How many times have we heard that one, eh? Eh?
But no, I mean it. Today I began seriously rehearsing, and learning lines for my role in “Man Catches Fish”, a new production for Across The Pond (Profoundly Fun Festival-Friendly Fringe Theatre), in association with a whole bunch of organisations including yours truly, Thunder’s Mouth Theatre.
Across The Pond is the brilliant conception of Seattle-based actor and voice coach, Gin Hammond. It’s a collaboration between a wildly eclectic bunch of artists, supported by local and international organisations which contribute in a number of different ways.
When I was in Seattle last year visiting my son and his family, Gin invited me to join her happy band as the clown component in her new touring show, and I was more than delighted to accept.
The production has had a significant process of development, with everyone (myself included) contributing to the story and the script. In March they received creative development in Port Townsend, with the gorgeously funny Michelle Hensel as Fish, culminating in a work-in-progress presentation. You can see clips from that event here.
The first full production will take place in August, as part of the Nanaimo Fringetastic Festival. I will have about 10 days in Seattle to rehearse with the rest of the company, before we set sail (literally!) up Puget Sound to Canada and the festival.
So today began my creative journey to develop my interpretation of the Fish. I’m working with Ira Seidenstein‘s 4 articulations as a way of disciplining my body and mind, and the old fashioned head-banging method of learning lines. Next week I’m doing a week’s training in Commedia with Ira (just back from a 3 months stint with Slava’s Snow Show), and who knows where that will lead!
There is much fun to be had, much joy to be shared, from Brisbane to Nanaimo 2012 to Adelaide 2013 and beyond!!!
