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The Balance
This new play is about a man who finds peace with himself.
I wanted to write a comedy that had something serious to say about the way
we live and how our actions affect other people. It has disabled characters
in it but it is not about disability. Actors do not have to have a disability in
order to play the parts. This will be at the discretion of those who wish to
produce the play. It has a cast of 14.
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I had tinkered long enough with the
text
and decided to have a public reading on
Sunday September 15th at 1.00pm
At The White Bear, Kennington |
As always, casting
was a bit of a problem. I had foolishly written a play for 14 people and I
did not want anyone to double up. I also wanted some parts to be played by
actors with ethnic backgrounds if possible but gave up on the idea of trying
to find seven disabled actors for a rehearsed reading.
The lead character is also a bit of a read but I knew Steve was experienced
enough to take it on. Once again, old friends solved half of my problems and
the other actors who volunteered were friends of friends. Goldy Notay was
recommended by her agency and she completed the company. However, things did
not run smoothly. |
I really wanted Johnny to read
the part of ‘Dave’ but he was not available, so I offered it to Joe. Then
Joe got a job but assured me that he could still do the reading weekend.
Then 2 other people got jobs.
It is amazing how often this happens. They haven’t worked for months, then
as soon as they agree to do something for me, offers pop up from all over
the place.
Johnny then became available so I recast Joe. Joe then calls and complains
because he doesn’t have such a good part. I did try to point out that it was
only a rehearsed reading in a pub in Kennington for £20 expenses but his
pride was deeply wounded.
Steve, Johnny and Colin agreed to do some work prior to the weekend, and
this was very worthwhile. My favourite moment being a run through for Steve
with Colin playing all the other parts.
The rehearsal on Saturday was interesting. Joe had called to say he had to
work but could still make the reading on Sunday so Peter Barnes read his
bits. Ben and I had already sorted out the staging and lighting a few days
earlier so it was just a case of bashing through it a few times.
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Steve
contemplates
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Everyone had a free rein to interpret the parts as they wanted and it was a
very productive day. All we were left to do on Sunday was to fit Joe in.
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I was extremely fortunate that everyone who took
part was so friendly and professional. There was a good response to the reading
and many people took the time to complete questionnaires and give written
critic. The feedback was positive enough to encourage me to get on with the
rewrites and produce the play soon. I wish to extend my thanks to all those who
took part, those that attended, The White Bear and the cast of the show in
residence.
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