27 January 2014- Day One
Rehearsals kicked off at 10am this morning at FH Space in Forest Hill- our home for the next three weeks before we head up to Bury St Edmunds!
This was the first time the full cast and production team had met, so we started with brief introductions.
This was the first time the full cast and production team had met, so we started with brief introductions.
We heard from our production team- Nicky (Designer), Rachel (Costume Supervisor), Paul (Director), Funke (Associate Producer), Dan (Production Manager), Titch (Stage Manager) and Emily (Assistant Producer)- and our cast- Gloria Onitiri, Richard Pepple, Lorna Gayle, Seun Shote and Anna-Maria Nabirye. Mhari (Producer) joined us later in the afternoon.
Nicky then took us through her designs for the show. The Anyia's cramped and bustling terraced house will be recreated on stage; the perfect environment to house the bubbling feuds, tensions and disputes as the Anyia family pack for the memorial service of the late Mr Anyia. Stylised suitcases hang from above, from which wallpaper cascades down to form the walls of the house.
Nicky then took us through her designs for the show. The Anyia's cramped and bustling terraced house will be recreated on stage; the perfect environment to house the bubbling feuds, tensions and disputes as the Anyia family pack for the memorial service of the late Mr Anyia. Stylised suitcases hang from above, from which wallpaper cascades down to form the walls of the house.
After a quick break, we started the read-through. Within minutes production team and cast were holding back snorts of laughter. Janice's script is witty, warm and full of brilliant one-liners; although it was just a read-through, the cast dynamic, energy and familiarity were that of a, if somewhat dysfunctional, family. There were already some really bittersweet moments, which counter the comedy, coming to the fore: Anne and Mrs Anyia's monologues, in particular, showed the emotional weight of the situation which each of the characters must contend with.
It's been a fantastic first day for the Egusi Soup team and things are warming up pretty nicely! Looking forward to seeing what the rest of the week's rehearsals will bring!
28 January 2014- Day 2
Our director, Paul, has been taken ill so was unable to take rehearsals today! Fortunately, Funke, our associate producer and cultural expert, stepped in.
The day consisted of discussions of the Nigerian elements of the play: we worked on dialect and accent, but also discussed the Anyias relationships to each-other as a Nigerian family living in the UK.
We also chatted about costume: we discussed to what extent clothing is an assertion of identity in Egusi Soup, particularly the tussle between being both Nigerian and British. Seun alerted us to a couple of important cultural details: for instance, when Dele and Mr Emmanuel return from church, they should enter the house barefoot.
Titch spent much of the day beavering away on her laptop propping for the show. The Anyia's household is far from minimalist in style so there are lots of knick-knacks to get hold of, as well as the larger pieces.
The day consisted of discussions of the Nigerian elements of the play: we worked on dialect and accent, but also discussed the Anyias relationships to each-other as a Nigerian family living in the UK.
We also chatted about costume: we discussed to what extent clothing is an assertion of identity in Egusi Soup, particularly the tussle between being both Nigerian and British. Seun alerted us to a couple of important cultural details: for instance, when Dele and Mr Emmanuel return from church, they should enter the house barefoot.
Titch spent much of the day beavering away on her laptop propping for the show. The Anyia's household is far from minimalist in style so there are lots of knick-knacks to get hold of, as well as the larger pieces.
31 January 2014- Day 5
Over the last few days, Paul has been back up on his feet and the cast have also been up and about; the mark-up has gone down and furniture has been added. The cast have been getting used to the space and some initial blocking has been added in.
The Anyia's house, including living room, dining room, boxroom and bedroom, will be created on stage. Egusi Soup consists of some traditional dramatic devices when it comes to overhearing and overseeing action; actors move in and out of rooms with intention, which means the cast will need to be become familiar with the Anyia house as quickly as possible. This familiarity with set is a particular challenge on a tour, naturally adjustments will need to be made depending on the size of each space. Nicky has worked hard to design a set which sees the same footfall for the actors in every venue.
The Anyia's house, including living room, dining room, boxroom and bedroom, will be created on stage. Egusi Soup consists of some traditional dramatic devices when it comes to overhearing and overseeing action; actors move in and out of rooms with intention, which means the cast will need to be become familiar with the Anyia house as quickly as possible. This familiarity with set is a particular challenge on a tour, naturally adjustments will need to be made depending on the size of each space. Nicky has worked hard to design a set which sees the same footfall for the actors in every venue.
