Today was our first and only day off from our regular performance schedule. The family had all sorts of plans – HolyRood park, Book Fair, Kids Fringe Tent — until my fatigue hit like a ton of bricks and it became clear that I actually had to rest. So, I did a little one-finger-momma routine and clicked on a DVD for the kids, kicked back with a soy latte and reflected on the weeks past and those ahead.
We’ve been playing to relatively small houses – and by relative I mean, small relative to our hopes. Arwen and I have both felt quite good about the shows. Playing for a smaller audience requires a slightly different energy focus and that adjustment has been made in increments. We’ve begun to receive some very good press — from two sources. We’d like more press, but they’re busy folks with 2500 shows to see! Crow’s and TTI have got some strategies up their sleeves to get out on the street and invite more folks in. So, I’ll keep you posted on how things evolve.
We’ve been seeing some Canadian friends here. Anthony Black and Christian Barry are here with their brilliant “Invisible Atom” and Alon Nashman is also here with his jewel of a show, “Kafka and Son”. They’ve got his family with them so we had a picnic together this past gorgeous warm Sunday morning – precious here. The kids ran around, played “What time is it Mr. Wolf?” and ate a lot of smoked salmon. The grown ups shared stories about the festival — the shows, the uncertainty, the fun, the craziness — and also, not about the festival, for a change! What a treat it was!
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Arwen here. My morning (like most mornings) started with a little chuckle. For those of you who have seen the show, you know that Claudia packs a juice box into a sock and brings it to school with her. To get ahead of the game, I have pre-packed dozens of juiceboxes into socks, and they are all nestled in neat rows on the bottom shelf of my fridge. Whenever I open it, I get a little laugh.
Day off yesterday! So THIS is what Edinburgh looks like between 3:15 and 5pm! I just wandered around the city all day. Stopped in a sweet and tiny pub for a spot of lunch and postcard writing. Later I met up with Ross Manson, another Canuck (and Director), at another pub called Sandy Bells (I always want to call it Sally Bowles). Cute pub, and wonderful wee band playing traditional music. Ross has been to the Fringe a couple of times and it was really good to get some of his insight as to how it all works. It was a fun night. Walking in the rain at night is one of my favourite things because it makes me feel secretive and happy. And walking home last night, I really felt connected to the city. Edinburgh in the rain smells like the sea, and coal, and cement, and beer, and earth, and cigarettes, and songs.
Why didn’t you people take me with you as the show roadie? I could have packed things, unpacked them, swept the stage, stuffed juice boxes in socks, put gold fish in bowls, babysat, done some scouting around Edenburgh on your behalf, and even blogged about it. Plus I can be paid in Oreo’s! I’m sure you’re regretting not taking me along with you, aren’t you?
Small show at the beginning with good press = successful 2nd half run! Xo
You are awesome, Mr. Edison!!! We do wish we’d taken you, for sure. We wish we’d thought of that.
But the Oreos are not the same in Europe. Does this matter to you.