When Aparna had first talked about a photo-shoot, specifically to create an image for the poster for the production, but also to create some publicity material too, it had seemed as though it might be a fun activity. Actually, it has turned out to be a right pain organising it all. I could not afford to give up any rehearsal time, which pretty much meant it had to be on a Saturday, but Saturdays are tough for the media team (I have to say, I do not really understand what their relationship is with SPA; are they a part of the college, or are they just an independent photography and video company?)
And so, we were able to settle on a Friday morning, when both the performers, Anup and Richa, and the photographer (and his back-up team, it seemed) would be available… except I then discovered that Anup was missing from his Hotel Management course! And then getting him some appropriate clothing was also difficult; he is a smartly dressed young man, when Romeo is meant to have an edgy, James Dean-like vibe. We had had to borrow some torn jeans for him.
I had got Val to bring a leather jacket from home for him, but it turned put that that was a complete waste of time, as the jacket was far too large, far too heavy – ah well. I am not taking it back to England, so will just have to give it away – it was only taking up space in our attic.
I turned up, as agreed, at nine, and the actors were not too late. But the photography team were there at 9.30; they had told Aparna they could not be any earlier – just part of the usual Nepalese lack of communication, so there is no point getting any more frustrated with the whole thing than I already am.
We also had to borrow a motor-bike – Star had promised his, but he was not around – and then we all trekked down to Main Road – the picture needed an urban feel. I identified a suitable spot, but that was rejected; it had a huge advertisement for a rival secondary school on the side, and that was, I agreed, not appropriate for a SPA production. But it took far longer than it ought to identify a position, and get everything set for the shot. It did mean having the motor-bike right in the middle of the road, with traffic streaming past on both sides, but here the general laissez-faire attitude to traffic did us some favours, with no more than the usual level of horns beeping.
And it got down. I can’t say I was really convinced that it was all that I had originally envisaged; Richa had not made too much of an effort to put on make-up etc. And I did not think that the photographer had framed the shot as I wanted, but I guess they can play about with that on the computer. We also managed a couple of shots of Romeo and Tybalt (though I don’t really know how they might be used.) But when Aparna later suggested we might do it again, I turned that down flat – I did not think I could face it, so this would have to do.
The rehearsal in the afternoon was mildly dispiriting. We did at least have everyone there (eventually) and blocked the whole scene, apart form the two fight scenes, which will need a lot more time spent on them, without others being there. But I was pretty ratty, which always annoys me, the problem being that they are so inexperienced as actors they do not really have any concept of staying focused, of remaining in character, of actually acting. Not just when they have something to say, but all of the time. They just switch off; I had to have a go at Mercutio for going to sit down when he did not have lines to say. Actually, once again Tybalt/Pawan was the best thing about it – he has been something of a revelation, and was very much a last-minute recruit.
Ah well, exactly four weeks to go. Which is actually quite a long time. So buck up, Chris.
