Friday, May 03, 2002

 
There is infinite respect involved, on my part, for this production. I don't care who thinks William Shakespeare was gay as a march hare, he's still amazing. Slightly repetitive, but let's be serious. Could you do it? I didn't think so.
Eric has a very acute understanding of this play, and Ian (the Ghost King) offers all the background we could possibly want on the culture, down to why Laertes went to school in France and not Germany, like Hamlet did. Ian even makes boots. That makes me happy.
It's funny, though-- they all think I know absolutely nothing about the era. To Ian, maybe, I don't. But I know that "rood" is a cross, and I know what barbers used to do, and I know what I'm doing ninety-eight percent of the time when I'm reading the script.
And isn't that what it's all about anyway?
1:46 PM

 
It's difficult to cut Shakespeare. I didn't know that it would be aesthetically painful. Silly how that works, isn't it? There was the most beautiful line about daggers and some such last night that Eric cut because it was unessential. Thora (I believe she's the assistant director, stage manager, some such) and I were a little miffed.
Ben, Alex, and Cameron have been missing in action the past couple of days. Ben's helping his dad with... something, and Alex has had numerous other things to do (i.e. basketball games, the Space Center). Cameron is in another show.
I feel awkward at rehearsal. I really don't know anyone except Alex and Cameron. I only know Ben and Lindsay on an acquaintance basis.
I suppose that's what things like this are for. Making new friends. A bunch of us are supposed to go and hang out tonight-- we'll see if that comes to pass. It'd be fun.
1:41 PM

Wednesday, May 01, 2002

 
Last night was our first rehearsal. It's difficult to be taken seriously when Ben is protesting that he can't romp me because I'm nearly his height, and everyone is shrieking over the fact that Polonius actually says "hot love". He really does. I promise.
It was wonderful fun, though... to be reading Shakespeare in the park, as the sun went down and slowly retracted its long, glowing fingers from the world. It sounded like something from a book.
Curled up on the cement steps, mildly smacking Ben's forehead when he says something inappropriate, tucked under Alex's arm for warmth. I think the people who don't know us find it surprising that Ophelia and Laertes are dating... well, Chelsey and Alex are.
I honestly believe I'm going to enjoy every moment of this play... I'm looking forward to rehearsal tonight.
11:34 AM