I had thought I would be continuing the process of taking a class today, introducing myself to more of the students, trying to raise awareness and drum up a bit of enthusiasm for the forthcoming production… whatever that might be. But, through various sorts of miscommunication, that never actually happened, and I devoted my time to more rehearsal time with the group that are off to Lucknow. Actually, an entirely sensible decision. There are something like nine working days before they depart on the bus, and there is a great deal to do to create an acceptable performance, from a group of young people who have never appeared on a stage before.
Plus there are other aspects of the festival which need to be worked on – the song, a debate, and, apparently, a film. Kooshi, the girl who wrote the script, also gave me her contribution for a film (which also has to be ready by the same deadline) but, tough it was quite an interesting short story, was most decidedly was not a screenplay. Hardly surprising, since I think she was just told to write one. In my opinion, they have zero chance of being able to enter for this section, since, once there was even a screenplay, it would then have to be shot, edited… Fortunately, Aparna has told me that I do not need to worry about this section; they either will, or won’t, get something ready in time.
And so to the rehearsal. I had hoped (and asked) to be able to use the seminar room, as it appears it is the only open indoor space on the campus, and though this has been agreed in theory, in practice I would have to give way to any previous bookings (well, obviously.) And on this occasion it was a cultural event of some kind, which I would have liked to experience, and to which I had, indeed, been invited. But we used the space for half an hour or so before that came on, managing to block the final scene, including, rather impressively, a wedding dance.
Then back to the classroom we had used on Friday, to attempt a complete runthrough of the play. Which we managed.
I am growing very fond of them all already, and actually, (though admittedly from a low base level), they are making rapid progress, and the two “leads” have a real spark… as well as a propensity to dissolve into giggles every so often. And I am going to make some enquiries into obtaining an Indian visa, since that way I would be able to accompany them. Aparna and Ona will be there, of course, but I think it might be useful if I were there too, to bolster their self-belief.
