Work on Scenes

Lot of work together on Act 2 Scene 1 line 188 on. We remind ourselves about how the language works and of the playfulness of the language:

I love thee not, therefore pursue me not...

The one I'll slay, the other slayeth me...

And here am I, and wood within this wood...

And how we can make the language work for us. Take our time. Observe the full stops. The mid-line breaks. Let the words carry us as the water carries a good swimmer.

We then work the scene.

What comes out is a strengthening of Helena. She's much more powerful than her words might seem. But nor should we overlook the violence of the language, action and tactics employed by both sides. She says she'll be like a dog following Demetrius around. He can abuse her, ignore her and even beat her as long as she can follow. The worst thing he can do will be the best thing for her. This is pure S and M.

Demetrius then points out how vulnerable in the wood at night with someone who hates her and can't shake her off. And in effect, threatens to rape her.

To which, we wondered, does she in effect reply: 'Come on then, big boy!'? Whatever. Does this scare the bejesus out of him because his next thought is to run away: 'I'll run from thee and hide me in the brakes', thus prompting Rebecca and others to wonder if Helena comes across as a bunny boiler....

We spoke a lot about the escape to the wood releasing the inhibitions of the lovers. They behave more extremely and more recklessly outside the confines of Athenian society and social restraint. This even before they get 'magic-ed'.

We talk about this being taken to another place in Shakespeare. Exile. Banishment. Shipwreck.About Dreams and Ghosts and the exercise of the imagination which is so lacking in - for example - Emmerdale...

Decided that the stakes have been raised in the forest. Lots of Passion. No inhibitions. From both protagonists. And actors.

After the break a lot of work with Team 3. Particularly what's going on between Helena and Hermia. How Hermia is genuinely trying to reassure Helena that this is not some trick they're playing on her, but then when she realises that Lysander is genuinely in love with her rival, turns on Helena with a vengeance.

Then, twenty minutes with Team 2. Work with Stephanie Mac trying to get more seductiveness out of her. More mockery. Which will give Susie more to work off. This before we add physical actions. Then some work with Tracey.

And a promise to work first with Team one next week.

Also the plan to meet at 10 and then to spend an hour with each group while the others rehearse elsewhere.

Also to 'mop up' anybody who felt they wanted a bit more to do by giving them parts in an 'improvised' Pyramus and Thisbe show at the end of the showing in five weeks time.