Well, the first night is upon us. The fact that I haven’t updated you for over a week gives you an idea of how busy we have been. This show has presented more of a challenge than any that we have done before.
I must take this opportunity to praise the actors who have worked tirelessly to create rounded, believable and enjoyable characters. This years show has been a challenge from the outset and they continue to meet each new obstacle with determination and no shortage of creative solutions. They really have worked wonders.
We are now at the stage of being ‘ready for an audience’ obviously during all of the rehearsals you are aiming to achieve something for an audience but it’s not until one actually arrives that you truly understand what it is that you are creating.
Peter Brooke describes in his book ‘The Empty Space’ ‘A man walks across this empty space whilst someone else is watching him, and this is all that is needed for an act of theatre to be engaged.’ In one way of course he is absolutely right. However, for me true theatre takes place when you have the space, the audience, the players and most importantly something to say. In our case this is the magnificent story of Romeo and Juliet. Tomorrow will be our first opportunity to really see whether our story affects an audience in the way we hoped. If you would like to contribute your thoughts after watching the show please feel free to keep us updated with anything you liked or disliked.
As with our production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream we have some outside sections in the gardens of the chapel. However the weather forecast is not too favourable for tonight but we’ll just have to keep our fingers crossed that the rain holds off. It really adds something unique to the evening to be in the open air listening to Shakespeare – just as it was 400 years ago.
Finally I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has worked tirelessly in the supporting roles in the creation of this year’s show. In no particular order, Brenda Murphy who has assisted me brilliantly and offered excellent insights and asked thoughtful questions and made well thought out suggestions throughout and been a great support. Cathie Owen our Voice Coach who has given the cast such tremendous support and help and been a great supporter of us all. Bill Scott whose costumes seem to get better and better. They are stunning creations and all made from scratch. Michael Osborne who has whipped us into shape in terms of his stage management and found and made some excellent props. Fiona Rutherford whose Clarsach is so wonderful to listen to. All original creations (bar one) that fit and build the mood and atmosphere beautifully. Thank you all.
I will update you over the weekend as to how we go…
