12 Hours to go.

By Stef Smith (writer and director of The Silence of Bees)

Packing some essentials for day one. I’m nervous, excited, tired and wired. Above all I (think) am ready. These characters having been occupying my head for literally years. Time to give them heartbeats and voices.

The plan for day one? In a word: discussion. We will naturally read the script but above all the four of us will be sharing thoughts, feelings, impulses and air. To my knowledge the performers haven’t worked together and apart from sporadic development days (on different projects) I haven’t worked with them. For me rehearsals have to be a safe place, of care, of thoughtfulness, of heart. The danger of our rehearsals comes not from acrobatics or fire or nudity but from people exposing their emotions, their stories, themselves. I include myself in this. It can be funny what can expose you. Sometimes when you least expect it you are rendered the most vulnerable.

I can’t wait. I’m just (rather selfishly) hoping it’s not a gloriously beautiful day as we work in the belly of the Arches.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Monday.

Stef.