Rehearsal 3 - Feeling the pressure
Sunday was Rehearsal 3 of The Fifth Cup. The love was still there but so was the pressure! We wanted everyone to be off-script for Sunday but some of the actors still didn’t know all their lines. Arrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggggggh!! We’ve got less than a month left!!
It was a really productive day though. We tried to maximise the day and have several scene run-throughs going on at the same time. That was sometimes a bit difficult because some of the actors need to be in every scene. There was a bit of a tense moment when one of the actors got a bit stroppy with us when we changed some of the script. He said he felt pressured to learn his lines but it was a waste of time because of the changes we made. I understand why he was feeling the pressure because he’s got a lot on his plate and has a lot of lines in the play. Anyway, we had a talk and sorted everything out. It’s better to talk about these things rather than just keep quiet and bitch about eachother afterwards.
Our new Teacher, Angela, was briliant. She settled into the role and the team really well. One of our main actors, Dhar, was ill so couldn’t make it. That meant that there were certain scenes which we couldn’t rehearse. Surprisingly I stayed quite calm about that because I know Dhar will have learned his lines and will be ready for next rehearsal. He is a total professional.
Harv’s own production “Bhagat Singh” is on Sunday and some of the actors of The Fifth Cup are in that. I could tell that they were feeling the pressure because of the two scripts they are learning etc. I’m looking forward to Harv’s play a lot but I’m going to be glad when it’s over because then everyone will focus 100% on The Fifth Cup. Everyone is gonna live and breathe The Fifth Cup until the performance date!
Some of us went for a drink afterwards, it was Amit’s suggestion (he’s a social party animal!). It was an…erm…interesting experience 
) What was really nice to see is how the younger actors like Jay are getting inspired. He’s getting better at acting and has written a play too. We’re going to help him with that and he has kindly offered to donate the proceeds to CasteWatchUK. All I can say is watch this space!!!
November 21st, 2007 at 7:34 pm
Hi everyone, it’s been a fantastic rehearsal again with our fabulous script. All the characters are obviously thinking more about their “characters” rather than just being themselves! and getting into their parts well, understanding that acting is really about leaving the real “you” at the door and becoming the character…the sign of a good actor:when he/she lives and breathes that character all the time not just in the rehearsal room. I think the team has gelled well and enjoy watching each other grow in character and supporting each other through changes that are necessary in the script.
I would say that this is a very interesting bunch of actors that take their work seriously and seem to mould well with the direction of our director. We actors are mere pawns on a chess board and it is the direction of the director and the words of the writers which give us life.
Some of the actors are quite attached to their words and sad when cuts are made but this is fine as long as we all realise each one of us is going through the same changes and cuts and direction. I too have had to change Pami in her words or style or nuance and thats cool as I need to be the Pami on the script not what I want her to be. Listening to the director is paramount and quite helpful….she and the writers are the eyes and the ears of the audience. Just trust them…they want the play to go well too!
Good luck to all the actors in the play on sunday….I’m hoping you will be rested when we meet on friday. From my part I’d like to say if anyone needs to talk about any stuff feel comfortable chatting to me as I’m quite open about that.
Thank you to Fifth Cup for bringing us all together.
Mona, aka “Pami”
November 21st, 2007 at 8:26 pm
You are so lovely Pami (Mona).
You’re right about the trust. thing. You have to trust us as writers/directors (even though we might look like we don’t know what we’re doing at times! lol!) and we have to trust you as actors to get into the skin of the character and lift our words off the paper. Which everyone is definitely doing.
Can’t wait until the next rehearsal!! x
November 22nd, 2007 at 3:13 pm
Have to say I’m really enjoying being part of The Fifth Cup. And going back to what you’re saying above is true….trust is more than vital when people are working so closely together.
The two Re(e)na’s are great, so understanding and adaptable to our ideas, i love that in people. They’re such lovely girls and a pleasure to work with.
And Simran my character has a great family (thanks to such brilliant actors)
I came into the play a few weeks after everyone else and have only had 2 rehearsals with everyone but feel so close to the Singh family, and of course Manni already. I’m having a lovely time rehearsing for the play and I know it’s going to be just fabulous. x
November 25th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
Well said Mona!
I just wanted to say that I really think that you are a true inspiration for us young ladies, finding our way in the world. I admire your individuality and love how you refuse to bow down to convention — instead choosing to do what makes you happy and not what society expects of you. Whats more is that your so lovely and caring, like our character Pami Singh. OMG U REALLY ARE PAMI SINGH!
You are doing her character a great justice, we could not have asked for a better Pami Singh. Its so lovely to have you on board.
Ravina xxxxx
November 29th, 2007 at 8:49 am
I hope there are no guys working with you. I want Reena for my self! Can you put in a good word ladies? My name is …..er..er Slim Shady!
November 30th, 2007 at 11:39 am
Which Reena are you talking about?? as there are 3 of us in this production. Anyway, thanks for the compliments.
December 3rd, 2007 at 9:19 am
The rehearsal was brilliant like everyone we had ! I would like to thank Rajender Kumar for introducing ” The Fifth Cup” to me . Im so glad to be part of the cast and learning new things every minute and meeting very nice people .
December 14th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
hello i went to see your play and i thought it was very moving the actors were plying there roles very well and where very (goodlooking e.g amrit and pritpal and his classmates)
i would love to see the play again and get to know the actors more.
thank you and well done
lots love camille
mad man i love youxxx
December 15th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
Hi Camille.
Thanks for coming to see the show. I’m glad you liked it. We’re planning to put the play on again next year so keep an eye on this website for more information. x