It has been a fascinating few weeks as I have been attempting to figure out what I am going to do with all the great stories I have collected. There is so much material, so many interesting anecdotes, thoughts, ideas, images and gestures. I listened to all the recordings and took down copious notes.
I tried to find themes, common topics and ideas.
Then I threw out everything I thought I was going to do. I realized that I was trying to force an idea on the show. Before we began I thought about using the perspective of an alien to "interpret" the stories but it was a gimmick and not necessarily true to the piece. I had to figure out what the whole piece, the whole structure (as I am also creating a structure that needs to be replicated), the whole Social Potluck project is "about." This is not easy. You would think it is but it isn't.
I have gone back to the drawing board and rather than force a show out of the material I have focussed on what the whole project is about. Now that I think I know what that is (I'm not telling-it is my secret. I'll be interested what spectators think it is about) I am back to creating categories, groups, etc… that reinforce the goal of the perspective. In class we discussed creating our "sandbox," which is the set of rules we work by, and I am really happy with my sandbox. Now I just need to fill it.
I have arranged for the Vernon Community Music School to donate the use of their loft to the project in exchange for me MCing their fund-raising concert. It was an excellent show and I was glad to help. I was also glad to have their beautiful space.
April 3rd is the date booked and now I am in a mad rush to create my set pieces, props and rehearse the show. This is the disadvantage of being a one person organization. I would rather write this blog than do the work I need to do, and there is a lot of work to do.
I am rehearsing whenever I can. I still have classes, lambs to deliver and a life to live but it is coming together. I will be interested to see what happens the next time I create this project as I won't have to recreate the structure, just the content. Presently everything feels a little overwhelming.
Two and a half weeks to go. I'll let you know how things turn out.
Gabe
