Confusing Love.

"Give me some counsel."--William Shakespeare

Can one just put themselves in the shoes of Juliet Capulet? That is one of my first jobs as an actress, when I am given any character and begin reading through the script, how can I relate to this character so that her story is true through me?  

I've been where Juliet is, we all have after all.  In those awkward early stages of love and infatuation in our younger days, trying to sort out who we are, our plans, our goals, amidst the raging hormones of passion and lust.  Added to that Juliet's issues with her beloved's family and hers in violent opposition, things would get more than a little murky.

But, Juliet does the right thing here, even if all goes to hell in the end.  She does what we all should do, but usually is our last ditch effort.  

She asks for counsel, then follows through on the advice of the Friar.  So, it didn't end the way they exactly had planned, but she did her part.  

So, a lot can be said about Juliet.  She is more than just a love-sick, naive teenager; she's savvy enough to not let herself get carried away in the emotional upheaval of young love, be drawn away by the bitterness of family feuds, or act irrationally in any other way (that's her Romeo's job).  She thinks things through, seeks guidance, and acts from there.

She's a smart cookie and deserves more than just a passing glance.

"Shakespeare's Lovers" is directed by Southern Oregon University students', Jonathan Pratt and Ceara Hays.  It opens October 4th, 8 pm at the Bellview Grange in Ashland, Oregon.

https://www.facebook.com/events/593542484117589/

There's a "Hero" in all of us!

"As I may be all-girl, all-woman, that doesn't mean I'm a shrinking violet or lessen my strengths, abilities, need for independence, or free thinking.  In fact, its the opposite, it develops the need deeper within.

I have goals and dreams, beyond falling in love with a man and settling down.  I don't mind having that but I also want more.  Unfortunately, the way my society dictates, my existence as a woman is entirely dependent on being a wife and mother.  But, maybe that's why my name is Hero, to be the change this world needs for all women-kind.

 A definition of Hero is as follows:

a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal

However, my world is turned upside down when I actually end up falling in love with Claudio.  I try to play it cool but after he leaves for battle, I realize my predicament.  I can only think of him, miss him, and realize now fully that part of my destiny is to be aligned with his life.

Upon his safe return, I am ready to stand by his side as wife and life partner, a giant step for a woman with my mindset, who was ready to defy convention and go against the grain of societal forces.

How do I understand this in myself? Well, as I explained to my cousin, Beatrice, its not something I fully understand myself, only that this power of love pulls me toward Claudio.  Furthermore, I feel so much that I know him and can trust that he will allow me to further pursue my ambitions and passions."

Hero

Hero is a character from the William Shakespeare's, "Much Ado About Nothing", of which scenes are used in my next production, "Shakespeare's Lovers", directed by Southern Oregon University students, Jonathan Pratt and Ceara Hayes.  The show opens October 4th, 8 pm at the Bellview Grange in Ashland, Oregon.

https://www.facebook.com/events/593542484117589/

Revealing Richard

"And if she did not hate him deadly, she would love him dearly."---Richard III

I am the maid-servant of Lady Anne, named Margaret, her life-long companion, friend, and in many ways a sister.  I always hold her best interests in every fashion, romantically, emotionally, and even societally.

Deep down, I feel her anger and depression over losing her beloved husband and sons but also her loneliness and desperation.  I know there is a need to maintain her position within the court in whatever way possible.

With that, we both realize that aligning herself, albeit unhappily, with the usurping King Richard is the best way to do this, hoping that in this way we may contribute to his downfall and to bring about revenge.

In my mind, that is the only real reason for this union.

"Shakespeare's Lovers" is a play directed by SOU students, Jonathan Pratt and Ceara Hayes and opens October 4th, 8 pm at the Bellview Grange in Ashland, Oregon.

https://www.facebook.com/events/593542484117589/

I'm Just Alice.

"Alice, the servant of Princess Katharine of France, in many ways like an older sister to her.  I am wiser, older, and more guarded but because of this and my position very often overlooked.  However, because of this, I know how best to wait patiently, to take my time, and watch, in a sense, I am the power behind the throne, at least for Kate, hopefully helping her to make the best decisions for her sake and that of France, even when that means aligning herself with the enemy, England, through an arranged marriage.

In many ways,  I am more militaristic than those I serve, even King Henry.  I have spent the majority of my life within the family of French royalty so my best interest is to maintain that position however subservient.  To ensure this, I also have to maintain their high position at court.  In this way, I keep my living situation, comfort, and form of authority.

