This was our very first full dress rehearsal and this factor validated the fact that we'll be on stage and running within a week!
As a surprise to myself, I'd managed to have all my costumes prepared by this session. I thought I'd never find the final element of my 'Brian's Song' outfit, but low-and-behold I picked up some truly tacky guitar-shaped sunglasses which completed my fluro ensemble. My 'Lovers' costume is pretty straight forward; a white shirt,black pants and a black long-sleeved t-shirt, and I love my 'Elvis' outfit which keeps the same black pants and top as 'Lovers' but the plain white shirt is replaced by a punkish vinyl vest, red devil's tail and cheeky horns. I am relieved that I found a satisfying alternative to the 'Piaf' costume which Myf had given me the previous week- Anna had given me a beautiful metallic gold cape and I bought a peacock-feathered mask to give my ring master some character and animation. This costume violates the red and black colour scheme that we had planned, but I think that it works and, in a subtle way, gives the scene a sense of the mystic and ethereal elements of the voice of Edith Piaf... or perhaps I'm just influenced by by seeing Goldfrapp live last weekend.
This was a very smooth rehearsal, probably our most efficient yet, and for the first time all the performers involved in the 'Piaf' segment were present!
In regards to the 'Piaf' section, this was the first run through where I actually felt comfortable. In every other previous rehearsal, I've felt like I didn't belong and that my role was somewhat impertinent. This is such a strange sensation for me because I'm usually a very confident performer, but I think I've realised why I've felt this way.
Through out my creative life, I've become quite used to attracting attention for things that I have done. I am almost constantly and exclusively a solo creator, and collaborating is sometimes a frustrating and disempowering experience for me. I've become accustomed to being the boss and being king of my own castle; I create something and then only ask for feedback when I am satisfied that I have put my all into it because I want to create and innovate in a manner that belongs to me. I psychic profile compiled for me on the day after I was born predicts: "He will find it hard to accept limitations... [he] should be given thought provoking tasks, rather than mundane day to day procedures otherwise he will not reach his potential". These are the reasons why I have become increasingly distant and reluctant to manicure the 'Piaf' segment (among others). As selfish and ego-centric as this might sound: I felt my creative input in this project slipping away.
As of fairly recently, I decided not to worry about creating 'high art' with this project- I am focusing on making this a positive and exciting experience for the City Of Voices members. Their energy is all that matters with 'Of The Spirit, Of The Will'.
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PS: I met Peaches in Retro Star before this rehearsal, so I was on such a high that evening!!!
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