The Journey has begun...

Rehearsals, Rehearsals, Rehearsals...

I have been so busy actually working on the show in 'real time', that I have neglected the blog somewhat.  The cast is settling in to character and the text beautifully... so much so, that this longer educational schedule time frame is probably not necessary.  All the same, I am trying to fill the schedule with plenty of character, dialect, technique and table work to allow the actors the best possible opportunity to give a great, enriched performance.

The actors are making so many discoveries right now.  Everyday is filled with a text, a facebook message or a comment at rehearsal about what they 'now see', an exploration that resulted in a new series of choices they can make, or an interesting tidbit about their character or the show.  

Because of the nature of this show (and my personal connection to the history this show is based on),  it is becoming clear that my blog posts will likely be erratic, at best, and probably more personal in content... so for more immediate updates, check out and 'LIKE' the Women of Lockerbie facebook page .  Photos, research, and comments will appear there. 

Many people have asked me recently if directing this show has affected me.  Well... I won't pretend this has been an easy rehearsal period for me, as I delve back into my own past and explore my own past choices which have brought me to this place in my life today.  It hasn't.  In fact, it has been harder than I anticipated.  Honestly, I have been torn in the emotions I have had.  Sure, it would have been kinda sad if my pregnancy situation was different and I had indeed boarded that flight late that afternoon in 1988.  My life would have been over, my daughter's would never have begun, my family's lives would have been changed forever.  And, then all the things I have done over the years, the projects I worked on or created, the people I have met ... none of it would ever have happened.   Some people might not have known others,  W. Shakespeare & Co would never have been created, and my return to theatre --- Streetcar, Much Ado, Midsummer... and this show --- would never have happened.  Well, things would have been very different.


I have never been afraid of dying.  In fact, I traveled back and forth to the UK so many times every year, that a highjacking, a plane crash, an 'act of God' was a possibility... well, I always felt that if it happened, I would deal with and embrace the outcome as necessary.  I didn't believe in worrying or focusing on the constant threat of the unknown.  Death was another journey and adventure to explore.  And, I do love an adventure.  I believed that you just live the life you have and make the most of it.  When it is time that it is over, just hope that it has been genuine, good and lived with integrity. 

 So, yes... It has affected me.  I find myself near to tears during some of the scenes, as my cast breathes life into this show.  I physically hurt as I watch films with scenes depicting a plane breaking up in mid air.  My tears and pain are not because I might have made a different choice, but because of so many who did lose their lives and the tragic and horrific way in which they did.  I know, it is a very 'method' approach, but for me... I see no other way to 'attack' this show. 

Yes, so many 'new age' theatre people and students talk of 'this' new technique and 'that' innovative, fad style of acting, all while criticizing the 'old school' and fundamental methods and explorations.  Oh, do not get me wrong --- we have to acquaint ourselves with all the great (and not so great) performance ideas out there.  Elements of some might work for you, while aspects of another will not.  But, as I was taught in drama school, it is better to explore many different techniques and use, discard or combine those which work for you.  Or even as one great actress and teacher told me -- 'Technique? Oh please.  Absolutely not, Lisa.  Do not restrict your creativity to another's view of how to play a role.'    Use and adapt to find what works for you.  But, that is a completely different blog post.  

Now, our journey continues, as we move into the deconstruction of the show and explore the flesh and blood of the story.  It will be challenging, but it will also be worthwhile when we arrive at the other side.  

Onward...