BWW Blog: Jakob Creighton - Step 2: Staging, Table Work, and Major Realizations

Since my last blog, some stuff has happened!

About two weeks ago, we began doing Table Work, which is basically where we dissect the entire opera, translating the text, in order to make sure we all understand what we're saying. Sometimes it brings new light to a section of the opera, other times it's basically what we thought it was. Another large portion of the Table Work is the back story. So for this opera that means really delving into Roman Mythology and the lore surrounding Dido (Elissa), who actually existed, as well as how she founded the city of Carthage.

We are now at the staging portion of rehearsals!! This part has got to be my favourite because I get to bring this character to life, this character that I've been developing and creating in my head for the past few months. I get to experiment with various intentions that I've thought up, and I get to see if they actually work.

I will always remember a great director once said that she loved it when actors brought possibilities to rehearsal. Ever since, I have always tried to do this. But I will admit, sometimes it's somewhat difficult, while other times I get a couple of different ideas.

As we've begun staging, we have had some intense moments. By this I mean, moments that from the second we ran the entire scene with music and movement, we just knew were going to really resonate with the audience. Namely, the final scene between Dido and Aeneas. Though I won't get too much into that because some of you reading this blog will be attending the performances in January, and I really don't want to ruin the surprise and intensity of the scene for you all!!

The picture that I have included with this blog entry was taken at our second staging rehearsal. It is the scene where Dido and Aeneas are flirting while hunting. Aeneas is trying to show off the "monster's head" and Dido breaks the mood by noting the odd clouds above, causing the two lovers' trains to flee, leaving Aeneas alone. Just as the witches want. The photo was taken by Breagh Wadden who portrays the Sorceress.

As for major realizations, I was recently listening to recordings of the opera and realized that I have been pronouncing my own character's name wrong. I've been saying Aeneas "Ah-nay-us", however having listened to a few recordings from prestigious conductors known internationally, such as Richard Hickox, I have realized that this is not the correct pronunciation of the name, it is rather "Ah-nee-us".

My next blog will be about Dido's Lament, a revolutionary excerpt from Dido and Aeneas.