3 February 2014- Day 6
It's week two of Egusi Soup rehearsals! Today's picture of the day is Paul interrupting/photo-bombing Dele's smooth moves as they rehearse the bedroom scene...
5 February- Day 8
Today's blog entry is from Titch, our beavering-away -busy-bee Assistant Stage Manager:
I took Funke with me today prop shopping. We went into the pound shop to gather some props that Mrs Anyia would typically have collected as presents for her trip to Nigeria. I was extremely grateful for Funke's help and we filled two baskets, which now make the atmosphere of the set much more realistic! It's amazing what a pair of pink fairy wings can do to a living room!
Back in rehearsals, Paul and the cast turned their attention to Act 2, looking particularly at the blocking of the first scene. Listening to some of the questions raised, I think this scene is proving a challenge as it is made up of so many sections. Just before we finished for the day, they did a run of the first two scenes of Act 2, which are really starting to take shape! I think the cast are doing an amazing job, particularly as there are so many props in the show, and quite a limited floor space in some scenes!
I took Funke with me today prop shopping. We went into the pound shop to gather some props that Mrs Anyia would typically have collected as presents for her trip to Nigeria. I was extremely grateful for Funke's help and we filled two baskets, which now make the atmosphere of the set much more realistic! It's amazing what a pair of pink fairy wings can do to a living room!
Back in rehearsals, Paul and the cast turned their attention to Act 2, looking particularly at the blocking of the first scene. Listening to some of the questions raised, I think this scene is proving a challenge as it is made up of so many sections. Just before we finished for the day, they did a run of the first two scenes of Act 2, which are really starting to take shape! I think the cast are doing an amazing job, particularly as there are so many props in the show, and quite a limited floor space in some scenes!
Nigerian word of the day: Okada! A ceremonial motorcyclist who rides alongside the funeral procession next to the hearse. I'm learning so may new words on this show!
6 February- Day 9
A successful day of rehearsals today but it's been a bit of a run about for Titch:
The cast had a very productive day today, me, not so much! The cast spent the morning blocking scenes ten and eleven while I continued my quest for the generator box that I have been trying to get every day for the last two weeks! We broke for lunch and Nicky and Rachael turned up with some costumes for the cast to try on. Just before the cast started back, I headed out to get the last suitcases and a bedside table from west London. The cast started back and ran Act 2 up to scene 11, while I sat in traffic. They then sat and had notes, while I sat in traffic. They then re-ran scenes ten and eleven, while I sat in traffic. Needless to say, when I turned up at the rehearsal room again, the cast had gone home! So, a wonderful day for the cast, and a very unproductive day for me!
Highlight of the day for me- my search for the elusive generator box is finally at an end! I have managed to get one!
The cast had a very productive day today, me, not so much! The cast spent the morning blocking scenes ten and eleven while I continued my quest for the generator box that I have been trying to get every day for the last two weeks! We broke for lunch and Nicky and Rachael turned up with some costumes for the cast to try on. Just before the cast started back, I headed out to get the last suitcases and a bedside table from west London. The cast started back and ran Act 2 up to scene 11, while I sat in traffic. They then sat and had notes, while I sat in traffic. They then re-ran scenes ten and eleven, while I sat in traffic. Needless to say, when I turned up at the rehearsal room again, the cast had gone home! So, a wonderful day for the cast, and a very unproductive day for me!
Highlight of the day for me- my search for the elusive generator box is finally at an end! I have managed to get one!
7 February- Day 10
Today, we looked through Act 2 scene by scene as most of the smaller props are now in rehearsals. Myself and Paul spent half an hour looking at the suitcase situation, as there are quite a few in the show. After a little scratching of heads, we have now sorted this and, after lunch, we did a run of Act 1. We had a little chat about the show before we finished, and I think everyone, particularly the cast, are very very happy with the condition of the play so far. As there are so many props in the show, having the blocking sorted has really helped to solidify how and when all these props are used and moved around the space.
I think the cast are doing an amazing job, and the play is really taking shape! I feel next week is going to be an exciting week as we turn our attention to detail and doing some runs of the whole thing!
Nigerian word of the day: Biko- which means please!
Nigerian word of the day: Biko- which means please!
