Daily report 17 / 23 January 2011

The day started very early at 8.00 am. I came in at 10.00 am.

Mihoko was on stage for a sound check.

A classroom in the university served as dressing- and rehearsal room.

The technical rehearsal is in costume. Dressing takes some time with these beautiful traditional costumes. There is only time for one quick rehearsal. The entrances on the stage have a small opening in the curtains. For the actors it is difficult to go off the stage in full speed. The lights on the stage make they  can't see clearly in the dark off stage where they have to go. And they must not slow down their speed going of the stage...

After the technical rehearsal we go back to the dressing/rehearsal room. There is time to eat a small lunch. This time I was glad I could bring Mihoko and Fumio some hot tea or coffee and a small lunchbox.

Some choreographies are rehearsed again. Then it is time to dress and for make up. Before we leave for the stage I can give my support to the actors wishing them good luck in saying "Toi toi toi" as a  Dutch habit in theatre.

The performance is excellent. Every actor gives the best he or she can offer. I feel so excited and joyful to sit in this theatre and share this moment with the people of O-Getsu Ryu. I bought some lovely blossombranches and offered it during the applause to express my respect for their theatrical work and to thank them for playing this performance in my name. Mihoko told me these are the first cherry blossoms (Sakura). A beautiful promise for new dreams in the future.......