The morning rehearsal at the Guesthouse, working in the new cuts, was successful - a productive use of time. Then we headed in to the festival for lunch. The cast went to see a show, while Dion and I returned to collect the drum that had been left behind that was necessary for Nox’s workshop.
festival kitty
Outside the foyer of the International school theatre hall.
We each had 2 workshops in the workshops. I experienced what Darrilyn and Neville had spoken about, when after giving instructions for an exercise I was assured that they understood, only to discover later when I was checking in on the groups, that one or two were re-explaining in their own language to the students who hadn’t followed. I have realized that in my excitement and enthusiasm, I tend to talk quite quickly during workshops. Fortunately this festival I had scored a space with room to move. A geography classroom, it was still quite small for twenty-odd students to play drama games in, but infinitely preferable to a lecture theatre. With explanations and language difficulties the workshop was slower moving, but much more physical and fun. One word and one sentence stories were challenging concepts, but acting out their stories brought creative responses. Exercises such as zip-zap, I got you a gift, What are you doing?, knife and fork, and snap shots, were all well-received. Zip zap especially, when I added the competitive element of elimination.
I made a couple of young fans…
I made a couple of young fans…
The evening’s performance of ‘Door’ went extremely well. The audience response was more vocal. Even if they were just as confused by the abstract style and lack of linear narrative, the students at this festival seemed more able to let go of the need for those things. And the actors did a beautiful job. Still no breakage of saucers, just a great viewing position in the wings for me.
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