Anna-Maria Nabirye (Grace): thoughts on week 1 of rehearsals
The bonus of being an actor is having a period of time to explore a character through the text given, through my own life experiences and those of my fellow cast mates. It is true to say we don't see what is in front of us and exploring this Nija family I am able to see and recognise so much of my Ugandan/British upbringing. And who knows maybe more wide spread than just the African Diaspora - it would be interesting to find out if certain things resonate with other cultural groups. Both the similarities and differences are fascinating to explore. But for me what sings through all of this is family and grief. Which makes this culturally specific snapshot of time, a universal timeless, ageless exploration of love, loss and family.
Funke Oyebanjo (Associate Producer): "Biko"
This word haunted me in rehearsal today. Why would a word signifying “please” rattle, pierce and shake me so?
I guess it’s that old irritation of finding one’s tongue.
Being as Bhatt would call it “between tongues” there I am in a rehearsal space in London trying to communicate the right word for please in a
Nigerian language I would hear constantly as a child and now it’s taunting me dancing shadows around me.
I live in England, speak English and the occasional Yoruba. Yoruba and the bits of Igbo and Hausa I know evaporate only to tease me or get in the way of English in which I communicate whilst rehearsing a second generation Nigerian play. “Biko, Biko Biko” that’s it. It is Igbo for please.
Maybe my discomfort is a silent prayer that my words stay with me.
Biko is not only the Igbo word for the day, it’s a silent prayer.
I guess it’s that old irritation of finding one’s tongue.
Being as Bhatt would call it “between tongues” there I am in a rehearsal space in London trying to communicate the right word for please in a
Nigerian language I would hear constantly as a child and now it’s taunting me dancing shadows around me.
I live in England, speak English and the occasional Yoruba. Yoruba and the bits of Igbo and Hausa I know evaporate only to tease me or get in the way of English in which I communicate whilst rehearsing a second generation Nigerian play. “Biko, Biko Biko” that’s it. It is Igbo for please.
Maybe my discomfort is a silent prayer that my words stay with me.
Biko is not only the Igbo word for the day, it’s a silent prayer.
Richard Pepple (Mr Emmanuel): thoughts on week 1 of rehearsals
I cannot believe that we're about to start our final week of rehearsals in London. The saying goes: "time flies when you're having fun." The same saying should be applied when you are nervous, knackered and excited. For me the last 3 weeks have been a combination of all those things, which is an indicator that I'm on the right track. Working with a new team of creatives and performers in the last 2 weeks has been great and, with everyone bringing both their talents and commitment to the table, it has made this particular process a safe and friendly environment to work in.
10 February- Day 11
We spent the day working on Act 2, scene by scene, spending particular time on the first scene, as it is a long one. Progress is definitely being made, and the runs of the scenes are starting to look very slick. Just a couple more rehearsals before we start to run the whole show as one, and I think the cast are more than ready! I have to say it is great to see a whole company working very closely together, looking at accents, traditions and sharing stories of their families.
My favourite part of today was learning how to make Garri ready for the show. We have had our first batch made up and tomorrow is first tasting day.
Nigerian word of the day: Eba - the word for cooked Garri. Garri is the raw form, Eba is the cooked form. I have to say, I do find it a little bland, but I am looking forward to trying it with the Egusi soup tomorrow!
My favourite part of today was learning how to make Garri ready for the show. We have had our first batch made up and tomorrow is first tasting day.
Nigerian word of the day: Eba - the word for cooked Garri. Garri is the raw form, Eba is the cooked form. I have to say, I do find it a little bland, but I am looking forward to trying it with the Egusi soup tomorrow!
11 February- Day 12
Today was a look through each scene in Act 1 cementing in the prop movements. It has enabled me to sort a setting list out and get ready for pre-setting the show once we get to the venues. We have had some good interviews today by the cast, but our main news is that we finally have our John Chucks Anyia! It has been quite difficult to find a man willing to have his photo taken, a Nigerian man in his 50s, but in the end, Anna Maria's step-father, Michael, has come to our rescue, and the photos look great. Nicky is very happy with them! Trying to sort out the tribal facial marking though is still a slight challenge! With only a few days left until we head to Bury, things are heating up, and the play is coming together nicely!
13 February- Day 14
Today was a good day for the cast. We ran Act 1 with Egusi soup which went really well. The cast have taught Lorna and Anna how to eat Egusi soup and they like it! They had some table time today, where they sat and cemented decisions which they made about their characters. They have done an excellent job, and the show is looking very good! Funke and Nicky watched the run this afternoon, and we had some great reactions from both of them. I think the cast are feeling very positive about heading into Bury St. Edmunds, and so they should. The next couple of days is now about getting the scenes slick, and dealing with the minute details. A great day all round!