Rock Bottom - Day 3

​1 director, 5 actors , 1 blogger – hello! – in a different space.
 
Today marks the midway point in this R&D week. A change in space brings with it new opportunities and new restrictions each paving the way for more creativity.
 
The journey of Rock Bottom flows in many directions: as a concept within this production, highlighted in the stories submitted and echoed in the experiences of the people in the room. With each exercise and prompt from Director Megan a new path is uncovered.
 
At this point in the week questions arise surrounding the piece itself – how do we want to tell these stories? How do we want to portray the lives that they have resulted from? Starting the week with only an idea and source material, through to finishing day 3 having worked and blocked pages of script: something palpable is being created… something special.
 
Hearing and seeing people’s very real stories come to life through the bodies and voices of others, and becoming engaging, entertaining and enlightening. Having experiences interlink, complimenting and contrasting each other as snippets of text and powerful quotes weave together to form a narrative.
 
The voices in the room weigh in with suggestions, differing perspectives change the course of action and the journey continues to adapt and develop as time goes on. An open and creative room where the thoughts of all are valued and considered. A combination of knowledge, experience, understanding and a motivation to create a worthwhile piece of theatre.
 
In a different space, no longer floating high above the city but surrounded by the sights and sounds of bustling Manchester, focus turns to movement. The journey accelerates with the adding of physicality and the connections made with the stories told become heightened.
 
The morning was research filled, with more and more content being uncovered. A midday trip to the nearby chippy followed by yoga… got to have balance, right?! The afternoon was spent with music, dance, the occasional teary eye and warmth.
 
Roll on day 4!
 
See you tomorrow!