The Cherry Orchard was the second in situ: production I saw and an odd one it was too.
Performed in a suburban house, the first act is played out on a sofa in the living room, the second act on the bed in the bedroom, the third act party alternates between the living and dining rooms and the final act happens on the stairs.
When not performing, the actors sit in a room playing cards and discussing the play, direct other cast members in re-enactments of scenes involving their own character, or wander around the house discoursing on various topics connected to the play and the performance.
This is the world of in situ:, where a professionally-run company trains non-professional actors through its Learn To Act course, then invites them to collaborate in creating a performance, improvised through a year-long exploration of the work in weekly classes.
Four years later, I've joined a revival of in situ:'s Cherry Orchard Project. This is the first of four productions revived to celebrate in situ:'s first ten years and King Lear, Macbeth and Twelfth Night will all follow later in 2010.
I'm taking over the role of Trofimov, a student revolutionary and former tutor who has suffered at the hands of the state for his outspoken views. This means a few long speeches to learn, but the style is intended to be naturalistic and we're expected to convey the story as we would speak, rather than the exact words as written down. It might sound easier, but it means you have to listen carefully to what the other actors say and respond, rather than simply awaiting a cue and barking out a pre-learned line. Repetition, stumbling over words and interruption are actively encouraged. Multiple conversations sometimes happen at the same time, or different scenes occur in parallel. This encourages the audience deeper into the performance. The party scenes genuinely feel like a party, while the leaving scenes on the stairs are cramped and chaotic, with the actors constantly coming and going in different directions.
We open on Tuesday night and I'm looking forward to it.
Showing posts with label theatre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label theatre. Show all posts
Thursday, 11 March 2010
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
The Winter's Tale 2009: Rehearsals finished
in situ:'s Winter's Tale group reassembled on Saturday to put the performance back together in a weekend. One actor not returning had been replaced with another member of the group who was unavailable for Saturday, so we spent most of the day revising the order of scenes and remembering the transitions.
Having spent two weeks revising lines, it was pleasing to note how well they were embedded in long-term memory, returning with a little coaxing, though many of the cast did two weeks of Twelfth Night a couple of weeks back and are finding another two weeks of performance more taxing.
On Sunday our new actor joins us, proving to have learned her lines to perfection, resulting in a collective sigh of relief which boosts the cast's confidence measurably. We run through the whole performance twice and there now is a definite collective sense that we can do this. I make several annoying mistakes, but console myself with the knowledge it's better to make them now than later. It gives me a sense what I still need to do to get my performance up - mainly relax, take my time and speak more clearly, not race through the lines.
On Monday evening there is time for a final dress rehearsal which goes well, boosting confidence further. We've done our best and must now open the doors and let the crowd in, but there is a strange lack of any sense of quanitifiable improvement. Last year's revival of Oedipus was very different, though we began with several specific improvements we wanted to make, resulting in a more cohesive production.
We'll just have to see what the public think..!
Having spent two weeks revising lines, it was pleasing to note how well they were embedded in long-term memory, returning with a little coaxing, though many of the cast did two weeks of Twelfth Night a couple of weeks back and are finding another two weeks of performance more taxing.
On Sunday our new actor joins us, proving to have learned her lines to perfection, resulting in a collective sigh of relief which boosts the cast's confidence measurably. We run through the whole performance twice and there now is a definite collective sense that we can do this. I make several annoying mistakes, but console myself with the knowledge it's better to make them now than later. It gives me a sense what I still need to do to get my performance up - mainly relax, take my time and speak more clearly, not race through the lines.
On Monday evening there is time for a final dress rehearsal which goes well, boosting confidence further. We've done our best and must now open the doors and let the crowd in, but there is a strange lack of any sense of quanitifiable improvement. Last year's revival of Oedipus was very different, though we began with several specific improvements we wanted to make, resulting in a more cohesive production.
We'll just have to see what the public think..!
Saturday, 26 July 2008
Oedipus Rex: Night 4 (Saturday)
The final night of Oedipus Rex at the Leper Chapel, the last night of in situ:'s 2008 Summer Season and the end of a two-and-a-quarter-year journey for the actors.
