Daily report 11 / 17 January 2011

Today the rehearsal started from 1 pm till 9.30 pm. A next step in rehearsing is going to be made and the mise en scene is the following aspect.

The first and the last scene are rehearsed. The focus in the direction is the position of the actors. The images give me a clear picture of the situation and the relation of the characters.

Mihoko tells me some poems will be used in the performance as a voice over. The poems relate to the scenes and refer to the inner reflection of the soul.

In the direction of the first scene the focus of the actors guides my attention as a spectator. Change in rhythm and energy color the tension and emotion of the scene.

O-Getsu Ryu uses the choreography in a realistic way. The Yamato songs and the poems are used in an abstract way. This combination adds a theatrical contrast to the scene and brings an artistic value to the performance.

I realize in my theatregroup Coyote we staged the performance in a styled sometimes abstract way (mise en scene/choreography). The play (the text) was used in a realistic way and pointed out the situation and the relationship between the characters. A different combination but the same contrast between realism and abstract idiom.

After hours of working Mihoko announces a break with sweets. This time she brought sweets and cakes in western style. The actors like these very much. I was very glad Mihoko knows I don't like sweets and brought me a croissant with egg and bacon. Funny, my interest goes for traditional Japanese food and snacks and the actors like western sweets very much.

During the last part of the rehearsal Fumio is working at the table. Mihoko is coaching the actors in choreography. The other actors work on their own.

The last hour the final scene is rehearsed in which Mihoko sings a Yamato song. It is difficult for the other actors to find a good cue to start their movements. Mihoko tells me there is no melody or steady rhythm as a guidance for the other actors. The actors have to connect with the song and find the right moment as an ensemble.

At last Fumio works with the whole group of actors. The entrances and leaving the stage are being rehearsed. Yukiko takes notes and before Fumio can finish it is time to stop for today.

After the rehearsal Mihoko, Fumio and Michiko have to go to a meeting concerning the technical aspects of the performance. With Yukiko, Yosida and Akiko I have dinner in a Japanese Italian restaurant. We ate coquilles, pizza and a mushroom salad. And drank sangria. For me a very special combination of French, Italian and Spanish cooking. I enjoyed this supper and the lovely company of these women.