Since beginning this blog, my world has been growing and unfolding in strange and wonderful ways. Since June, I have been involved with and performing a play. This would explain the brief absence of entries I have had. So, I am pleased to be able to resume and share with you some experiences, observations, reactions and connections.
Prior to June, I don't know exactly when, I encountered an old friend at a recording of the CBC radio show "Quirks and Quarks." We were there because my eldest daughter had been invited to ask the panel of experts a question. The Timm's Centre was packed and a fine time was had by all, especially Naomi who had the pleasure of being the only person to say the word "gross "on air as it was a keyword in her question.
After the show, there was a brief reception in the lobby where I chatted with my friend. At one point in the conversation, he inquired if I was still involved in theatre or was interested at all. I replied that his question was an interesting one as I had not had many opportunities come my way to get involved again. Were I to encounter the opportunity, I would most likely embrace it. He told me that he was involved with a Fringe play and thought that I would be a good fit for the cast. He suggested that I get in touch with the director and see what came of it.
I did.
Then I lost the information.
Weeks went by and I got caught up in the activity of my life.
Then I found the information.
I had a feeling I should follow up.
I did.
The audition was the next day. Did I have a monologue. It seems that some memories fade and others are made of a more indelible type of memory ink. One of my old stand-by pieces was still there in my head. So audition I would.
And audition I did. I arrived and performed my old stand-by "Adam", a quirky poem by a farmer poet named Nicholas Biel. I don't normally offer up poems in auditions as they tend to put the make the audience a tad uncomfortable. Theatre directors have learned that "poetry" and actors don't mix well. Adam however is a delightful piece that performs as a monologue as easily as any Shakespearian soliloquy.
In the audition, I also did a few readings. These are referred to as "cold readings" as there isn't much time to review the play or prepare interpretations of the piece. You just read and interpret the words, their meanings and the emotional subtext of the character on the fly. It is a tricky kind of activity and can throw many off their game. I enjoyed the opportunity as the character was one whose thoughts were written directly on the page. I just played it as honestly and openly as I could.
It worked. The director called me a couple weeks later to offer me the opportunity to join the cast. I would play Victor, the oldest brother.
The rehearsal process was unique, but that is another blog post.
After an 11 year break, it seemed I was about to venture back into the bardic ways.
More to come...
Owen
