July 18, 2020

White Dog started the return to cast practice for Hamlet by reviewing some of the costuming. "Hopefully," she told the assembled group, "this will get us all back into character and wake up the muse."

Sally Ann modeled her Rosencranz. "She is feminine but grew up as Hamlet's tomboy childhood friend so she wears the clothes of a lady but not too overblown. The skirts are easily hiked up to run a foot race or climb a tree." White Dog wagged in approval of  Sally's explanation.

Andy is approaching Guildenstern as Hamlet's sports buddy. "You know the guy who played football in the yard, who watched the game in college, and who did crazy guy things like eating an entire watermelon." "That's a good take on your guy childhood bestie," White Dog agreed.

 Bella wasn't ready to show her Queen Gertrude costume but wanted a reaction to her idea to play the Queen first as hiding her guilt by avoiding people and then being pushed into madness as the guilt ate away at her soul  "I like the idea of shredding a box of tissues," she said, "because it makes such a great mess and looks crazy." There were lots of hmmms and interested nods as the group processed her ideas.

White Dog slipped away and returned with her Day of the Dead vest. She addressed her explanation to Joey. "Joey, this is what I am thinking the ghost of Hamlet's father will wear," she said. "Mind you, I was naked in the original when I played this role, but it is a VERY nice vest with a direct link to the dead thing. What do you think?"

Asta got wolf whistles from everyone in her Crown Princess Fontinbras dress. "Simply elegant and splendid." "Not wimpy though, a strong Crown royalty statement." "YES!!!"

"Ophelia is broken hearted," Opal describes the tableaux she was painting. "No one sees her actually drown but I can be posed like this in the background when Queen Gertrude comes in to announce her death." "Yes, kind of like a memorial in real time." White Dog agreed.

White Dog's timer sounded. "We better get out in the yard and practice some dueling and fighting and villainy. Tomorrow if everyone is free, we will continue with costumes, motivation and monologues. Thanks everyone. I feel back to normal; let's do this proud!"