Production Meeting and Set work.

On the 26th we had our 2nd production meeting since rehearsals began. It went well and I think the production is progressing well, it is just at the point where the set up and decoration of the set can begin and the costumes have mostly been decided and sourced. Alterations will have to be made to some of the hired garments although getting them a week earlier means that the cast can rehearse in the shoes they will be wearing for the performance. I think that this is a very interesting and yet challenging play to work on. Trying to create spontaneity whilst keeping the authenticity means that I have to consider every creative decision and give it an explanation, so that the themes of the play endure throughout. This will ensure that the play runs smoothly and the audience is carried along by the themes the cast portray.
The tavern signs have developed a lot during this project due to making developments in other elements of the play. This has meant the signs have changed and become more like coats of arms. I'm really pleased with them and look forward to working on them full size. I decided to change the Nun's Priest's sign as I felt the mirror did not fit with the other signs and the director was unsure of the reflective element. Below is a picture of the new nun's Priest's sign:

Below is a picture of the Jap Silk that we are lighting blue for the Sea in the Man of Law's tale. It has had to have some repair and I have used linens and silk noile for this and I have also neatened it. It was used for another AUCB production and it creates a good movement for waves in the sea. I wanted it to look as though it had been patched up by the host or one of his maids, as if it had previously been a grander table cloth and then a brawl had broken out and covered it in spots of blood as the taverns in the medieval period could be rough places.

I am pleased with how the made garments are going and I'm looking forward to seeing them at the next fittings. Below are some pictures of how the hats/head pieces for the Miller, Squire, Monk and Don John are developing.

Above is the Miller's hood. I really like the long tail, however it needs to have more of a point at the end.

This is the squire's hat. I like the fit on the head although it needs shortening.

Above shows snood that the monk will have. I decided to have the one for Don John half the length as he will have to put it on very quickly and easily.