Moon on a Rainbow Shawl - National Theatre

Rehearsing <strong>Moon</strong> on a Rainbow Shawl
tones were developed, using objects like biscuit tins,
bamboo hit with sticks, dustbin lids as replacement
for traditional drums. And of course with the amount
of oil drums on the island it was not going to be long
before hearing sounds created on a ‘steel drum’ was
common place.
Tahirah Sharif (playing Esther) reads aloud a quote that
she’s discovered whilst researching on the internet.
Coincidentally, Michael and I had discussed the
same quote that morning with the intention to show
it to the cast. It came from an essay by Shelley Cole
Nimblett, a copy of which I had just delivered to the
Publications department for Michael, to be considered
for the production programme. The quote perfectly
sums up some of the cast’s discussions about the
moon being a dominant symbol in the play: ‘The <strong>Moon</strong>
reflects the mystery and the fear within our souls. It
reflects to us all that we cannot see inside ourselves’
(1. Inner Traditions, 1997, see appendix at the end of
this resource).
Continuing to read scene 1, the cast and Michael
delve deeper into the characters and their unique
relationships with each other: how long they have
known each other; Old Mack’s ‘intoxication’ for Rosa;
the daily reality of living in a ‘slum’ and the mind-set
of Old Mack, the landlord – or ‘slumlord’. This process
continues through reading scene 2. While the cast
leave the room for lunch, the creative and production
teams prepare for the first production meeting, which
will take place each Wednesday lunchtime.
At the National Theatre: the rehearsal set for <strong>Moon</strong> on a Rainbow Shawl
PHOTO: PAMELA RAITH
WEEK ONE: first production meeting
The meeting is chaired by production manager Tariq
Hussain who invites each department to report on
how things are going with their given tasks for the
production. The kinds of things we discussed were:
Set – coming along well. Walls and doors are being
built quickly. More foliage for the rehearsal set will arrive
soon.
Props. The stove will be gas. If a hurricane lamp is to
be used on set there are issues regarding the flame, so
possibly use an imitation flame instead? Running water
can be arranged with no problem via some long plastic
piping. Mango tree – no problems. Pepper plant – no
problems. Smoking cigarettes is requested by Michael
– and Tariq says it will be okay. Baby for Sophia – dolls
coming soon… (they should look like they’re breathing).
Costumes. Fittings done, discussions with Michael and
the cast are going well.
Lighting. A ‘Squirrel cage’ can be used for the light
bulb in Ephraim’s room. A street light will be fine.
Sound. Small radio to be used on stage, fitted so as to
play music into it via wireless system. Recorded ‘Pans’
(Calypso music) to be recorded in next two weeks. All
preparations going well.
Hair & Make-up. Sessions to take place soon with
some actors regarding their specific styles etc.
National Theatre Learning Background Pack 14