FOLKS – so I expect that right about now the continuous diet of Netflix and Amazon streaming may be getting a little stale. You are probably longingly looking forward to “being let out.” Well, this note is just to let you know that we are thinking of you, and feeling much the same way.
Down here at the “big” little theatre, we are restlessly anticipating the “green” light. To those of us who devote so much time and effort to our theatre family, the lockdown seems a little surreal. Everything is in a state of suspended animation. But we persevere, comforted that “the show will go on…eventually”
I mean, when you think about it, theatre has evolved and forged ahead through outbreaks, and wars, and all manner of crises over two thousand years. Since the first play was performed in 5th Century BC, by torch-light against the backdrop of the Acropolis in Athens, plays have persisted. BTW, that first one was a one-man show, written by Aeschylus and performed by Thespis, who engages in a timeless dialogue with the chorus. With that beginning, theatre proved very popular and quickly spread. More characters and actors were added (thank goodness). New theatres were built. Playwrights innovated new plots and storylines. And, they often added characters written for preferred actors, as requested by “patrons” willing to pay for performances. Interesting!
Maybe things haven’t changed that much between then and now. With a sincere thanks to all of you ticket-buyers and subscribers, that marvelous tradition of “patron-supported” theatre is alive and well, to our relief and pleasure.
OK, to the update on the OLT
Though it seems like a lifetime, it was just 1 month ago that we had a very successful preview performance of Burn by John Muggleton (I’m told a direct descendant of Aeschylus). I have included photos of the set – ready and waiting the return of our patrons – and one from the weekly Zoom rehearsals.
The Burn set (design by Geoff Gruson, photographed by Maria Vartanova)
The Burn cast are doing their utmost to stay sharp and focused for the opening night, whenever that comes … (sigh).
The Burn cast during a ZOOM rehearsal (Carolyn Côté. Director Venetia Lawless, Joey Walsh, Michael McSheffrey, and Josh Sparks)
Witness for the Prosecution has been cast and, although live rehearsals were interrupted, the actors are still running lines via Zoom. The Columnist is cast and eager to get back to rehearsals. And our final show, Stag and Doe, has a great production team, but still needs a cast – stand by for audition notices! And, all sets and tech for the three remaining season shows are in various states of build.
Let me close by assuring everyone that, as of now, our intention is that the four plays we have left in the 2019/2020 season (our 107th – young by Greek standards) will be performed, in order, as soon as the health officials assure us that entertainment venues are open for business.
We thank you all for your patience – something we are all getting better at, I guess – and for keeping each other safe and healthy, and for keeping the torch of live theatre flaming!
See you soon at the OLT!
– Geoff