It has taken quite a while, and caused much anguish, but it really does appear as though we are finally in a position to move forward confidently with the production. Most importantly, we do – at last – have a complete cast. The role of Najim has been a particular bugbear; two others have been given the role (both, curiously, called Ali) and both have since withdrawn. But WeRESTART had already been collecting possible candidates, and last Tuesday we welcomed Raj, from Nepal. He does not have a background in migrant issues; instead he has arrived in England determined to be an actor, and has already attended an access course provided by the National Youth Theatre. What it does mean is that he is, so far as one can tell at this stage, very committed.
I realise that there still might be difficulties ahead, that Raj is not the only actor in the company, that anyone could equally well be unable to continue; we all lead complicated lives, and sometimes real life can intrude uncomfortably. But for the meantime we have a full cast.
Other very positive news is that it looks as though we have possible dates and venues for three Saturdays in June… though these need to be confirmed.
The rehearsal this week was by no means easy, as we are looking once again at probably the most difficult and challenging scenes: the boat crossing. We are using ladders to form a skeletal image of the boat, and though we did not have all the ladders, nor indeed all the people, we were able to give this scene a basic blocking. It was messy, of course, and completely lacking in atmosphere – music, lighting, movement, etc all lacking – but even so I was encouraged, and think that actually we are on to something, and that this could work. Theatre is an act of faith, relying on so many aspects all coming together at the same time. But signs that one is on a plausible path are still most welcome.
