Lent 2013 - Alleyn's School

DramaMiddle School Play –Romeo and Juliet –Bear PitThis term there were sevenseparate Bear Pit shows overtwo nights in a packed-to-theraftersD1. There was the usualmagnificent diversity, fromPinter to Gogol and from Lorcato Beckett, with a little CabinPressure, 39 Steps and Withnailand I thrown in.A view fromThe 39 StepsTo be quite frank, directinga Bear Pit show was a spur-ofthe-momentdecision. The ideaof us directing one together,being twins, was regarded asa joke by all of our friends.However, we saw it as a greatopportunity to realise ourdramatic vision. The 39 Stepshad long been a firm favouriteof ours, and we seized thechance to bring it to life. We hada really talented cast and allgrew very close in the processof rehearsing, joshing aboutand really getting into character– let’s be honest, there’snothing better than hearingyour comrades talk in 1930saccents for hours on end. Everymember of the cast influencedthe structure of the finalperformance in a plethora ofways, putting their own spin onthings. As a director, there arefew things as rewarding asrevelling in the laughter of youraudience, and watching theactors basking in the warm glowof that audience’s admiration,and knowing that all of theirhard work has truly paid off.Aurelius Noble 12ASand Claire Noble 12MEAssistant Director’sNotesAfter a gruelling audition processwhich was our initiation into thecruel world of casting, Barney(Marcus ‘Barney’ Tischhauser)and I were granted theenormous privilege of assistingMiss Baxter in directing Romeoand Juliet. We began as wemeant to go on, with a seriesof bizarre and questionablepropositions (multi-colouredblood perhaps?) and learningall the way from Miss Baxter’sendless font of wisdom.We took charge of our ownseries of rehearsals, fights,and immensely awkward firstkisses. The pearls of thespianenlightenment with which wehave invariably been providedby Miss Baxter have allcontributed to an unparallelededucational experience. Beingan assistant director has beenfrustrating, exhausting andbeyond brilliant. It could nothave been a more worthwhileendeavour, nor one which wecould have better enjoyed.This cast, and Miss Baxterherself, have been an ideal mixof fabulous fun interspersed withsome truly wonderful acting, andwe can think of neither peoplenor play which would provide abetter introduction to directing.While at times mental, loud andover-caffeinated, they have beendedicated, both to the languageand meaning of the play, andto the number of physical danceand fight scenes. We areextremely proud and so gratefulto all the glorious Capulets,Montagues and other Veronians.You have made our last fivemonths fun, mad, and filled withShakespearean purpose.Thank you. Miriam Harris 13SM(with Marcus Tischhauser 13SK)Pictures from Romeo and Juliet.‘...Capulets, MonYou have made oand filled w1 0 A L L E Y N ’ S S C H O O L N E W S L E T T E R L E N T T E R M 2 0 1 3