Measure for Measure begins again
November 7, 2011
Remember, remember the fifth of November, gunpowder, treason and Measure for Measure! OK, so maybe that's not exactly the correct words for the rhyme, but it certainly fits the situation. After a sparkler-tastic fireworks party at the Ferryhouse, we said goodbye to the Green Company, who have given the RSC their Midsummer Night's Dream and Marat/Sade and hello to the Blue Company as Measure is BACK!
Yes Measure for Measure has restarted, after two weeks off to focus on opening Written on the Heart, we return to the world of sadomasochism.
We had a great first day back, starting off with a jig call- the climax for the end of the show. This involves a lot of stamping, lifting, spinning and spanking... yes that's right, spanking. Though how easy all of this will be in heels, I just don't know!
We then sat round in a circle to dip our toes back into the text with a line run. Our assistant director Adam Lenson, suggested we make it an active line run, thus standing up and moving around in the circle with our lines, forgetting any plotted blocking and simply allowing the text to move us when it willed. This provoked some brave new discoveries in character and meaning, as everybody felt free, with no pressure to 'get it right'.
Tomorrow brings us a full run of the play complete with the blocking and props, the first time in two weeks... I really hope I can remember everything – if not my improvisational skills will have to come into play!
Then in the evening it is the press night for Written on the Heart. There is a tradition amongst actors that we always give cards and presents to everyone involved with the show on press night, maybe it's so that if it all goes horribly wrong at least you have a pretty card to look at! So I have been working away at perfecting my cards. I have to say, I don't think even a Blue Peter presenter could have done a better job, 'though I scurrilously neglected to use a yoghurt pot and double-sided sticky tape.
Fingers crossed everything goes well for Press Night; Written is a beautiful piece with some incredibly detailed acting and unbelievable aesthetics... So come on Billington, gizzus a 5*!
by Laura Darrall
| 5 comments
Share this