Well its been one of those days, maybe one of those weeks. Today, Saturday, we scheduled a final run through in the Loft in Chapter before loading the set into the van in preparation for Swansea on Monday. We were working today because we had one of those weeks when things suddenly changed or make less sense. Sean was concerned that the show lacked something, a certain chaos and this came at us on Thursday evening at about 6pm. Now I like to be challenged, I like the idea that a show is never complete and can morph and grow in the final phases, and even on the road, but this was a difficult one to digest. Every fibre felt reluctant initially to change anything but we all discussed these issues and came up with a way of trying to evolve the piece. It took some patience, it took motivation and it took energy from Mrs Clark who has been suffering with a cold. We feel cursed with colds…we are fit and strong but this last 12 months has seen us both get a snivel during projects and although it’s not totally debilitating its enough to be wearing, particularly after a long day. We don’t want any sympathy and we carry on…..but what emerged from Thursday evenings jam was really great and new bits that add layers to the established work emerged. It was well worth it and a reminder that work needs to be challenged and developed right up to the end.
The problem today was when we went to leave our house the temperature drop played havoc with our new car and it refused to start. Our fantastic neighbour came to the rescue and gave us a lift into Chapter but this meant bringing his unwell son along because he couldn’t leave him home alone. The poor lad vomited on the way to the space and Mrs Clark was required to catch said vomit in a plastic bag. We were none the less grateful for the ride and we ploughed into a fully committed run with Sean and Peter. Then we had to de-rig as our tenure had expired and we needed to exit the loft by lunchtime. However during that run the snow had fallen and a neat covering compacted on the steps as we carried the set to the van below. It was something of a mission and as I write this the snow continues to fall heavily making me glad to be at home.
Next week Swansea and the show opens at 229 High Street, the Volcano Space. In itself its an interesting hire space but it is not a venue and there are additional complications to using it even with the mighty support of the Taliesin. So it is not quite plain sailing for our micro-company but if we can overcome the snot, the vomit and the snow…we can overcome anything.
Gareth
NINE – Visit www.mrandmrsclark.co.uk for full details