It's been Four Months

This poor blog is so neglected sometimes. I wonder if anyone even reads it anymore.

I had some musings over the course of the current show ("The Game of Love and Chance") as to the power theatre holds over us. I myself am currently going through some turbulent times, and figured that it would be incredibly difficult to be high energy, cheerful and charming for two, sometimes four hours a day. In the end, I found it incredibly therapeutic. 

During the 1930's, where the play was transposed to, one finds that despite the Great Depression, and all sorts of turbulent times are going on. However, in this world, there are little oases of peace (namely in the homes of the very wealthy, such as my character, Mister Orgon.) In these little pockets within the depression, one finds that people have completely escaped the dreads of the outside world. 

To that end, and in that spirit, I took "The Game of Love and Chance" as a two hour, sometimes four hour, break from my life. I willfully, and very gladly, put aside all my woes in order to immerse myself in this charming little world, and I have to say, it did wonders for my mental and emotional constitution. Simply using Theatre as a temporary escape allowed me to return to my tribulations with greater vigour than before. Sure, I was tired after each show, but emotionally I was recharged and ready to tackle another problem.

Part of it is the wonderful family element built up at First Stage. I could essentially turn to anyone in the cast and air my woes for a moment, as they, in turn, were more than welcome to do with me. To me, as it has been in the past, First Stage has provided an incredibly safe atmosphere for me to exist and create art. Times may be turbulent in and outside of the building, but at least my soul is put at ease; I'm surrounded by friends, in a familiar place. We may have our disputes, but I know in my heart that the disputes are not to tear us apart, but rather to strengthen our bonds and keep us together. 

I told Mark Krikstan upon the first day of rehearsal that: "...coming back here is like being welcomed home by an old friend." Those words haven't lost their meaning to me. Knowing that tomorrow is the last day of the current show, means that I will have to leave my friend behind again for awhile. I hope, in my heart, for a triumphant return, as I bring what I've learned from abroad back into its walls, and I hope that it, in return, will welcome me back once again.