BY KATRINA SPREYER
The last rehearsals.
OK so the last rehearsals before last night’s show kept me busy so I have neglected the blog for the last few days. We worked really hard as an ensemble changing and cutting a few scenes here and there. The Sunday rehearsal was our first time working with the set; a backdrop of three separate curtains, possibly interpreted as representing the Katharina’s. It was our first chance to rehearse particular scenes where we use the set; such as the binding of Bianca and further on in the play the binding of Katharina(s). It was also our first rehearsal in costume, seeing if we were able to move without the costume restricting our movement.
Monday’s rehearsal saw the change of a few scenes, mostly for the fluidity of transitions between one movement to another. For the beginning scene with Bianca and Katharina, Filiz chose not to use the ropes as it was too short a time to tie the ropes to my hands. Instead of using the ropes which the Katharina’s used to tourment Bianca, we had the Katharina’s physically binding Bianca themselves by holding her wrists. This allowed the scene to be more fluid. The directorial input of artistic director Jatinder also gave new light to the production. His helpful suggestions helped to clearly define the characters in each scene. This particularly can be seen in the relationship between Petruchio(s) and Katharina(s), where the Petruchio’s treatment of Katharina(S) brings through the comedy in the text as well as drawing attention to the power and control Petrutio’s have over Katharina(s). Monday’s rehearsal also saw our first run through.
Tuesday’s rehearsal focused on specific scenes, tightening the transitions between each scene. We focused on the introduction of the play. Set as a sleepover it begins with typical sleepover activities; curling hair, painting magazines and pillow fights. The transition into Shakespeare’s play begins with the glimpse of Katharina’s engagement ring and so the play begins, setting the play in a dream world. The production of this play focuses on the themes of obedience and control, looking at the treatment of a husband on his wife, the relationship between father and daughter, and master and servant.
Wednesday focused on the dress and technical rehearsal. The costumes are all very similar to each other, however have details that represent each character. For example Bianca’s dress has embroided flower details whereas Petrucio’s dress is plain but mannish. The costumes also suggest that the play is in a slumber land, through the identical loose white dress.
The first show!! Eeekkk!!! I think it went really well(although slightly biased). When you rehearse a play so intensely you forget the comical aspects and it was through the audiences reaction that we were made aware of that. We bounced off their reactions and gave one of the best performances we’ve given. Hopefully the rest of the shows will go as well.
