enter theater (pablo)

first rehearsal in the theater. great new information, a refreshment for the eyes: het veem is quite a beautiful space, very idiosyncratic, somehow very cozy… I enjoyed very much today’s warm up. it made me think of all the beautiful materials, all the specific movement researches in this process that are, if not left out, at leas very restrained in their use in the choreography. which is fine, but also triggers some melancholy, a certain missing that which hasn’t happened.

I don’t know how did time pass so quickly, but it was great to manage the 2 runs. I know people are very tired, and that everyone’s days are very long, but at the same time we won’t have many opportunities to work in the space, so it’s great to make a thorough use of that time. on wednesday we will be able to work a bit after the tech-run, but afterwards we will have barely a daily hour to warm-up and discuss things, so not much time to really focus on changes or specific things.

in any case, going back to the runs, it was quite strange how different they were. the first one was very dragged and clumsy in timing, and yet it did seem to have a proper duration (a bit over 30′). I was completely surprised with the 2nd run being only 22′… somehow too short while, on the other hand, it had a much better timing and worked quite well. I hope we will find a compromise between both.

it’s funny how in the theater it seems to get much darker, but I think several things operate. besides the space being bigger than the studio (specially in terms of height), I think there were 2 issues at play. one is the distance, the fact that the performers were not so close to the audience. the other one is the emergency exit light from the back… it’s amazing how any little bit of other light can completely destroy what the choice of just one TL creates. I think it is very crucial to get that light out.

I was also quite happy today to finally get to try (more or less) all trhoughout a soundscape for the piece. I think there need be some adjustments, but it was great to feel that some of the ideas do work and that in the worst case scenario it could even be done with this recording. but, luckily enough, Merijn will have some time to retouch it.

I am looking forwards to seeing the Whole Thing, including the proper break with the jumping, breaking the TLs, etc, etc… Stephie’s role is working, though her choreography is still a bit messy. costumes are done, and it’s actually the first time in my life that I am quite happy and convinced about how they work. the lighting is sort of radical, still a bit on the edge but I like its roughness and a sort of fragility in it? I think the soundscape will be a very good layer. the spatial choices are very exciting. and the whole material and the performing is also very exciting. it is also fragile, on the verge of failing, but sometimes (maybe because of that) very exciting. I am glad to have found a deal in which I had to give up (part) of the control over the materials, and though it is very demanding for the performers, I think it’s totally worth it. and: that at least these performers are up to the challenge.

I’m very happy, all in all. I finished today’s rehearsal quite energized. I was sorry to see everyone so tired, but I tried not to let it get in my way. it was very important to see things coming together. many of the practicalities are getting sorted out, and though we still need to arrange things (that’s what we have rehearsals and tech rehearsals for…), it seems pretty much on the way…

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~ by polefontde on March 17, 2009.