Fifth preview

Last night was the benefit night. Originally scheduled as opening. But I guess that's officially friday.

Still agonizing over the end.

Captain says: men I want the riverbank cleared. We hear a bird then the river makes noises. The women head to the river pull out a body. Then drag it towards the soldiers. They look at each other and dance and sing. Then the show ends.

Er.

The problem is: I have 14 people and seven chairs on stage. Its really hard for the story to reveal itself at that point. And very hard to see a body.

What I envision is a major change: that the women pull a body out and realize that this is just gonna keep happening no matter what the captain does, whether they are alive or not. So - since the river knows - it make sense for me to bring fidelia out and provide a sense of hope for the future. It may feel slightly sentimental. But I have faith its the right choice.

Now how to execute it given that I have no time and not the full cooperation - as is their right, given the nature of a showcase contract - of the company?

No idea. But I will try. I've called the company - those available -for rehearsal at 545.

Practically what it means is that after the scene with the captain and sofia and alexis, that we go right away to the lieutenant entering the scene post blackout. Then what? - the captain wants the river bank cleared.

We go through the song - without words? Then a silence while fidelia comes on stage gives her monologue and walks out. Or stays.

Agony.

But better than before.