July 23, 2020

White Dog stood on the deck with one eye on the darkening sky and the other on the Roman and Zsofia out in the yard.

They were about to rehearse the fight scene as Hamlet and Laertes in the final scene of the play. "Remember, this is just practice and is ACTING. Don't get so drawn into the action that it becomes something more. You are fighting in front of the King, Queen and members of the Court. Hamlet, you score the first point but wisely wave off the King's goblet which is poisoned. Instead, Gertrude drinks from the same chalice after celebrating Hamlet's second point. 

"Laertes then stabs Hamlet with the poisoned rapier, but after a quick scuffle, Hamlet manages to grab the poisoned sword and wound Laertes. Suddenly the queen collapses, and Laertes explains Claudius' treachery. Hamlet then wounds Claudius with the poisoned sword and forces him to drink the poisoned wine.

"Hamlet and Laertes make amends before both die. So let's start and take each step one at a time. Then we will call everyone in and do the entire Scene. OK?"

Roman bared his teeth like the madman Hamlet is supposed to be and Zso sent up a keening song, Siberian battle cry...then they rushed together. 

At that exact moment there was a crack and the sky opened up in torrents. Roman, who in real life is storm phobic raced for the dog door...followed by the entire cast. 

"Practice called on account of monsoons," White Dog shouted above the thunder.