Of Kings, Princes, and Rogues

I’ve been writing the final exam for my physics class all afternoon, and into the evening. After sending a version off to my colleague Doug for his comments, I left my office for the day shortly after 8:00pm, to do something completely different for a while. Where did I go? To a high school somewhere mid-city to watch a rehearsal/workshop for a production of Henry IV (parts 1 and 2).

A dear friend of mine has called upon his colleagues from stage and screen to put together a film of a new screenplay of Shakespeare’s Henry IV, and he invited me to come and sit in and observe. The place was all abuzz when I arrived at 9:00, with people practicing sword-fights in the corridor, others standing in corners memorizing lines, and still others taking breaks between working on whatever parts they are refining together in groups. They’ve been working on it for a week now, and it is very exciting. There are two rooms where several actors are reading through some parts, and on the right are some snaps from the room next door where some scenes are being worked out with the director. It is such fun, and great to see several of the group of people I meet casually from time to time at social gatherings digging joyfully into material and working the magic of their craft. It is the analogue of them coming to see me at work (as some have said in the past that they want to do!), seeing me do things like give a lecture, or brainstorming ideas with colleagues or students, or , er… engaged in long solitary hours of sitting and thinking, scribbling, and thinking some more. Hmmm… I think perhaps I get the better deal!

I wish I could tell you more, but I don’t have permission. You’d perhaps recognize a number of the players from film, TV and stage, but I can’t mention any of the names unless I know that I’m allowed to. Perhaps later. (In case you are wondering, I indeed got permission to take some snaps – they were happy to have them for reference later – and permission to post one or two here for you.)

Filming starts next week. I’ll be super-busy with visitors arriving from out of town, but I will try to look in at least once or twice. It’s a very exciting project.

Great way to wind down after a long day. I love this town.

-cvj