We started back in April 2006 with a handful of sketches which we worked up into performances and linked together over four terms of work. Last year's performance was an achievement for all of us, but when we reconvened a week ago we realised there was a lot of work to do. We all knew our lines, but the people who'd watched the video of last year's performance agreed it wasn't as good as we remembered (and it was filmed on what I thought was the best night!)
This year has been very different. The read throughs early in the rehearsals told us what we knew and what we needed to learn. The performance came together quickly, but soon exceeded what we'd previously attempted - partly by knocking about 20 minutes off, although no lines were removed.
It's hot again tonight, so we again drink plenty of water. But there are no nerves - and I don't even bother with a stroll to the toilet. And yet again we manage to perform at the same level as the previous two nights.
Someone tells us after that it's the first time they'd heard chorus work like ours and understood what is being said. Others are similarly complimentary.
We leave on a high and return to Richard's for the aftershow party. There are rumours of another Shakespeare next year. The Tempest? Or Twelfth Night? Whatever, it is looking unlikely that I will be taking part, but I do have other plans.
We started back in April 2006 with a handful of sketches which we worked up into performances and linked together over four terms of work. Last year's performance was an achievement for all of us, but when we reconvened a week ago we realised there was a lot of work to do. We all knew our lines, but the people who'd watched the video of last year's performance agreed it wasn't as good as we remembered (and it was filmed on what I thought was the best night!)
This year has been very different. The read throughs early in the rehearsals told us what we knew and what we needed to learn. The performance came together quickly, but soon exceeded what we'd previously attempted - partly by knocking about 20 minutes off, although no lines were removed.
It's hot again tonight, so we again drink plenty of water. But there are no nerves - and I don't even bother with a stroll to the toilet. And yet again we manage to perform at the same level as the previous two nights.
Someone tells us after that it's the first time they'd heard chorus work like ours and understood what is being said. Others are similarly complimentary.
We leave on a high and return to Richard's for the aftershow party. There are rumours of another Shakespeare next year. The Tempest? Or Twelfth Night? Whatever, it is looking unlikely that I will be taking part, but I do have other plans.
Friday, 25 July 2008
Oedipus Rex: Night 3 (Friday)
On the way to the chapel I hear on the radio that today is the hottest day of year so far. It certainly feels like it and we're all gulping down water after our vocal warm-up. Within five minutes of completing my discourse on Chinatown and its parallels with Oedipus Rex, I'm thirsty again.
I'm surprised by the consistency we're achieving, compared to last year - and even this year's performance of The Winter's Tale. Our performance level, increased through practise early in the week and cranked up by the opening night adrenaline, seems to have stuck at around 95% of the level of that opening evening. Everyone is confident and enjoying performing. And tomorrow's the last night...
I'm surprised by the consistency we're achieving, compared to last year - and even this year's performance of The Winter's Tale. Our performance level, increased through practise early in the week and cranked up by the opening night adrenaline, seems to have stuck at around 95% of the level of that opening evening. Everyone is confident and enjoying performing. And tomorrow's the last night...
Thursday, 24 July 2008
Oedipus Rex: Night 2 (Thursday)
I feel different driving to the performance tonight, but it's a while before I realise why. I think I'm starting to enjoy it. After the year putting this together and the weekend dusting it off and rehearsing, I know my lines and I know the performance. I feel confident.
Tonight we've sold thirty tickets - with walk-ups, another near sell-out. And instead of having to drag people along, the advance publicity in the local press seems to be bringing in more people we don't know, who want to see the performance of their own volition. We can't even say it's because we're doing Shakespeare this time.
The level of interest increases our desire to perform well and we come close to matching the level of the opening night. There are very few slips or missed lines and our movement as a group is again good. Somewhere we add another five minutes, as I notice I am heading for the door around 9:20pm, but the story doesn't seem to be suffering.
Remarkably, we're already halfway - only two nights left.
