DIRECTORS’ DIARY

28 November

We are now at the exciting stage of stitching the units together and getting a feeling for the shape of the production. Our first ‘stagger through’ last Wednesday evening went well in terms of everyone being able at last to meet as a company and it is now good to be able to concentrate on the stagecraft of using a space such as the Chapel.

These winter nights certainly assist in creating the atmosphere! Even without the professional lighting, the mood is conducive to recreating the tension of the play and giving weight to Eliot’s masterpiece. It’s certainly not difficult to focus in here, even allowing for the heavy metal band that rehearses in the adjoining meeting room!

The publicity posters are now on display and tickets are on sale – We are really looking forward to sharing this with an audience. From a personal point of view, each rehearsal serves to remind me of Eliot’s genius as we attempt to unravel the layers of meaning in the text.

It is also remarkable how frequently the play resonates with modern times. But then again, I suppose the themes of power and faith are eternal aspects of the human experience. Our company discussions emerging from the play have touched on the Hutton inquiry and issues relating to terrorism. It will be good if audiences leave the Chapel reflecting on such challenging topics.

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14 November

The show is now beginning to come together well. At the moment however, I’m the only one who can see this properly because we are rehearsing the Units separately!

As we now begin to stitch the show together it will be exciting for the company to gel and to see the big picture.

The Chapel is a wonderfully atmospheric building in which to work, particularly on these dark autumnal nights! The mood of the place seems to be getting to us all, inspiring us with ideas of how to bring Eliot’s words to life.

Next week I’m meeting with Andy Cooke, the lighting designer to discuss his plans for transforming the space. Exciting times!

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Week beginning 6 October:

We had a preliminary meeting this week for all those interested in participating. It was great to see so many people interested in this challenging project. I think that we have already begun to feel inspired by this brilliant piece of work which should lend itself ideally to the impressive setting of the University Chapel.

At first reading, the play is daunting. It’s a long piece of work but I believe needs to be read out loud rather than perused silently. That is why I have split the play into twenty-three units, thus allowing the cast to focus on their pieces in a practical manner.

I’m busily casting now and trying to choose the ‘horses for courses’. I’m delighted however, to have the services of a local professional actor, Peter Wessen, to play the part of Becket – We’ve also got Keith Hitchman, the University Chaplain, to play the Messenger.

A great first week!

Bill Cronshaw