Over to the theatre last night through driving rain for the first workshop with the pagan chorus. Assistant Director Alan Caig Wilson and Theatre and Outreach Manager Jon Tavener were in charge.
Alan gets the workshop under way
Pagans in waiting
Ivan and I were called on to give a brief introduction to the play before retreating to the stalls to watch. The group was just what we’d hoped for – 15 or 20 people covering a wide range of ages, sizes and body shapes. Alan led them through some simple movement exercises – at one point joined together by sticks - and wound up proceedings with a vocal workout using one of the songs composed by Roger Eno. After a hesitant start with the unfamiliar material the singers grew in confidence and the theatre gradually came alive with a wonderful echoing drone cut through by unexpected leaps of melody.
It was exciting to see the potential here. By the time the production starts this group will be at the heart of a ceremony that should send shivers down the audience’s collective spine. There is still some way to go but with talent and commitment like this to draw on the signs are good.