Tonight we've sold thirty tickets - with walk-ups, another near sell-out. And instead of having to drag people along, the advance publicity in the local press seems to be bringing in more people we don't know, who want to see the performance of their own volition. We can't even say it's because we're doing Shakespeare this time.
The level of interest increases our desire to perform well and we come close to matching the level of the opening night. There are very few slips or missed lines and our movement as a group is again good. Somewhere we add another five minutes, as I notice I am heading for the door around 9:20pm, but the story doesn't seem to be suffering.
Remarkably, we're already halfway - only two nights left.
Monday, 21 July 2008
Oedipus Rex - third rehearsal
Knowing the text, we concentrate on tightening up some of the choruses, speeding up some of the rhythms, reducing the volume of others.
Everyone is still tired from the weekend. Tanya says she feels unwell and leaves early.
We finish off with a speed run which seems to go well. Katrina fills in for Tanya, her Russian accent owing more than a little to Robbie Coltrane's in Goldeneye.
It's difficult to know if we've gone as far as we can or if more work is needed.
Everyone is still tired from the weekend. Tanya says she feels unwell and leaves early.
We finish off with a speed run which seems to go well. Katrina fills in for Tanya, her Russian accent owing more than a little to Robbie Coltrane's in Goldeneye.
It's difficult to know if we've gone as far as we can or if more work is needed.
Sunday, 20 July 2008
With Sore feet: Oedipus Rex - second rehearsal
More active today, we do several speed runs, which cement the text more strongly and introduce some of the staging headaches.
The longer, more active day is even more tiring than the first and several sets of eyes are drooping after the traditional in situ: picnic lunch on the grass outside the Leper Chapel.
The weekend's work on the text has got it really polished, so we will spend the remaining two rehearsals on improving choruses and interjections, followed by a speed run through.
The longer, more active day is even more tiring than the first and several sets of eyes are drooping after the traditional in situ: picnic lunch on the grass outside the Leper Chapel.
The weekend's work on the text has got it really polished, so we will spend the remaining two rehearsals on improving choruses and interjections, followed by a speed run through.
Sunday, 29 June 2008
The Winter's Tale - night 6
It's the last night and I feel sad. The group has been together for nine months putting this performance together and this is our last night together performing. I am also surprisingly nervous. Perhaps it's Mark's promise to check closely my knowledge of my lines.
It goes well, though far too quickly. I even manage to nail my final speech word perfect, which has been bothering me all week. It's not the words which are so difficult with Shakespeare, just the order the come in. And that there are so many of them.
Bella and Richard throw a great party after which gives us the chance to say goodbye to each other, though most of us will see each other at the forthcoming performances of Metamorphoses and Oedipus Rex.
I can't wait.
It goes well, though far too quickly. I even manage to nail my final speech word perfect, which has been bothering me all week. It's not the words which are so difficult with Shakespeare, just the order the come in. And that there are so many of them.
Bella and Richard throw a great party after which gives us the chance to say goodbye to each other, though most of us will see each other at the forthcoming performances of Metamorphoses and Oedipus Rex.
I can't wait.
Saturday, 28 June 2008
The Winter's Tale - night 5
The inevitable happened and the arrival of Harry's baby is imminent, meaning director Richard steps into his place. This increases tension slightly as we're all wondering how it will go, though he assures us: "I think I know the lines." We run through the dance steps and lip-synching beforehand.
We all want it to go well, so we're very focused and the tension increases through the first hour. There are a few walk outs when we move back outside. One distracted me slightly, but I recovered. As usual no one else notices, Radar admitting he just listens for his cue in the last line of each speech. The rain holds off nicely, just starting to spot as we move back inside for the final two scenes.
It's getting harder to squeeze out tears in the finale. I'm tired and the tension in my head is impeding me somehow, drawing me back to reality. This changed abruptly after the end when the 88% of the audience who remained gave us an extra curtain call!
One night left now. I'll feel sad tomorrow and next week will seem quite empty. But as Richard pointed out, Oedipus Rex is coming up in a couple of weeks...
