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History ensemble member Nick Asbury on rediscovering the sense of play.
Exploring the word
What is the meaning of the word 'play'? In this project we have been given access to a full exploration of this word in the context of the way humans interact and also of the 'Play' which we share with an audience.
 Even on Press Night of Henry V, such is the bond we have together now, we were able really to enjoy ourselves. I came off stage every time as Pistol knowing that I'd really enjoyed being on there. Not showing off, but sharing the fun with everyone on stage and everyone watching. It is a unique feeling. And now, as we pitch straight back into Henry IV technical rehearsals, we are rediscovering the sense of play in these plays too.
It's a tough schedule. Poor old Geoffrey. Having done the Press Night on Tuesday and had all the rollercoaster feelings of nerves, elation and exhaustion that Pressing a play involves, was in at midday the following day rehearsing with David and Richard on Act 1 of Henry IV Part I. Then it was a show of Henry V in the evening, then at 10 o'clock the next day straight into Technical Rehearsals for Part I. By 7pm that evening we had started Part II which we forced through till midday the next day. Then it was a dress of Part 1, then a performance. This morning we finished off teching Part II and now we have a dress this afternoon and performance this evening. Phew. Now, I'm not in Part I so, joy of joys, I had the evening off. I went round to a mate's place for some dinner and we were all asleep on the sofa by 9 o'clock. But I asked how it went last night and to a person everyone said how much they'd ENJOYED it. How it was such fun to go back and not just rediscover but completely DISCOVER new things. How all on stage were playing.
The pressure from a very long summer was off and the Plays could begin to breathe. The audience seemed to love it. And so we're all really looking forward to tonight for the same again with Part II. Of all the eight plays we're doing in this cycle these two, Henry IV Parts I & II, will be the one's that will grow and mature and blossom most. They're so different from the others and yet all the passion, intensity and commitment that we bring to the others are all there, we are now beginning to find where it goes and place it properly.
As the days and milestones go by, we become tighter and tighter as a group. I cannot bear to think of this job finishing. We have a long way - and a lot of hard work - in front of us, but we all will cherish this forever. And I'm sure, when this 'job' finishes, we will all start playing afresh having made friends for life.
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About blogger Nick
Likes: Cricket and music. Fields and dark pubs with no music
Dislikes: Lager, crowded streets and light bars with music |
