August 2021: A Timely Reminder - Leanda Herring
I love the buzz of the theatre!
The excitement of bump in, the stage crew racing against the clock to ensure all is set for the production director. Like ants in a colony, everyone assigned a particular task is moving frantically to complete it. Re-assembling sets. Arranging lighting bars. Adjusting sound amplification. Carrying armloads of costumes and mountains of makeup. Carefully transporting labelled boxes filled with convincing props.
I love it all!
As an aged thespian, my contribution to this production is not yet required. Consequently, I hover in the back row of the theatre, studying the worn green leather seating. Long ago, these same seats absolutely shone under the house lights. Patrons slid a little on the then-new fabric as they lowered themselves into their designated places. Now, like me, the seats display the fractured cracks of aging.
My ears prick up, detecting voices coming from the stage door. I scrutinise the gaggle of actors as they wander from the safety of the wings and onto the stage. Amusing myself, I divide the troupe into four groups: Virgins - new to theatre with eyes positively bulging, taking everything in; Chorus Stalwarts - happily re-uniting with old friends; Peacocks - relegated to minor roles yet strutting with puffed chests, full of their own self-importance; Principals – projecting quiet confidence.
I can appreciate the considerable effort the eclectic cast will have made toward bringing this production into the theatre. Devoting many months to intense rehearsals, these individuals have embraced the challenge of transforming themselves into their characters, learning to deliver expressive dialogue, perfecting choreography and stage movement.
For three exhausting days, the director insists they have more to give. ‘I need your best!’ he demands. Even the Peacocks try to please him until finally the production breathes life. It is ready for Opening Night.
In the dressing room, a Virgin overwhelmed by a mixture of nerves and adrenaline shouts, ‘Good luck everyone!’ The excited chatter ceases. Critical eyes scowl at her, concerned by her poor choice of words. And there it is! My cue!
I ascend high above the stage into the fly tower. The enormous space housing back drops raised and lowered during production. My eye is drawn to a misplaced sandbag perched on the edge of the metal service grid above the back drops. I smile!
The auditorium is filled with eager theatre devotees, impatient for the house lights to dim. Loud applause accompanies the rising curtain, revealing the cast in position on stage.
Timed to perfection, the sandbag topples over the edge of the grid, striking its target with flawless accuracy. The young Virgin is thrust forward, her skull crushed between the sandbag and the hardwood timbers of the stage. Stunned silence. The curtain quickly descends.
I have played my role to perfection, delivering a timely reminder to theatre sceptics. Theatre ghosts do exist and are sticklers for following the rules. I should know!
If your show is booked into my theatre, please remember, ‘Break a leg!’
September’s Right Left Write competition is open now - theme: No Trespassers. Enter at www.queenslandwriters.org.au/competitions.
Right Left Write’s August prompt was Opening Night.