We arrive with 5 minutes to spare before rehearsal starts.
Just in time
It’s been a while
We’re in a brand new venue
The natural light dims as an automated cover slowly creeps over the ceiling.
We start with facial exercises
Yawning
Massaging
Breathing
‘To wake the pallette up’,
Lucy says.
'Reach down to the stomach.' 'Wah, WAH!' ‘You can feel the strain in your diaphragm’. ‘My french teacher called it vomiting’
They sing mi-mo-sa
Getting higher and higher
Until they can climb no more.
Kara’s turn now
‘Feet up’!
Jogging.
‘Knees up’!
Jogging.
‘Legs up’!
Jogging.
‘Aaand stretch it out.’
Jo squeaks.
She’s assembling a frame in the corner of the room.
The squeaks accompany the stretches.
‘Once you’ve finished stretches, can you make your way to the mat’.
Plank
Backwards Plank
Fowards Pl-
‘Guys do you want come and join us’?
I look up and take a glance at Lucy.
We join the throng.
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Several minutes later I am again reminded that I really should join a gym.
Warm up over
The fun begins.
The players separate.
Alice B,
Alice C,
And Alex and Georgie.
Sections from a future project are rehearsed.
I haven’t seen this before
Alex sweeping.
Alice drawing.
Georgie collecting.
Alice exploring.
All very purposeful.
Individually tasked.
Each tailored
Each chosen.
As I read through the storyline for our next piece
I start to see purpose in the different movements of each player.
It’s exciting
Philosophical
And hides a deeper meaning.
The projector
Now constructed by Jo’s squeaky handiwork
Is now standing patiently at the far corner of the room.
It has a big part to play for this next project.
But it’s purpose
Will have to be revealed in time.