We all want it to go well, so we're very focused and the tension increases through the first hour. There are a few walk outs when we move back outside. One distracted me slightly, but I recovered. As usual no one else notices, Radar admitting he just listens for his cue in the last line of each speech. The rain holds off nicely, just starting to spot as we move back inside for the final two scenes.
It's getting harder to squeeze out tears in the finale. I'm tired and the tension in my head is impeding me somehow, drawing me back to reality. This changed abruptly after the end when the 88% of the audience who remained gave us an extra curtain call!
One night left now. I'll feel sad tomorrow and next week will seem quite empty. But as Richard pointed out, Oedipus Rex is coming up in a couple of weeks...
Friday, 27 June 2008
The Winter's Tale - night 4
Another sell out tonight, thanks in part to the 25 Swiss students and their teacher who formed the bulk of the hardy souls who braved the weather. The forecast had said rain would move across the Midlands and possibly reach East Anglia by the evening, but we were still disappointed when it arrived. Thankfully the CD player held out, the rain didn't get too heavy and we didn't have to opt for the unrehearsed wet-weather option.
It's always nice when someone stops to say how much they enjoyed a performance. Tonight Margaret, one of the students, tells me about similar performances she's seen in Basle and how much more she enjoyed this one!
Sometime ago I adopted a policy of going up to people whose work I like and telling them. This isn't usual in a country handicapped by the famous British Reserve, but positive feedback is important, particularly for artists who are working hard to make a name for themselves. I wasn't looking for anything myself, but over the years it has led to a brief chat with the lovely Martha Wainwright, a couple of conversations with members of now sadly defunct (I can't take the blame for that) Canadian female rock group The Organ and a friendship and opportunity to work with multi-talented singer Piney Gir.
What could happen if you told someone how much you like their work?
It's always nice when someone stops to say how much they enjoyed a performance. Tonight Margaret, one of the students, tells me about similar performances she's seen in Basle and how much more she enjoyed this one!
Sometime ago I adopted a policy of going up to people whose work I like and telling them. This isn't usual in a country handicapped by the famous British Reserve, but positive feedback is important, particularly for artists who are working hard to make a name for themselves. I wasn't looking for anything myself, but over the years it has led to a brief chat with the lovely Martha Wainwright, a couple of conversations with members of now sadly defunct (I can't take the blame for that) Canadian female rock group The Organ and a friendship and opportunity to work with multi-talented singer Piney Gir.
What could happen if you told someone how much you like their work?
Thursday, 26 June 2008
The Winter's Tale - night 3
I dashed home slightly early from KCUK, meaning I was able to get some tea and relax for a bit before leaving for the Leper Chapel, any tiredness disappearing as soon as soon as I left.
The director's pep talk was aimed at focusing us more on our performance and not taking too much notice of the audiences' reactions. Specifically, don't worry if they're not laughing at the jokes and applauding all the songs. It's not an indication of quality and Saturday's performance was just as good as Sunday's from his perspective.
There was a little tension around after two nights off, but it quickly evaporated once we started - until we reached the Sicilian scenes and we put it back in.
A few lines were skipped somewhere in the middle but it was hardly noticeable - certainly not to the audience, another sell out thanks to the people who turned up on the night.
The director's pep talk was aimed at focusing us more on our performance and not taking too much notice of the audiences' reactions. Specifically, don't worry if they're not laughing at the jokes and applauding all the songs. It's not an indication of quality and Saturday's performance was just as good as Sunday's from his perspective.
There was a little tension around after two nights off, but it quickly evaporated once we started - until we reached the Sicilian scenes and we put it back in.
A few lines were skipped somewhere in the middle but it was hardly noticeable - certainly not to the audience, another sell out thanks to the people who turned up on the night.
Monday, 23 June 2008
The Winter's Tale - night 2
A fantastic second night thanks in a big part to a responsive audience who laughed at the jokes and applauded the music.
Perhaps we relaxed into the performance more. Buoyed by the response to the opening scene, our confidence, energy and focus all soared. Individual and chorus lines were clearer and the performance built to a wonderfully moving ending. Tanya, powerful the first night as Hermione, was explosive in the trial scene. All the actors were buzzing both during and after.
