This week I have been immersed in the world of 'Splinter' (a new play written by Louise Fitzgerald). 'Splinter' is a play about the inner workings of the mind, yet it does not spell out the concept from the get-go. It is a play to get the audience's minds racing and to take them on a journey alongside the characters; whom seem more confused than the audience at times... I have had the privilege of performing this play alongside a vibrant young cast at The Etcetera Theatre, Camden, as part of the Camden Fringe.
I have linked the website for the Pure Paradox Theatre Company at the top of this blog. This theatre company was established by the writer and director of 'Splinter', Louise. It has honestly, hand-on-heart been such an amazing experience to get a chance to be part of an original theatre company. The hard work, commitment and working around varying schedules has formed a team of flexible and focused creatives and actors. We are all invested in this production. I believe when you strip away the flounces and flares of live theatre - that's when you rely very much on your skill as an actor. Anybody who has ever done Fringe (in any venue) can surely relate to the limited amount of 'get-in' and 'get-out' time. This means less time for warm up preparations, set-up and sound-tests (to name but a few ingredients involved in show prep). Lack of prep-time forces the actor to trust their ability and to discover efficient ways in which to warm up their bodies and voices.
Feedback has been an essential part of this experience. It has made me realise that different members of the audience will pick up / focus on certain parts of the show. Some people will love aspects of the play, others will think certain aspects don't add to the story; as well as certain audience members offering their own suggestions or each individual gaining a unique experience from the play. Personally I had relatives who came to watch who, on one hand, understood the concept pretty much from the get-go; whilst on the other hand, another who only found out the concept in the final scene when it is explained. These varying opinions and ideas form interesting conversation topics. No one person had the same experience. Some people wanted more of something, some people wanted less. The freshness of this live experience has made me realise live theatre is about more than getting a 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down'; it's about believing in a project wholeheartedly, being open-minded and developing those characters within the project. Being closed-off as an actor will only prohibit your chances of developing and progressing.
Overall, feedback and comments have been incredible. I have really been swept up in this experience. We were lucky enough as a company to have all our sound and music originally composed for us - an aspect which adds greatly to the show and our experiences as actors. Tomorrow is our final show at the Etcetera Theatre. Being part of this theatre company has led me to believe that there is nothing better for an actor than acting. That sounds so basic and obvious - but actually practising your craft is the best experience for a striving actor. Each company member has come from different situations but we work around these - the focus is on the project at hand, no matter what else might be going on in our lives.
http://www.etceteratheatre.com/
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