To be truthful, I also hold great affection for Kate, rather I am in love with her.  Because of my position and society, I cannot reveal to her my feelings.  So, I watch as she is wooed by others, those who I jealously fear will take her far away from me, leaving me broken-hearted. "

Alice is a character from Henry V, of which I am playing in "Shakespeare's Lovers" directed by SOU students, Jonathan Pratt and Ceara Hayes.  The show opens October 4th, 8pm at the Bellview Grange in Ashland, Oregon.

https://www.facebook.com/events/593542484117589/

Juliet & Her Romeo

In order to best connect to Miss Juliet Capulet, aged 14 at the time we meet her in Shakespeare's R&J, I looked back at my own times of young adventures into infatuation and love, that of my time with my former boyfriend and now friend, Will.

"I still remember that walk we took, remember it almost down to the last detail, the night we almost but not quite fell in love, two kids we were, young and fully alive walking the golden path.  We were astonishingly innocent of what lay beyond this night, in the days to come, when our love would shatter in the brightness of the sun, the disapproving eye of the world around.  Those days beyond when I tried to hide my feelings, my true self from this view, yet held too tightly onto you.

But, for that night alone, forever etched upon my memory,  I can walk the path we took, in footstep and in mind.  The words we shared are lost in time, however, the emotions we felt are as fresh as they were in that moment felt, the newness and excitement of budding love in all its mystery and grandeur.
At times, I wish I could revisit just to see you look at me once more, to feel your touch like that again, to have your eyes, not so distant, meet mine again.

To be in there with you again, hands clasped in each others, awaiting the longed-for approaching first kiss, like a Juliet and her Romeo we were, ill-fated but not for that night, for then we had forever and always."

This memory is a way to deepen my understanding and appreciation for my upcoming show, "Shakespeare's Lovers" directed by Jonathan Pratt and Ceara Hays.  I play many different characters including Juliet.  The show date is October 4th, 8 pm at the Bellview Grange in Ashland, Oregon.

https://www.facebook.com/events/593542484117589/

I'm not Fred.

Well, I was rescued.  By the doctor, my doctor.  But, only now in his 12th regeneration.  He's been around a bit since our last meeting.  And what a reunion it was.

Let me explain.  I passed out after being given a sedative by the officers on the tram.  The doctor flew in heroically rescuing me in his Shiny Blue TARDIS, so strange yet so familiar.  I felt suddenly at home, more ever than any other I 'd been.

At first, I was taken aback.  It was all true, the dreams and whatnot, all of it.  But, I still couldn't wrap my head around the how.

The Doctor, not so dashing rather bumbling, had dashed into my flat and retrieved the dress and the fab watch, which he promptly returned to me upon awaking in his presence.

He coaxed me to open the watch, that it would explain everything.  When I finally did, hesitantly, it all became clear, who I was and how this all came to be.

I am Romanadvoratrelundar the Fourth, or Romana if you'd like.  But, please not Fred, anything but that.  Turns out, I had to take on the persona of Jane, give up my time-lady existence in order to hide from the forces of the Universe that wanted what I had in my possession, the Key of Time.  

My TARDIS had crashed to earth, colliding with that very same metro, the one from the aforementioned accident Justin had told me about.  

Taking on this existence, I had put out of my consciousness, save for the inner, the life of Gallifrey and that I had left behind, seemingly.  My mum and dad, then, were part of the plan, keeping me safe from finding out or revealing myself to the evil out to get me.  

But, for now, I am safe.  And, as I swirl off into the great beyond, the Doctor by my side, I leave with this lesson imprinted upon my hearts, thus pass on to you:

"Time is universal, free-flowing.  We can at once be connected to the past as to the future in this moment, all is one.  All is happening forever at one time.  Dreams do come true, will come true, are coming true.  Do what you love, be who you are, never compromise.  Follow your bliss and don't hide.  You, as we all are, were born for a destined purpose.  Seek that and that alone."

Farewell to Earth, Thus to Rebirth

What I saw at her flat.

Hi, Justin here, again.

So, when I got to Jane's place, I found the door broken down...when I entered, furniture was turned over, drawers emptied all over the place, papers and books strewn across the floor...

What happened here? I thought.  What were they looking for? Who are they? Why did they do this?

I went upstairs to her bedroom.  Her computer was not there. Did she take it or...

Where is Jane? What happened to Jane?

At just that moment, I heard footsteps downstairs.  Then voices, two men and two women.  They appeared to be having some sort of argument, as if trying to find something or...I heard one man say he was going upstairs.  I quickly hid in the closet.

The man that entered was...I thought, this can't be...was her dad.

He's in on it, but how? Why? What is this all about?

Where is Jane?

Runaway Train