Time off for good behavior

Polonius' bedroom at the James House, stately living for the actor in Sanford, NC. (Click images for larger versions in new window.)
Polonius’ bedroom at the James House, stately living for the actor in Sanford, NC. (Click images for larger versions in new window.)

Foggy day exterior of the James House where eight actors and technicians are stored.Last night’s rehearsal went so well that Rick St. Peter decided to increase our Christmas break from two days to four. He also gave me permission to continue exploring my Deliverance-inspired Gravedigger (two clowns rolled into one self-flagellating lunatic) interp, which was a relief since I’ve been wedded to it for weeks.

The second floor landing outside Polonius' bedroom.Also, since we were encouraged to start moving around the room during what was supposed to be our final day of table work, I was able to demonstrate to myself that I’m really off book. Milestones I’m glad to put behind me. Now the real fun begins and, judging from the pace of our progress after only two days and the promised coolness of Cyburbia’s set … dare I say it? … I think we may end up with a production that’s both entertaining and meaningful … for scholars and non-scholars alike. If this comes to pass, I might have to rethink my thinking about the Bard. However, Bardophiles should note that we’re climbing this mountain with a script reduced to roughly half of its original weight. Shakespeare Lite: It’s better quick than dead.