Had a rehearsal with Chet and Ellen (Jeff Ryan and Deb Sawyer). They have two scenes alone and we read through them a few times each. Hearing actual voices is one of the great leaps in the process. I’ve read the script a number of times silently, but now hearing voices is a whole new experience. Great fun…and deepens the relationship with each character exponentially. I love getting to know characters in a play.
One time years ago someone indicated that they felt I didn’t live my own life…that I was living in the characters of the plays I directed. It arrested my attention enough to analyze the statement. I think I’m quite objective about my relationship with plays and characters and my conclusion was—and still is—clearly that I am not living vicariously through the characters. I do, indeed, get to know them really well; but ultimately Atticus Finch provides the framework: you can’t really get to know a person until you crawl around in their skin for a while. And by getting to know another—seeing through their eyes—one can live a fuller life; one that is deeper in understanding of the human condition.
Chet is a difficult character. I’m not sure he’s one that I could be friends with. But I’ve begun climbing into his skin a bit, and my life is already richer. As a father, I can identify with him from the outset more than the other characters. I’m looking forward to walking in his shoes for the next few months.
Ellen is almost an Atticus Finch. Well…in that she can deal with each of her kids as individuals. She doesn’t lose her cool. She’s the glue that holds the family together. Anyone who can do this certainly is worth getting to know.
A bigger rehearsal this Saturday. Not everyone can be there, but most…and we’ll begin corporately climbing into each of these characters. This is the really fun part.
I’m also really excited with our Rudy. He’s young…which has given me some pause for concern, but he’s brimming with personality and a smile that will engage and audience like nothing else. After going back and forth about the feel of the age of Rudy, I’m glad we’re on the younger side of 12 rather than the older. Thomas—who plays Eddie—is tall and lanky; great contrast with our Rudy. They’ve never met, so I’m looking forward to Saturday to have them together.
I, Barbara Biddison, have been following his blog since Thomas began the OVER THE TAVERN series in August. I haven't seen much in the space for "Comments," so here goes. A couple recent posts prompt some of these thoughts.
To anyone who is interested in directing, stage managing, or producing, I say this: If you want to know how one creative man casts and directs a play (and what other thoughts creep into his head while he's doing so), read his blog. If you have ever wondered why people often say that Thomas is a genius at casting, this blog will help you understand.
Now, about climbing into other people's skins. Working with Thomas and Bill Scott on UNDERNEATH THE LINTEL is one of the highlights of my life so far. My life is richer for having known the Librarian. I did then and still do see through his eyes; but, no, I do not live vicariously through him.
I have recently had the opportunity to crawl into the skins of two women a little older than I am. I relate to these women, and I can articulate some understandings better than I did before.
April (HE HELD ME GRAND) is 88, getting married again, and moving on with her life. Grace (GRACE & GLORIE) is 90, dying, and examining the worth of the life she has lived. April says, "Life is short, that's all." Grace recalls periods of her life that seemed very long indeed.
These are differences, but it's the similarities that strike me. Each woman has buried her parents, her husband, and her children; and both have only one grandson living. April's sisters fear that her gentleman friend is just after her money (she has none), and Grace's grandson fears that Glorie is just after her money (potentially she has a lot). Both are strong women who just keep putting one foot in front of the other, a thought that resonates for me.
By the way, both plays were written with great sensitivity by men. I'm noting this because I recently saw THE HELP and have since read and heard objections to the fact that a white woman wrote the book. You don't have to be whatever it is to write about it or to play the character, say I.
Posted by: Barbara Biddison | 09/18/2011 at 12:26 PM