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Handing over ‘our’ baby
After such a long gestation period, the idea of 'real people' coming in to watch 'our baby' every night caused me, at first, some trepidation... What on earth are all these people doing in our theatre? was my initial response, peeking out from backstage on our opening preview. Now it's entirely commonplace of course and I've got used to their presence and have come to notice - and appreciate - every little murmur and shifting in the seats. I say 'appreciate' because it is really invaluable for a writer - along with everybody else - to have this preview period. Laughter and applause are wonderful tonics but they can also give you a false sense of security. My duty, every night, is to check out what's happening in-between - the sometimes tiny shifts of tone and nuance, in the words themselves and their delivery, that can make a difference to the telling of our tale. It's gratifying to witness our audiences getting drawn into the drama - and illuminating to see where we still have some tweaks to make. Four years ago I turned in my first draft of the script to the producers, and six months later Tamara came on board to direct. She and I have been working together ever since and now, one week from today our show will be 'locked' - something that has always seemed so far off and is now just around the corner. The next seven days will be pivotal. And provocative. And pressurized. And many more p words besides. Perhaps - most of all - poignant.
Posted by Bill Oakes (Book Writer) on 12/10/2013 @ 09:00hrs