This year’s new play, ‘Achill Sound’, has provided
perhaps the best and most vivid experiences of all the plays, and I do want to thank
everyone who made that happen. You know who you are and, at this stage, I think
you have a fair idea of what it all means to me. So, bottom-of-my heart-stuff, thank
you!
One interesting difference this year was a level of
gentle concern for me that I sensed now and again. With my GBS recovery, I can
put up a good show practically all of the time but, as the evening rehearsal
draws towards a close, some of the peripherals seem to catch up with me.
“Are you limping?” A concerned cast member might ask, “Are
you okay?”
It’s true that, by that stage, my legs have stiffened up
a little from sitting too long and my hands and feet are buzzing a little more
than they usually do. I might find myself asking myself, “Is it real, this
gimping around, or am I putting it on?” I actually know it’s real and I know
that I’m not putting it on, but the little taunting voice lingers, “Cut that
out. Walk right, you fool.”
And so, along the way, there was an occasional quiet
query which was gently emanating from some of my very best friends, more than one
of them, more than two, more than three. “Are you perhaps doing too much? Are
you maybe wearing yourself out?”
The answer – my answer – is twofold. The first part is ‘Yes. Perhaps, I am. I’ve pushed things a bit, burned my metaphorical candle at both metaphorical ends. It’s almost unarguable. But it’s the second part of my answer that counts most for me. It goes something like this: "What else is there to do?"
When I was laid up, I promised myself I would do whatever I could when I
got back to strength. This gentle/slightly excessive pushing of the envelope is
exactly what I need to make myself feel well and help myself get better and better.
And this experience, this ‘Achill Sound’ theatrical experience,
has been the most healing thing of all. The wonderful people who give so much time,
energy, and emotion to the endeavour. The lovely evenings and weekends, meeting
up with good friends to work it all out. Mocking up a set, watching Kenn the Director blocking out an
argument or a fight, laughing, joking, but always working hard at it all.
It’s hard, it wears me out. But it’s just… healing. I can feel it, in my hands and in my feet and in my general demeanour. It actually heals me. It turns out that Theatre is healing. Who knew?
Until next time, guys and gals. Thank you very much for riding the rollercoaster with me.
I may get a bit weary, but I’ll never want off.
K x
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