We worked through the play and tried out several ideas for character and interpretation and to put the play on its ‘feet’ fairly quickly. After some research, we decided on a setting and an era. However, this was only to give the actors some context and understanding as we want the ambiguity of the piece to still come though to the audience and leave them asking questions
as much as getting answers.
Both Becky and Fenella have the tricky job of portraying the fatigue and pain of these two women. Their bodies are virtually at ‘breaking point’ but somehow they are clinging onto survival. This would be explored much more in the 2nd rehearsal as we used the chains and collars the two must wear throughout the play. Having a restricted area to move in added to the atmosphere of the performances and helped with the fatigue the two have to portray.
Already, the power of the piece was coming through the performances and made you start to see the incredible story that Jane Shepard tells. However, the director only figured out the title after the second rehearsal! (come on Matt, its not that ambiguous). Onto the first INTERVIEW rehearsal beginning on Wednesday.