I was much happier with my own performance, only mixing up two lines and hitting most of the chorus lines.
Now with two days off before we return Wednesday evening, I have some time to polish my presentation for KCUK on Thursday.
Perhaps we relaxed into the performance more. Buoyed by the response to the opening scene, our confidence, energy and focus all soared. Individual and chorus lines were clearer and the performance built to a wonderfully moving ending. Tanya, powerful the first night as Hermione, was explosive in the trial scene. All the actors were buzzing both during and after.
I was much happier with my own performance, only mixing up two lines and hitting most of the chorus lines.
Now with two days off before we return Wednesday evening, I have some time to polish my presentation for KCUK on Thursday.
Sunday, 22 June 2008
The Winter's Tale - opening night
A good opening night, four-fifths sold out and only two walkouts, citing "claustrophobia" - which indicates the second scene works! Paul has developed an excellent performance, starting weak and transforming into a menacing jealous Leontes. The vaudevillians routines work well, although I mess up a couple of times.
I did cock up one part quite badly and froze, my mind blank, thinking the whole performance was about to collapse, but Harry stepped in quite brilliantly and picked up with his next line. And no one noticed anyway, as usual. Perhaps I will relax a bit more in subsequent performances.
I particularly enjoy Harry and Rachael's transformation - partly because it means I've just spoken my last line - which sets up a wonderfully moving ending that candlelight makes especially atmospheric.
I did cock up one part quite badly and froze, my mind blank, thinking the whole performance was about to collapse, but Harry stepped in quite brilliantly and picked up with his next line. And no one noticed anyway, as usual. Perhaps I will relax a bit more in subsequent performances.
I particularly enjoy Harry and Rachael's transformation - partly because it means I've just spoken my last line - which sets up a wonderfully moving ending that candlelight makes especially atmospheric.
Friday, 20 June 2008
"Go together, you precious winners all..."
The Winter's Tale - final dress rehearsal
An exciting run through this evening which came in at just over two hours.
Whatever slip-ups there may have been were barely noticeable. The music queues were almost spot on - if I can just nail a few more chorus lines...
Tickets meanwhile have been selling well even - better than Oedipus at the same time last year - and we should be close to selling out every night with the additional coverage in the Cambridge Evening News and Cambridge Crier this week.
Thursday, 19 June 2008
"It is required you do awake your faith"
The Winter's Tale - penultimate rehearsal
The mood is confident at the Leper Chapel tonight. Lines are mostly learnt and we're going to concentrate on some of the transitions and choruses which have been tripping people up.
This goes well, running over the detail of some of the slightly more ragged scenes, but ultimately it's down to us to know the lines. Tanya is unfortunately sick, while Harry's baby is due today and director Richard is understudying his role. Still we manage to get a lot done and finish with a speed run through the whole thing.
This is useful as it means we get to experience the whole play again - minus the music - but it does place additional stress on the actors to get their lines out... Just as I was confident of having them all, the tension is ratchetted up another notch and they spill all over the grass leaving me grasping for the sense of the information I have to impart.
Better now than Saturday night...
The mood is confident at the Leper Chapel tonight. Lines are mostly learnt and we're going to concentrate on some of the transitions and choruses which have been tripping people up.
This goes well, running over the detail of some of the slightly more ragged scenes, but ultimately it's down to us to know the lines. Tanya is unfortunately sick, while Harry's baby is due today and director Richard is understudying his role. Still we manage to get a lot done and finish with a speed run through the whole thing.
This is useful as it means we get to experience the whole play again - minus the music - but it does place additional stress on the actors to get their lines out... Just as I was confident of having them all, the tension is ratchetted up another notch and they spill all over the grass leaving me grasping for the sense of the information I have to impart.
Better now than Saturday night...
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
"Behold, and say 'tis well"
The Winter's Tale - Term 3, week 10
The final week and we perform a full run through for the first time. It comes in at almost exactly 2 hours and shows us exactly which parts we still need to practice.
