Week 11: Understudies
April 11, 2012
13 January 2012
Company Manager Michael Dembovicz announced that the understudy runs of all three plays will be paid public performances. Most actors only perform their understudy roles if the principal actor is unable to perform (ill, injured, can't be bothered, etc).
'How now moody?'
(The Tempest. I. ii. 244.)
At the RSC, the understudies now know we will go on for sure.
In The Tempest I am the understudy for Ferdinand and Trinculo; in The Comedy of Errors, Dromio of Ephesus and Dromio of Syracuse; and in Twelfth Night Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Priest, and Officer.
That's seven understudy roles in three plays. A prince, a knight, two man-servants, a servant of God, a servant of the law, and a chef (our version of Trinculo).
In the public understudy run of The Comedy of Errors, I will play both Dromios at the same time. Assistant Director James Farrell assures me he has a great idea for how I can hold a mop to represent my twin, in the scenes where one Dromio is speaking to the other. It's a good thing I trust him; if I didn't this explanation would not ease my already-panicked state.
A lot of actors will tell you that being an understudy is an absolute pain in the ass — necessary for the company, of course, but a huge amount of work just on the off-chance you'll have to go on. But for a young actor, understudy roles are gold dust. I get to play iconic characters at the RSC, and if I do well, directors and casting directors might take notice.
'There be some sports are painful, but their labour
Delight in them sets off. Some kinds of baseness are nobly undergone
And most poor matters point to rich ends.'
(The Tempest. III. i. 1-4.)
If you're interested, the understudy runs are scheduled as follows: The Comedy of Errors at 13:15 on 4 May, Twelfth Night at 13:15 on 11 May, and The Tempest at 13:15 on 18 May.
Get your tickets now, before my extended family books out the entire theatre.
Photo: James Farrell, Assistant Director The Comedy of Errors
by Ankur Bahl
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