Righty, ahead of the meeting on Thursday, why not give a synopsis of Wyrd Sisters? If you havent already guessed its Pratchetts mash-up spoof of various Shakespears plays. That well know Scottish play features heavily, as does Hamlet and King Lear, but there is very definitely reference to Richard III and others. There is, in true Shakespearean form, a play within the play. This is where both the most fun, and perhaps the biggest comedy challenge might lie. It is also the point in the play where upwards of 12 actors are required all at once, and a good deal of careful timing and very quick character changes for the incidental actors. There is a really fun scene reminiscent of several Blackadder scenes and Briggs in unashamed in mentioning using this as an aide. There are 6 main characters. Ill try to give an idea of them here. It should be noted that where age, looks or figure are mentioned these characteristics are less important than any actors ability to get into character - but physical appearance is mentioned here as it helps to build the overall image; Granny Weatherwax is my favourite. Elderly, opinionated, strong willed, slim and far too attractive for either her age or for being a witch. Taking an extraordinary amount of sugar in her tea neither gives her rotten teeth or makes her fat. Rather, she just has more energy. You know the type. Cant grow worts either. She doesnt really think witches should be married or do any of that sort of thing, and therefore disapproves of a lot of Nanny Oggs lifestyle. Feminist, headologist and wins people over by powers of persuasion or just brinkmanship, only uses magic as a last resort and under duress. Nanny Ogg has an inordinate number of offspring, who in turn have gone right ahead and procreated further. Nanny doesnt really have to do very much for herself as her extended family of decedents can be called upon at any time. Our Jason can fix that for me Knows various extremely rude songs and likes beer in large quantities and has the frame to take such activities. Has had several husbands. Magrat is much younger than the other two. A very enthusiastic young witch and perhaps just a little bit dizzy. Believe magic should be done just right, and disapproves of the older witches rather slapdash approach to such matters. Thin, flat-chested, and unable to make her hair do what she thinks it ought to do. Has been shown the art of midwifery, but no one has told her about the previous and therefore has little idea of the role men might have to play in this arena. Naive may not be quite a strong enough word. This may be a bit of a problem as she ends up having a rather protracted kiss that lasts 15 years with The Fool from the castle. (Actually, the kiss only lasts the length of the interval, and the actors can break off once the curtain has fallen and resume again just before the start of the second act. This, we are told, is to do with something that might be referred to as suspension of disbelief) The three witches are by far the biggest roles. The Fool. Not really that foolish. Quite bright, actually. Magrat does seem to have a bit of a crush on him. Fool to the Duke. Young, lanky, a bit clumsy perhaps. Didnt ever really want to be a Fool, its all part of the family tradition, handed down from his grandfather. He does take fooling very seriously and has, to his regret, sworn to be loyal to the Duke until his death, The Duke, Leonal Felmet, has gained the throne of the land by murdering the king. The whole thing is turning him quite mad, or rather, more mad than he was before. His attempts to wash the kings blood off his hands results in him resorting to using various abrasive methods, which only seem to make more blood, for some reason. Could be played like Rowens Blackadder or perhaps Basil Fawltyesque. Lady Felmet is the Dukes overpowering wife. Considers herself far superior to any position she really deserves. Think Margot from The Good Life, if you are old enough to remember that, or Hyacinth Bucket, but with a lot more evil. Or perhaps Sybil Fawlty. There are various other fun characters like the Late King, his son, who returns after 15 years away, guards, players, actor/manager, playwright many of these will double-up. There is a Sargent which is prime for the Baldric/Manuel treatment. Righty, thatll do for now, dont you think? Check out more info at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wyrd_Sisters
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 22:25:06 +0000
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