After working hard over the weekend and last couple of days, my lines are nearly there. I still have some weak points that need improving and my knowledge of the choruses will be helped by concentrating on a couple of them this coming Thursday.
Best of all, the five minute vocal warm-ups are really helping my voice - which is handy, because I have the first line.
Maybe I should to get warmed up properly before KCUK next week!
The final week and we perform a full run through for the first time. It comes in at almost exactly 2 hours and shows us exactly which parts we still need to practice.
After working hard over the weekend and last couple of days, my lines are nearly there. I still have some weak points that need improving and my knowledge of the choruses will be helped by concentrating on a couple of them this coming Thursday.
Best of all, the five minute vocal warm-ups are really helping my voice - which is handy, because I have the first line.
Maybe I should to get warmed up properly before KCUK next week!
Sunday, 15 June 2008
Pulling it all together
The Winter's Tale - final weekend rehearsals
A tiring weekend spent running slowly through the different scenes and then repeating them at performance pitch.
On Saturday we made it through at least halfway and it's starting to come together quite well. We can see which bits need improving and where lines need to be polished, but the overall performance is taking shape. I've missed so many weeks the choreography I came up with has slipped my mind. Fortunately, Harry isn't so forgetful.
Sunday is harder. The weeks I've missed concentrated on the second half and I'm behind. I've also neglected to learn some lines, which I'll have to focus on over the next couple of days. I'm all responsible for the songs, so as well as my lines I'm going to have to learn the music cues.
The group as a whole worked hard and remained positive. With three more rehearsals this week, it looks like we're going to get there..!
A tiring weekend spent running slowly through the different scenes and then repeating them at performance pitch.
On Saturday we made it through at least halfway and it's starting to come together quite well. We can see which bits need improving and where lines need to be polished, but the overall performance is taking shape. I've missed so many weeks the choreography I came up with has slipped my mind. Fortunately, Harry isn't so forgetful.
Sunday is harder. The weeks I've missed concentrated on the second half and I'm behind. I've also neglected to learn some lines, which I'll have to focus on over the next couple of days. I'm all responsible for the songs, so as well as my lines I'm going to have to learn the music cues.
The group as a whole worked hard and remained positive. With three more rehearsals this week, it looks like we're going to get there..!
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
Running out of time...
The Winter's Tale - Term 3, Week 9
I looked at my diary yesterday and noticed we open a week on Saturday. The panic rises and I consider running away and hiding for three weeks.
Tonight we concentrated on scenes in which I have no lines. After missing last week's session with a heavy cold, I feel like I've got away with it.
On the other, I could do with the practice...
I looked at my diary yesterday and noticed we open a week on Saturday. The panic rises and I consider running away and hiding for three weeks.
Tonight we concentrated on scenes in which I have no lines. After missing last week's session with a heavy cold, I feel like I've got away with it.
On the other, I could do with the practice...
Saturday, 31 May 2008
in situ: online
Thanks to my cold, I've spent some time finishing off the new in situ: website which is now live.
It's easier to use, with consistent navigation across all the pages and includes links to book tickets through The Junction for The Winter's Tale, Metamorphoses and Oedipus Rex.
Yet half our audience decides to attend on the day.
There'll be posters going up around Cambridge and pieces in local publications, so we're hoping for a big turnout this year.
Don't leave it too late..!
It's easier to use, with consistent navigation across all the pages and includes links to book tickets through The Junction for The Winter's Tale, Metamorphoses and Oedipus Rex.
Yet half our audience decides to attend on the day.
There'll be posters going up around Cambridge and pieces in local publications, so we're hoping for a big turnout this year.
Don't leave it too late..!
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
Why you need a strong finish
The Winter's Tale - Term 3, week 7
More work on the finale, which should ensure a strong finish.
Which, after all, is what you want. Whoever left a performance saying what a great middle section it had?
Wow them at the end and they'll all go home talking about it.
More work on the finale, which should ensure a strong finish.
Which, after all, is what you want. Whoever left a performance saying what a great middle section it had?
Wow them at the end and they'll all go home talking about it.
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