[For the curious, this block consists of: Dermatology, Rheumatology, Orthopaedics, Plastics and Anaesthesiology.....quite a handful for 6 weeks!!!]
It looks like I've deviated from the subject I wanted to blog, so....back to my original plan. =P
When I was still at Trinity College, I watched a play at the Melbourne Arts Centre. What enthralled me then was the fact that:
1. Limited props were used (which consisted of 2 paintcans, 2 footstools, 2 electric guitars, 2 amplifiers and a ladder)
2. There were no backdrops at all, and
3. There were only TWO actors throughout the 2-hour long play!
Within that two hours, both actors took on numerous characters (from problematic teenage boys to narrators and stern police officers), switching from one persona to another (on stage, mind you) with astounding precision and speed. Even the setups and transitions from one setting to another completely blew me away. Who would have thought that depictions of a garage, a highway and an overhead bridge, a bar, an interrogation room, a jail cell and a courtroom could be done, simply by clever use of props (as mentioned)? Well I didn't think it was feasible at the beginning, so that was quite an eye-opener for me.
Keeping that in mind, imagine my excitement when I discover yet ANOTHER play, echoing similar concepts as above!! XD
Only this time around, there are FOUR actors altogether. And between them - over 150 characters to play. Yup, you heard me: ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY characters.
[Note: picture taken from www.theartscentre.com.au]
Now this upcoming play is called "The 39 Steps", which is based on John Buchanan's novel of the same name. If you wonder why this sounds familiar, it may be because the story has been adapted for the silverscreen three times in cinematic history, the most memorable of them being Alfred Hitchcock's "The 39 Steps" (1935). =P
Since I'm running short of time, allow me to indulge you a few (albeit brief) details on the play before I sign off.
"The 39 steps" is to be staged by the Melbourne Theater Company, at the Melbourne Arts Centre between 5th April - 10th May 2008. Prices range from AUD55.40-75.30. For more information, kindly proceed to the Arts Centre official website, or simply click here
Anyone gamed for it? I am. =P
