This past play practice both relieved some stress I had about our play and added even more stress at the same time. To the positive aspects first—the Genetian players were amazing. They made my attempt at directing look like something a four-year-old would have done. Now mind you, in my support I did lay down the ground works for the scenes, but our Genetian helpers managed to push us that extra step that I had been struggling with.
It was a great practice. Our helper—Joey—really showed us how to tap into our characters’ mindsets and how to emphasize the weirdness of the whole situation. What was really great was that I was able to show her some of my own ideas for the scene and have her give me feedback on how to make them better. I know that sometimes I can be a little bit my-way-or-the-highway, but I know when to step back and let someone more experienced throw in her two cents.
Unfortunately—and here’s the bad part—we didn’t even go through the second scene. It’s not even blocked. A bit worrisome, though we do have a few weeks left. Another bad part: I have to act. Well, I don’t have to, but really it makes the most sense and it would eliminate some previous stress about getting a member from another group to play the parts I needed. I’m going to have to play Chiron and Saturninus. Neither have particularly big roles, but when this project started I knew in my head that I really did not want to act. I have horrible stage fright. Or, at least, I think I do. For years I was an awful public speaker and even though I’m way better now I still have it in my mind that if I ever went onstage I would completely freeze up and forget my lines. It’s all psychosomatic, I’m sure.
Anyway, working with the Genetian players was unbelievable helpful. Hopefully we’ll be able to work with them at least once more because their support was invaluable. I really think our play is going to be much better because of them.
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