Monday 24 May 2010

Reflections of Kafka - 20th May

Tonight, first of all we went over the introductory scene. Where I, and the majority of the cast. Do three sleeping movements. Which become more restless after time. This was good, as it helps it become instinctual. Which I like for memories sake.

Then Mark and Ros worked on the Grandfather scene.

Then we all choose a persons strut. I choose someone’s strut, who is in protection. Which I do in a M shape across the stage.

And the final piece of the script we learned. Was highly significant to me. I particularly enjoyed reciting the script. I’d been learning it all week. I remembered most of it. But I felt a total transition, in my performance, after Juliet’s coaching. It felt great. We went over quite a lot of painstaking detail. And added a kind of make believe, happy ending pose, with me and Ros. Tonight I learnt a lot about expressing myself. About passion. A lot about eye contact. I felt the reward of getting out of what you put in. An I put a lot in! I felt a leap. In the direction of improving my acting. Which is what I fundamentally want. To improve my acting.

In response to the question, what does it mean to me to be performing at the theatre royal. It means the world. If someone had told me along time ago, I’d be performing at the theatre royal. I’d have said. “ What? Me an actor!” I would have laughed.

In terms of how it effects the company, it’s one hundred percent magic. It started off as something to do. But now, it’s like a white lights shining down, an I may even take on a part time degree in Theatre at St Johns. I hope we will achieve, a great deal of growth as actors. And for me personally a lot of growth regarding my illness. Confidence boost!
I also hope Out of Characters reputation will strengthen because of the theatre royal performance.

We have also done an will be doing a lot of physical theatre. I have never fine tuned such subtle skills before. All in all, a brilliant two an a half hours!

Tom

Tuesday 18 May 2010

Kafka Rehearsals

Script work continued this week with the company trying to get to grips with the staging of the opening two scenes. There's alot of physical movement involved and we're trying to be loosely synchronised with each other. Which isn't easy when you have your eyes closed for part of it. Hopefully it will look great.

Also we're having to keep in mind how much space we will actually have, especially once we have some form of set. Juliet's ideas for it and how it will be used should look really exciting. I've had some interesting discussions with her about the set, and while I would like to design something epic - there's just the small problem of space...materials...my lack of knowledge...space...and of course money.

Although we've been developing work for a few weeks and even have a script, it still feels a bit unreal that we're set to perform at York Theatre Royal. Then last week I saw the large promo poster outside the theatre. I guess there's no denying they really are expecting a show. Best get learning those lines!

Mark

Tuesday 11 May 2010

Kafka Update - Scripts and Posters!



Last Thursday's rehearsal was an exciting one indeed - scripts! If that weren't enough leaflets are now available and our name is literally in lights (or a lightbox at least) outside the theatre royal!

The shape of the show is taking form and the cast had their first read through, finding out for the first time which parts they would be playing and what aspects of our divised work have made it through into the text.

Juliet has worked really hard to create a script which weaves Kafka's text with our interpretations of his work to develop something which has a real Out of Character flavour!

I am really excited about the physicality of the piece and the space for sequences and movement as a cast.

Watch this space for weekly updates and reflections from members of the cast as we progress to performance.

Gemma