What I eat, what I read, how much sleep I get, how much exercise and what kind... my body and my mind are preparing to be challenged physically and emotionally. In a way, it's similar to athletic training, to build the stamina, strength and flexibility required for five weeks of nightly rehearsals and four weeks of performance.
But there are also the physical and emotional demands of creating the character. How does Jocasta (my character) move, first as a young woman and then 20 years later? What's in her heart, what are her dreams and her disillusions? What does she eat? Does she read? How much does she sleep?
I don't necessarily have to behave as she might. To name a few habits I'd prefer not to take on, she smokes and stays with a man who abuses her. But she also likes to dance...
One thing I've always loved about acting is that it is a full body, mind and soul experience. In many ways the work is conscious, intentional. For example, when I say a particular line in the third scene of the first act, I will turn and face my partner. I will do this because I want to have his full attention, I want him to understand what I mean.
But there is also the instinctual, unexpected side of the work that might, perhaps, influence when exactly I turn to face my partner, or, for how long I hold my gaze. Or whether I wait until I've finished speaking to turn and face him, in silence.
These choices are the beauty of live theatre, the moments of truth that cannot be predicted.
Perhaps it is ironic to be preparing for truth, for instinct, but if I didn't, it would be like not learning to read because I wasn't sure what exactly I'd be reading...
I think Jocasta sleeps a lot.
Goodnight!
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