The Show Went On

What with all the excitement of finishing my course and opening my show, of course I was run down and got Covid.

There was nothing for it but to play with the cats and read books, such as those from the Marlow Murder Club that feature my home town and local pub.

 

Meanwhile, of course the show went on and my beautiful cast sent me photos from backstage.

And then, sadly it was all over. I was just about well enough to attend final night, see the set struck, tidy all our gear away and hand out thank you gifts to all the cast and crew. It has been a blast. And what a show!

The Penelopiad: First Performance Week

The show kicks off this week; it's going to be huge. And so I need to prepare with coffee and pancakes, and hugs from my husband and cats.

 

Pancake breakfast at Cafe 2617

Him Outdoors with Melantho and Penelope

The rest of the photos are from our play The Penelopiad. They were taken at rehearsal by Pat Gallagher, and I think they do justice to the set, costumes, lighting, movement and acting of the production. It was truly fabulous.

We are the maids; the ones you killed; the ones you failed

Where shall I begin?

My father was King Icarius of Sparta. My mother was a Naiad

If I was a princess with silver and gold, And loved by a hero, I'd never grow old

Oh, if a young hero came a-marrying me, I'd always be beautiful, happy and free

It's hope, and hope only, that keeps us afloat.

There you are, Telemachus, my pet

That's what happens when you lose a war

We're all aware of your legendary modesty, Penelope

The suitors did not appear on the scene right away.

First we'll roast, then we'll feast! Heap up the platters!

I recruited twelve of my favourite maidservants, the youngest and most beautiful.

Weaving, weaving, ever grieving

While the time goes passing slowly

Queen Penelope, you must tell her! Tell her it was by your orders. She hates us!

Manners are for girls

When oh when oh when oh when - When will dear Odysseus come?

Is this the palace of the renowned Odysseus, of Trojan horse fame, master of deceiving tricks, and well-known for his hospitality to strangers?

Yes! Odysseus! Now we'll see who's master in this house!

The maids have been hanged, my lady

So much time gone. So much blood spilled.

So now that the show is over, I am able to put some time back into my social life. The first event will be a gathering of friends who have not yet met the cats. Because, as we know, it is all about them, right?

Preparation

It's winter and I'm rehearsing for The Penelopiad. This means I am either in a rehearsal or trying to maximise daylight outdoors. (There's work as well, obviously, but it doesn't provide many photographic opportunities.)

A fallen branch of a tree creates admirable patterns, colours and textures. 

Kangaroos and graffiti spotted on an afternoon walk. 

Back garden rainbow

Oh, and reading - I forgot to mention that.

Bedside book pile

Our animals are so helpful. Here is Mel being the world's worst contestant at Spot the Ball.

And here is the choreographer's cat helping with the rope dance. 

And the set designer's dog protecting some of the set dressing. 

And Melantho of the Pretty Cheeks meeting her namesake at a costume fitting.

A Tale of Two Mels

There has been plenty of work in progress, however, and here are some images to show how we are getting on. It is important to me in terms of sustainability to repurpose items and materials as much as possible in our set, props and costumes. These curtains hung in a house we bought over twenty years ago. They have moved locations with us several times as I try to think of what to do with them. They are now going to be seen on stage as part of a costume. 

Masks for the suitors - the faceless men (designed by Design Diva)

We are working weaving and braiding themes into the play wherever possible - after all, Penelope constantly weaves and unpicks her father-in-law's shroud, and what are we doing if not weaving narrative threads into a story? Each character's costume will be overlaid with braiding, which is colour-coded specifically to them based on their maid's name: Chloris is green; Selene is silver tones; Celandine is yellow, etc. They are also woven from pre-loved items: my hen's night veil; an old duvet cover; clothes that no longer fit.

The Oracle's snake made from old climbing rope and cable ties

The Penelope in progress - a shawl that is designed and woven specifically for us; an integral part of the production

Our outstandingly talented set designer is working wonderfully with my theme, and didn't bat an eyelid at my request. She is making bespoke wall hangings from old rope and fishing nets, hung from fallen branches that will denote intricacy, timelessness, and our connection with the land and sea. 

Set dressing cushions - on one side they are hessian for the tough colours of Sparta; on the other they have ocean prints and colours to reflect the coastal aspects of Ithaca. Margaret Atwood/ Handmaid's Tale fans; note the teal. 

And we are working on the choreography and the sentiment in rehearsals - I love it when a plan comes together. 

"Prisoned in her royal home"

The actors see the set for the first time

We are also working with local suppliers for our food and drinks from the bar. Edible Favours have made us boxes of fudge with our name on it. I reckon we deserve a treat.