July 19, 2020

White Dog watched Zsofia stroll down the ramp (the castle rampart) as Laertes. She nodded at the costume Zso had chosen. It was simple. Tough. And it would not get in the way during the raucous final fight scene.

"You and Roman (Hamlet) should practice those feints and jumps," White Dog advised as she ran to the computer screen for some quieter conversation with Charly.

"I talking to Mommi about how I wanted to play Francisco. He is a soldier and a guard but I did not think I could be a thug and I am not muscle-bound. She had a wonderful idea to model my Francisco on James Norton, her favorite actor. She says James would be a perfect role model, because we have similar temperaments. Crazy as a loon for when there is lots of action needed and sweet, caring and smart all at once. She and I are rewatching his Grantchester series and looking at photos of him off-camera. I think I am getting a good sense that MY Francisco is not a yeller and not authoritarian but persistent and disciplined in a relaxed way. What do you think, Ms. Director?"

"This is us practicing going on patrol." White Dog wagged and cheered. "Charly? Joey? Could you put yourselves in character as Francisco and Bernardo and read Act 1 Scene 1 so that I can hear both kind hearted guards meet. It might be a little hard since you are not next to each other but are electronic, but let's give it a go for a first run-through."

Enter two Sentinels-[first,] Francisco, [who paces up and down at his post; then] Bernardo, [who approaches him].

• Bernardo. Who's there?

• Francisco. Nay, answer me. Stand and unfold yourself.

• Bernardo. Long live the King!

• Francisco. Bernardo?5

• Bernardo. He.

• Francisco. You come most carefully upon your hour.

• Bernardo. 'Tis now struck twelve. Get thee to bed, Francisco.

• Francisco. For this relief much thanks. 'Tis bitter cold,
  And I am sick at heart.10

• Bernardo. Have you had quiet guard?

• Francisco. Not a mouse stirring.

• Bernardo. Well, good night.
  If you do meet Horatio and Marcellus,
  The rivals of my watch, bid them make haste.

"That was awesome! You both are like the guards I always thought would be guards at the Elven Palace in Lord of the Rings...adept and confident enough to be kind and soft spoken. Bravo! Just a quick look at Pearl strutting her Marcellus to charge the guard and I will let everyone go home to enjoy Easy Sunday. Oh, and everyone, have a piece of watermelon before you go. Andy donated to the cast."