, sociability belief in oneself and pride are just some of the things I saw developing before my eyes during the action packed week.
Now the focus turns completely to Romeo and Juliet. Today was first day of rehearsals and traditionally this involves reading the play and discussing the themes. We also welcomed Fiona Rutherford, our Clarsach (Harp) player back after 2 years. Hearing the harp leaping into life in the Chapel again was wonderful it evokes an incredible atmosphere and supports Shakespeare’s words so beautifully.
We did a little bit of work on the first meeting between Romeo and Juliet tonight which was great fun and instantly exciting and flirtations and enticing. This is arguably the most important moment in the play as it sets up the whole cascade of events that follow thereafter.
We have a huge amount of work to do over the next three weeks to bring the beauty of the language to life and tell the story with as much vigour and relish as we can. Everyone involved is extremely enthusiastic and I’m genuinely excited by the possibilities that lie ahead.
We begin filming our podcast/video diary tomorrow so hopefully by the weekend you will be able to see what we’ve been up to. In the meantime if you have any questions you would particularly like answered then please do get in touch by commenting on any of these blogs.
Gallop a pace you fiery footed steeds……
