How do you adapt the Shakespeare script to fit the venue?
“I work with the script making selections of material that link the text and the world. The play is chosen based on the site that can be secured. The site also informs how the initial interpretation of the play begins. This year the site changed midway through the process so changes had to be made to adapt to that. “
“Next, discoveries are made as to how each character is framed and how the events occur if the play were to take place in real time in this specific location. In order to stage the show the scenes are “stacked”. Scenes that should be happening at the same time can occur that way in different locations of the venue. Specific answers to the questions “What were the characters doing off stage” are answered to make sure events happen within the set time frame. The cast and directing team explore relationships among characters on and off the written page that may be used in the production. For this 7o minute show there is 17.5 hours of material happening simultaneously.”
What is the rehearsal process like?
“We had a workshop on textual interpretation and another on movement. Everyone read the play, built physical connections, and explored relationships and physical movement and each person had a one-on-one meeting with Williams. The show was cast on the strength of the company, not the specific characters, so roles were not determined until after the workshops. After the roles were cast, work was still done to adjust the script to the specific people who had been cast. Yim and Williams worked together to extend vocabulary so that the poetry and emotions of the language could be expressed physically.”
“In order for the actors to be able to rehearse, the space is explored and the staging is set. Real time overlapping is established by timing scenes.
“Walk the Night: Where Madness Lies” at the Starlight Chateau 1310 N. 29th, Omaha, NE, runs October 28-November 21 with two shows nightly, pre show at 6:30, then 7:00-8:30 and 8:30-10:00. Tickets are 20.00 single admission or 35.00 to see both shows. More information or tickets can be obtained at www.WalktheNightWithMe.com .