"Everyone Does Good Because It’s Their Interpretation"
December 10
We arrived at the facility around 5:25 pm, and after clearing security, made our way to the programs building. The group entered the auditorium, setting up chairs and chatting as we got settled. Once everyone gathered, we decided to put Act 3 Scene 3 of Much Ado About Nothing on its feet.
At first, there was some confusion about the staging, with a lot of marching happening throughout the scene. One person suggested that the three characters listening should line up while Dogberry paced back and forth, lecturing them. The group adjusted the blocking, and Dogberry was played with a booming, exaggerated voice that got everyone laughing.
Afterward, we asked for thoughts. “I need work,” said the person playing Dogberry. “I need to know his character more. Get more words wrong, make it funnier, and have more facial expressions. Dogberry wants to be the best he can be and find a constable.” Someone else suggested that Dogberry might be striving to earn respect in the scene.
We ran the scene again with a different group. One person brought physical comedy to their role, bouncing up and down to be chosen and using a Southern accent. Afterward, the person playing Dogberry reflected, “I didn’t feel good playing him. He’s super animated. I didn’t do him justice. That was so off.” The group encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone. “Don’t compare yourself,” someone said. Another added, “They’re shining their light, you shine yours.” One participant smiled, “Don’t be afraid to get goofy.” We all agreed that the ensemble games are great tools for finding that goofiness.
One participant connected Seacole’s enthusiasm to her military days: “Seacole is overanxious. I was picturing some of my troops when they were young.”
Later, we moved on to Act 3 Scene 4, where the group explored the playful banter between the women. Afterward, one person commented, “That was fun!” Another added, “By my troth, you guys were great,” and the group chuckled at the phrase. We discussed the dynamic between Hero and Margaret, with one participant suggesting Margaret is “the trashy friend,” while others disagreed, noting the interpretation could go either way depending on the actor.
Before the night ended, we ran another scene, focusing on Benedick’s soliloquy and giving some others the opportunity to try new roles. The group worked on finding the contrast between Claudio’s past disposition and how he acts now that he’s in love. The group also played with suggestions to treat the group’s attempts to “prank” Benedick like a mischievous phone call.
December 12
It was bitterly cold, but we arrived early enough to set up before the group joined us. After check-in, one participant shared that she’d been working on Benedick’s soliloquy (Act 2 Scene 3) on her own. “I’ve been rehearsing it at lunch with my bunkies.” Another added, “My bunkie reads with me. She may not join, but she definitely wants to come see the show!”
The participant bravely stepped up and delivered the monologue. “I felt better than before,” she reflected, though she was frustrated about not knowing all the words. The group rallied behind her, encouraging her to slow down and move her body more to bring the text to life. After a couple of runs, she incorporated feedback with grace and skill, and the group praised her for her effort.
Another participant decided to try a different Benedick soliloquy from the same scene. “I feel great about it,” she said afterward. “I’ve read it so many times, it’s easier to gauge this and that. And if you mess up, the audience doesn’t know!”
Another participant stepped up to try the earlier soliloquy, showing how a different interpretation can bring new energy to the same piece. “It felt powerful,” she said afterward. Others gave it a try as well, with one participant admitting, “I’m kinda nervous—it’s fun until I start stuttering!” The group reassured her, encouraging her to “own it.” Someone pointed out that her interpretation of Benedick was gentler, which was refreshing. This led to a discussion about Benedick’s ideal woman and how Beatrice, though sharp, doesn’t lose her temper. “I had the man I wanted and that landed me in prison,” one participant reflected. “Now I’m here and found what I needed.”
The group explored the soliloquy together, sharing notes and trying new ideas. One participant emphasized, “Everyone does good because it’s their interpretation,” a sentiment that resonated deeply as we continued to see unique takes on the same text.
We ended the night with a lighthearted game of “Queen of the Jungle”, laughter echoing through the room as we packed up the space.