Getting Back Into The Swing Of Things.

I am so glad I am an actor. I spent the bank holiday weekend with my closest friends, involved in research and development for a show we are taking to Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year. I doubt any other profession can play games, make up locations out of sticks and go for experimental walks in the woods all in the name of research. However, I suppose most people also couldn't say they got lost in the woods on a business trip.


We are in the middle of developing an adaptation of Shakespeare's final work, 'The Tempest'. It's a great play, but typically Shakespearian - I had absolutely no idea what is going on. Luckily, the weekend's work helped me out, and as a company we realised that one of the main themes within the play that we all resonate with is the idea of being 'lost'. Whether that's literally (they are lost on the island), emotionally (Miranda is lost without a potential husband) or mentally (Caliban is floundering in his hatred for his situation), we all could relate to this theme in some way.


This speaks volumes about where I am right now, and although perhaps a selfish view, I'm glad I am not alone. It is reassuring to know that my peers and fellow actors are also struggling to find meaning in our mid-20's. It's nice to know I am not going totally mad.


So, after most of the initial debate about themes and ideas that I adore and which would be described by my boyfriend as 'poncey, pretentious waffle', we moved on to actually developing scenes. It is all in the early stages at the moment, but I felt that the weekend was very productive. The foundations have been laid, and rehearsals will continue in August. More about this in later blogs!


Every time I am around this particular group of people I feel completely inspired, and forget all about my money troubles. Then, I get back to London and realise my rent has come out of my account, and I immediately forget about how inspired I am, and panic.


As Prospero says in his epilogue:


Now my charms are all o'erthrown,
What strength I have's mine own,
Which is most faint.


Basically, don't get blinded by the fantasy, as the reality doesn't go away. Now there's a wake up call if you ever needed one. Thanks Prospero.