I'm now rehearsing my play with renewed vigour, thanks to my highly stimulating and productive rehearsal with James Power.
James will be supporting me for my 2023 performances, but until then I'm on my own again with my words. But I'm equipped with the tools James gave me, as well as the tools from Lynda Gough and Angela Keogh before him.
Photo Description: Here's one I prepared earlier – a rehearsal pic from my time at Garter Lane with Angela Keogh. I'm on the right of the screen with a chair behind me, reading from my script, wearing one of my beloved woolly jumpers.
If the play is to work well on a big stage, it'll need emotional intensity, not just laughs. So, here's what I'm doing in my rehearsals to bring out that emotional intensity.
Letting My Words Breathe
When I was rehearsing before, I fell into the trap of just getting through the lines. I was forgetting about the emotions that lay behind them, about the stories.
James Power reminded me of the importance of slowing down the words and trusting that they will land.
Now when I rehearse, I find myself channelling that emotion and feeling it, though thankfully not to the point where I need a therapist – yet!
Breaking It Down
Another way I'm tapping into that emotion is to break my rehearsals into 10-minute chunks, so I can really concentrate on the words. This helps me feel the intensity of the words.
Concentrating on the words as I deliver the play will eliminate that "will I ever get through this" feeling that sometimes creeps up on me when I'm rehearsing.
Using An Armchair
The reality is, my words will not be enough to fill a big, empty stage. So, I'll be using an armchair during my performances to anchor myself.
My gurus have told me that too much movement on stage is distracting, so sitting in the armchair at key moments will help audiences to focus on my story.
I'm hoping that weaving these simple techniques into my rehearsals will lead to an emotionally thrilling and rewarding experience for audiences this January and February. And don't worry – there'll still be laughs.
For my Tipperary fans, the Source Arts Centre in Thurles have made my show available for bookings. If you want to be an early bird, book here. I flatter myself it might make a handy Christmas present for some poor, unsuspecting person.
Oh Derbhile! I love your humour xx I will definitely be booking your show again, I am curious about how the stage will change the delivery of your story. I can understand the armchair idea and I would love to see it in practice.