We are deep into the rehearsal process for Curio's next production, "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead," a darkly comedic look into the psyches of two of the minor characters in Shakespeare's "Hamlet," written by the brilliant Tom Stoppard. Many of the actors double as members of the King of Denmark's court and members of the traveling group of players that comes to entertain the court. Director, Liz Carlson, has made the wonderful choice of having the players be a troupe of Commedia dell'Arte actors, which means: MASKS! MOVEMENT! WORKSHOPS!
This week we were fortunate enough to have Brendon Gawel of Philadelphia's Ombelico Mask Ensemble come to lead us in a Commedia workshop, reviewing the stock characters and their quirks with us. It was fascinating, fun and exhausting. I think we all realized just how many leg muscles are used in maintaining the basic Commedia stance, let alone are required for any sort of movement through space!
The plaster half-masks we will be using in performance are still under construction and will, hopefully, be ready for use in rehearsal by the end of this week.
Here, Brian McCann, who plays the role of the Player, is being fitted for his mask by artistic director, Paul Kuhn (Paul wears many hats at Curio, including set designer and constructor... but more on the set later.)
Facial hair had to be protected by vaseline and tape so that the strips of plaster wouldn't stick to the face, making removal of the hardened mask a painful process. As it was, it required only a scrunching of the facial muscles to pop the mold off. The twenty minutes it took for the soft strips to harden on the face were incredibly relaxing, at least for me, and I found myself naturally using my hands and arms to express myself as I waited for the process to be complete.
I can't wait to post an update with photos of the fully-molded and painted Commedia masks!
Until next time,
-Jennifer Summerfield
(Gertrude/Commedia actor)
Monday, March 28, 2011
The Art Behind the Mask
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Curio presents Great Expectations by Charles Dickens Adapted and Directed by Jared Reed
Previews February 3,4,5 and runs from February 10 to March 5, 2011. Thursday, Friday, Saturdays at 8pm. Tickets $10.00 t0 $15.00. Visit www.curiotheatre.org or call 215-525-1350
Friday, October 29, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Next up, The Gong Show!
Twelfth Night ended on a high note for the cast and crew, with the closing weekend completely sold out and a last, glorious performance at The Steampunk World's Fair in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, May 16th.
The crowd was enthusiastic and recognized us as kindred spirits; we were no longer unusual in our dress and found ourselves surrounded by goggle-wearing, Shakespeare quoting lovers of steam! It was a wonderful day and event.
After the performance, we signed program guides and mingled with the audience as we showed off our costumes and compared goggles.
Next season promises to be an equally exciting one, so please keep an eye out for the season announcement!
On the 22nd of May, we'll be hosting The Gong Show, a fundraiser to help make Curio completely accessible to the public. It's a great cause and wonderful fun, so please come out in support! You can purchase tickets or donate here on the website.
See you all soon!
-- Jennifer Summerfield --
Monday, April 19, 2010
Opening Night and beyond
The first week of previews went beautifully and we're excited for opening night, particularly as there are only three tickets left for that performance! If you come to opening, please stay afterwards for the party hosted by The Gold Standard Cafe, across the street from the theatre. We always have a wonderful time there and love to meet and chat with the audience, so please don't be shy about introducing yourselves!
We're also incredibly excited about the souvenir program guide we have in the works. It may not be available in time for opening night, but it will feature the gorgeous photography of Kyle Cassidy and the otherworldly designs of Kambriel, Peacock Blue Design Studio, Mayfaire Moon and Clockwork Couture. It's been a dream to wear these garments, which lend just the right touch of timelessness and whimsy for the production... and we hope to spread that dreamlike state to you as well, through the images in the guide.
Be sure to ask us about the program guide, which will be available for a nominal fee at some point within the next two weeks. To whet your appetite, Cassidy's production photos will be on view in the lobby of the theatre.
We look forward to seeing you at Twelfth Night!
-Jennifer Summerfield-